Question

What was problematic about William McNeil's historic narrative, The Rise of the West: A History of the Human Community?

a) It lacked sufficient evidence
b) It was too short
c) It focused too much on a specific region
d) It was biased

Answer 1

Critics point out that William McNeil's 'The Rise of the West' is biased, offering a Western-centric view of history that marginalizes non-Western societies by promoting a teleological narrative of progress centered on European ideals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The criticism of William McNeil's historic narrative, The Rise of the West: A History of the Human Community, primarily concerns its perspective, which is seen as biased. Critics argue that McNeil's work exemplifies a form of teleological history, suggesting a Western-centric view that imposes a European model of progress as the ideal for all societies' development.

This approach has been critiqued for its lack of representation and attention to other cultural and societal contributions beyond the West, framing history from a narrowly progressive viewpoint where democratic and republican governments—perceived in terms characteristic to the West—are seen as the culminating point of human society.