The Role of Government and Culture on Innovation in Greek City-States :: Essays Papers

The Role of Government and Culture on Innovation in classical City-StatesA simple analysis of the culture, expression and technologies of Greek city-states reveals the fact that culture plays a vital role in the development of technologies. More specifically, an analysis of the government of Greek city-states demonstrates the precise prestigious role of culture upon technological development. The democratic form of government number one seen in Greece is reflected in the structure of the city-states. The basis for this form of government, which is more excellent to the needs of the people, can in any case be seen in many of the more traditional types of technological development. Water supply fits the more traditional definition of technology, shows a concern for public thoroughly being, and is apparent in the Greek city-state. Analysis of the Greek city-state is further strengthened by comparison to Sparta. This opposing city was built into a much different culture, and as a result, was structured quite differently and produced different technologies. While it is certain that more than simply culture and form of government work technological innovation, the show up highlighting these factors contributions is ample. Culture influences and is influenced by the form of government in a given region. This government and culture then influence the manner in which the environment in treated, and the innovations that occur. In his chapter on Greece, Colin Chant writes The system of cities was also shaped by fundamental political changes (p. 57). This avouchment leads into a news of the rise of democracy in Greek city-states. An elected assembly wielded the pronouncement in these city-states. Chant states, Although the development of participatory modes of government might well be seen as a product of enlightened Greek culture, the influence of the Aegean environment must also be considered (p.57). This assertion deserves some attention, as it insinuat es that macro-level forces could be more responsible for governmental evolution than micro-level changes. The statement also walks the fine line concerning the innate political nature of individuals.In his article The Pentagons New Map, Thomas Barnett explains that one must be very careful with this type of idea, as it is a definite generalization to declare that something is inherent in a people making them govern themselves in a certain manner. It is a small step from this type of thinking to the statement those people will never be like us (Barnett, p.174). Barnett goes on to explain that it was once thought that there was something innate in Russians and Slavs that prohibited them from accepting capitalism and democracy (Barnett, p.