Contents

1.  What is a Civilisation?
2. The First Civilisations: Where and When They Appeared
3. The Characteristics of a Civilisation
4. The Benefits of Civilisation: Why it’s Worth Living in one.
5. The Drawbacks of Civilisation: Its Potential Negative Effects
6. Conclusion

 

 What is a Civilisation?

The word civilisation comes from the Latin word “civitas” which means city. Therfore, the most basic definition of civilization is a society made up of different cities. However, the definition of civilisation is difficult to pinpoint, as it can mean different things to different people. In its broadest sense, civilisation can be described as a society that is ordered and has common laws and customs. Additionally, it is also generally associated with advanced levels of art, science and technology. In its most basic form, civilisation can be defined as a society characterised by advanced culture and organisation. This includes everything from art and literature to advancements in technology and engineering. But what sets civilisation apart from other societies is its level of social complexity and organisation. Civilisations are typically much larger than other types of societies, and their populations are highly stratified, with distinct classes of people living in close proximity to one another. In other words, this level of social organisation requires a complex system of government and economic institutions to function properly.

The First Civilisations: Where and When They Appeared

A civilization or civilisation is any complex society that is characterized by urban development, social stratification imposed by a cultural elite, symbolic systems of communication (for example, writing systems), and a perceived separation from and domination over the natural environment. ~~~ were the products of early agricultural societies. The earliest known complex societies developed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley and China around 3500 BCE. By about 250 CE all three great civilisations were flourishing, with sophisticated social and economic institutions and astonishing artistic achievements. From around 1500 bce onward, however, independent civilizations began to appear in parts of the world previously unknown to the major civilisations. These included Mesoamerica and South America, as well as sub-Saharan Africa (see African Civilizations).

The Characteristics of a Civilisation

Here are some of the key characteristics:

Settlements and Urbanization:      

Civilizations are defined by the emergence of permanent settlements, cities, and urban centres that house a large portion of the people. These settlements are frequently well-defined in terms of structure, infrastructure, and social organisation.

Agricultural Surplus

Typically, civilizations have superior agricultural practises that enable surplus food production. This surplus allows for labour specialisation, which leads to the creation of new professions and revenue streams beyond basic subsistence agriculture.

Social Stratification

Civilizations typically feature a social structure that is hierarchical, with different social strata or castes. These classes may include, among others, rulers, elites, priests, traders, craftsmen, and labourers. Factors such as money, occupation, or birth are

Writing and Record-Keeping

In civilizations, writing systems evolve to record and convey information such as historical incidents, laws, religious texts, literary works, and economic transactions. The ability to keep knowledge through writing substantially aids cultural continuity and knowledge growth.

Technological Advancement

Civilizations exhibit technological advancement and innovation. They create and improve tools, processes, and technologies that benefit farming, industry, infrastructure, communication, transportation, medicine, and other facets of everyday life.

Complex Institutions

Civilizations create sophisticated institutions to efficiently govern and organise society. Governments, legal systems, religious organisations, systems of education, financial systems, and military structures are examples of such institutions. They are critical in keeping order, resolving conflicts, and directing group operations.

Artistic and Cultural Achievements

Civilizations develop unique types of art, architecture, music, literature, and other kinds of cultural expression. These artistic endeavours reflect the society’s values, beliefs, and aesthetics, and serve as a medium of communication, preservation of culture, and artistic expression.

Trade and Exchange

Civilizations are involved in commerce and exchange, inside as well as outside of their own borders. Economic specialisation, excess production, and the expansion of transportation networks enable the cross-regional exchange of commodities, ideas, and cultural influences.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

Civilizations are frequently characterised by advanced urban planning and infrastructural development. They develop well-planned cities with elements that include roads, bridges, water distribution systems, garbage disposals, and public buildings, exhibiting an understanding of engineering and principles of architecture.

Long-Term Sustainability

Environmental protection, long-term viability, and the preservation of resources of nature are given top priority in sustainable civilizations. They create procedures that strike a balance between meeting human needs and protecting ecosystems, thinking about the welfare of both the present and the future generations.

 

The Benefits of Civilisation: Why it’s Worth Living in one.

A civilised society is one that is based on organised communities, and which has developed ways of living that protect its citizens. Numerous advantages of living in a civilization include improved quality of life and the promotion of human advancement. Access to a variety of possibilities and resources is one of the main benefits. Infrastructure that fosters individual and societal development is provided by civilizations, such as transport systems, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. They encourage specialisation, enabling people to pursue a variety of careers and build knowledge, inspiring creativity and advancing technology. Furthermore, civilizations provide societal stability by way of well-established institutions and legal frameworks that guarantee a feeling of order, safety, and fairness. Civilizations thrive on cultural exchange and artistic expression, which enhances the human experience.  

Additionally, being part of a civilization fosters social bonds and a sense of community since people get to know one another, work together, and share their lives in a vibrant, interconnected community. Living in a civilisation can be a rewarding and pleasant experience because of the access to resources, chances for individual and societal progress, stability, cultural enrichment, and a sense of belonging.

The Drawbacks of Civilisation: Its Potential Negative Effects

While civilization offers many advantages and achievements, it also has some potential drawbacks. The increased complexity and labour division that come with civilization can result in social stratification and inequity. Hierarchical organisations may form, with power concentrated in a small number of people’s hands while others are exploited and marginalised. Furthermore, civilizations frequently use up large amounts of natural resources, which causes environmental damage and ecosystem depletion. Urbanisation and industrialization, two foundational tenets of civilization, have the potential to cause pollution, deforestation, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. In addition, the development and spread of civilizations can result in conflicts both inside and across communities as various groups vie for control over resources, land, or other resources. Last but not least, civilizations’ reliance on intricate structures and procedures makes them susceptible to possible crises like economic downturns, political upheaval, or social unrest. In order to lessen the negative effects of civilization, it is critical to address social injustice, environmental sustainability, and the need for responsible governance.

Conclusion

A civilization is a complex society that is typically characterized by urban development, social stratification, a system of government, and symbolic systems of communication. The term “civilization” has been used to describe a wide range of societies, from those with complex legal systems and architectural styles to those without writing or cities. The rise of civilisation has been linked to the development of social stratification and economic specialisation, which in turn has been linked to the emergence of centralised political structures (often called “the state”), wherein a government administers its territory and protects its citizens.

Sources

Albert Schweitzer.The Philosophy of Civilisation

“Civilization” Encyclopaedia Britannica