Evidence references include the study of human behaviour in the Inca Civilisation, ancient Chinese Civilisation, Vedic Era, Babylon, Greek, and Egyptian civilisations.
Yes, there are numerous references to studies of human behaviour in ancient civilisations like the Inca, Chinese, Vedic, Babylonian, Greek, and Egyptian. These studies draw from various sources, such as historical records, archaeological findings, and religious texts. Below are some key points and references related to each civilisation’s contributions to understanding human behaviour:
1. Inca Civilisation
- Social Organisation: The Incas had a well-organised society with a hierarchical structure that reflected their behaviour, governance, and religious practices. Social cohesion was maintained through the ayllu, a community group that worked collectively and shared resources.
- Religious Influence: Religion deeply influenced behaviour, with the emperor (Sapa Inca) seen as a divine figure. Sacrifices, including human sacrifices, were performed to appease gods, reflecting the belief that individuals’ lives and actions were secondary to divine will.
- Evidence:
- Gordon F. McEwan’s “The Incas: New Perspectives” discusses the Incas’ belief systems and social structures, shedding light on how religion and governance shaped behaviour.
2. Ancient Chinese Civilisation
- Confucianism and Behaviour: Confucian philosophy, which emerged in the Zhou dynasty, became the bedrock for understanding human nature, ethics, and governance in China. It emphasised familial loyalty, respect for elders, and hierarchical roles, which influenced personal and social behaviour.
- Legalism: Contrasting Confucianism, the Legalist philosophy promoted strict laws and harsh punishments, reflecting the view that humans were inherently selfish and needed control through authority.
- Evidence:
- Confucius’s “The Analects” provides direct insights into Confucian ethics, while Han Fei Tzu’s “The Tao of Politics” explores Legalism and the behaviour it sought to regulate.
3. Vedic Era (Ancient India)
- Concept of Dharma: The Vedic texts, such as the Rigveda and later Upanishads, lay out the concept of dharma (duty), which guides human behaviour in personal, familial, and social contexts. Dharma was a moral and ethical code that governed everything from individual actions to societal roles.
- Karma and Rebirth: The belief in karma (action) and its consequences in future lives influenced behaviour significantly. Individuals were taught to act ethically to ensure a favourable rebirth.
- Evidence:
- “The Vedas” (particularly the Rigveda and the Upanishads) offer a glimpse into ancient Indian thought on human behaviour, ethics, and the nature of existence.
- P.V. Kane’s “History of Dharmashastra” provides detailed insights into the development of social, ethical, and legal frameworks in Vedic society.
4. Babylonian Civilisation
- Code of Hammurabi: The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest legal documents. It outlines a system of laws designed to control human behaviour. It includes provisions on justice, social conduct, and retribution, reflecting societal norms and expectations.
- Social Hierarchy and Justice: Babylonian society was highly stratified, and individuals’ behaviour was closely tied to their social class. Different punishments for the same crime depended on the perpetrator’s status.
- Evidence:
- “The Code of Hammurabi” is a key text for understanding ancient Babylonian legal and social structures and how they regulated human behaviour.
- Georges Roux’s “Ancient Iraq” provides a broader understanding of Babylonian civilisation and its influence on human behaviour.
5. Greek Civilisation
- Philosophical Studies on Human Nature: Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle were pioneers in studying human behaviour. Plato’s Republic discusses the nature of justice and the ideal human society, while Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics examines human virtue, morality, and the factors that lead to human flourishing.
- Tragedy and Human Emotion: Greek theatre, particularly tragedy, provided deep insights into human emotions, ethics, and moral dilemmas. Plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides explore themes of fate, human suffering, and the consequences of personal actions.
- Evidence:
- Plato’s “The Republic” and Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” remain seminal texts for understanding Greek thought on human nature and behaviour.
- Jean-Pierre Vernant’s “The Origins of Greek Thought” examines the philosophical and psychological underpinnings of early Greek civilisation.
6. Egyptian Civilisation
- Maat (Order and Justice): The concept of Maat in Egyptian thought was central to behaviour. It represented truth, justice, and cosmic order. The Pharaoh was considered the upholder of Maat, and individuals were expected to live in harmony with this divine principle.
- Funerary Texts and Afterlife: Egyptian behaviour was also driven by their beliefs about the afterlife. Texts like the Book of the Dead describe the judgement of the soul, which influenced Egyptians to behave ethically in life to secure a favourable judgement after death.
- Evidence:
- “The Book of the Dead” outlines moral principles, how Egyptians viewed ethical conduct, and their understanding of the afterlife.
- Jan Assmann’s “The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the Time of the Pharaohs” explores Egyptian thought, ethics, and the belief in Maat.
General Studies on Human Behaviour in Ancient Civilisations
- “The Evolution of Human Societies: From Foraging Group to Agrarian State” by Allen W. Johnson and Timothy Earle provides a comparative analysis of how human behaviour evolved in early civilisations.
- “The Origins of Social Complexity in Early Civilisations” examines how complex social behaviours, such as hierarchies, governance, and morality, emerged across ancient societies, including the ones mentioned above.
These references offer a rich understanding of how human behaviour was regulated, influenced, and conceptualised in ancient civilisations through their philosophies, religious beliefs, social structures, and laws.