Language and State: A Theory of the Progress of Civilization

by Xing Yu

Overview

Language and State: A Theory of the Progress of Civilization, Second Edition, argues that the state takes form because of language. It argues that since humans began to use language, they have been able to create and use media. Media include materials, human behavior, human consciousness and humans themselves. Media extend the distance of linguistic communication and then humans interact with one another on a large scale and form themselves into a large community. This leads to the formation of the state and the dissolution of tribes. Linguistic communication then structures human interactions in the formation of the state. Humans exchange information with one another, give interpretations, display attitudes and make promises to one another. They even allow for one person to issue commands to all others. Humans organize the state in various types of linguistic interaction, which further create a condition for the formation of the common interest of all: a foundation for the building of the state. Then, humans rationalize the organization of the state in extending the distance of linguistic communication. Humans realize freedom, equality, peace, democracy and justice in their mutual linguistic interactions. Language gives origin to the state and sustains the development of the state. Language has preset the whole process of the progress of human civilization.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781039125162
Publisher:	FriesenPress
Publication date:	12/21/2021
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	768
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.53(d)

About the Author

Xing Yu is an independent researcher who resides in the Province of British Columbia, Canada. He is the author of the book Language and State: An Inquiry into the Progress of Civilization, Second Edition. The book Language and State: A Theory of the Progress of Civilization, Second Edition is a follow-up to the book Language and State: An Inquiry into the Progress of Civilization, Second Edition.

Table of Contents

Prologue ix

Part One Language and State Communication 1


Introduction 3

Chapter One Humans 5
1. Power Holders 5
2. Businessmen 15
3. Culture Workers 23

Chapter Two Materials 37
1. Geological Materials 37
2. Materials from Animals 46
3. Materials from Plants 55

Chapter Three Behavior 67
1. Behavior as an Example 67
2. Behavior as an Indication of Identity 76
3. Behavior as a Ceremony 87

Chapter Four Consciousness 97
1. National Consciousness 97
2. Historical Consciousness 107
3. Social and Political Consciousness 116





Part Two Language and State Organization 131

Introduction 133

Chapter Five Information 135
1. Search 135
2. Report 143
3. Public Communication 153

Chapter Six Interpretation 165
1. Knowledge 165
2. Value 176
3. Public Affairs 189

Chapter Seven Attitude 203
1. Honor 203
2. Loyalty 216
3. Support or Opposition 232

Chapter Eight Promise 249
1. Contract 249
2. Oath 259
3. Promises Made to and by the Masses 270

Chapter Nine Command 285
1. Naked Command 285
2. Systematic Imperative 294
3. Law Based on Common Interest 304


Part Three Language and State Rationality 317

Introduction 319

Chapter Ten Freedom 321
1. Speech 321
2. Thought 330
3. Religious Belief 341

Chapter Eleven Equality 355
1. Book 355
2. Code or Common Law 367
3. Ballot 379
Chapter Twelve Peace 389
1. Social Exchange 389
2. Constitutional Arrangement 398
3. Ruling in Turn 409

Chapter Thirteen Democracy 421
1. Demonstration 421
2. Poll 431
3. Election and Referendum 439

Chapter Fourteen Justice 453
1. Appointment 453
2. Procedure 462
3. Trial 471

Conclusion 483
Epilogue 501
Acknowledgements 519
Bibliography 523
Index 529
About the Author 535