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 / economic / moral / educational / historic
Who are the people concerned?
individuals / companies / governments / researchers / armies/ teachers/ women / children
Which period of time is concerned?
the past / the present / the future/ nowadays / tomorrow / all the ages
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 / the whole humanity / future generations / medicine / democracy
What are the advantages and disadvantages (= drawbacks) / the pros and cons / the upside and downside?
The main advantage in this case is that we can improve our way of life, but this is also complicated to know because we can't anticipate if this is going to be good or not for us.
Is it profitable (= positive / advantageous) or is it potentially dangerous ( negative / disadvantageous)
for human beings? Why?
I think that in this case the two options are right. On the one hand we could imagine that the progress could cause negative results such as war for the power. On the other hand we may think that it could cause positive results such as medical progress to cure some diseases.
Is the impact positive or negative? For whom?
The impact is not the same for all the actors in a situation.
Can we afford to reject progress or can’t we do without it (nowadays & in future)?
I think that we have to progress, but always keeping in our minds where we come from.
Can’t we improve on the idea of progress commonly accepted in our modern world and consumer society? If so, how?
Of course we can progress. I think that we should keep in mind that the human canot accomplish some things that are impossible.
3. Build up your vocabulary
Complete the grid during the school-year with words and phrases suitable for the notion
UPSIDE / THE PROS
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TYPES OF PROGRESS
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DOWNSIDE / THE CONS
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| Enable people to work more efficiently / improve our living standard / ... |
Technological progress
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Cut people off from the real world / lose touch with nature / ... |
| Increase the knowledge of the world / discover new materials / ... |
Scientific progress
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Raise ethical issues / create new inequalities / ... |
| Upgrade education / reduce gender and racial discrimination / ... |
Social progress
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Lose traditional values / disrupt conservative lifestyles / ... |
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