Events of the past two decades have challenged many of the fundamental beliefs, institutions, and values of modern western culture--the culture of "progress." Are science and technology really progressive and beneficial? Have they led to the enhancement of welfare, greater hapiness, and moral immprovement? I s the continued growth of material productivity possible? Desirable? Are the institutions of progress viable?
Progress and Its Discontents assembles the views on progress of some of America's leading humanists, scientists, and social scientists. Citing disappointed expectations of progress in spheres from science to morals and politics, and the many problems created or left untouched by progress, the editors conclude that the term no longer refers to "an inevitable sequence of improvements" but rather to "an aspiration and compelling obligation."
- ISBN10 0520054474
- ISBN13 9780520054479
- Publish Date 17 May 1985
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 October 1999
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of California Press
- Edition New edition
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 580
- Language English