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Progress. It is one of the animating concepts of the modern era. From the Enlightenment onwards, the West has had an enduring belief that through the evolution of institutions, innovations, and ideas, the human condition is improving. This idea of progress is supposedly the driving force behind new technologies, individual freedoms, globalization, etc. But, as we progress, we should ask this. Is progress inevitable? Critics will say that humans haven't progressed, simply that we've changed. That we are different, not better. What's seen as a human breakthrough or innovation can also be seen as a setback by others. The arguement is that progress is an idea, not an inevitable fact, and that the world is going (and humans) are going in the wrong direction...
Progress is definitely not inevitable. Of course anyone can make an argument that we haven't progressed but just changed. That's where the definition of "progress" comes into play. To me progress is basically a better standard of living for more people around the world. I know that's an awfully vague definition but things like life expectancy, death rates from various diseases, access to clean water and food, etc. would be measure of progress. I do think we're headed in the right direction, though of course there are many hiccups along the way. Progress isn't a straight line. For every 3 steps forward there can be 2 steps back but over time we are progressing. I think this will continue in the future but of course there are no guarantees.
Progress. It is one of the animating concepts of the modern era. From the Enlightenment onwards, the West has had an enduring belief that through the evolution of institutions, innovations, and ideas, the human condition is improving. This idea of progress is supposedly the driving force behind new technologies, individual freedoms, globalization, etc. But, as we progress, we should ask this. Is progress inevitable? Critics will say that humans haven't progressed, simply that we've changed. That we are different, not better. What's seen as a human breakthrough or innovation can also be seen as a setback by others. The arguement is that progress is an idea, not an inevitable fact, and that the world is going (and humans) are going in the wrong direction...
The Enlightenment and more contemporary philosophers hadn't anticipated the rise of corporations, and their control over various aspects of life that are to the detriment of the common good, and, ultimately, human survival on the planet.
Oops. Their bad.
When I was 40, I said I was glad I was 40 and not 4. When I was 50, I said I was glad I was 50 and not 5. At 67, I say I am glad I'm 67 and not 6.7. Humanity's best days are in the rearview mirror. If the world is a place anyone wants to be in 100 years, I'd be very surprised. If the planet is still populated by humans in 200 years, I'd be astounded. I don't think I'm a pessimist; I think I'm a realist.
The future being Good or Bad is all about perspective, your goals and where you are in life and where you plan to be in life and and if you can adpat to changing world.
When I was 40, I said I was glad I was 40 and not 4. When I was 50, I said I was glad I was 50 and not 5. At 67, I say I am glad I'm 67 and not 6.7. Humanity's best days are in the rearview mirror. If the world is a place anyone wants to be in 100 years, I'd be very surprised. If the planet is still populated by humans in 200 years, I'd be astounded. I don't think I'm a pessimist; I think I'm a realist.
I'm with Troglodyte. Glad to have lived in the era I have and pity those who will follow. The human race has managed to send the entire planet off on a huge tilt a wheel ride that is now only just beginning. Everyday 100's more species go extinct and biologists tell us that we are facing one of the greatest mass extinction events in the history of life on this planet. Progress is not inevitable - just ask the trilobites or the dinosaurs. Modern man has been around a lousy 200,000 years or so if that. Much of this time was spent in a hunter gatherer type existence. If our species is around 300 years from now, we'll be hunter gathers again.
Progress. It is one of the animating concepts of the modern era. From the Enlightenment onwards, the West has had an enduring belief that through the evolution of institutions, innovations, and ideas, the human condition is improving. This idea of progress is supposedly the driving force behind new technologies, individual freedoms, globalization, etc. But, as we progress, we should ask this. Is progress inevitable? Critics will say that humans haven't progressed, simply that we've changed. That we are different, not better. What's seen as a human breakthrough or innovation can also be seen as a setback by others. The arguement is that progress is an idea, not an inevitable fact, and that the world is going (and humans) are going in the wrong direction...
"Progress" doesn't necessarily mean overall better lives for most people when the good and bad are both taken into account. IMO, the computer revolution started too early.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Troglodyte74
When I was 40, I said I was glad I was 40 and not 4. When I was 50, I said I was glad I was 50 and not 5. At 67, I say I am glad I'm 67 and not 6.7. Humanity's best days are in the rearview mirror. If the world is a place anyone wants to be in 100 years, I'd be very surprised. If the planet is still populated by humans in 200 years, I'd be astounded. I don't think I'm a pessimist; I think I'm a realist.
Any reasons why people won't want to be here in 100 years? Reasons people may not exist on earth in 200 years?
Quote:
Originally Posted by scribbles76
I believe we are in the last century of humanity, which is more than we deserve.
If we continue to poison the well in the name of bettering ourselves rather than acting in the planet's best interests, it won't be long before the earth rejects us like the cancer we've always been.
Whether or not humans are entirely responsible for climate change and the damage to the ozone layer, I have no doubt we've made a significant contribution to it. Any attempts to address that situation and minimise any further damage have been exploited for financial or political ends and ultimately achieved flip all. We are racing towards an apocalypse of our own creation and seem determined to carry on with business as usual while we leave the next generation to clean up our mess.
To progress is essentially to move on in a forward direction, it says nothing about whether one stumbles over a cliff or comes upon a pot of gold.
The noun progress has become nothing more than a kind of verbal bling.
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