Renaissance Vision, Evolution Theories, and Humanization
Transformations Leading to the Renaissance
The Renaissance is the cultural expression of economic, social, and political shifts. Several transformations gave rise to the Renaissance:
- Economic Area: Increased need for money among the clergy and nobility led to increased commercial traffic.
- Scientific Field: Mathematics served the marketplace in a practical way.
- Social Scope: Peasants stopped serving the manor and moved to cities.
- Technical Areas: Roads and utensils improved, enhancing communication.
- Religio-Political Area: A new conception of man emerged, with a broader view of the planet, the universe, life through art, and human beings.
Lamarckian and Darwinian Conceptions of Evolution
Lamarck’s Theory of Transformation
Lamarck supported the theory of transformation, explaining that a species originates from another due to anatomical changes. According to Lamarck, function creates the organ. Species adapt to the environment; organs that are useful are developed, while others atrophy.
Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection
Darwin, following Lamarck, investigated and disputed transformism, exposing the natural selection theory. Darwin based his theory on these statements:
- All living things have a common origin.
- Species evolve.
- Gradualism.
- Natural selection.
The Synthetic Theory of Evolution
The synthetic theory admits that evolution involves chromosomal mutations. Natural selection plays a major role, determining which genes may be reproduced and regulating the genetic variability that mutations occur randomly. This theory explains the variations or mutations that arise at random and the selection of such variants.
Humanization: Anatomic Changes
Humanization is the prolonged process of human evolution from primates to Homo sapiens sapiens. It is a physical classification, unlike humanization, which leads to full-bodied hominids or human form. The difference between human beings and other beings is their intellectual capacity and anatomical shape.
Anatomical Changes
- Standing: This was the first change, leading to the enforceability of the thumb and release of hands. It led to the development of the spinal column and allowed encephalization.
- Encephalization: The brain gains more volume and neurological connections. The manufacture of utensils, food, and social interaction allowed the brain to grow.
- Shortening the Hand: The human hand is the shortest among primates. All fingers are shortened, and the thumb is stretched. This hand is considered the “tool of tools,” controlled by a brain that moves with greater precision.
Physiological Changes
- Liberation of Hands: They acquired a great variety of movements to manipulate tools and materials. The most important movement is the enforceability of the thumb, necessary for the precision grip.
- Biological Plasticity: Our body is not specialized for any function and is vulnerable. Survival is through culture.
- Reproduction: Human beings have no mating season, distinguished from other animals by sex eroticism and customization.