THE ECHOES OF SCALA NATURAE: HISTORICAL VALUES IN CONTEMPORARY DISCOURSES ON THE EVOLUTION OF LANGUAGE
Elias Weber , Department of Botany, Ecology of Plants, Freie University Berlin, Altensteinstr, Berlin, GermanyAbstract
This study delves into the contemporary discourse surrounding the evolution of language and investigates the enduring influence of the historical concept of Scala Naturae. Tracing the roots of linguistic thought, the research explores how historical values, originating from the Scala Naturae perspective, persist in shaping current discussions on language evolution. Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing linguistics, philosophy, and cognitive science, this study offers critical insights into the implicit biases and assumptions embedded in contemporary theories of language evolution, thereby contributing to a nuanced understanding of the intersection between historical paradigms and modern scientific discourse.
Keywords
Scala Naturae, language evolution, historical values
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