Western Civilization Ideas, Politics, and Society Since 1400 9th Edition
ISBN 13: 9780547147413
ISBN 10: 0547147414
Western civilization is a grand but tragic drama.
The West has forged the instruments of reason
that make possible a rational comprehension of
physical nature and human culture, conceived the
idea of political liberty, and recognized the intrinsic
worth of the individual. But the modern West,
though it has unraveled nature?s mysteries, has
been less successful at finding rational solutions
to social ills and conflicts between nations. Science,
the great achievement of the Western intellect,
while improving conditions of life, has also
produced weapons of mass destruction. Though
the West has pioneered in the protection of human
rights, it has also produced totalitarian regimes
that have trampled on individual freedom and
human dignity. And although the West has demonstrated
a commitment to human equality, it has
also practiced brutal racism.
