The Structural and Functional Dimensions of a Human Existence

Abstract

The many definitions of man proposed in the past have not been generally accepted, perhaps because of the limited knowledge or unilateral disciplinary approach of the de-finers. At present we have reliable information about the chronology of man''s development from both archeology and physical anthropology. Novel behavioral observations on infra-human specias are also available. Cultural anthropology and psychology have given us new insights into the mechanisms of behavior. The author proposes that a human level of existence must be defined in more than structural terms and suggests that the behavioral levels of adaptation observed in living primates are as legitimate a basis for reconstructing behavioral evolution as are deductions from comparative anatomy. A new term, "protoculture," is introduced, defined as a behavioral plateau that links the Hominidae with other primates. Learned behavior, biparental families, structured social groups, some form of communication, tool-using if not tool-making are present at this stage in a rudimentary form. These are also indispensable conditions for the development of culture in its unique form at the human level. It is suggested that a study of the distinctions between protoculture and culture should make possible an acceptable definition of man.