A Failure to Communicate

• The Adaptive Gap and the Future of Civilization by Mike Hall, 7/3/98
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    • hunter-gatherer minds ... build hunter-gatherer cultures by James Brody, 7/15/98
      
      

Two things appear obvious. First, I must have failed to state my specific argument re: an adaptive gap, judging by the responses I've gotten. Upon re-reading, my argument/thesis seems clear to me but obviously I was mistaken. My goal was to state my case and hope for a dialog that would clarify issues. We scientists do this all the time - sometimes it even works. Misunderstanding is evident when my arguments (as in debate) generate a response such as: choral whines about mismatch doesn't solve a whole lot. Nothing is solved by talking past each other, never having agreed as to what it is that we are discussing.

Second, I must have somehow offended James Brody. A debate, although it may be boring, is NOT a complaint (according to my dictionary). Nor am I stuck on surface arguments that are relatively common. I assure you that I am well versed in the subject, having read The Adapted Mind, Ridley's work, as well as the original works of Hamilton, Williams, Trivers, JM Smith, plus many works with which you may not be familiar (I'm a neurobiologist). My thesis (if understood) is an extention of common themes, but is itself absent from the literature - thus my initial posting. Only Toffler's Future Shock addresses the basic issue, and his work lacks the scientific foundation necessary to make his case truly compelling.

James, I do not think that you understood my argument, which may explain your boredom. Likewise, your condescending attitude does not become you. I apologize for taking up your time and will pursue this issue no further. Maybe at some future date, we can huddle together in a ruined building, roast a baby and discuss these issues in hindsight.

There are no solutions, it appears.

Mike Hall, Ph.D.(Neurobilogy),Ph.D (Psychology)

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