The Idea Of Progress

The idea of progress

The idea of progress is the theory that the different advances in technology, science, and social organization can produce an improvement in the human condition. That is, people can become happier in terms of quality of life (social progress) through economic development (modernization), and the application of science and technology (scientific progress).

Progress implies change and evolution and throughout history most of the advances have been positive. However the rhythm of progress seems to have accelerated over the last few decades and the technological breakthroughs and scientific developments are causing some people to question this progress. What effect do these “advances” have on our society? Do they always have a positive effect on the way we live?

Do certain new technologies bring people closer together or do they alienate us? What effect does this progress have on our culture?

1-Scientific Progress

*Designer babies: Advanced reproductive technologies allow parents and doctors to screen embryos for genetic disorders and select healthy embryos. The fear is that in the future we may be able to use genetic technologies to modify embryos and choose desirable or cosmetic characteristics.

*Medical Advances: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) revolutionized HIV treatment in the past few decades. There are now more than 20 approved antiretroviral drugs. And newer improvements, like one-pill-a-day drugs, are making life with HIV easier and safer.

ART works by combining drugs that attack the virus in different ways. It doesn't cure HIV. But it stops it from reproducing itself and spreading.

Taking HIV treatment requires effort and commitment as drugs must be taken at exact times each day. Some people may experience serious side-effects or may not respond to certain drugs.

2-Technological Progress

*Internet:

-A wonderful progress => for public: easy and faster access to culture, you can download albums and movies freely, better communication around the world (skype, facebook, tango, viber …)

=> for artists and designers: a literary, musical, cinematic work was made known very quickly.

-Internet Victims => problems for many artist when someone pirate their works, they don’t earn money. Manufactures are economically affected

*Cheap and rapid transportation across the world enabling transport of products all over the world

3- Social Progress

Women’s rights: obtaining the vote for women, fight for equality, equal pay

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