The culture we are born into shapes the way we look at the world. Culture, this work claims, is man-made and tends, on the one hand, to secure the predominant social practises, its function is to stabilise the existing order; on the other hand, it is an expression of what its members aspire to be. The notions of ‘Orientalism’ (how the West sees the East) and ‘Asian values’ (how Asia sees herself) are explored before criteria such as rationality, justice, democracy, individual liberty, separation of church and state, and tolerance, that are generally perceived as European, but also as Western, are examined. Despite them having the same roots, European and Western values vary not inconsiderably because they are interpreted (and practised) not in the same way in Europe and in the US. The reason (also for the differences between Eastern and Western values), it is claimed, lies in the politics of power: differences in values are emphasised and thus enforced for political purposes. Furthermore, cultural values, it is argued, are not ‘naturally’ there, they are constructed ideologies and need to be put back in their place for it is our natural commonalities that (should) essentially matter.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Basic Human Conditions
3. Culture
4. The West and the Rest
4.1. Orientalism
4.2. Asian Values
5. Western Values
5.1. European Values
5.2. Western Values
6. Commonalities
7. Conclusion
Objectives & Core Themes
This work examines the construction of cultural identities and the perceived clash between Eastern and Western values. The primary objective is to investigate how cultural differences are often leveraged for power-political purposes, while arguing that underlying human commonalities are more fundamental than the debated ideological divides.
- Analysis of "Orientalism" and the Western perception of the East.
- Exploration of "Asian values" as a response to Western dominance.
- Critique of the assumption that cultural differences are naturally inherent.
- Examination of the political and ideological roots of Western self-perception.
- Emphasis on universal human commonalities over civilizational conflict.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
When, in the summer of 1993, the journal Foreign Affairs published an article by Samuel P. Huntington titled “The Clash of Civilizations?” it hit a nerve. That this article stirred up numerous debates had also to do with the fact that the question mark in its title seemed to have been almost routinely overlooked but, first and foremost, it had to do with the author’s assertion that “culture and cultural identities, which at the broadest level are civilization identities, are shaping the patterns of cohesion, disintegration, and conflict in the post-Cold War world” (Huntington 1998: 20). And indeed: when in the late 1980s the communist world collapsed, ideological, political, and economical differences did not seem to be so important anymore, what appeared to matter instead was culture (at its broadest level).
Peoples and nations are attempting the most basic question humans can face: Who are we? And they are answering that question in the traditional way human beings have answered it, by reference to the things that mean most to them. People define themselves in terms of ancestry, religion, language, history, values, customs, and institutions. They identify with cultural ethnic groups: tribes, ethnic groups, religious communities, nations, and, at the broadest level, civilizations. People use politics not just to advance their interests but also to define their identity. We know who we are only when we know who we are not and often only when we know whom we are against.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Discusses the prominence of culture in post-Cold War politics and introduces the concept of identity as a constructed phenomenon used by nations to define themselves against "others."
2. Basic Human Conditions: Explores the psychoanalytical and sociological foundations of human behavior, focusing on how early childhood and social environments shape our dispositions.
3. Culture: Analyzes the complexity of the term "culture," its democratization, and the tension between "high culture" and popular or "nobrow" culture.
4. The West and the Rest: Investigates the definition of civilizations and examines how Western perspectives toward the Orient and Asian responses have evolved.
5. Western Values: Explores the foundations of Western and European values, highlighting the differences between US and European attitudes toward power, religion, and the state.
6. Commonalities: Argues that beneath cultural differences, a shared human consciousness exists, emphasizing that basic human problems are not rooted in culture.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes that the perceived "clash of civilizations" is largely a political construct, emphasizing that shared power interests are more significant than incompatible values.
Keywords
Culture, Identity, Western Values, Asian Values, Orientalism, Power Politics, Civilization, Globalization, Human Rights, Democratization, Socialization, Nationalism, Commonality, Ideology, Religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The work investigates the role of culture in modern society and argues that the perceived "clash" between Eastern and Western civilizations is largely driven by power politics rather than fundamental cultural incompatibility.
What are the central themes covered?
Key themes include cultural identity, the political instrumentalization of values, the dichotomy between the "West and the Rest," and the importance of shared human commonalities.
What is the primary research question?
The author explores whether cultural identities are "natural" or constructed and whether global conflicts are truly driven by cultural differences or by underlying power struggles.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The book employs a multi-disciplinary approach, synthesizing political theory, sociology, and psychoanalytical insights from scholars such as Bourdieu, Huntington, and Eagleton.
What does the main body address?
The main body examines the construction of the "West," the debates around "Asian values," the rift between European and American political mindsets, and the common human experiences that bridge cultural gaps.
Which keywords best characterize this analysis?
Core keywords include Cultural Identity, Power Politics, Western Values, Human Commonality, and Civilizational Clash.
How does the author define the "West"?
The West is defined as a civilization originating from Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christianity, characterized by individualism, the rule of law, and secularism.
Why is the role of the "body" important in the discussion of culture?
The author argues that the body is a universal, biological constant that connects humans across cultures, serving as a reminder of our solidarity despite the divisions created by minds and ideologies.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Hans Durrer (Autor:in), 2004, "Truth is one, the sages speak of it by many names", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/176241
