The Evolution of Civilization: From Barbarism to Systematic Control
Table of contents
The Evolution of Civilization: From Barbarism to Systematic Control
Overview Civilization is often characterized by its ability to control human impulses through various mechanisms. This control is not solely the result of individual self-regulation but also relies on external factors such as law, custom, and religion. In this development, civilization builds upon the foundations laid by barbarism, transforming instinctive controls into more systematic ones.
Context The emergence of civilization was a gradual process that spanned thousands of years. It was marked by significant developments in agriculture, trade, and social organization. As civilizations grew and became more complex, they faced new challenges, including the need for more sophisticated systems of control to manage human behavior. This context is essential to understanding how civilization evolved from its barbarian roots.
Timeline
- Upper Paleolithic Era (40,000 - 10,000 BCE): The first evidence of human settlements and early forms of social organization emerges.
- Agricultural Revolution (c. 10,000 - 4,000 BCE): The transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities leads to the growth of more complex societies.
- Development of Early Civilizations (c. 4,000 - 1,500 BCE): Civilizations such as ancient Sumeria, Egypt, and Mesopotamia emerge, with their own systems of governance, law, and social hierarchy.
- Classical Period (c. 8th century BCE - 5th century CE): Ancient Greece and Rome witness the development of more sophisticated systems of governance and control over human behavior.
- Medieval Period (c. 5th century - 15th century CE): The rise of feudalism and Christianity marks a significant shift in the social, political, and religious landscape of Europe.
- Early Modern Period (c. 16th century - 18th century CE): The Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution bring about major changes in how people think about human nature and society.
- Modern Period (c. 19th century CE - present): The Industrial Revolution, colonialism, and other global developments lead to significant transformations in social organization and control.
Key Terms and Concepts
1. Civilization
A complex form of human society characterized by advanced technology, social hierarchy, and often a system of governance.
2. Barbarism
A pre-civilized state of human society marked by the absence of sophisticated systems of governance and social organization.
3. Forethought
The ability to think ahead and plan for future consequences, a key feature of civilized societies.
4. Systematic Control
The use of external mechanisms such as law, custom, and religion to manage human behavior in a systematic way.
5. Private Property
A system where individuals or groups own property, often leading to social inequality and the subjection of certain classes.
6. Social Disapproval
The negative reaction of society towards individual behavior that is deemed unacceptable.
7. Habituation
The process by which individuals become accustomed to viewing their life as a whole and prioritize future goals over immediate desires.
8. Law
A set of rules and regulations created and enforced by a governing authority to maintain social order.
9. Custom
Unwritten social norms that are observed and passed down through generations, often influencing behavior without explicit enforcement.
10. Religion
Systems of belief and practice that provide moral guidance and offer explanations for the natural world, often playing a significant role in shaping human behavior.
Key Figures and Groups
1. Hobbes, Thomas (1588 - 1679)
An English philosopher who argued that civilization is necessary to protect individuals from the “war of all against all” in his book Leviathan.
2. Locke, John (1632 - 1704)
An English philosopher who advocated for the importance of private property and the social contract in maintaining civilized society, as outlined in his work Two Treatises of Government.
3. Marx, Karl (1818 - 1883)
A German philosopher who critiqued capitalism and argued that civilization is built on the exploitation of certain classes in his works, particularly Das Kapital.
Mechanisms and Processes
Civilization’s control over human impulses is achieved through several mechanisms:
- Forethought → Systematic Control: The ability to think ahead leads to the development of external controls such as law and custom.
- Private Property → Social Hierarchy: The institution of private property creates social inequality, leading to a hierarchical structure in society.
- Law → Habituation: Laws are enforced through habituation, making individuals accustomed to viewing their life as a whole.
Deep Background
The development of civilization is closely tied to the emergence of agriculture and trade. As societies grew more complex, they required new systems of control to manage human behavior. The concept of private property became a central feature in many civilizations, often leading to social inequality and the creation of slave classes. Religion played a significant role in shaping moral values and providing explanations for natural phenomena.
Explanation and Importance
The evolution of civilization is a gradual process that involves the transformation of instinctive controls into more systematic ones. This development has far-reaching implications for human behavior and society as a whole. By understanding how civilization emerged, we can better appreciate the mechanisms and processes that shape our lives today.
Comparative Insight
In contrast to the concept of civilization, anarchism argues that social control is unnecessary and that individuals should be free from external constraints. This raises questions about the nature of human behavior and whether it is possible for societies to function without a system of governance or law.
Extended Analysis
1. The Role of Private Property
The institution of private property has been a cornerstone of many civilizations, leading to social inequality and the creation of slave classes. However, it also promotes individual responsibility and initiative, which are essential for economic growth.
2. Social Control vs. Individual Freedom
Civilization’s control over human impulses raises questions about individual freedom and autonomy. Is it necessary for societies to impose external controls in order to maintain social order?
3. The Impact of Religion on Civilization
Religion has played a significant role in shaping moral values and providing explanations for natural phenomena throughout history. However, its impact on civilization is complex and multifaceted.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
• How do you think civilization would change if private property were abolished? • What role do you believe religion should play in shaping moral values and providing explanations for natural phenomena? • Can a society function without external controls such as law and custom? Why or why not?
Conclusion Civilization’s control over human impulses is a complex phenomenon that involves the transformation of instinctive controls into more systematic ones. Through its development, civilization has shaped human behavior in profound ways, from the institution of private property to the role of religion in society. By understanding this process, we can better appreciate the mechanisms and processes that shape our lives today.