Ferguson’s Civilization
Throughout the entirety of the documentary, “Civilization,” Ferguson brought up a number of interesting topics—topics worthy of some thought and discussion. Primarily, Civilization was concerned with a few specific advantages that have allowed Western culture to dominate the world economically—and questioned whether Western ascendancy would come to end. Personally, I found that Ferguson made a number of valid and persuasive arguments when discussing why our economic system came to its current state of global prestige.
First, Ferguson discussed the idea of competition; namely, the concept that the political and economic competition present in European cultures contributed to the economic rise of Western civilization. Conversely, the ethnocentrism and resistance to international trade that was experienced in China during the same time period directly contributed to the economic stagnation that occurred there. Ferguson explained how international expeditions and trade were beneficial to the European civilizations that engaged in such activities. I agree with Ferguson’s observations regarding the mechanics of how the competitive nature of Western cultures inevitably propelled them towards the path of economic prosperity. As competition generally leads to the most efficient use of resources, the fact that there was such a competitive atmosphere in Europe largely contributed to the economic growth that was experienced.
Another concept that was discussed in Civilization was the idea that science and its subsequent progression and development greatly contributed to the rise of Western ascendancy. Among the arguments that Ferguson made with regards to science, the idea that scientific advancement confers a distinct military advantage to its purveyors was discussed in great detail. I agree with this conclusion, and feel that (upon any level of scrutiny) one will conclude that a distinct scientific advantage is certain to bestow dramatic military advantages upon the bearer of scientifically developed weapons. More accurate guns and cannons are certain to have an impact on the balance of military might. I agreed with Ferguson’s sentiment throughout. Clearly, the cultures that possess technologically superior weaponry will have an advantage over those who do not. As such, much of the history (and economic developments) of Western culture is explained through these advantages.
Another aspect of Western culture that Ferguson discussed was the importance of individual property rights. He argued that North America was colonized by societies in which individual property rights were valued—and that conversely, South America was colonized by societies in which they were not. He argued that this difference in property rights was one of the primary reasons that the two continents developed in such different ways. Ferguson stated that as the people of North America had the ability to acquire, sell, trade, and inherit property, they were better able to develop the fundamental infrastructure for the growth of a powerful economic system. I agree with the assertions that Ferguson made with regards to property and property rights. Without the ability to own property, a society will be severely economically handicapped when compared to one in which property rights are commonplace and valued.
If Western culture loses its monopoly over these advantages, it risks losing its place in the world. Its economic superiority has been sincerely questioned in recent history. As many of the Asian countries have begun to accept these basic economic principles, we have seen their economies develop and grow at increasingly rapid rates. As these societies have embraced the advantages that Western culture has taken for granted, their economic might has grown exponentially—whereas Western culture has seen its economic strength dwindle in recent years. If we lose sight of what initially brought our culture to its position of economic fortitude, we risk losing our position of economic superiority—and the quality of life that it affords us. As such, we as a people need to re-evaluate the economic principles that guide our current economic policies. If we fail to do so, we may risk losing our place in the world.
clayboitnott 