The Ability to Objectify Conventional Styles of Problem-Solving: A Hypothesis on the Difference in Learning Ability Between Modern Humans and Neanderthals

Abstract

In this paper, based on the Bateson’s model regarding the evolution of learning, I will attempt to examine and modify the hypothesis of ‘cumulative cultural evolution’ proposed by Tomasello in order to consider the evolutionary basis of the learning ability of modern humans and thus construct a hypothesis about the difference in learning ability between Neanderthals and modern humans. First, I will briefly review Tomasello’s hypothesis about differences in learning ability between modern humans and other primate species. Then, based on Bateson’s model regarding the evolution of learning, I will examine the hypothesis of ‘cumulative cultural evolution’ proposed by Tomasello in order to modify it to include the evolutionary process of learning ability from Neanderthals to modern humans. Finally, I will propose the hypothesis that the most important ability required for the full achievement of ‘cumulative cultural learning’ is the modern humans’ ability to objectify and manipulate the relationships between their culture and the environment, which might distinguish them from Neanderthals.