Dolittle’s Discovery: The likelihood of non-human language

Jimmy Davis, Belmont University

Location

Janet Ayers Academic Center, Room 4094

Presentation Type

Presentation

Start Date

27-9-2024 11:00 AM

Description

In a 2017 article in BMC Biology, evolutionary biologist Mark Pagel explained, “Human language is distinct from all other known animal forms of communication…”. Pagel extends his point by saying that “non-human animal communication is principally limited to repetitive instrumental acts directed toward a specific end.” If you examine the offerings of this year’s Humanities Symposium you will find that we seem to agree with Mr. Pagel that human use of language makes us special among all the creatures of the world. We see human language as a uniquely human superpower. This presentation explores the likelihood that the notion of human linguistic specialness is incorrect and is part of a larger, destructive, way of thinking about the role of humans in the natural world.

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Well Core Category: Environmental Wellness

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Sep 27th, 11:00 AM

Dolittle’s Discovery: The likelihood of non-human language

Janet Ayers Academic Center, Room 4094

In a 2017 article in BMC Biology, evolutionary biologist Mark Pagel explained, “Human language is distinct from all other known animal forms of communication…”. Pagel extends his point by saying that “non-human animal communication is principally limited to repetitive instrumental acts directed toward a specific end.” If you examine the offerings of this year’s Humanities Symposium you will find that we seem to agree with Mr. Pagel that human use of language makes us special among all the creatures of the world. We see human language as a uniquely human superpower. This presentation explores the likelihood that the notion of human linguistic specialness is incorrect and is part of a larger, destructive, way of thinking about the role of humans in the natural world.