The Unpredictable Species: What Makes Humans Unique

Traditional evolutionary psychology teaches that humans maintain predictable behavior patterns based on genetics. Lieberman (biology, Brown Univ.; Toward an Evolutionary Biology of Language) argues against this assertion and refutes the argument that language is innate. He uses evidence from physical anthropology, neuroscience, and genetics to demonstrate how human language has enhanced human evolution. He surmises that information transferred through cultural contexts is responsible for the variety of human inventions rather than just through biological triggers. Lieberman reasons that human creativity, not genes, gives humans the ability to change and maneuver—that our very "unpredictability" makes us unique. A recognized expert on the evolution of human language and the relationship of language to the brain, Lieberman successfully conveys his ideas and intention. While this book will likely arouse controversy, it is also likely to generate great support for its viewpoint. It's relatively easy to read but requires basic familiarity with the scholarly concepts involved.