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18/19 November 2022 - Teatro Olimpico, ROME
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The slow evolutionary ‘leap’ of Homo Sapiens: a hypothesis in the light of Human Birth Theory

  • Pugno M.,
ABSTRACT

Evolution is a continuous change, but human beings have displayed such exceptional capabilities compared to animals that an evolutionary leap from the common ancestors cannot be ignored. In this paper we argue that Massimo Fagioli’s Human Birth Theory helps to identify and to understand the evolutionary leap, or rather a double evolutionary leap, while remaining in harmony with the theory of evolution founded by Darwin. Precisely, in order to identify the double leap, we propose the following hypothesis. The suggestion comes from Human Birth Theory’s distinction between the ‘birth’ of human beings, in which a creative potential emerges (thanks to the ‘pulsion’ as a biological reaction), and the ‘re-creation of birth’, in which that potential can be realized in later ages (thanks to the ‘fantasy’ as transformative activity). An analogous distinction can thus be hypothesised between the origin of the genus Homo, in which new capabilities emerge compared to other hominins (e.g. the paranthropes), and the subsequent origin of the species H. sapiens, in which those abilities develop compared to other hominids (e.g. Neanderthals). In order to better understand the second leap, we propose the hypothesis that the origin of H. sapiens is characterized by a new role played by social relationships, as they are no longer just instrumental for survival but become substantive (i.e., not substitutable) for the evolution of the species. Finally, to understand why all other Homo species have become extinct, we propose the hypothesis that they lacked the capability to ‘re-create birth’. These hypotheses, supported by many scientific studies, could open up new research.

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