Culture, civilization and human destiny: a philosophical perspective

Abstract

History has been a process of human self-creation dialectically related to creation of culture and building of civilization. Presently human species has reached a critical juncture of history and civilization where the peril of selfdestruction has become an equally real possibility. To-day the dangers of self-anihilation as well as opportunities for transcending the present state of civilization, by breaking new cultural grounds through apprehension and realisation of more just and humane value-consciousness, are far greater than ever before. The crossroads of promise and peril confronting humanity makes it necessary to look afresh at issues concerning human destiny with all the seriousness that they deserve. The problematic of human destiny has a necessary reference to the nature of culture and present level of human civilization. Culture is an important element of ontological structure of human consciousness as human beings are both creators and creations of culture. The relationship of humans to the world is mediated through culture, and culture is embedded in universal features of human consciousness and species. Civilization in its broadest connotations is an objectification and systematisation of the cultural creations.