What is Western Civilization? - Definition & Overview

Introduction

Western Civilization refers to the cultural, intellectual, and social developments that have occurred in Europe and the Western Hemisphere from ancient times to the present day. It is characterised by a rich history, a diverse cultural heritage, and influential political, social, and economic systems.

The roots of Western civilization can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, and it has been shaped by a variety of influences, including philosophy, religion, science, and technology. Western Civilization has also had a global impact through its spread to the Americas and its influence on other cultures around the world.

Western Civilization

• Characteristics of Western Civilization − Western Civilization is characterised by a strong emphasis on individualism, reason, and the rule of law, as well as a rich cultural heritage and diverse intellectual traditions.

• Key Historical Periods of Western Civilization − Western Civilization has gone through several key historical periods such as Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, and the Modern Era.

• Geographical scope of Western Civilization − Western Civilization has its roots in Europe, but it has also spread to North America and other parts of the Western hemisphere through colonisation and globalisation.

• Key cultural achievements and contributions − Cultural achievements such as the development of democracy, the concept of citizenship, the scientific method, the novel, and other literary forms, and the art of painting, sculpture, and architecture.

The Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre

The Roots of Western Civilization

• Ancient Greece and Rome − Ancient Greece and Rome were the foundation upon which Western Civilization was built, making significant contributions in fields such as philosophy, religion, art, architecture, and governance.

• The Germanic tribes − The Germanic tribes also contributed to the formation of Western Civilization, bringing new language, laws, and customs to the Roman Empire after its fall.

• The Roman Empire − The Roman Empire played a key role in shaping Western Civilization by spreading its law, governance, and culture across much of Europe and the Mediterranean.

• The Renaissance − The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth in Europe, which saw a renewed interest in the classical art, literature, and ideas of ancient Greece and Rome.

• The Scientific Revolution − The Scientific Revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries marked a major turning point in the history of Western Civilization, as it laid the foundations for the modern scientific method.

Main Influences

• Philosophy − Western civilization has been deeply shaped by the ideas and theories of philosophers from ancient Greece, Rome, and the modern era, who have contributed to the development of our understanding of the world, morality, and human nature.

• Religion − Religion has also played a significant role in shaping Western Civilization, particularly the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Science and Technology − Western Civilization has made many important scientific and technological advancements, which have greatly influenced the way we live, work and understand the world around us.

• Political Systems − Western Civilization has also been shaped by the development of political systems such as democracy, monarchy, and republic, which have influenced the way that power is organised and exercised in society.

• Arts and Literature − Western Civilization has a rich cultural heritage in the arts and literature, which have played a significant role in shaping the way we see and understand the world.

Greco-Roman Influences

• Philosophy − Ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle laid the foundations for Western philosophy, influencing the development of our understanding of knowledge, ethics, politics, and the natural world.

• Religion − The ancient Greeks and Romans had a polytheistic religion, which, although not as influential as monotheistic religions, has had a lasting impact on Western culture.

• Art and Architecture − The ancient Greeks and Romans were known for their architectural achievements such as the Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome.

• Language and Literature − Ancient Greek and Latin have played a significant role in the development of Western literature, with works such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Aeneid.

• Law and Governance − The ancient Greeks and Romans also made important contributions to the development of law, governance, and politics, with concepts such as democracy, citizenship, and the rule of law having a lasting impact on Western Civilization.

The Pyramids, wonder of Egyptian Architecture

Judeo-Christian Influence

• Religion − Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, monotheistic religions have had a profound impact on Western Civilization, shaping its moral values, laws, and social norms.

• Bible − The Bible, particularly the Old and New Testament, is an important religious text that has had a significant impact on Western literature, art, and thought.

• Theology − The monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have developed unique theological systems that have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and culture.

• Morality − The moral principles and teachings of these religions have shaped Western society's understanding of right and wrong, good and evil, and justice and injustice.

• Social norms − These religions have influenced the way Western societies view marriage, family, and gender roles, as well as shaping laws and policies on issues such as sex, sexuality, and reproduction.

A Global Civilization

Western Civilization has had a global impact through its spread to the Americas, Africa and Asia, and its influence on other cultures around the world. The spread of Western culture and ideas has been through colonisation, trade, and more recently, globalisation.

This spread has led to the creation of hybrid cultures, as well as resistance and conflicts. Western Civilization has also had a profound impact on the world economy, politics, and international relations. It continues to shape our world today through its values, beliefs, and institutions, making it an important area of study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Western Civilization encompasses a wide range of cultural, intellectual, and social developments that have occurred in Europe and the Western Hemisphere throughout history. It is characterised by a rich history, a diverse cultural heritage, and influential political, social, and economic systems. It continues to shape our world today through its values, beliefs, and institutions, making it an important area of study.

The Vitruvian Man, drawing by Leonardo da Vinci

FAQs

Q1. What are the key characteristics of Western Civilization?

Ans. Western civilization is characterised by a strong emphasis on individualism, reason, and the rule of law. Additionally, it has also been shaped by a variety of influences, including philosophy, religion, science, and technology.

Q2. How did ancient Greece and Rome influence Western Civilization?

Ans. Ancient Greece and Rome have greatly influenced Western Civilization through their contributions in philosophy, religion, art, architecture, and governance. The ideals of democracy, the concept of citizenship, and the concept of law, all have their roots in ancient Greece.

Q3. How has Western Civilization impacted other cultures around the world?

Ans. Western Civilization has had a global impact through colonialism, imperialism, and the spread of its ideas and institutions. This has led to the shaping of other cultures around the world, as well as the development of a "Western-centric" view of history.