What does it mean to be civilized as in "Our civilized world"? Perhaps some sort of concrete definition or set of requirements for a society to be civilized. Think about the implications. A lot of people would say that their own society is civilized, but is it truely civilized according to your definition? In other words, if we are not civilized, will be ever become civilized?
If you use Dictionary.com's definition:
- Having a highly developed society and culture.
- Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, ethical, and reasonable: terrorist acts that shocked the civilized world.
- Marked by refinement in taste and manners; cultured; polished.
If 1, what does it mean to be highly developed?
If 2, can you truely argue that society is humane, ethical and reasonable?
if 3, what does it mean to have refined taste?
I think that when the word "civilized" is used, it is most often used as #2. If so, I'm not entirely sure man can ever be civilized.
Thoughts, comments?