"We're here!"

We commonly use the simple declarative sentence of the title to announce an arrival, perhaps a destination, confident we’ll be understood. Here we are, living as conscious, cognitive members of language using communities. How can we explain this astonishing development? Do evolutionary accounts make this less astonishing or more so? Our studies will work towards an explanation, or explanations, that address not only the scientific questions “Where have we arrived?” and “How have we done so?”, but also the philosophical “Why?” Our guides will be good tools, good minds and a universe full of evidence. We plan to make our own way rather than just retrace the steps of others. We might get lost, whether in the field, the lab, or the classroom. But if you bring enthusiasm and creativity, failure is unlikely.

Expect hard work and high demands on your time and imagination. A single human brain won’t be enough for what we plan. Interaction will be required, as will versatile shoes, at all times. You might need two pair. See you in the spring.