Convoluted human evolution: a branch is missing (Introduction)

by David Turell , Tuesday, August 01, 2017, 17:37 (2671 days ago) @ dhw

dhw: In that case, the purpose is a giant bush – not one single species.

DAVID: But as I pointed out there was a bush explosion of various hominins as the major thrust of evolution in the past 8-10 million years. That is the purposeful event. You are trying to dilute it.

dhw: It is you who are trying to “dilute it” by saying that one single species (Homo sapiens) was the purpose of the giant bush. I am pointing out that a single purpose would normally follow a straight line and not branch out into a higgledy-piggledy bush.

DAVID: But all of evolution's past has produced bushes as it progressed. Where is the straight line you are suggesting?

dhw: Your question is the one I think you should ask yourself! I am pointing out that singular purposes normally follow straight lines. There IS no straight line, either for the bush of evolution generally or for the bush of hominins and homos. And that suggests to me that there IS no singular purpose!

The pattern of evolution is bushiness. But it always showed further complexity as it progressed. It definitely shows a directionality which can be equated to purpose: produce the most complex. And it has. The human brain.