The Modern World-System as a Civilization

In: Thesis eleven: critical theory and historical sociology, Heft 20, S. 70-86

Abstract

Two different connotations of the word "civilization" are examined, along with their terminological histories: (1) a singular usage with positive implications that stresses the process by which humankind's "savage" nature was tamed; & (2) a more plural & neutral usage that describes separate worldviews, customs, structures, & cultures, & how they form a kind of historical whole. Various treatments of the problem of the ambiguity of civilization/civilizations are reviewed, & the relevance of the concept to the problems of the late twentieth century is assessed. Several alternative futures are examined, & the possibility & moral desirability of an egalitarian world are discussed. 13 References. K. Hyatt