Comparing Civilizations as Systems

* Article: Comparing civilizations as systems. Archie J. Bahm. Systems Research, Volume 5, Issue 1, pages 35-47, March 1988 doi

URL = https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sres.3850050105

Abstract

"Comparison of Western, Indian and Chinese civilizations as cultural systems exhibiting persisting ideals constituting important structural differences reveals that two taproots of Western civilization (the Hebraic stressing will and the Greek stressing reason) as characteristics essential to the nature of the world and man, are opposed in Hindu culture idealizing Nirguna Brahman as complete absence of both will (desire) and reason (distinctions) and yogic endeavor designed to eliminate both from persons, are partially integrated as complementary opposites in Chinese taoistic yin-yang ideals about both the universe and man. Opportunities for further research comparing cultural systems seem unlimited."