Inevitable humans: Simon Conway Morris's evolutionary paleontology - review
Date
2005
Authors
Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Joint Publication Board of Zygon, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Simon Conway Morris, noted Cambridge University paleontologist, argues that in evolutionary natural history humans (or beings rather like humans) are an inevitable outcome of the developing speciating processes over millennia. This claim, in marked contrast to claims about contingency made by other prominent paleontologists, is based on numerous remarkable convergences--similar trends found repeatedly in evolutionary history. Conway Morris concludes facing a natural theology. His argument is powerful and informed. But does it face adequately the surprising events that redirect the course of life? The challenge to understand how humans are both "on a continuum" with other species and also "utterly different" remains a central puzzle in paleontology.
Description
This is an electronic version of an article published in Zygon®: Journal of Religion and Science.
Book review of Simon Conway Morris's Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe.
Includes bibliographical references (page 229).
Book review of Simon Conway Morris's Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe.
Includes bibliographical references (page 229).
Rights Access
Subject
nature and culture
Conway Morris, S. (Simon)
convergence
co-option
evolution
human uniqueness
natural theology
origin of humans
possibility space
self-organizing complexity