1. THE SCIENCE OF CULTURE
Chapter 3
On the Use of Tools By Primates
Hande Işık
METU
ID 501 Literature Review

2. Definition of Primates
• Any of various omnivorous mammals of the order Primates,
comprising the three suborders Anthropoidea (humans,great a
pes, gibbons, Old World monkeys, and New Worldmonkeys),
Prosimii (lemurs, loris, and their allies),and Tarsioidea (tarsiers)
especially distinguished by the hands, varied locomotion, and
by complex flexible behavior,involving a high level of social
interaction and cultural adaptability.
• Closest relatives of men.

3. Tool-Using of Men and Apes
Historically:
• Men  The only tool user animals
• Men  The only tool maker animals
(Duke of Argyll, Edward Clodd)
• Both men and apes are able to use and make
tools. (Wolfgang Köhler, Schnierla)

4. Tool-Using of Men and Apes
• Apes demonstrate the ability to modify their
environment.
– The basis for tool-using process
• But, they do not have a material culture.
• WHY?

5. Possible Reasons of Lacking Material
Culture of Apes
• Is it because
– they have anatomical or sensory shortcomings?
– they are inable to transmit tool knowledge via
imitation?
– they do not need the long term advantage of tool
using?
NO!
• Lack of Intelligence
– Possible but not sufficient

6. Material Culture of Men
Men Apes
• Conceptual • Conceptual Thinking
Thinking • Neuro-Sensory-
• Neuro-Sensory- Muscular Structure
Muscular Structure •Insights,
• Symbolic behavior Understanding
unique to men •Discrete Series of
• Cumulative and episodes
Progressive process
of tool-using

7. Q/A

8. Thanks for listening...