Lecture Notes: Greatest Technological Discovery

Introduction

• Location: Center of Technology
• Question posed: What is the greatest technological discovery?
  • Answer: Language
  • Timeframe: Invented approximately 2 million years ago by Homo erectus

Homo Erectus Overview

• Existed for nearly 2 million years
• Contrast with modern humans (Homo sapiens) who have existed for 200,000 to 500,000 years
• Notable features:
  • Large brain (950 cc, 75% of modern male Homo sapiens)
  • Capable of persistence hunting
  • Bipedal gait allowed for efficient long-distance running

Accomplishments of Homo Erectus

• Tool Making
  • Developed various tools: Oldowan, Acheulean, and Levallois methods
  • Created wooden and stone tools, including throwing and thrusting spears
• Artistic Representations
  • The Venus of Barakat Ram: 250,000-year-old artifact
  • Evidence of engravings and early artistic expression
• Seafaring Abilities
  • Evidence of boat making and travel to islands (e.g., Flores, Socotra)
  • Exploration demonstrated planning and imagination
• Global Migration
  • Evidence in Beijing, Indonesia, Middle East, and Europe
  • Potential for migration to the Americas via Bering Strait

Limitations of Homo Erectus

• Vocal Apparatus
  • Similar to a gorilla's; limited range of sounds
  • Language capabilities not hindered by sound range
• Cognitive Development
  • Faster childhood development compared to Homo sapiens
  • Less time for cognitive mechanisms to develop

Social Structure and Language Development

• Excavations of a 750,000-year-old village in Gesher Ben-Ott Yaakov, Israel:
  • Organized hierarchically with designated areas for processing animal and plant products
  • Evidence of planning, imagination, and communal living

Components of Language

• Symbols and Grammar
  • Language requires symbols (e.g., culturally determined forms) and grammar
  • Types of signs (Charles Sanders Peirce):
    • Indexes: Physical connections (e.g., smoke indicates fire)
    • Icons: Physical resemblance (e.g., images)
    • Symbols: Culturally determined meanings (e.g., words)
• Types of Grammar
  • G1: Linear order
  • G2: Hierarchical structure
  • G3: Hierarchical with recursion
• Importance of symbols and grammar for the development of language

Conclusion

• Language is a significant technological and cultural breakthrough, enabling further human achievements
• Language development started 60,000 generations ago, marking the beginning of the information age for humanity
• Encouragement to appreciate the power and value of language in communication

Final Thoughts

• Reflect on the legacy of Homo erectus as the first humans to utilize language
• Importance of communication in shaping human identity and culture.