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| The scientific study of [[human]] [[evolution]] encompasses the development of the genus ''[[Homo (genus)|Homo]]'', but usually involves studying other [[hominidae|hominids]] and [[homininae|hominines]] as well, such as ''[[Australopithecus]]''. "Modern humans" are defined as the ''Homo sapiens'' [[species]], of which the only extant [[subspecies]] is ''Homo sapiens sapiens''; ''[[Homo sapiens idaltu]]'' (roughly translated as "elder wise human"), the other known subspecies, is extinct. [http://www.anth.ucsb.edu/projects/human/#] Anatomically modern humans appear in the fossil record in Africa about 130,000 years ago.[http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/ha/sap.htm] | | The scientific study of [[human]] [[evolution]] encompasses the development of the genus ''[[Homo (genus)|Homo]]'', but usually involves studying other [[hominidae|hominids]] and [[homininae|hominines]] as well, such as ''[[Australopithecus]]''. "Modern humans" are defined as the ''Homo sapiens'' [[species]], of which the only extant [[subspecies]] is ''Homo sapiens sapiens''; ''[[Homo sapiens idaltu]]'' (roughly translated as "elder wise human"), the other known subspecies, is extinct. [http://www.anth.ucsb.edu/projects/human/#] Anatomically modern humans appear in the fossil record in Africa about 130,000 years ago.[http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/humanorigins/ha/sap.htm] |
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− | see the documentary film: '''''Becoming Human''''' http://www.becominghuman.org/ | + | <center>see the documentary film: [http://www.becominghuman.org/ '''''Becoming Human''''']</center> |
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| [[Motivation]] is the driving force of desire behind all deliberate [[Action (philosophy)|actions]] of human beings. Motivation is based on [[emotion]] — specifically, on the search for [[satisfaction]] (positive emotional experiences), and the avoidance of [[conflict]]. Positive and negative is defined by the individual brain state, which may be influenced by social norms: a person may be driven to [[self-injury]] or [[violence]] because their [[brain]] is conditioned to create a positive response to these actions. Motivation is important because it is involved in the performance of all learned responses. | | [[Motivation]] is the driving force of desire behind all deliberate [[Action (philosophy)|actions]] of human beings. Motivation is based on [[emotion]] — specifically, on the search for [[satisfaction]] (positive emotional experiences), and the avoidance of [[conflict]]. Positive and negative is defined by the individual brain state, which may be influenced by social norms: a person may be driven to [[self-injury]] or [[violence]] because their [[brain]] is conditioned to create a positive response to these actions. Motivation is important because it is involved in the performance of all learned responses. |
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− | Within psychology, conflict avoidance and the [[libido]] are seen to be primary motivators. Within economics motivation is often seen to be based on [[financial]] [[incentive]]s, [[moral]] incentives, or [[coercive]] incentives. Religions generally posit [[Deity|divine]] or [[demon]]ic influences. | + | Within psychology, conflict avoidance and the [[libido]] are seen to be primary motivators. Within economics motivation is often seen to be based on [[financial]] [[incentive]]s, [[moral]] incentives, or [[coercive]] incentives. Religions generally posit [[divine]] or [[demon]]ic influences. |
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| [[Happiness]], or being happy, is a human emotional condition. The definition of happiness is a common [[philosophy|philosophical]] topic. Some people might define it as the best condition which a human can have — a condition of mental and physical health. Others may define it as [[Freedom (philosophy)|freedom]] from want and distress; [[consciousness]] of the [[goodness and value theory|good]] order of things; assurance of one's place in the [[universe]] or [[society]], [[inner peace]], and so forth. | | [[Happiness]], or being happy, is a human emotional condition. The definition of happiness is a common [[philosophy|philosophical]] topic. Some people might define it as the best condition which a human can have — a condition of mental and physical health. Others may define it as [[Freedom (philosophy)|freedom]] from want and distress; [[consciousness]] of the [[goodness and value theory|good]] order of things; assurance of one's place in the [[universe]] or [[society]], [[inner peace]], and so forth. |
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| === Spirituality and religion === | | === Spirituality and religion === |
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− | [[Spirituality]], belief or involvement in matters of the [[soul]] or [[spirit]], is one of the many different approaches humans take in trying to answer fundamental questions about humankind's place in the universe, the [[meaning of life]], and the ideal way to live one's life. Though these topics have also been addressed by [[philosophy]], and to some extent by [[science]], spirituality is unique in that it focuses on [[mystical]] or [[supernatural]] concepts such as [[karma]] and [[God]]. | + | [[Spirituality]], belief or involvement in matters of the [[soul]] or [[spirit]], is one of the many different approaches humans take in trying to answer fundamental questions about humankind's place in the [[universe]], the [[meaning]] of life, and the ideal way to live one's life. Though these topics have also been addressed by [[philosophy]], and to some extent by [[science]], spirituality is unique in that it focuses on [[mystical]] or [[supernatural]] concepts such as [[karma]] and [[God]]. |
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| A more organized, but related, concept is [[religion]] — sometimes used interchangeably with "[[faith]]" — which is commonly defined as a [[belief]] system concerning the [[supernatural]], [[sacred]], or [[divinity|divine]], and the [[moral code]]s, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such belief. In the course of its [[development of religion|development]], religion has taken on many forms that vary by culture and individual perspective. | | A more organized, but related, concept is [[religion]] — sometimes used interchangeably with "[[faith]]" — which is commonly defined as a [[belief]] system concerning the [[supernatural]], [[sacred]], or [[divinity|divine]], and the [[moral code]]s, practices, values, institutions and rituals associated with such belief. In the course of its [[development of religion|development]], religion has taken on many forms that vary by culture and individual perspective. |
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| * [http://www.archaeologyinfo.com/homosapiens.htm Archaeology Info] | | * [http://www.archaeologyinfo.com/homosapiens.htm Archaeology Info] |
| * [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070824121653.65mgd37f Chororapithecus abyssinicus] Possible human-orangutan split 20 million years ago. (Aug 26 2007) | | * [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070824121653.65mgd37f Chororapithecus abyssinicus] Possible human-orangutan split 20 million years ago. (Aug 26 2007) |
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| + | [[Category: Anthropology]] |
| + | [[Category: General Reference]] |