The idea of progress
PROGRESS
1. forward movement – advance – development
2. gradual betterment; especially: the progressive development of mankind
When studying your document, think about which definition(s) it illustrates
Brainstorming
Here is a list of questions you can ask yourself about the notion:
a. What type of progress: technical, scientific, social?
b. Who are the people concerned by progress: individuals, scientists, private agencies, companies, governments…?
c. Where is the action set: in an (imaginary) society or real (town, country, continent) place ?
d. Which period of time is concerned (the past, the present, the future)?
e. What is at stake in the document (medical problems, physical performances, domination, dehumanization, innovations, inequalities in economic, technical, scientific development, education,…)?
f. What are the advantages and drawbacks?
– is it profitable/ beneficial or is it a potential danger for human beings? Why?
– what are the dangers associated with technical progress?
– what is the impact (positive/negative)? For whom?
