Development of Western Culture Essay Example
Development of Western Culture Essay Example

Development of Western Culture Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (838 words)
  • Published: November 26, 2021
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Hobbes and Locke hold differing perspectives on the social contract, specifically in terms of the roles of individuals and the government in society as analyzed by political theory. Hobbes posits that government stems from mankind's inherent nature within a fear-driven and self-centered environment. In this state, humans were feeble, destitute, and resided in a brutal and unforgiving society. As a result, people entered into an agreement to protect themselves from their enemies and establish a structured system.

Seeking security and self-preservation, an individual willingly relinquished their rights and freedom to an authority, demanding complete obedience and establishing a monarchy. Within this institution, the government's decisions held absolute power, and individuals were obligated to comply or face consequences. This viewpoint contradicts Locke's perspective on the matter. According to Locke, people entered into a social

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contract not out of weakness, but due to concerns over the vulnerability of their possessions, despite their lives being safe and enjoyable. Individuals possessed free will and the ability to do as they pleased. However, driven by insecurities surrounding their wealth, individuals entered into a social contract solely to ensure the protection of their property.

Contrary to Hobbes, he did not completely relinquish his rights to the ruler. The government's purpose was to safeguard and support human rights, and it was not infallible. If it failed in its obligations, the government could be replaced by another. Locke's concepts formed the foundation of modern democracy, in which governments serve the people rather than the reverse. The scientific revolution revolutionized people's perception of the world.

The primary objective of science during that time was to enhance people's comprehension of God and was regarded as a segment o

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religion. Science enabled individuals to acquire knowledge about astronomy, such as the earth's orbit around the sun and the sun's position at the center of the universe. Although this concept has been challenged and enhanced by numerous individuals, new planets and their attributes continue to be discovered even in present times. The Scientific Revolution triggered critical thinking as people no longer blindly accepted information, necessitating the utilization of research skills, a characteristic that persists to this day.

The scientific revolution gave rise to the inventions of the telescope and microscope. It also led to advancements in mathematics, which ultimately led Sir Isaac Newton to discover the law of Gravity. According to this law, bodies in the universe attract each other based on specific mathematical relationships.

In addition, science changed how knowledge was acquired by using inductive and practical experimental methods. This involved collecting data, making observations, and drawing conclusions.

Furthermore, Adam Smith pioneered the development of economy, resulting in the emergence of capitalism. Under this economic system, individuals had the freedom to pursue their own economic gains.

The scientific revolution had a significant impact on society, politics, and culture. It played a crucial role in enlightening women and spreading this enlightenment through salons where philosophers would meet with some of Europe's brightest thinkers. Consequently, female philosophers became advocates for women's rights in society. Moreover, the revolution also influenced politics by contributing to the development of government theories as explained by Hobbes and Locke. These theories laid the foundation for various forms of government, including those that protected citizens' rights. Additionally, the scientific revolution fostered advancements in economics, medicine, and inventions that ultimately enhanced people's lives.

The scientific revolution had

negative consequences such as migrations, which left some regions underdeveloped, environmental pollution, and the loss of people's free will due to government-imposed rules and punishments. The romantic period brought about a shift from the objective and rational views of the enlightenment to a more individualistic and subjective experience of reality. Many individuals influenced these shifts, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, an influential essayist and thinker. Through his influential writings, Emerson shaped ideas in literature and contributed to the understanding of nature and individualism. One of his notable contributions is found in his essay "Nature," where he argues that human imagination is limited by excessive reliance on past ideas.

The text highlights the ideas of self-reflection in nature and the concept of "Man Thinking" as encouraged by a certain individual. It also mentions Guiseppi Verdi, an Italian opera composer known for his powerful and passionate music that conveyed emotions. The cultural movements of modernism were characterized by unexpected departures from traditional ways of engaging with the world. These changes were influenced by various factors, including social changes impacting people's lives.

The increase in urbanization led to individuals migrating to cities in search of employment, resulting in a decrease in farming as workers relocated. Urbanization also gave way to societies centered on industrial production and the dispersal of goods. In terms of politics, modernization brought about democratization, which is marked by open elections, a separate judiciary system, the progression of human rights, and compliance with legal principles. Additionally, modernization ignited cultural movements that affected society by endorsing cultural uniformity and enabling cultural interaction as social influences encouraged similarity among people.

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