Understanding Western Culture

Where did it all begin?

What is Culture?

Education

Age

Social Class

Organization

Western culture ≠ Western Film / TV

(not completely accurate, but does influence it)

Originates from Ancient Greece (Europe)

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle establish the foundations of Western PhilosophyWho made Me? Why am I here? What is my purpose in Life?

Spread by Roman Empire (1st Century BC)

Establish law, engineering, and gov’t beyond their immediate borders = acquire cultural aspects from surrounding areas

Influenced by Christianity (4/5th Century)

Made the official state religion of the Roman Empire, and the Roman Catholic church played a vital role in the development of the new European civilization

Stagnated during Dark Ages (5/6th Century)

Because religion distrusted science, cultural development essentially stopped

Rebirth: Renaissance (14 – 17th Century)

Renaissance - it encompassed a resurgence of learning, art, and widespread educational reform..Its influence affected literature, philosophy, art, politics, science, religion, and other aspects

New ideas: Scientific Revolution (17th Century)

It was a period when new ideas in physics, astronomy, biology, human anatomy, chemistry, and other sciences led to a rejection of ideas from Ancient Greece and laid the foundation of modern science.

Logic & Reason: Age of Enlightenment (18th Century)

A period of time characterized by the importance of logic and reason“freedom to use one's own intelligence”Separation from King + ReligionCommon people got a voice

Basic challenges to the authority of the king, freedom of speech, press, and religion,and the role of commoners in the government were revolutionary.

Independence: American Revolution (Late 18th Century)

Setting the principles of our culture based on individual rights, freedom, entrepreneurial invention, etc

Industrial Revolution (19th Century)

Leads to norms on workers rights, working conditions, hours per week, wages, age of workers, social security, health care, etc

Modern Civilization (Today)

Photo by Steve Rhodes

1st minority president = opportunity

Reality- or fact-based thought and perception (Aristotle 384-322 BC)

Emphasis on the individual person who

is independent and self-reliant

Worldly happiness should be the focus of

each person's life

Individuals should be able to act on their own reason without interference from others – i.e. freedom

Recognizes the right of private ownership, capital accumulation, exchange and profit

Core Ideas & Values

Transcend geography and race (no connection)

Exist worldwide in some form (usually mixed)

We live in a multicultural world where cultures: