Looking for info on a type(s) of theory.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of civilizational theory, exploring whether it exists as a formal theory or falls under philosophy. Participants consider the implications of how large populations can thrive within societal structures, and whether related concepts like social contract theory might provide insights into the longevity of civilizations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the existence of civilizational theory and its focus on solutions for large populations within structured societies.
  • One participant suggests that the study of civilizations is more aligned with anthropology and notes that civilizations evolve over time rather than being created instantaneously.
  • Another participant references historical works, such as Gibbon's "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," and modern authors like Jared Diamond, who analyze the factors contributing to the success or failure of cultures.
  • A later reply raises the question of whether social contract theory could provide insights into the duration of civilizations, although it is met with a comment indicating that philosophy is not permitted in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of civilizational theory and its relation to philosophy, with some supporting the anthropological perspective while others seek to connect it to philosophical concepts like social contract theory. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification and implications of these theories.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity on the definitions of civilizational theory and social contract theory, as well as the assumptions underlying the discussion about the longevity of civilizations.

Lobos
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Does anyone know if civilizational theory is a thing? In other words, creating solutions for how large populations can prosper in a particular structure.

Or would that be a philosophy of some kind?
 
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Lobos said:
Does anyone know if civilizational theory is a thing? In other words, creating solutions for how large populations can prosper in a particular structure.

Or would that be a philosophy of some kind?
It's not clear what you mean by "creating solutions for how large populations can prosper in a particular structure."

The study of civilizations, or more broadly, "cultures", falls under anthropology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropology

In general, civilizations are not built ready made in one fell-swoop, but evolve over time. If a civilization grows too large or too complex for its population to continue to thrive, then, over time or all of a sudden, that civilization will begin to decline, until it is either replaced with something more tractable for people to thrive, it is absorbed into a rival culture, which functions more efficiently, or it disappears altogether, as a result of some natural or man-made catastrophe, like being conquered or having a volcano blow up.

One of the best known early works on the study of civilizations is, of course, Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776).

A popular author of more recent vintage is Jared Diamond:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Diamond

Several of his books have studied why various cultures (including our own) thrive and why others fail abjectly, in spite of apparently having a wealth of resources on which to draw.
 
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Thank you for your response.

Would social contract theory be something to look into? Generally, could the details (the ideas) of a social contract give any indication of how long a civilization lasts?
 
Lobos said:
Thank you for your response.

Would social contract theory be something to look into? Generally, could the details (the ideas) of a social contract give any indication of how long a civilization lasts?
We don't allow philosophy.
 
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