The speech by D. Menton is dedicated to the recent issue in evolutionary science, which is the mystery of Lucy, the ape, believed to be the ancestor of Homo sapiens. In this speech, the scholar assumes that Lucy is simply an extinct pigmy Chimpanzee, who cannot be compared to humans in any sense. Thus, Dr.Menton slightly suggests that audience believe in the creationist perspective on the origins of human. The present paper discusses the speech in detail.
First of all, it needs to be admitted that the organization of the speech is classical, i.e. it is possible to identify introduction, body and conclusions which the author draws. In the introduction, Dr.Menton gives an overview of the recent debates in the evolutionary science over the exact ancestors of humanity and notes that evolution is to certain degree a random (as opposed to systemic and consistent) process. He also cites two opposing views: Darwin’s evolutionist opinion that humans are descendants of monkeys, and Lewonton’s finding suggesting that hominid species are not out ancestors. This introduction allows quickly receiving the basic information about the origins of humans and understanding the complexity of paleanthropology. Thesis is stated in the first sentence: “Lucy, she’s no lady, – she’s an ape!”
In the main part of the speech, the scholar delivers comprehensive information about Lucy as a missing link of human progress and successfully refutes it. Dr.Menton addresses the differences between Australopithecus afarensis and Homo sapiens, especially in terms of skull building and cognitive capacities. Describing Lucy, the representative of the species, the author states that the “ape-woman” was misrepresented, as the evidence suggests that Australopithecus afarensis was a knuckle walker and had Chimpanzee-like hands, legs, toes and pelvis. In addition, it is stated that the creation of the exhibit implied matching the fossils with special equipment like saws and other devices, employed by archaeologists.
In conclusion, Dr.Menton observes that the belief in Darwin’s theory is “outdated” and refers rather to ideology, inoculated by the government and high school. However, in the present day, it is possible to refute these views with rich evidence. Dr.Menton gives his listeners freedom to decide by themselves whom to trust and illustrates two morality pathways: the relative morality, inherited from apes, and the absolute morality, authorized by the Creator.
In terms of the harmonious combination of logos, ethos and pathos, Dr.Mentopn appears to be a professional speaker. In particular, his appeal to the logos consists in the use of scientific facts, figures, visual and historical evidence. In the beginning in order to familiarize the audience with the issue, he explains evolution in very simple terms, constantly addressing the viewers and maintaining the dialogue. This allows making specialized scientific information more available for understanding and keeping the audience’s attention focused on the current topic. Each of his statements is confirmed by visual proofs. For instance, when he holds that the similarity between Lucy’s and human body is an illusion, he operates specific information about the structures of primates’ and man’s bones and the ways the corresponding limbs function. Lucy’s fingers resemble human, whereas Australopithecus afarensis had curved fingers, otherwise the creature would not have been able to hang on the trees. Human toes and pelvis are also different, and the final movie about fixing the exhibit, so that it resembles human, reduces the opposing claims to absurd.
Pathos is also well-represented in the speech. In particular, the speaker grabs his audience’s attention putting a joke in the introduction. The joke is both easy for understanding and informative, i.e. it Dr.Menton’s central claim. Positive mood is also evoked by comparing evolution to casino, where the nature’s investments might be wasted or bring about progress with equal probability. The main part of humor is certainly dedicated to the dissimilarities between human and hominid bodies. For instance, the major differences between human and ape skull is that “Apes have trouble keeping their glasses up”. According to Menton, apes would also have troubles playing piano and walking straight. These comic allusions are actually useful, as they provide more evidence and relate to human unique capabilities. Interestingly, the exhibit referred to as Lucy is depicted as a “top-model”, given the beautiful human-like posture and pensive, clever look, which, as it becomes clear from the speech, is a mistake.
Dr.Menton also manages to reach the audience by appealing to ethos. First and foremost, his speech itself can be viewed as a discussion of moral and social issues, as he finally leads the audience to question “What should I believe and how should I understand myself?” By providing the results of survey of people’s ideas of their origins, Dr.Menton addresses the question “What others think/do about the issues?”, which can also be viewed in the social dimension. Towards the end of his speech, he describes two moral options, the human-driven value system and the religion-based morality. The rules, created by God, are obviously positioned as a better organized system of principles, which ensure peaceful coexistence among individuals.
As one can conclude, the speech by Menton is memorable for inimitable humor, informative, and convincing, given that evidence is well-organized and used as a powerful instrument of persuasion. Although his view is not fully objective, given the author’s religious affiliation, which he does not hide, he still manages to cover several facets of the issue and build a strong argument.
Works cited
Hamilton, G. Public Speaking for College and Career. McGraw Hill, 2005.