Modern humans are all one species with the scientific name Homo sapiens, Latin for ‘Wise man’. The name was coined when scientists were nearly all men, and men ruled society and made all the decisions. Women were not expected or encouraged to be involved in Science. The human race was viewed as predominantly male – ‘mankind’, and men were expected to do all the important work and lead society. It is interesting that nothing has changed in our nomenclature, despite the belated and reluctant recognition of the equal importance of women in Society and in Science.
One might claim that the title Homo is a collective name which includes both men and women, in which case its incorporation in other words such ‘homosexual’ should include and refer to both sexes, but this is not how modern society interprets its meaning.
And then the claim is that humans are ‘sapiens‘ – wise. There is little evidence of this. As I have claimed elsewhere, humans are still evolving and although we might claim to be clever and inventive, we lack the ability and wisdom to be able to live together in harmony. History is replete with regular, destructive wars, in which one group gains dominance over another, only to lose control later. And then some fractions of humanity are regarded as inferior to others, and not worthy of respect or care, despite being the same species.
So I claim that our scientific name is incorrect and outdated. And I am surprised that others, women especially, have not already pointed out that it is time for a change. Perhaps they have and I don’t read the relevant journals. As to what our new name should be, I will leave that to the classical scholars. Other scientific names, whether of animals or plants , do not prioritise one sex over another, or claim superior traits, why should we?
An old codger's comments 