From: Mark Steven Heyman (markheyman@infoproconsulting.com)
Date: Sat Jul 23 2005 - 05:56:45 BST
[Paul]
> It depends on what you mean by thought processes. Do you mean to
> distinguish between the process of thinking and the thoughts? If so, what
> is there of philosophical interest to "thought processes" minus the
> thoughts? ...
>
> My basic question to you is - did Neanderthals reason?
ham:
I think the Neanderthals had the capacity to reason, as demonstrated by the
development of their frontal lobes, and by evidence found of hunting
implements fashioned from stones, cave paintings, and garments made from
animal skins. They weren't about to discover the principles of astronomy or
energy conversion because their lives didn't depend on it. But their
migration habits have been shown to follow the routes most favorable for
food supply and they established a tribal culture which was most likely
enhanced by primitive vocal communication. All of these activities required
a level of reasoning beyond that of the primates. The fact that
anthropologists have noted cultural progress over successive generations
establishes further proof of the Neanderthals' reasoning capacity.
msh 7-23-05:
But Neanderthals are not our ancestors. There is no evidence of gene
flow between them and H. sapiens. You've just admitted that a
species other than H. sapiens is self-conscious and capable of
rational thought. So, how does this square with your claim that self-
consciousness and the ability to reason are the features that set our
self-exalting selves above the rest of the animal world?
I'll wait for a response to this question before spending time on the
rest of your post.
Mark Steven Heyman (msh)
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