Origin of Man

Watch Origin of Man

  • 2014
  • 1 Season

Origin of Man from Gaiam is a documentary series that explores the evolution of mankind and our relationship with the world around us. The show examines the evidence for human evolution starting from prehistoric times through to the present day, incorporating scientific research and expert interviews to present a comprehensive and engaging series on the subject.

The series is a collection of episodes that focus on different aspects of human evolution. The first episode, titled "Origins," looks at the emergence of humans as a species, tracing the history of the human race back to our earliest ancestors. The second episode, "The Dawn of Civilization," examines the origins of agriculture and how it allowed human society to develop into more complex structures. Other episodes explore the origins of language and culture, the impact of technology on human societies, and the challenges we face as a species in the modern era.

The show draws on a wide range of research to support its conclusions, including the latest findings in genetics, anthropology, and archaeology. Many of the experts interviewed in the series are leading researchers in their fields, who provide detailed insights into the latest thinking on human evolution. The series also features stunning visuals, including CGI reconstructions of prehistoric landscapes and lifelike models of early humans.

One of the key themes of the show is the relationship between human beings and the environment. Origin of Man explores the ways in which humans have adapted to their surroundings throughout the ages, and the impact that human activities have had on the natural world. From the earliest hunter-gatherer societies to the intensive farming methods of today, the show examines the ways in which humans have shaped the world around them and the consequences of those actions.

Another important theme of the series is the role of technology and innovation in human history. The show looks at how early innovations, such as the development of fire or the invention of the wheel, had a profound impact on human society and paved the way for further technological advances. The series also examines the impact of more recent innovations, such as computers and the internet, and the ways in which they are reshaping the world today.

Overall, Origin of Man is a fascinating and informative series that provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution and the impact of humans on the world around us. Whether you are interested in anthropology, archaeology, genetics, or environmental science, there is something for everyone in this engaging and thought-provoking series.

Origin of Man
Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
Science, Religion...and Darwin
9. Science, Religion...and Darwin
November 17, 2014
Are we purely material beings that arose out of chance, or are we chose ones that are part of a loving plan to rise above nature? You can study a human being scientifically, but science is not able to capture a human being as a whole. Science and faith work in harmony. They sometimes contradict each other, but here is a way for them to coexist, as they each provide complimentary knowledge. Science says mankind is purely a biological being. Philosophy gives mankind a soul and spiritual capabilities. Only religion can transcend both of these and give mankind his rightful place in the world.
And then there were People
8. And then there were People
November 17, 2014
The apes are the closest animal to humans, but are we genetically related to them? People feel that this theory in evolution has destroyed the ideal of human dignity. Science took away Earth as the center of the universe, and then biology took away the privilege of humanity to have been specially created. It lowered mankind to be a descendant of animals. Science tries to explain mankind but the Catholic Church says it know what mankind really is. Mankind is spiritual, free beings that cannot be interpreted by evolution.
Evolution and Christianity
7. Evolution and Christianity
November 17, 2014
Darwin's Origin of species cause a furor when it was first released, a greater fury arose when Darwin suggested mankind was descended t from apes. This brought great ire and disdain from the church. Despite the furor, in the beginning, many proponents came from within the church that felt Darwin's writings were compatible with Catholic teaching. It is presented that science alone cannot explain the origin of the universe. Science needs metaphysics and the revelation of god's hand in the creation of everything. The final word is that evolution does not harm faith rather it adds to the glory of god.
Are We Here by Chance?
6. Are We Here by Chance?
November 17, 2014
Did mankind emerge just by chance, or were all of the critical components together in the right place at the right time. Perhaps it was divine intention that brought about mankind's existence. Can chance alone explain what has happened since the beginning of the world? We hear from religious leaders who offer their evidence that all of life on earth and the natural order could not have come from simply from chance. There had to be a plan and a divine architect coordinating natural events.
Nothing More than Material?
5. Nothing More than Material?
November 17, 2014
Biological evolution is the source of the great diversity of living beings on earth. Perhaps this inbuilt capacity of evolution is a gift from a divine creator. Religion suggests that everything from the origin of the planet to natural phenomenon is a part of a divine plan. Science is limited by the natural order and cannot currently explain occurrences beyond this order. Because of this, more scientists are coming forth to pair the religious and scientific notions. There is no opposition between provident action and natural selection. To suggest there is a separation between religion and science is a mistake often made by certain ideologues.
From the Big Bang to Planet Earth
4. From the Big Bang to Planet Earth
November 17, 2014
The origin of the universe is a grand mystery that has spanned the ages. People want to know how and why it began...especially life on Earth. There is an agreement that the big bang seems to be a real event, but what came before or what caused the big bang is still in doubt. Amazing elements such as the exact placement of the moon, Earth's orbit from the sun, as well as the magnetic field of Earth are all vital components to support life on earth. Many think these things could not have happened by mere chance. Science may not be enough to explain all of the questions of man's origin. Science, philosophy and religion may need to complement each other to fully realize the wonder of life on Earth.
The Crowning of Homo Sapiens
3. The Crowning of Homo Sapiens
November 17, 2014
When did humans rise, where, and what species did we evolve from? Fossils cannot give us definite answers. To dig deeper, scientists are looking to clues hidden within DNA. There is no doubt that the appearances that define modern man did not appear all at once. They developed over a long period of time. Though the fossil record may suggest there are different species of beings that make up the ancestry of mankind, the DNA record may suggest that humanity may be even older than the fossil records indicate.
The Ancestors of Man
2. The Ancestors of Man
November 17, 2014
Is the human race descendant from earlier species of ape? Paleontologist, Anthropologists and Biologists have defined the characteristics of several different species of hominid and hominoid creatures from Australopithecus to Homo erectus. However, the debate continues whether these creatures should be considered human or not.
Evolution vs Creation
1. Evolution vs Creation
November 17, 2014
We take a brief glimpse into evolution theories explored, including Fixism, Catatrophism, Inherited Traits and Punctuated Equilibrium and how they affected different political and social institutions.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    November 17, 2014