Axiom 1 – Civilisation elements as analytical framework

Social phenomena and processes can be described and explained in terms of civilisation elements and their interrelationships.

• Explanation. This axiom is the fundamental analytical point of departure of the theory. It assumes that social phenomena can meaningfully be investigated by examining con­ceptions and assumptions about reality, norms and values, behavioural repertoires, goals and ideals, and the ways in which these elements are interrelated.It does not claim that social phenomena cannot also be meaningfully described and in­vestigated in other ways. Nor does the axiom itself explain how these elements arise, are transmitted or change. Those are subjects of the theory itself.Because civilisation elements perform a descriptive and explanatory function within this theory, they must in principle be empirically ascertainable when the theory is applied. This does not mean that they must always be consciously accessible or capable of verbal formulation by the individual. Unconsciously operative civilisation elements may also be included in the analysis, provided that they can be reconstructed with sufficient reliabil­ity from statements, choices, judgements, conduct, responses or other observable indica­tors. A presumed civilisation element that cannot in principle be made empirically ascer­tainable cannot perform a descriptive or explanatory function within this theory.A marriage, for example, may be investigated by examining conceptions of partnership, norms concerning fidelity and responsibility, customary courses of action within the household, and ideas about what marriage ought to mean or achieve. An enterprise may be investigated in the same way by examining conceptions of authority and expertise, norms concerning cooperation, customary courses of action and shared goals. The state, too, may be described in this way without making it in advance the model for all other social associations.The axiom thus makes it possible to investigate very different social phenomena with the same general conceptual framework and to compare them with one another.