THE CONCEPT OF

PROGRESS
 Definition of Progress

Progress is a goal-relative concept. A goal may

be accessible in the sense that it can be reached
in a finite number of steps in a finite time. A goal
is utopian if it cannot be reached or even
approached. Progress can be defined in terms of
“coming closer and closer to the truth.”
 Scientific progress
Scientific progress is what has helped out society gain
the knowledge and insight to live better lives through
the advances in medical technology, the strategy of
war, and the exploration of space. With change comes
progress and the hope that we can better our lives.
Even though progress is a good thing, we also feel that
it can cause problems too. We just need to realize that
in order to produce new and better things we might
have to go through some rough times on the way.
 The inclination to progress
The inclination to progress is one of the properties of humankind.
It is acquired during the evolution from animals to human beings.
We can observe both tendencies by reading the history of
progress. The fields of agriculture and industry might provide a
spectacular example too. The early history of humanity is the
history of struggling for survival and the history of the birth of
progress on the human genetic level. Using the simplest weapon,
like stick, to defeat more powerful beasts and survive was the
naissance of progress in technique, while gathering in groups for
the same purpose presents example of social progress. The
human`s existence in the wild nature caused its genetic
inclination to progress.
 Positive sides of progress
Over the years progress has improved the world.
Cultural progress has made humans better,and
made this world a better place to live in, while,
similarly, scientific progress has been effective in
eradicating diseases, providing better crops,
improving transportation, and much more. Literary
progress has helped us better record history and
ideas. Progress in communication has brought this
huge world together into a “global village.”
 Is progress always good?

• Is progress always good? Scientific progress brings us

many conveniences and advanced machines, such as
computers, automobiles, and so on. Progress seems to have
made life simpler and more comfortable. But if we analyze
it carefully we will find that progress is not always good.
• Modern industry brings us many conveniences. But at the
same time, some problems emerge. Maybe someday the
oceans will swallow some big cities nearby them.
• Progress enhances the efficiency of industrial production,
but it also brings us another serious problem - pollution.