THE IDEA OF PROGRESS

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

PROGRESS

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

                                    =======>> ____________Quantity ________________

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

                                    =======>> _____________Quality_______________

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 / cultural /educational / medical / ecological / environmental  pharmaceutical /political/ nutritional

Who are the people concerned?

individuals / companies / governments / _politicians/ students/ scientists/ artists / associations / NGO’s charities/ trade unions- labour unions/ religious institutions / teachers

Which period of time is concerned?

the past / the present / the future/ utopia/ uchronia / dystopia

What is at stake?

medical issues / physical performances / technical advances / innovations / dehumanization / domination / environmental issues / animal rights / place of women in society / race relations / social inequalities / economic opportunities / globalization / retrograde / communication loss / ethics and morals / work and income

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

There are many upsides to progress such as curing terminal illnesses and producing more for less but, society has to have limits and not transgress them or it will lose all ethics.

Is it profitable (= beneficial /lucrative)  or is it potentially dangerous  (alarming /fatal)

for human beings? Why?

The notion of progress is definitely both profitable and dangerous, but only if we surpass the imposed constraints because our society cannot lose its structure or it will crumble.

Is the impact positive or negative?  For whom?

Usually, there are always two sides to one story. Meaning one type of progress ca be negative for one side and positive for the other. Progress tries to have a positive effect on humans, but depending on where one stands the situation might change.

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

I believe we cannot afford to reject progress because otherwise, we will be going back in time and not forward. Evolution is a must for humans.

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

Yes, we can improve on the idea of progress commonly accepted in our modern world and consumer society by making people more aware of their world.

3. Build up your vocabulary

Complete the grid during the school-year with words and phrases suitable for the notion

UPSIDE / THE PROS	TYPES OF PROGRESS	DOWNSIDE / THE CONS
Enable  people to work  more efficiently  / improve our living standard  / ...	Technological progress	Cut people off from the real world /  lose touch with nature  / ...
Increase the knowledge  of  the world  / discover new materials  / ...	Scientific progress	Raise  ethical issues  /  create new inequalities  /  ...
Upgrade education  /  reduce gender and racial discrimination  / ...	Social progress	Lose traditional values  /  disrupt conservative lifestyles  /  ...