The Three Axial Ages: Moral, Material, Mental

Synopsis

How should we think about the “shape” of human history since the birth of cities, and where are we headed? Sociologist and historian John Torpey proposes that the “Axial Age” of the first millennium BCE, when some of the world’s major religious and intellectual developments first emerged, was only one of three such decisive periods that can be used to directly affect present social problems, from economic inequality to ecological destruction. Torpey’s argument advances the idea that there are in fact three “Axial Ages,” instead of one original Axial Age and several subsequent, smaller developments. Each of the three ages contributed decisively to how humanity lives, and the difficulties it faces. The earliest, or original, Axial Age was a moral one; the second was material, and revolved around the creation and use of physical objects; and the third is chiefly mental, and focused on the technological. While there are profound risks and challenges, Torpey shows how a worldview that combines the strengths of all three ages has the potential to usher in a period of exceptional human freedom and possibility.

Copyright:

2017

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9780813590523

Related ISBNs:

9780813590516

Publisher:

Rutgers University Press

Date of Addition:

03/15/17

Copyrighted By:

John Torpey

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Nonfiction, Science, Outdoors and Nature, Social Studies, Earth Sciences, Philosophy, Politics and Government, Sociology

Grade Levels:

Eleventh grade

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.