This seminar will engage students in the exploration of science as a way of knowing, specifically as it relates to the field of paleoanthropology and human origins research. The seminar considers what counts as scientific knowledge, and the ethical and aesthetic implications of what one gains and does with the acquisition of knowledge. Students will integrate the history and philosophy of science with theoretical, methodological and ethical considerations in human origins research. Students will also consider controversial topics in human origins, such as creationism vs evolution and the “Man the Hunter” hypothesis.