Lectures on Central Asia

By Paksoy, HB, Ph.D.

Book Id: WPLBN0100002737
Format Type: PDF eBook:
File Size: 0.4 MB
Reproduction Date: 8/8/2005

Title:	Lectures on Central Asia
Author:	Paksoy, HB, Ph.D.
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Philosophy, History
Collections:	Authors Community, History
Historic Publication Date:	2005
Publisher:	Florence: Carrie/European University

Member Page:	erasmus rotterdamus
Citation APA MLA Chicago Hb Paksoy, B. P. (2005). Lectures on Central Asia. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
The Magna Carta of 1215, signed between the Barons of the English polity and the King was also an attempt to restore harmony at a higher level, among and within the governing strata rather than directed strictly at the public good. Napoleonic codes, to a certain extent---whether influenced by the American declarations or not--(not forgetting the Swedish example), followed the thought that it was necessary for the government to spend part of the tax income toward constructing state infrastructure such as roads, ports, and so on. This construction of the infrastructure was meant to stimulate the economy, so that more income would yield greater tax receipts, as well as organizing the polity for future wars. It was recognized, by experience, that the increasing cost of fighting wars, defensive or offensive, required maximum use of all available resources. And, the state---or the ruling strata--- could not accomplish that task alone; participation of the members of the polity was imperative, with or without their consent.

Summary
I would like to present the following questions as a structural prelude: a) How and for what purpose technology is created? b) How does technology serve humanity? c) What does humanity expect from technology? d) How are those relations regulated and by whom? This mode of approach to ‘searching for truth,’ fortunately, begets more inquiries than any other. The issue of Identity in each case will become self-evident at every turn.

Excerpt
3. Role of technology in the human conflict between authoritarianism and pluralism A short overview of authoritarianism and pluralism may be beneficial: Authoritarian governance system comes in several flavors, and can be organized around a belief system (Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, et al); a social order (communism, socialism, mercantilism); military leadership (juntas of various degrees and social orientations); philosophical strain (utopianism, stoicism, realpolitik, opportunism); or, commercial interests (mercantilism, capitalism, ‘mixed’ economy). The ruling strata of an authoritarian society is usually very small, and seldom allows participation of any kind from the masses it controls. It is generally inflexible and doctrinaire, seeks to impose a particular set of rules on the society no matter what the cost. Pluralism, on the other hand, has rarely achieved a wide-spread application in the practical sense. Republicanism and democracy came closest, but not entirely. True pluralism would allow for all the voices in a polity equal hearing. This aspect makes pluralism a highly contentious system, requiring moderation by a category of individuals we might term opinion leaders comprised of various specialties. Anyone may aspire to join the governing process, and make a contribution. It can also be noted that pluralism provides the most flexible approach to problem solving, but it is also the most expensive (and, some say, the noisiest) means of governance. It takes a long time to make policy and mobilize large resources for the good of all. However, the pluralistic governance best harnesses the energies of a society or polity.

Table of Contents
Lectures on Central Asia; Table of Contents H.B. Paksoy, D. Phil. Table of Contents Leviathan*: Identity Interactions between Society and Technology Governing with the wiggle of a Mustache Leavening of Culture, Identity, Civilization: Examples in Eurasian Traditions ‘Employee Owned’ Identity? Identity of Candied Watermelon The Question of ‘Religious Fundamentalism’ in Central Asia Identity Markers: Uran, Tamga, Dastan Thoughts on "Religious Fundamentalism" Identity in Central Asia Views of the 'outlaw concept' in comparative perspective: 'The American West' and the "Zeybeks in the Turk lands" Benjamin Franklin and Nasreddin of Asia Minor An open letter to the editorial board of Hurriyat (Mustakil Gazeta), Tashkent Ozbek Republic