In the 21st century, cultural evolution has become far more significant than Darwinian evolution and natural selection, which operate at an extremely slow pace. For natural selection to take effect, it requires tens or even hundreds of generations to adapt to new environments, changes in climate, global warming, and other environmental shifts.
In contrast, cultural evolution happens instantaneously. As soon as a new invention or discovery is made, humanity as a whole begins to benefit from it. For example, COVID-19 vaccines started saving lives from the very first day they were developed. Similarly, advanced imaging technologies and medical machinery were immediately integrated into hospitals, allowing physicians to treat patients more effectively.
The French philosopher Frédéric Lenoir argued that cultural evolution operates on two distinct levels:
A)The first level is rooted in physical discoveries and inventions, such as technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs. These developments can be precisely measured and often rely on mathematical or scientific principles.
B)The second level is social evolution, which encompasses changes in laws, justice systems, moral codes, and etiquette. This dimension of cultural evolution transforms how societies function and interact, though it tends to progress more slowly and lacks immediate, measurable outcomes.
One of the most significant examples of sociological cultural development is seen in the evolution of law. As humans began living together in larger communities and the division of labor emerged, conflicts between individuals, including those between men and women, required fairer and more just resolutions.
The earliest example of codified law in human history is the "eye for an eye" principle found in the Code of Hammurabi. In contrast, in the animal kingdom, survival and dominance are often determined by strength and intelligence, following the principle of "might makes right."
Religious texts, such as the "Ten Commandments," also represent early attempts to establish moral and legal guidelines for society. These rules were considered divine and laid the foundation for ethical behavior.
Today, the most advanced form of legal culture is found in Roman Law, particularly the *Corpus Juris Civilis*. Modern legal systems have evolved to prioritize justice and rehabilitation over retribution. For instance, even the most heinous criminals are no longer immediately sentenced to death but are instead imprisoned, reflecting a shift toward social distancing and rehabilitation.Looking ahead, the legal system is expected to continue improving at an accelerated pace, thanks to advancements in data storage and computerized sorting algorithms. These technologies will likely enhance the efficiency and fairness of legal processes, further advancing our cultural evolution.
Avram Aji
02.03.2025