Phi Theta Kappa

COCCIA, Mario, and Matteo BELLITTO. "Human Progress and its Socioeconomic Effects in Society." Journal of Economic and Social Thought, vol. 5, no. 2, 2018, pp. 160.

Bates, Winton. “Is Progress History?” Policy, vol. 29, no. 2, Winter 2013, pp. 40–45. EBSCOhost

Barrington-Leigh, Christopher, et al. "Measuring Progress and Well-being: A Comparative Review of Indicators." Social Indicators Research, vol. 135, no. 3, 2018, pp. 893-925.

Dellsén, Finnur. "Scientific Progress: Four Accounts." Philosophy Compass, vol. 13, no. 11, 2018, pp. e12525-n/a.

Gedeon, Péter. "Social Change Or Social Evolution? Arguments for and Against Social Progress in the Sociological Theory of Evolution." Corvinus Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 9, no. 1, 2018, pp. 3-33.

Estes, Richard J. "The World Social Situation: Development Challenges at the Outset of a New Century." Social Indicators Research, vol. 98, no. 3, 2010, pp. 363-402.

As technology rapidly progresses, some proponents of artificial intelligence argue that it will help solve complex social problems and offer humans greater powers and virtual immortality. But critics of artificial intelligence argue that its rewards may be overpromised, and that the pursuit of super-cognitive computers and autonomous machines could have unintended—and scary—consequences. Should we trust or fear the promise of artificial intelligence?

This program covers the major advances of humankind throughout the ages. Beginning more than two million years ago, the program covers how people created the first tools, discovered fire, invented the wheel, created written language, and more. It continues to the advances of the Modern Era, discussing the Renaissance, Copernicus and the Solar System, the microscope, and the telescope. Lastly, it continues into the Industrial Era, focusing on the impact of transportation technology and the creation of trains and cars.

Filled with in-depth historical analysis, this four-part series analyzes cases in which 20th-century progress ran amok—with 21st-century consequences. Each story highlights “safe” consumer products and technological advances that have backfired, leading to massive health and environmental costs and serving as lessons for a new generation of innovators, leaders, and citizens. 4-part series, 30 minutes each.

Western culture is a story of technological advance, medical miracles, and material progress. But depression and suicide rates have oddly not diminished. Why have advances not brought us the good life? Is technology and material benefit irrelevant to our inner being or should we be more thankful for the riches we have? The Panel Barry C. Smith asks philosopher and author of Middle Age Christopher Hamilton, digital editor of Newsweek Serena Kutchinsky and explorer Bruce Parry how far we have come.

Based on the best-selling book A Short History of Progress, this provocative documentary explores the concept of progress in our modern world, guiding us through a sweeping but detailed survey of the major "progress traps" facing our civilization in the arenas of technology, economics, consumption, and the environment.