From the article: 'What explains this sudden explosion in relative wealth and technological power? What happens if it slows down, or stagnates? And if so, can we do something about it? These are key questions of "progress studies"... '
I think the pursuit of understanding progress is inspiring, and I have been reading more regarding the idea that we have almost a moral obligation to protect and grow progress as the core concept that drives all poverty alleviation, environmental impact improvements, and quality of life more generally. I think this ties to recent efforts around the idea of effective altruism, where thinkers are looking at new moral and ethical frameworks from which to live and work, for both leaders now, and for future generations.
Ps. As a side interest, I would like to know of any deeper exploration of the interplay of theology and progress. I've read before about the importance of the "Protestant ethic" motivating change and progress as people felt they had self-determination and free will, compared to what has been described as a fatalist mindset/approach of the Catholic church, where an individual can feel like more of a pawn in another's game.
But this article is not about progress as defined by politics or political "progressives", rather it is about actual "progress", like the invention of the wheel, electricity, etc.
It's about improvements that have led to a better quality of life for humanity.
I think the pursuit of understanding progress is inspiring, and I have been reading more regarding the idea that we have almost a moral obligation to protect and grow progress as the core concept that drives all poverty alleviation, environmental impact improvements, and quality of life more generally. I think this ties to recent efforts around the idea of effective altruism, where thinkers are looking at new moral and ethical frameworks from which to live and work, for both leaders now, and for future generations.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effective_altruism
Ps. As a side interest, I would like to know of any deeper exploration of the interplay of theology and progress. I've read before about the importance of the "Protestant ethic" motivating change and progress as people felt they had self-determination and free will, compared to what has been described as a fatalist mindset/approach of the Catholic church, where an individual can feel like more of a pawn in another's game.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant_work_ethic