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1- Critically evaluate Eastern versus Western civilization in globalization.
Answer -
Introduction
Globalization is a process in which dialogue and cooperation between countries, institutions and people increases. Due to globalization, many similarities and differences have emerged between Eastern and Western civilizations. In this process, the influence of Westernization has been seen more. However, Eastern civilizations have also played an important role on the global stage while preserving their culture. This confluence has generated both dialogue and conflict between the two civilizations.
Eurocentric and non-Eurocentric ideologies
Eurocentric Ideology:
Eurocentric ideology believes that Western civilization has its roots in ancient Greece and Roman civilizations. According to this school of thought, the Renaissance and Reformation (15th-16th centuries) ushered in a new era of literature, science, exploration, and travel for Europeans, leading to the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and capitalism in the Western world.
1. Karl Marx's view:
According to Marx, Western countries have developed because logic and freedom have been given importance in their society. On the other hand, such progress did not happen in Eastern countries because such democratic institutions could not be formed there.
2. Progressive Value:
According to the Eurocentric view, Western society is considered progressive because it focuses on innovative and progressive issues. It emphasizes the achievements of Western countries in promoting science, technology, and social reforms. Their progressiveness in the field of science and technology makes them known for modern technology, which improves society.
3. Discretion:
This view considers Western society as the epitome of rational, scientific thinking and rationality. It is believed that the West has led the world on the path of progress through knowledge, education and science.
4. Civilization and freedom:
In the Eurocentric view Western society is considered to be civilised, cultured and a protector of freedom. Democracy, human rights and individual freedom are presented as characteristics of Western society.
Non-Eurocentric Ideology:
Non-Eurocentric ideology gives equal importance and respect to diverse cultures, traditions, and civilizations while criticizing Eurocentricity. This approach values cultural diversity and plurality, and considers cultures and societies outside the West to be an integral part of human history and development.
1. Refute of Rude and Despotism:
In the non-Eurocentric view, it is believed that it is inappropriate and deviant by Western ideology to portray other cultures as uncivilized or autocratic. This approach emphasizes that every culture has its own uniqueness and values.
2. Cultural Diversity:
In this approach, cultural diversity is given importance. Under which, the unique religious, cultural and philosophical traditions of different cultures are understood. It is not only considered a symbol of prosperity, but it also contributes significantly to the cultural progress of the world.
3. Refuting Indiscretion:
The non-Eurocentric approach recognizes that prudence and rationality are not only characteristic of the West. Science, reason, and knowledge have also been important contributors to different societies and cultures. Due to which their cultural and spiritual heritage has gained importance.
4. Reevaluation of Stagnant Economy:
This school of thought analyses the historical contributions and economic structures of earlier economies rather than viewing them as static and powerless. It attempts to understand the diversity of different economic models and practices.
Critical Evaluation:
Eurocentric Reasoning The ideology is wrong, because there is no historical evidence for it. History shows that the East has been a major contributor to the world's growth story, while the Western powers were earlier weaker than Asia. Many discoveries, inventions and revolutions, which the West boasts, had already taken place in the East. It is therefore clear that the East has played a major role in the progress of the world.
1. Jeffrey Gunn's argument:
Jeffrey Gunn highlights the relationship between Southeast Asia and Europe as the first globalization. He shows this by providing examples of early globalization that the Eurocentric view has always overlooked. For example, China and India played a very important and dominant role in global economies, revealing Asian leadership since the seventeenth century.
Jeffrey Gunn
2. Hobson's objection
Hobson criticized Marx's ideology and said that the East played an important role in Western development. According to him, if there was no help from the East, the West would not have achieved modernity. Hobson criticized the biased and narrow view of the West and considered it not scientific and unbiased.
Hobson
3. Criticism by James Blout:
James Blaut also challenged the idea of the supremacy of the West
and criticised the idea of Europeans being the 'makers of history'. He called this a 'Eurocentric tunnel history' because this approach lacked objectivity.
Rudyard Kipling, an English novelist, even presented this in his poem 'The Ballard of East and West (1889) saying 'East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet. This further gave rise to the idea of Western Exceptionalism.
Conclusion
Ultimately, we can say that the idea that only the West drove globalization ignores the important roles played by other societies. Non-Western civilizations were often portrayed as inferior or backward in historical accounts, but evidence shows that they have made significant contributions to global progress. It is important to recognize this and tell history in a fairer, more balanced way.
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