How Rude: Adam Ferguson on Civilization

Thanks for reading along with me as I explore Adam Ferguson’s History of Civil Society. The Virtual Reading Group we held has concluded, but I’m still thinking about it. (Isn’t that one of the hallmarks of a great conversation?) In my last post, I considered what it means to Ferguson to “be human.” Today I share some thoughts on Part II, in which I see Ferguson exploring what it means to "be civilized." Part II was not assigned as part of our reading group, but I hope you’ve been persuaded to give it a go anyway.

Part II is Ferguson’s History of Rude Nations. Stadial theory is not as readily apparent in this section, as in this part he draws a dichotomy between “rude” and “civilized” societies. It is still very much in keeping with the project of the development of a “science of man” which he laid out in Part I. He begins, for example, musing on the efficacy of history versus fiction in understanding the development of national character. But this also serves to show the reader how Ferguson has shifted his gaze from the micro to the macro.

Ferguson is very much enamored of “progress,” though I don’t find him offering a coherent explanation of what that is. Commerce is wrapped up in it, as well as property, external trade, the distinction of rank, submission to authority, and the development of the arts. The emphasis on martial honor and virtue remains omnipresent.

Here are some of the questions that occurred to me, and that I’d love to hear your response to.