The Problem with Progress

The Problem with Progress

Doctrine – isn’t that a strong, almost Christian word for a philosophical teaching? Yes, and that is exactly how progress is used. I spoke two chapters ago about the way the scientific discoveries and political innovations of the eighteenth century gave rise to the view that this caused human history to turn a vital corner, so that everything must now be seen in a new light. ‘Now that we live in the modern age . . .’ people say, meaning, ‘Don’t you know that we left superstition and ignorance behind? Can’t you catch up?’…