The idea of progress basically consists in believing that the world can become better in terms of art, science, technology, liberty and quality of life and has shaped most of Western civilisation's vision of history . Progress implies change, some evolution from an old order with old traditions to a new order which is not necessarily embraced by all . It's at the heart oh a heated debate between those who approve of these changes and those who resist and criticize them in the name of tradition . As the rythm of progress seems to have accelerated these last few decades with an ever faster increase of major technological and scientific breakthroughs, the cult of novelty and progress is now being questioned . Indeed, a growing number of people voice their concern about the ethical, social and environmental consequences of such development and about the excesses of today's consumer society ." (MISSIONS Tale) IDEA OF PROGRESS: • Technological progress : new technologies and communication tools, the Internet, domotics, CCTV, the cinema (special effects 3D), transports.... • Medical progress : vaccines, organ transplants, struggle against AIDS and cancer, plastic surgery, in-vitro fertilization, cloning.... • Scientific progress : space travels, environment.... • Social progress : equality, parity, liberty, women-'s rights, gays' rights, quality of life, family,.... • Economic progress: consumption.... • Art, literature, cinema : culture and knowledge ...
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