Codes of Behavior, Essay Example

The literary works of Evans (2006), Fling (1998) and Rindos (1980) will be reviewed with regards to the influence of cultivation on the behavioral outcomes of men, animals and plant species which inhabit the environment. The perspective of developing citizens to live in an environment will be reviewed from the perspectives of Evans (2006) and Fling (1998) will be viewed from the perspective of cultivating men to live in a society. The perspective of Rindos (1980) will be reviewed in order to expand the scope of human behavior in the cultivation of animal and floral species.

The Code of Hammurabi was established in order to ensure a social order in the environment of the historical contexts in which it was written. The rules in the Code ofHammurabi and the Polity of the Spartans had been established in order to form behavior which would be anticipated of the citizens and conventional in its form. I think that may of the decrees in the Code of Hammurabi are barbaric by today’s standards.  However, the decrees in the Code of Hammurabi had been established in order to minimize the time spent by the members of the King’s Palace in hearing property disputes between the citizens (Evans 2). Many of the decrees in the Code of Hammurabi order death for questions of property. The death sentences were prescribed in order to instill a fear of authority which would compel the behavior of the citizens and their cultivation in Babylonian society (Evans 2).

Rindos (1980) proposes the basis for a migration from a society which is based on animal consumption to an agrarian society. The relationship between the predators in an environment and the prey are reviewed. Rindos states: “In a mutualistic relationship between predator and prey, as the number of predators increase, the total amount of food available increases” (Rindos 2). As the members of one population grew, the members of another population also increased. This is an analogy which can be applied to the civilizing of citizens in a kingdom and the reason why the Code of Hammurabiand the Polity of theSpartanswas required.

Fling (1998) discusses the manner in which the Greeks demanded behavior. The paidonomos were established as the cultivators of behavior in the young Spartans. The paidonomos were also established as authority figures over the young Spartans during their transition into manhood. The young Spartans were guided by the paidonomos and taught how to behave like men. The formation which was imparted to the young Spartans by the paidonomos included behavior in attire, food consumption and hygiene in order to avoid the transmission of diseases. The rules for the treatment of the cowardly and the elderly were also established by the Polity of the Spartans (Fling 2).

Conclusion

The formation of citizens of a kingdom is similar to the cultivation of livestock and plants for human consumption. The citizens must be guided by specific patternsof behavior in order to establish a solid kingdom. The codes of behavior established a solid foundation for the development of residents in an environment.

Work Cited

Evans, C.T. “Hammurabi code of laws excerpts.” Hammurabi: The Oldest Code of Laws in the World, the Code of Laws Promulgated by Hammurabi, King of Babylon, 2285-2242 BCE. By Hammurabi,King of Babylon. 2285- 2242 BCE. Web. 2006. 14 February 2014 http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/cli/evfans/his101/documents/hammurabi.html

Fling, F. “Ancient history sourcebook: Xenophon (C. 428- c. 354 BCE): The Polity of the Spartans, c. 375 BCE.” A Source of Greek History. Trans. J.S. Arkendberg. 66- 75. Web. 1998. 14 February 2014 <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/xeno-s sparta1.html>

Rindes, David. “Symbiosis instability and the origins of the spread of agriculture: A new model.” Current Anthropology, 21.6(1980): 1- 10.