Overview

This textbook provides a collection of case studies in paleoanthropology demonstrating the method and limitations of science. These cases introduce the reader to various problems and illustrate how they have been addressed historically.  The various topics selected represent important corrections in the field, some critical breakthroughs, models of good reasoning and experimental design, and important ideas emerging from normal science.  

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9783319823898

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is a very unusual, interesting, and useful book in which the author reviews a series of topics in human evolution that have been, or remain, characterized by alternative views, and how these issues have been addressed, or resolved ... . Each chapter ends with a series of questions for discussion and a short bibliography for additional reading. The volume is ideal for a seminar course at either the undergraduate or graduate level. (John G. Fleagle, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 92 (4), December, 2017) The book will be of greatest value for undergraduates seeking intellectual and chronological continuity among breakthroughs often presented in narrower contexts. Instructors will appreciate the thoughtful discussion questions included at the end of each section. Extensive references ensure that the book will also be of value to more advanced students who seek to read in greater depth on individual topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; faculty and general readers. (D. P. Genereux, Choice, Vol. 54 (10), June, 2017)

This is a very unusual, interesting, and useful book in which the author reviews a series of topics in human evolution that have been, or remain, characterized by alternative views, and how these issues have been addressed, or resolved ... . Each chapter ends with a series of questions for discussion and a short bibliography for additional reading. The volume is ideal for a seminar course at either the undergraduate or graduate level. (John G. Fleagle, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 92 (4), December, 2017) The book will be of greatest value for undergraduates seeking intellectual and chronological continuity among breakthroughs often presented in narrower contexts. Instructors will appreciate the thoughtful discussion questions included at the end of each section. Extensive references ensure that the book will also be of value to more advanced students who seek to read in greater depth on individual topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; faculty and general readers. (D. P. Genereux, Choice, Vol. 54 (10), June, 2017) The book will be of greatest value for undergraduates seeking intellectual and chronological continuity among breakthroughs often presented in narrower contexts. Instructors will appreciate the thoughtful discussion questions included at the end of each section. Extensive references ensure that the book will also be of value to more advanced students who seek to read in greater depth on individual topics. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; faculty and general readers. (D. P. Genereux, Choice, Vol. 54 (10), June, 2017)

Author Information

John H. Langdon, Ph.D.Professor of Biology and AnthropologyUniversity of Indianapolis Current research interests include hominin and hominoid paleontology and evolution, history and development of paleoanthropology, origins of human bipedalism, evolution of human behavior, historical demography, human biology, and history and process of the natural sciences.

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