Becoming Human

Becoming Human Ian Tattersall 9/10

Not much of a review is required for this excellent book on the history of human evolution. What can I say other than it was impartial, informative, and overall simply well-written. Tattersall runs us through the evolution of mankind from the earliest known fossils to modern homo sapiens, explaining the probable capabilities of each and the definite achievements. He doesn't get bogged down, as some philosophers seem to do, on the exact definition of words - most notably, the exact definition of language. He defines it in a (admittedly ethnocentric) fashion, and then proceeds to explain when (and how) in the evolutionary cycle we likely developed this capacity. Yes, one can argue that "grunts and pointing" are a language of sorts, but there's no reason to be caught up in the details that are really just (ironically) a problem of language.

Much of the book is written similarly - he clearly describes what he expects a word to mean, and moves on. Perhaps the only reason this is so refreshing is that I've spent so much time in the philosophy world that I've forgotten how people can simply be practical, non-hair-splitting writers who focus on what's important rather than on meaningless issues of definition.

If you're interested in a readable and concise history of human evolution (including a fair evaluation of its questions and shortcomings), this is an excellent book to read.