What is the West?
A useful philosophical exercise in asking what does it mean to be "Western." Given that we all use that word rather casually, it is important to grasp its essence. This author concludes its more of a mindset as opposed to a geographical concept. That it is the need for "creative destruction" and the critiquing capacity the West has shown that defines itself. This is in contrast to other, "non-westerners" who are more tradition bound.
I think this is a good debate. I do not necessarily have the same feelings on this subject as the author, however, if we are to defend "our" values, we must understand what those values really are. Too often "values" is used as an amorphous word that can mean anything to anyone, but there must be an underlying unity, otherwise, would not the whole idea of the "West" have become antiquated generations ago?
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