Does progress make civilizations more civilized?

Abstract

On a very broad level, the terms civilized may be defined as a person who is well mannered and knows of the human behavior expected of him. He may behave in a manner that is acceptable and conforms to the norms of the society. The most common concept that is linked with civility is decency. Another very important meaning of civilization is to be able to give equal respect to all and treat everyone fairly. The question arises that what is the impact of technological and scientific progression on civilization. Does it make people more civilized or do people remain the same? The paper cites the many examples where the progress in technology and science has led to civilizations becoming more civilized.

Does progress make civilizations more civilized?

Introduction

In the words of H.L. Mencken,

“Men become civilized, not in proportion to their willingness to believe, but in proportion to their readiness to doubt.”

It is this readiness to doubt that leads to technological and scientific progression. The technological progression of the ancient civilizations is worth mentioning in this context. These are the nations that were well on their way to achieving excellence in whatever they do. Much of the progress in any civilization has been studied on the basis of the changes in the attitude of the people of the civilization (Berlin, 2012). The question arises that what is the impact of technological and scientific progression on civilization. Does it make people more civilized or do people remain the same?

Discussion

The evolution of the human beings is a natural and inevitable process. Humans have a natural tendency to adapt to the changing environment and interact with the other beings and environment around them. However, it is imperative to state in this context that not all humans are civilized while most of them are naturally or intrinsically civil. Hence, there is a need to establish what constitutes civil behavior.

Civilization

The first ever civil humans were the Mesopotamians or the Sumerians. On a very broad level, the terms civilized may be defined as a person who is well mannered and knows of the human behavior expected of him. He may behave in a manner that is acceptable and conforms to the norms of the society. The most common concept that is linked with civility is decency. A civil person is someone who is decent in his conduct. It must also be noted defining civility becomes difficult as what is civil in one culture and civilization may not be civil in another (Copen, 2011). For instance, in one culture it may be civil for men to behave in a polite manner and talk to women politely. In another civilization, there must be no link with politeness for men. In addition, there is a different way to show care and concern in different civilizations.

Civilization refers to a group of people living in a way whereby they follow a defined pattern of life. They share the same culture and religious doctrines. Anyone and everyone who ...