Meaning of being civilized?

[froseph]

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:

1. Having a highly developed society and culture.
2. Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, ethical, and reasonable: terrorist acts that shocked the civilized world.
3. 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?

[Willravel]

I see 'civilized' as something to asire to, but never reach, not unlike ideals such as peace or understanding.

[Johnny Rotten]

Defining an abstract concept almost always requires more thought and energy than is really worth spending. You'll be a lot better off if you just stick to "commonly accepted definition." Abstraction makes for subjectivity, which is why these discussions can go on interminably. Throw in a little anecdotal evidence, and you have the recipe for a long, drawn-out argument that really wasn't worth spending that much time on. There are gray areas, but it's very unlikely that you'll be able to glean insight by defining the borders of an abstraction, which is an inherently impossible task.

You might as well ask, "What is love?" or "What is hate?" You'll get a slightly different response from everyone. But since this is an abstract concept... every respondent is correct, based on how they've experienced life and what kind of person they are.

Of course, don't let this stop you. I'm just saying that you shouldn't be surprised if this thread goes on for pages and pages, with nothing resolved.

[MageB420666]

Originally Posted by Johnny Rotten

Of course, don't let this stop you. I'm just saying that you shouldn't be surprised if this thread goes on for pages and pages, with nothing resolved.

Yeah, but sometimes there's just nothing like a good argument.

Civilization, and what it means, tends to be defined by the current "civilization" using it. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans considered themselves to be civilized, while by todays standards they would be considered a bunch of ammoral heathens. Just think of what today's "civilization" with be thought of in a thousand years. People would probably just shake their heads and laugh at our quaint, naive society.

I tend to think of civilization as being defined by technology. Any society that is at the current technological "peak" or somewhere near it is "civilized". I don't take morals or ethics into consideration because they are subjective to personal viewpoint.

[d*d]

Originally Posted by MageB420666

I tend to think of civilization as being defined by technology.

I disagree, I think that technology can only really advance in a civilized society - so technology would be defined by civilisation not the other way round.

To me it's about a recognized structure of values, if you recognize and work within them these values (you don't have to agree with all of them) you are being civil and will be recognized as a citizen. I think anything more complicated becomes anecdotal and specific to a particular civilization

[kramus]

Originally Posted by MageB420666

*snip*
I tend to think of civilization as being defined by technology. Any society that is at the current technological "peak" or somewhere near it is "civilized". I don't take morals or ethics into consideration because they are subjective to personal viewpoint.

It is worth considering that technology is more than refinement of material things - i.e. manufacturing or handling or assembling raw materials such as metal or wood. Technology also exists as intellectual development, and the creation of tools of social interaction and inquiry. A society can be rather civilized without the trappings of biggest, brightest or shiniest.

[aceventura3]

Originally Posted by froseph

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:

1. Having a highly developed society and culture.
2. Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, ethical, and reasonable: terrorist acts that shocked the civilized world.
3. 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?

In some ways, given the definition, it is easy to say some animal species are civilized.

[Charlatan]

The word civilized is quite politically charged... it has often been used by those who would oppress those who are deemed "uncivilized" (i.e. colonialism).

When looked at rationally, one can see that many of the so called uncivillized simply had/have different social structures than those used by the oppressors.