Civilization

Civilization: Historical Development and Types

​Definition of Civilization

• Civilization is a historical type of culture.

• Represents a particular stage in the development of culture

​Early Societies and Civilization

• Primitive societies did not distinguish between material and spiritual activities.

• Civilization emerged with conceptual, abstract, and logical thinking.

​The Concept of Civilization

• The word civilization comes from Latin:

  • Civitas = "state"

  • Civilis = "citizen of the state"

• Introduced by French Enlightenment thinkers

Poll

Choose the names of french enlightenment thinkers (more than one)

• Voltaire

• Montesquieu

• Rousseau

• Diderot

• Holbach

​The Concept of Civilization

• Different philosophical perspectives:

  • Some philosophers saw culture and civilization as contradictory.

  • Others viewed them as unified.

​Spengler's View on Civilization

• The Decline of the West (Oswald Spengler)

• Civilization as the "death of culture."

• Criticism of materialistic orientation.

​Culture vs. Civilization

• Culture is unique, civilization is universal.

• Culture creates meaning and ultimate life goals.

• Civilization provides technical means to achieve goals.

• They relate like spirit and body.

​Types of Civilizations

1. Natural communities

2. Eastern civilization.

3. Western European civilization.

4. Modern (technogenic) civilization.

​Natural Communities

• Non-progressive forms of existence.

• Live in harmony with nature.

• Believe in the sacredness of natural forces.

• Explain phenomena through myths.

​Eastern Civilization

• Orientation toward reproducing traditional life forms.

• Collectivist social structure.

• Widespread spiritual and mystical practices.

• Human life determined by nature, society, and gods.

• Political despotism: absolute state power.

• Economic foundation based on corporate/state ownership.

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​Western Civilization

• Orientation toward novelty.

• Individualism and personal autonomy.

• Rationality.

• Ideals of freedom, equality, and tolerance.

• Respect for private property.

• Preference for democracy.

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​Technogenic Civilization

• A historical stage of Western civilization.

• Emerged in Europe (15th-17th centuries).

• Spread globally until the 21st century.

• Central role of scientific rationality and technological progress.

• Two societal types:

  • Industrial society.

  • Post-industrial society.

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Poll

What were the outcomes of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century?

• Urbanization

• Mass Production

• Dependence on nature

• Standardization of lifestyle

• Elitism in education