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The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
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Human niche, human behaviour, human nature.

Agustin Fuentes1

  • 1Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.

Interface Focus
|August 26, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Exploring human nature requires an evolutionary lens. This study suggests reframing investigations using the human niche concept within the extended evolutionary synthesis for a more nuanced understanding of Homo sapiens.

Keywords:
Homo sapiensextended evolutionary synthesishuman nature(s)nichestone toolswarfare

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary anthropology
  • Human evolution
  • Behavioral ecology

Background:

  • The concept of 'human nature' is central to understanding human experience.
  • Homo sapiens possess evolved capacities and a flexible ability to create and adapt to cultures.
  • An evolutionary approach is critical for examining the distinct human niche.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evolutionary approaches to 'human nature'.
  • To advocate for reframing investigations through the lens of the human niche.
  • To enhance the theoretical toolkit for understanding the genus Homo and its diverse niches.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current evolutionary theories on human nature.
  • Conceptual reframing using the human niche concept.
  • Integration with the extended evolutionary synthesis (EES).

Main Results:

  • Current evolutionary approaches offer different narratives on 'human nature'.
  • Reframing via the human niche concept provides a richer understanding.
  • The extended evolutionary synthesis enhances the analytical toolkit.

Conclusions:

  • Adopting the human niche concept within the EES offers a more nuanced evolutionary perspective on human nature.
  • This approach expands and enhances existing evolutionary toolkits.
  • Examples from human evolution support the utility of this reframed perspective.