In continuation of “Two Culture Theory”
What is Civilisation and History?
A purposeful, meaningful, and conscious way of life that exists within the framework of a specific, organized intellectual system is called civilization.
When this way of life exists at the individual level, it is referred to as personal civilization (tehzeeb-e-nafs). When it exists at the collective level of a nation or society, it is called the national civilization of that community.
What is History?
History is the increase in our knowledge about a nation’s civilizational ideals, civilizational process, civilizational consciousness, civilizational objectives, and the successes and failures of its civilizational plans. This accumulation of knowledge is referred to as the history of that nation.
Critical Consciousness
It is a creative awareness that deeply understands the challenges and issues faced by a nation. It provides solutions and the intellectual insights required by the era so that the objectives and plans of the civilizational process may continue in a steady and sustained manner.
It ensures that forces hostile to humanity, society, and the environment—whether internal or external—do not block the paths of human development and collective benefit. Critical consciousness acts as the guardian, protector, and guide of any civilizational process.
Explanation
It is a historical fact that the civilizational process of any nation is never completely smooth. It always involves ups and downs, highs and lows. Every civilizational way of life encounters new problems and challenges. These problems and challenges can be intellectual, moral, or spiritual. They can also be political, economic, or social. Moreover, they may arise from internal or external factors.
Critical consciousness is infact that elevated form of awareness which anticipates and identifies the problems and crises faced by a nation. It points out their root causes and proposes reasonable and practical changes and reforms for the benefit and well-being of humanity.
