Civilization
Overview
Civilization is a sometimes controversial term that has been used in several related ways. Primarily, the term has been used to refer to the material and instrumental side of human culture
s that are complex in terms of technology
, science
, and division of labor. Such civilizations are generally urbanized. In a classical context, people were called: "civilized" to set them apart from "Barbarian" people (The Barbarians), while in a modern-day context, "civilized peoples" have been contrasted with "primitive" peoples.
In modern academic discussions however, there is a tendency to use the term in a less strict way, to mean approximately the same thing as "culture
" and therefore, the term can more broadly refer to any important and clearly defined human society, particularly in historical discussions.
Culture
Culture is a term that has many different inter-related meanings. For example, in 1952, Alfred Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn compiled a list of 164 definitions of "culture" in Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions...
s that are complex in terms of technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
, science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
, and division of labor. Such civilizations are generally urbanized. In a classical context, people were called: "civilized" to set them apart from "Barbarian" people (The Barbarians), while in a modern-day context, "civilized peoples" have been contrasted with "primitive" peoples.
In modern academic discussions however, there is a tendency to use the term in a less strict way, to mean approximately the same thing as "culture
Culture
Culture is a term that has many different inter-related meanings. For example, in 1952, Alfred Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn compiled a list of 164 definitions of "culture" in Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions...
" and therefore, the term can more broadly refer to any important and clearly defined human society, particularly in historical discussions.
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