The Unpredictable Species

Philip Lieberman is the George Hazard Crooker University Professor Emeritus at Brown University. His books include Toward an Evolutionary Biology of Language and Eve Spoke: Human Language and Human Evolution.

"The study Lieberman has written is also aptly unique as signaled by the unusual orthography of its title: we are the unpredictable species! In providing a sophisticated analysis of the relationship between evolutionary biology and (what he calls) evolutionary culture, his study is unique in that it meets the most exacting academic standards, yet is delightfully accessible to the lay reader who has a passionate interest in thinking through the relationship between biology (science) and culture (archeology, history, morality, art, i.e., human civilization)."---Brayton Polka, European Legacy --- "Lieberman's The Unpredictable Species . . . takes a fresh, insightful, sometimes resolutely critical, and fascinating stance toward the theme of the human uniqueness. The book is also rich in anecdotal accounts and examples that render its messages accessible also to the non-specialist, even though the course of the argumentation is not always linear."---Ivan Colagè, ESSSAT News & Reviews --- "Lieberman creates an imminently readable text that is perfect for both general audiences and more established circles. This book should be considered as an excellent introduction for anyone who wants to delve into mysteries of the evolution of our unique brain."---Kate MacCord, Quarterly Review of Biology --- "This book is a worthwhile addition to any collection that provides information about humans as a species." --- "The Unpredictable Species: What Makes Humans Unique is a delightful book. It is extremely well written, engaging, and a pleasure to read, as one might expect from a linguist. Author Philip Lieberman weaves throughout the rather extraordinary experiences he and his wife have had in the Himalayas, adding even more interest. The book is written for that legendary individual, the educated layperson, and is at the right level--informative and not too technical."---Richard F. Thompson, PsycCRITIQUES --- "Just got your head around evolutionary psychology's core idea, that our genetic code, designed in and for prehistory, dictates our behaviour? Well, Lieberman argues it's wrong, but not to worry, as you will adapt. . . . This expansive, erudite book argues our brains and the way they work are immensely complex. . . . [T]here is something appealing in his idea that no single theory explains us."---Stephen Matchett, Australian --- "[W]hat reader can resist this compelling invitation to reflect on what it means to be human?" --- "Those who enjoy reading about evolution, cognition, biology, and the brain will find this a compelling and enjoyable book. Recommended as a highly engaging and thought-provoking work of popular science." --- "His ability to marshal contemporary neuroscience to support his assertions is impressive, and his efforts to guide the field away from biological determinism (a 'stew of invented genes') are well-founded and important."