Melvin Konner

Melvin Konner closeup

Melvin Konner is an American anthropologist and physician known for his work in biological anthropology and human development. He is a professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where he teaches in the departments of Anthropology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Biology.

Early Life and Education

Melvin Konner was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn College, where he earned his B.A. in Anthropology. He then went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology at Harvard University. After completing his Ph.D., Konner earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.

Career

Konner's research has focused on the evolution of human behavior, child development, and the biological basis of human nature. He has conducted extensive fieldwork among the !Kung San people of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, studying their hunter-gatherer lifestyle and its implications for understanding human evolution.

At Emory University, Konner has been a prominent figure in the interdisciplinary study of neuroscience and behavioral biology. He has published numerous books and articles on topics ranging from human evolution to medical anthropology.

Major Works

Some of Konner's notable works include:

• The Tangled Wing: Biological Constraints on the Human Spirit
• Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School
• The Evolution of Childhood: Relationships, Emotion, Mind

Personal Life

Melvin Konner is married to Suzanne Blier, an art historian and professor at Harvard University. They have two children.

See Also

• Anthropology
• Biological Anthropology
• Human Evolution
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Biology
• Hunter-Gatherer