The organization of time is not merely a matter of managing tasks, but also closely related to the notion of time prevalent in a certain culture. This explains why pictures of time increasing its pace occur in western societies even though neither the days nor the lives of people become shorter. In this work, it is shown that the notion of time is affiliated with specific moral values influencing the way things are handled and the things people strive for. Through an examination of the different concepts of time prevalent in the Middle Ages and in the late eighteenth century (specifically Hegel's philosophy of time), specific moral values of these societies are revealed. These moral values strongly influence decision making in short-term as well as in long-term issues. They inspire the goals people have for their lives and they affect the management of everyday life activities. This work also uses these cultures as examples of how to make this connection between the notion of time, the morality, the living conditions and the way specific issues are dealt with.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Models of Time
2.1 Time in the Medieval Society
2.1.1 The Concept of Time
2.1.1.1 The Concept of Time in World History
2.1.1.2 The Concept of Time in Life
2.1.2 Moral Values Connected to Time
2.1.3 Summary
2.2 Time at the Advent of the Industrial Revolution
2.2.1 The Concept of Time in the Late Eighteenth Century
2.2.2 Moral Values of the Late Eighteenth Century in Connection with Time
2.3 Summary
3 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores how varying perceptions of time across different historical eras are inextricably linked to the moral values and societal structures of those times. It investigates the hypothesis that a society's model of time influences its members' decision-making processes, behaviors, and progress, specifically comparing the medieval era with the period surrounding the Industrial Revolution.
- Comparison of medieval cyclic vs. linear time concepts.
- Impact of religious and philosophical theories on time perception.
- Connection between time concepts and moral imperatives like preservation vs. progress.
- The role of the mechanical clock and industrialization in shifting historical perspectives.
- Influence of collective versus individualistic societal paradigms.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1 The Concept of Time
In the beginning of the Middle Ages, the former agricultural societies were superseded by Christianity. In spite of this development, traces of the old cultures yet remained in the society of the Middle Ages. The old rituals to manipulate fortune were still present (Gurevich, 1985, 142), as well as the old conception of cyclic time originating from the strong dependency of men on natural cycles (Gurevich, 1985, 94-5). The Christian image of time is linear. The Old and the New Testament tell a linear story from the creation of earth until the final Apocalypse. As these concepts mingled, a more complicated picture of time developed (Gurevich 1985, 111).
Medieval man did not use one notion of time, but had a plurality of different approaches to describe the development of the world (Gurevich, 1985, 110). He used these approaches in accordance with the part of life he was thinking about.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the modern sensation of increasing world speed and suggests that changing perceptions of time, rather than physical shifts, warrant investigation through the lens of cognitive psychology and historical paradigms.
2 Models of Time: This chapter establishes the theoretical framework by defining how time-perception is loaded with moral values, setting the stage for a comparative analysis of medieval and industrial-era worldviews.
2.1 Time in the Medieval Society: This section details how medieval society viewed time through a mix of linear Christian sacral history and cyclic natural patterns, prioritizing eternal truth and preservation over individual progress.
2.2 Time at the Advent of the Industrial Revolution: This section explores how the shift toward mechanical timekeeping and teleological philosophies in the late 18th century fostered a culture of progress, improvement, and revolution.
3 Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that the medieval preference for preservation and the industrial-era push for progress are directly reflected in their respective moral codes and societal behaviors.
Keywords
Time perception, Middle Ages, Industrial Revolution, Gurevich, Moral values, Progress, Preservation, Collectivism, Christianity, Teleology, History of ideas, Mechanical clock, Social change, Cyclic time, Linear time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this essay?
The essay examines the relationship between social change and the perception of time, specifically comparing the medieval world with the late 18th century.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the impact of religious and philosophical models on time, the role of mechanical technology in shifting perceptions, and how time-concepts dictate moral values.
What is the author's central research hypothesis?
The author argues that theories of time are inherently tied to specific moral values, which in turn dictate how societies handle progress, tradition, and individual versus collective goals.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a comparative historical analysis, referencing established sociological and philosophical literature to contrast the cultural paradigms of two distinct eras.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The body analyzes the medieval concept of time as fixed and preserved, contrasts it with the linear, progress-oriented model of the Enlightenment, and examines how these views influence societal behavior.
Which keywords best describe this research?
The work is best characterized by terms like time perception, historical social change, moral values, industrialization, and philosophical models of history.
Why was the medieval view of time considered cyclic and static?
Because medieval life was heavily dictated by agrarian cycles and the religious belief that God created time, making human-driven development seem like a disruption of the divine order.
What role did the Industrial Revolution play in shifting time perception?
The invention of precise mechanical timekeeping and the rise of teleological philosophies redefined the present as a stage of progress, making revolution and development appear both natural and desirable.
- Citation du texte
- Franz Wegener (Auteur), 2005, Social Change and the Picture of Time , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/56158
