Civilization

CIVILIZATION

What is a civilization and how did it emerge? Civilization is a term used to describe a certain kind of development of a human society. A civilized society is often characterized by advanced agriculture, long-distance trade, occupational specialization, and urbanism. Aside from these core elements, civilization is often marked by any combination of a number of secondary elements, including a developed transportation system, writing, standards of measurement (currency, etc.), contract and tort-based legal systems, great art style, monumental architecture, mathematics, sophisticated metallurgy, and astronomy. "Civilization" is often used as a synonym for the broader term "culture" in both popular and academic circles. Every human being participates in a culture, defined as "the arts, customs, habits... beliefs, values, behavior and material habits that constitute a people's way of life". However, in its most widely used definition, civilization is a descriptive term for a relatively complex agricultural and urban culture. Civilizations can be distinguished from other cultures by their high level of social complexity and organization, and by their diverse economic and cultural activities. In an older but still frequently used sense, the term "civilization" c an be used in a normative manner as well: in societal contexts where complex and urban cultures are assumed to be superior to other "savage" or "barbarian" cultures, the concept of "civilization" is used as a synonym for "cultural (and often ethical) superiority of certain groups." In a similar sense, civilization can mean "refinement of thought, manners, or taste". This normative notion of civilization is heavily rooted in the thought that urbanized environments provide a higher living standard, encompassed by both nutritional benefits and mental potentialities. Civilization requires advanced knowledge of: science, trade, art, government, and farming, within a society. Theories of the emergence of civilization

What are the characteristics of a civilization?        The Ten Characteristics of Civilization

1. Urban society: Living together in communities.

2. Religion: Beliefs that provide answers to ´unanswerableµ questions.

3. Literacy: The ability to read and write.

4. Government: Having a set of rules, leaders or organization to society

5. Specialization: Using unique skills to benefit all.

6. Social classes: Groups of people with common characteristics.

7. Tool-making: The ability to problem-solve.

8. Concept of time: Understanding of patterns like the seasons, sunrise and sunset or tides can be used to your benefit.

9. Leisure: Recognizing the value of the arts and entertainment.

10. Education/criticism: Striving to improve as an individual or as a culture.

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Civilized Man

CIVILIZED MAN

A civilized person is one who respects others, treat others as s/he would expect of others, and have an open mind. Civilized doesn't mean to be only educated, because many educated people are not respectful of others or have an open mind. However, if one is educated in disciplines of Archeology, Anthropology and Sociology one would have a broad perspective on what it means to be civilized. These disciplines focus on the understanding that different cultures have their own means of how one is civilized. Broadly speaking each nation and subcultures within nations have their own methods of defining and teaching what it means to be civilized. There is the old saying when in Rome do as the Romans do. This truism applies to all cultures world wide and it puts into perspective what civilized means, not just the West version of civilized.

Historically, in Western nations it was assumed that if one was cultured meaning: educated, well off, fine clothing, move in the right circles, and attend the classic concerts or read the classics were civilized. Presently, people who respects others, understands the different cultures, and classes know that we are all the same human beings. It is also, how one wants to be treated, with dignity and respect. Thus, one must give dignity and respect to others in order to receive such honor. Lastly, having an open mind to the possibility of learning from others gives the learner the opportunity to learn the various ways of doing things and understanding different ways of perception. Therefore, to be civilized is to learn about the various cultures that exist in our neighbors and the world. This is where understanding and respect flourishes to the point that discussions on the various ways cultural significants are attached to the word civilized.

Civilized doesn't mean advanced technology or the best medical hospitals or robust economy, or more televisions, radios, computers, or libraries. These are things that people have as they live in an advanced society. However, as we all notice that advanced societies doesn't respect other cultures, and ways of perception. Hence, animosities, fear and ideas of superiority prevails as one society believes that it is more advanced due to its economy and technology. Being civilized is more than technology it is the human side of technology that brings about the change from the sharing of knowledge from various cultures.

Humans are creative and inventive when the right circumstances are present. The knowledge that we gain from other civilizations can only make everyone more of a well rounded human being. We only gain knowledge through the study of other cultures and their ways of perception. So what does it mean to be civilized? Respect or other cultures, treat others as you would be expected to be treated, have an open mind to possibilities of new learning, and different ways of perceiving the world. Being civilized is determined by ones cultural identity.

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