Cyclic theories of cultural change
Supporters of the circular model of cultural dynamic J. Vico, A. Toynbee, O.Spengler and others believe that the essence of historical and cultural changes is a rotation, movement in a circle, or the existence of several isolated from each other cultural circles. Within this model of cultural history researchers emphasized the similarities between the processes of socio-cultural phenomena and the life cycle of biological organisms. In particular, the repeatability is considered as the main features of the existence of all living things. History of culture is a historical existence of different cultural forms, each of which is totally unique and original creation. More this issue will be discussed in the lecture "Classical theory of civilization."
3. P.Sorokin’s wave model of cultural development
Wave model of cultural changes was developed by Pitirim A. Sorokin (1889-1968) in his magnum opus - Social and Cultural Dynamics (1937–1941).
Based on a careful study of world history – including detailed statistical analysis of art, architecture, literature, economics, philosophy, science, and warfare – he identified three strikingly consistent phenomena. There exist two fundamental, alternative cultural patterns, broadly characterized as materialistic (Sensate) and spiritual (Ideational), along with certain intermediate or mixed patterns. He classified societies according to their “cultural mentality”, which can be ideational (reality is spiritual), sensate (reality is material), or idealistic (a synthesis of the two). He suggested that major civilizations evolve through these three in turn: ideational, idealistic, sensate. Each of these phases of cultural development not only seeks to describe the nature of reality, but also stipulates the nature of human needs and goals to be satisfied, the extent to which they should be satisfied, and the methods of satisfaction. Every society tends to alternate between materialistic and spiritual periods, sometimes with transitional, mixed periods, in a regular and predictable way. Times of transition from one orientation to another are characterized by many wars and crises.
Sensate (Materialistic) Culture has these features:
- The defining cultural principle is that true reality is sensory – only the material world is real. There is no other reality or source of values.
- This becomes the ubiquitous organizing principle of society. It permeates every aspect of culture and defines the basic mentality. People are unable to think in any other terms.
- Sensate culture pursues science and technology, but dedicates little creative thought to spirituality or religion.
- Dominant values are wealth, health, bodily comfort, sensual pleasures, power and fame.
- Ethics, politics, and economics are utilitarian and hedonistic. All ethical and legal precepts are considered mere man-made conventions, relative and changeable.
- Art and entertainment emphasize sensory stimulation. In the decadent stages of Sensate culture there is a frenzied emphasis on the new and the shocking (literally, sensationalism).
- Religious institutions are mere relics of previous epochs, stripped of their original substance, and tending to fundamentalism and exaggerated fideism (the view that faith is not compatible with reason).
Ideational (Spiritual) Culture has these characteristics:
- The defining principle is that true reality is supersensory, transcendent, spiritual.
- The material world is variously: an illusion (maya), temporary, passing away (“stranger in a strange land”), sinful, or a mere shadow an eternal transcendent reality.
- Religion often tends to asceticism, or attempts at zealous social reform.
- Mysticism and revelation are considered valid sources of truth and morality.
- Science and technology are comparatively de-emphasized..
- Economics is conditioned by religious and moral commandments (e.g., laws against usury).
- Innovation in theology, metaphysics, and supersensory philosophies
- Flourishing of religious and spiritual art (e.g., Gothic cathedrals)