Tool-Use, Human Nature, and the Theory of Affordances

Read before class:

Li Zehou, “Outline on the Origins of Humankind,” p. 121-124

Søren Mau, “Social Toolmakers,” 125-130

James J. Gibson, “Theory of Affordances,” 153-158

Don Ihde, “Embodiment Relations,” 143-152

Supplementary:

Rodney Brooks, “Why Today’s Humanoids Won’t Learn Dexterity,” Blog post, September 26, 2025. Brooks is one of the world’s most preeminent roboticists. The themes in this reading will come back in our sessions on automation.