The idea of progress is used as a synonym for progress and improvement in relation to a specific issue. It means that there is a process of evolution with respect to the matter that is being dealt with.
In any subject there is an evolution or the opposite, an involution. It is commonly said that there is improvement when it is understood
that there is a positive direction in the development of a reality.
Progress as an idea is used as a debate that affects the concept of humanity. In this sense, many thinkers continue to wonder if humanity really progresses by having more sophisticated techniques and tools. In a strict sense, there is clear progress, because technology brings obvious benefits. Although certain advances are debatable and, consequently, cause it to be questioned whether they are strictly synonymous with true progress.
In the nineteenth century the philosophical movement of positivism emerged. The main idea of this current affirmed that humanity as a whole was going in a direction of permanent renewal and that path expressed that the history of man was driven by the spirit of progress. As an anecdote related to positivism, it must be remembered that it was this movement (led by Augusto Comte) that inspired the motto of the Brazilian flag: order and progress.
In politics the term progress is widely used. There are political groups that call themselves progressives, implying that there are others who are against progress. Progressivism is a set of ideas that are in conflict with others, specifically conservatism. They are two ideological tendencies present in most nations. They communicate that there are two ways of understanding reality. Progressivism incorporates a permanent renewal approach: civil and social rights, environmentalism, citizen participation mechanisms, etc. And conservatism maintains a different line: traditional values related to firm criteria about the family, the culture and the mentality of a people.
Talking about progress implies opening a debate. Every stream of thought defends its sense of progress. It is clear that progress is not simply an accumulation of technical aspects. To affirm that there is true progress, it must be considered whether the apparent advance of a reality (legislative, scientific or educational) really supposes a greater well-being for humanity.
