Cultural Diversity - Ocean Model of One Human Civilization

Ocean Model of One Human Civilization

Philosopher Nayef Al-Rodhan argues that previous concepts of civilizations, such as Samuel P. Huntington's arguments supporting a coming "clash of civilizations," are misconstrued. Human civilization should not be thought of as consisting of numerous separate and competing civilizations, but rather it should be thought of collectively as only one human civilization. Within this civilization are many geo-cultural domains that comprise sub-cultures. This concept presents human history as one fluid story and encourages a philosophy of history that encompasses the entire span of human time as opposed to thinking about civilization in terms of single time periods. Al-Rodhan envisions human civilization as an ocean into which the different geo-cultural domains flow like rivers. According to him, at points where geo-cultural domains first enter the ocean of human civilization, there is likely to be a concentration or dominance of that culture. However, over time, all the rivers of geo-cultural domains become one. Therefore, an equal mix of all cultures will exist at the middle of the ocean, although the mix might be weighted towards the dominant culture of the day. Al-Rodhan maintains that there is fluidity at the ocean's center and that cultures will have the opportunity to borrow between cultures, especially when that culture's domain or "river" is in geographical proximity to the other's. However, Al-Rodhan warns that geographical proximity can also lead to friction and conflict.

Al-Rodhan maintains that sustainable civilisational triumph will occur when all components of the geo-cultural domains can flourish, even if they flourish in different degrees. Human civilization should indeed be considered as an ocean, where the various geo-cultural domains add depth whenever the conditions for the most advanced forms of human enterprise to thrive are met. This means it is necessary to focus on boundary marking practices and concrete situations. Moreover, civilisational triumph requires some degree of socio-economic equality as well as multilateral institutions that are premised on rules and practices perceived to be fair. Finally, Al-Rodhan notes that it demands conditions under which innovation and learning can thrive. He argues that there needs to be an emphasis on expanding the boundaries of geo-cultural identities and on encouraging greater acceptance of overlapping identities.

Read more about this topic:  Cultural Diversity

Famous quotes containing the words ocean, model, human and/or civilization:

    We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. I do not agree with the big way of doing things.
    Mother Teresa (b. 1910)

    One of the most important things we adults can do for young children is to model the kind of person we would like them to be.
    Carol B. Hillman (20th century)

    If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason—for then we would know the mind of God.
    Stephen Hawking (b. 1942)

    So-called Western Civilization, as practised in half of Europe, some of Asia and a few parts of North America, is better than anything else available. Western civilization not only provides a bit of life, a pinch of liberty and the occasional pursuance of happiness, it’s also the only thing that’s ever tried to. Our civilization is the first in history to show even the slightest concern for average, undistinguished, none-too-commendable people like us.
    —P.J. (Patrick Jake)