The Idea of Progress

"The Idea of Progress" by J. B. Bury explores the historical development of the concept of progress, tracing its origins and growth within Western civilization. Bury argues that the idea of progress, which suggests that human civilization is moving in a desirable direction, is a relatively modern concept. He examines how ancient Greek and Roman thinkers, despite their intellectual achievements, did not conceive of progress as a continuous and indefinite improvement of human society. Instead, they often viewed history as cyclical or degenerative. The medieval period, dominated by Christian theology, also lacked the notion of progress, as it focused on divine intervention and the salvation of souls rather than earthly advancement. Bury highlights the shift in thought during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, when thinkers began to challenge traditional views and consider the potential for human improvement through reason and science. He discusses the contributions of philosophers such as Bacon, Descartes, and the Encyclopedists, who laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of progress. Bury emphasizes that the idea of progress is not merely an optimistic belief but a hypothesis that requires evidence and critical examination. He concludes that while the concept of progress has become a central idea in Western thought, it remains a complex and debated topic, influenced by historical, philosophical, and scientific developments.