UCSP Report
UCSP Report
THE STORY OF
HUMAN EVOLUTION
HUMAN CULTURAL EVOLUTION
It is a saying that “human has no contentment”. As the
environment changes, we continuously grow and find ways to
make maximize our effort as we live. It is very evident in the
different stages of human cultural evolution: Paleolithic Period,
Neolithic Period, and Age of Metal. The term “Paleolithic” was
coined by archaeologist John Lubbock in 1865. It is derived
from the Greek word, palaios, which means "old"; and, lithos,
"stone", In short, the Paleolithic Period, which happened 2.5
million years ago, is also known as "Old Stone Age".
In the Paleolithic period, the Earth was extremely cold and
ocean levels were much lower than they are now. Due to the
cold climate, much of the Stone Age is also called the Ice Age.
During these years, people were nomads and able to use
simple tools and weapons made of unpolished stone. The
caves served as their shelter. Similarly, this was the time when
people discovered to use the fire, through the use of stone, for
their protection against cold temperature and to cook their
own food. Human beings in this time were grouped together
in small societies such as bands, and subsisted by gathering
plants and fishing, hunting or scavenging wild animals.
Also in this era, according to study of Dr. Jesus T. Peralta of
NCCA, respect is given to age, and individual prowess and
ability are recognized. There are no leaders that could be said
to be above everybody else and whose commands are
obeyed without question. In some cases, one who is known
for good decisions is consulted when a problem arises; or
well-known hunter will be asked to lead a hunting group.
“Paleolithic” --> “Old Stone”
Age
2,500,000 BCE – 10,000
BCE
Made tools
HOMO SAPIENS
( “Wise Human
Being” )
Neanderthals Cro-Magnons
(( 200,000
200,000 BCE
BCE –– 30,000
30,000 (( 40,000
40,000 BCE
BCE ––
BCE
BCE )) 10,000
10,000 BCE
BCE ))
The first skull
The skull of
Neanderthal man
NEANDERTHAL
S
Neander valley,
German(1856
Made clothes
from animal skins
Live in caves and
tents.
The First Humans
paleoanthropologist
CRO-MAGNONs:
Homo sapiens
sapiens
( “Wise, wise human”
)
Strength
Speed
Dexterity and Skill
Adaptability
Survival Instincts
The kind of Leadership they have
1.Skill-Based Leadership: Leaders were typically individuals
who possessed particular skills or knowledge critical to the
group's survival. For example, an experienced hunter might
lead a hunting expedition, while someone knowledgeable
about the environment might lead during migrations or
when foraging for food.
2.Egalitarian Structure: Paleolithic societies were generally
egalitarian, meaning there was little social hierarchy.
Leaders were not seen as having power over others but
rather as individuals with the ability to guide or advise the
group. Authority was likely temporary and specific to the
task.
3.Elder Leadership: Older members of the group, who had
accumulated more experience and knowledge, often held
leadership roles, especially in decision-making and teaching
the younger generation. Their authority came from their
wisdom and life experience.
3.Consensus Decision-Making: Decision-making in
Paleolithic groups was likely based on consensus, where the
group would discuss and agree on a course of action.
Leaders would facilitate these discussions but would not
impose decisions unilaterally.
4.Temporary Leadership: Leadership roles were not
permanent. Leaders would step into leadership when
needed and would return to being ordinary members of the
group afterward.
5.Gender Roles in Leadership: Both men and women could
assume leadership roles depending on the situation. For
instance, women might lead in areas related to gathering
food, social organization, or caring for the group, while men
might lead in hunting or protection.