Progress - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Progress, an ideal ever-beckoning humanity forward, represents the belief that the world, through human effort, can be made better, more just, and more fulfilling. Often conflated with mere technological advancement or economic growth, Progress is a far more nuanced concept, inviting us to reconsider the very definition of betterment.
While the precise term "Progress" gained prominence later, the underlying sentiment—a directional push toward improvement—can be traced to ancient Greece. Thinkers like Plato, focusing on abstract thought, had faith that humanity could achieve intellectual enlightenment, while Aristotle explored the possibility of political progress in his "Politics". They contributed to the ongoing conversation of how best society may be ordered, and what goals human life should strive toward. The great innovation of this time was the syllogism, a technique to determine when an idea was valid vs invalid. Their works continue to inform the field of moral philosophy.
The Enlightenment era, with figures like Kant and Voltaire, marks a crucial turning point. The rise of rational thinking and burgeoning scientific discoveries fueled a fervent belief in the perfectibility of humankind, driving revolutions and reshaping societies. The intellectual and physical challenges of that time demanded new paradigms of thought, such as existentialism. Yet, the 20th century, marred by devastating wars and unprecedented social upheaval, cast a long shadow on the concept of linear, inevitable Progress. Authors such as Aldous Huxley ("Brave New World") and George Orwell ("1984"), critiqued the potentially dystopian outcomes of unchecked technological advancement. This skepticism highlighted a crucial question: does Progress always equate to true human flourishing, or can it lead to unforeseen consequences? The "trolley problem" grew in prominence.
Today, the legacy of Progress is complex. Though advancements in science, technology, and social justice continue apace, they are often accompanied by profound ethical dilemmas, fairness bias, and growing awareness of the limits of our planet. The rise of ethics in AI has put the idea of progress into overdrive. The rise of moral relativism has put its definition into question. Does Progress demand an ever-increasing reliance on technology, or does it call for a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and our interconnection with the natural world? This ongoing debate underscores that Progress is not a fixed destination, but a perpetual journey of questioning, adapting, and striving for a better future, however elusive that future, given human nature, may be. Consider, for instance, the tension between libertarianism vs utilitarianism.