the idea of progress

THE IDEA OF PROGRESS

As an introduction to the idea of progress as a whole, please check the worksheet on 

1. Read the definitions and fill in the gaps with suitable words.

PROGRESS

1. Forward movement, as toward a goal . Advance .  Development . increase = growth

                                     =======>> quantity

2. Gradual betterment . Steady / Progressive  improvement of society / civilization / humankind.

                                     =======>> quantity

2. Brainstorming: Here is a list of questions you must ask yourself about the notion. Complete the blanks.

What type of progress? 

 technological / scientific / social / economic / ecologic / politic / artistic (...)

Who are the people concerned? 

individuals / companies / governments / citizens/artists/ scientists/musicians (,,,)

Which period of time is concerned? 

the past / the present / the future/ middle ages/ renaissance (...) 

What is at stake?

medical issues / physical performances / technical advances / innovations / dehumanization / domination / environmental issues / animal rights / place of woman in society / race relations / social inequalities / economic opportunities / globalization / science advances/ military progress/ education / biodiversity (...) 

What are the advantages and disadvantages (= drawbacks) / the pros  and cons / the upside and  downside?

Is it profitable (= revolutionary /useful)  or is it potentially dangerous  (risky / unknown)

for human beings? Why?

Because the field of progress is infinite , i mean that we don't know how far it can take us.
An other negative point of progress in general concerns the global warning that grows inevitably.

But mostly, it creates competitive spirit among nations that can lead to conflicts between them.

Is the impact positive or negative?  For whom?

Whatever the person, i would say that in most of cases progress impacts are beneficial in everyday life for instance with new technologies.

Moreover, the idea of progress is a pretty good way to be open-minded

Can we afford to reject progress  or can’t we do without it (nowadays & in future)?

Actually, i think that our dependance on progress is more or less strong depending to the importance that we brings to him.

But it's in human nature to constantly searching to find better and this is what has built our society.

Can’t we improve on the idea of progress commonly accepted  in our modern world and consumer society? If so, how?

Unfortunately, if on one hand the progress continues to evolve and make life easier, on the other hand; consumers of this progress, that's to say us, become more and more dependant to this last and we keep ask more than before