History of the Ancient World - #5

[abe-no-seimei.livejournal.com]

History of the Ancient World
Thursday 12:30-3:30 pm

Seimei strolled in, sipping from his tea. At his desk, he assembled his scroll for the class discussion.

Discussion question:

Authorities do not all agree about the definition of civilization. Most accept the view that "a civilization is a culture which has attained a degree of complexity usually characterized by urban life." In other words, a civilization is a culture capable of sustaining a substantial number of specialists to cope with the economic, social, political, and religious needs of a populous society.

Discuss (in broad terms) some of the characteristics usually present in a civilization.

"You may also use this class time to work and research on the essay question due next Thursday."

Comments

[wraithbaitjohn.livejournal.com]

One thing I'm not seeing here is how we differentiate one civilization from another.

Things like a common or dominant language. We're civilized, the Asgard are civilized, but we aren't the same civilization.

I would think some kind of codified law would also need to be present. It wouldn't have to be written, per se, but it would have to be systematic and universal to that civilization.

There's also those intangable, unwritten things like expected social conduct. Use silverware, not your fingers is expected in our culture, but not in all. Where I come from burping at the table is rude, in other cultures it's rude not to becuase it indicates you didn't like the food. Ask before you borrow something is essential in our culture, but in a culture with no concept of personal property this wouldn't apply. And you know, don't eat the neighbors is something you wouldn't think you'd have to spell out... but if you've been where I've been... These aren't *laws* as such, but they're expected behaviors and those differ from one civilization to the next.

*Having shown that he's not as flighty as many people think, John kicks back to play Sims for the rest of class*