I'm up to Chapter 5 but I don't discuss anything specifically.
Diamond obviously puts primary importance on the physical worlds ability to shape society. And so far there is little reference to the importance of ideology or worldview in cultural change. Most of us have been some what schooled in the thought that what is most fundamental too how we act is how we see the world. And I've often thought this was compelling but I also have always believed in the presence of an outside reality which shapes me in ways I don't quite understand.
Discussion question: in what ways is Diamond's search for primary material causes relevant to understanding worldview especially what ways does it undermine it and what ways could it contribute to a more robust perspective? I'm basically trying to understand how my interpretation of hi interpretation of what he perceives as the objective facts that shape cultural history can be best understood and accounted for.
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Lunchtime thoughts from Clifton's cubicle:
I don't know if really have an answer for that or not. I have read into chapter 4, and I don't have my book in front of me at the moment, but here are some thoughts. What I am reading so far can only shape a portion of worldview. Diamond is basically asking, "why are things the way they are?" and I think he is only answering the question on one dimension at this point and that is by describing the physical spread of the human race across the earth (I hope that isn't too dumbed down of a paraphrase). And my struggle with that is that so far the discussion of human progress through time is in absence of things like emotion, love, sorrow and other unquantifiable characteristics. It's like watching ants: I can see what they are doing, but I don't really know what they thinking (let's assume for the moment they can).
Now, I know this doesn't completely hold up, because I can make some inferences based upon the fact that I am human and therefore I could perceive some of the emotions and thought processes of all the many people Diamond is describing (but I get stuck at the Neanderthal and caveman parts for hopefully obvious reasons). Also Diamond gives a fairly vivid account of the Spanish Conquistadors and their seemingly casual slaughter of the Incas.
Ok, so let me gather me thoughts: I think so far Diamond is giving an account based on cause and effect. This cause and effect is also absent of involvement of an outside reality. So...uh...what now?.....I guess I'm asking the same question as Matt in different words. I guess I'm trying to figure out in what way will this book shape my world view, how will I allow it to challenge my world view, and how will I reconcile that challenge?
That's it for now.
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