Are human eyes really unique? Why does white sclera inspire trust, while dark sclera causes anxiety? How is it possible that even a photograph of the eyes can make people behave more honestly? The latest issue of the weekly magazine „Polityka” and the popular science portal Pulsar feature an interview with Dariusz Danel, PhD, DSc, from the Department of Anthropology IIET PAS.
Prof. Danel, together with Sławomir Wacewicz, PhD, DSc, from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and Juan Olvido Perey-García, PhD, from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, are conducting joint research on the evolutionary significance of the appearance of human eyes. In the interview, they explain what our gaze says about cooperation, trust, and the illusion of our own uniqueness.
The conversation prompts reflection on how much we can read from a person’s gaze – and how much remains invisible. The scientists remind us that evolution does not always follow a simple plan, and what we consider ‘uniquely human’ often turns out to be shared with other primates.
We warmly encourage you to read the interview:
Polityka weekly magazine (paid access):
Pulsar portal (article also available to listen to):