“Civilization”—Etymology and Early Meanings in the French Tradition
“Civilization”—Etymology and Early Meanings in the French Tradition

Summary/Abstract: The term civilisation initially had a legal meaning but gradually expanded to include social refinement, cultural progress, and historical development. The Enlightenment was crucial in shaping its modern connotations, with philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Turgot linking it to intellectual and moral advancement. By the late 18th century, civilisation had acquired both a neutral descriptive meaning and an evaluative one, leading to ambiguity. In the early 19th century, the plural form civilisations emerged, reflecting an increasing awareness of cultural pluralism. While often associated with progress and refinement, the term was also used to establish cultural hierarchies, particularly in colonial contexts. By the late 19th century, civilisation had become both a descriptive and normative concept in understanding societies, demonstrating its adaptability to shifting historical and ideological contexts.

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