Abstract 19 "PROGRESS AND REGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY"

All societies are in constant development, in the process of change and transition from one state to another. At the same time, sociologists distinguish two directions and three main forms of the movement of society. First, consider the essence of progressive and regressive directions.

Progress(from lat. progressus - moving forward, success) means development with an upward trend, movement from lower to higher, from less perfect to more perfect. It leads to positive changes in society and is manifested, for example, in the improvement of the means of production and labor force, in the development of the social division of labor and the growth of its productivity, in new achievements in science and culture, in improving the living conditions of people, their comprehensive development, etc.

Regression (from lat. regressus - reverse movement), on the contrary, involves development with a downward trend, backward movement, a transition from higher to lower, which leads to negative consequences. It can manifest itself, say, in a decrease in the efficiency of production and the level of people's well-being, in the spread of smoking, drunkenness, drug addiction in society, the deterioration of public health, an increase in mortality, a drop in the level of spirituality and morality of people, etc.

Which path is society following: the path of progress or regression? What the answer to this question will be depends on how people think about the future: does it bring a better life or does it bode well?

The ancient Greek poet Hesiod (8-7 centuries BC) wrote about five stages in the life of mankind.

The first stage was the "golden age", when people lived easily and carelessly.

The second - the "silver age" - the beginning of the decline of morality and piety. Descending lower and lower, people found themselves in the "iron age", when evil and violence reign everywhere, justice is trampled on.

How did Hesiod see the path of mankind: progressive or regressive?

Unlike Hesiod, ancient philosophers

Plato and Aristotle viewed history as a cyclic cycle repeating the same stages.

The development of the idea of ​​historical progress is connected with the achievements of science, crafts, arts, and the revival of social life in the Renaissance.

One of the first to put forward the theory of social progress was the French philosopher Anne Robber Turgot (1727-1781).

His contemporary, the French philosopher and enlightener Jacques Antoine Condorcet (1743-1794), sees historical progress as a path of social progress, at the center of which is the upward development of the human mind.

K. Marx believed that humanity is moving towards greater mastery of nature, the development of production and of man himself.

Recall the facts from the history of the XIX-XX centuries. Revolutions were often followed by counter-revolutions, reforms by counter-reforms, and fundamental changes in the political structure by the restoration of the old order.

Think about what examples from domestic or general history can illustrate this idea.

If we tried to depict the progress of mankind graphically, then we would get not a straight line, but a broken line, reflecting ups and downs. There have been periods in the history of different countries when reaction triumphed, when the progressive forces of society were persecuted. For example, what disasters did fascism bring to Europe: the death of millions, the enslavement of many peoples, the destruction of cultural centers, bonfires from the books of the greatest thinkers and artists, the cult of brute force.

Individual changes taking place in different areas of society can be multidirectional, i.e. progress in one area may be accompanied by regression in another.

Thus, throughout history, the progress of technology is clearly traced: from stone tools to iron ones, from hand tools to machines, etc. But the progress of technology, the development of industry led to the destruction of nature.

Thus, progress in one area was accompanied by regression in another. The progress of science and technology has had mixed consequences. The use of computer technology has not only expanded the possibilities of work, but has led to new diseases associated with prolonged work at the display: visual impairment, etc.

The growth of large cities, the complication of production and the rhythms of life in everyday life - increased the burden on the human body, gave rise to stress. Modern history, as well as the past, is perceived as the result of people's creativity, where both progress and regress take place.

Humanity as a whole is characterized by development in an ascending line. Evidence of world social progress, in particular, can be not only the growth of material well-being and social security of people, but also the weakening of confrontation (confrontation - from Latin con - against + irons - front - confrontation, confrontation) between classes and peoples of different countries, the desire to peace and cooperation of an increasing number of earthlings, the establishment of political democracy, the development of universal morality and genuine humanistic culture, and finally, everything human in man.

An important sign of social progress, further, scientists consider the growing trend towards the liberation of man - liberation (a) from suppression by the state, (b) from the dictates of the collective, (c) from any exploitation, (d) from the isolation of living space, (e) from fear for their safety and future. In other words, the tendency to expand and more and more effectively protect the civil rights and freedoms of people everywhere in the world.

In terms of the degree to which the rights and freedoms of citizens are ensured, the modern world presents a very mixed picture. Thus, according to the estimates of the American organization in support of democracy in the world community "Freedom House" (Eng. Freedom House - the House of Freedom, founded in 1941), which annually publishes a "map of freedom" of the world, from 191 countries of the planet in 1997.

– 79 were completely free;

- partly free (which includes Russia) - 59;

– not free – 53. Among the latter, 17 most not free states (the “worst of the worst” category) are highlighted, such as Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and others. The geography of the spread of freedom around the globe is curious: its main centers are concentrated in Western Europe and North America. At the same time, out of 53 countries in Africa, only 9 are recognized as free, and not a single one among the Arab countries.

Progress can also be seen in human relations themselves. More and more people understand that they must learn to live together and abide by the laws of society, must respect other people's living standards and be able to seek compromises (compromise - from Latin compromissum - an agreement based on mutual concessions), must suppress their own aggressiveness, appreciate and protect nature and everything that was created by previous generations. These are encouraging signs that humanity is steadily moving towards a relationship of solidarity, harmony and goodness.

Regression is more often local in nature, that is, it concerns either individual societies or life spheres, or individual periods. For example, while Norway, Finland and Japan (our neighbors) and other Western countries were steadily climbing the steps of progress and prosperity, the Soviet Union and its "comrades in socialist misfortune" [Bulgaria, East Germany (East Germany), Poland, Romania , Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and others] regressed, sliding irresistibly in the 1970s and 80s. into the abyss of collapse and crisis. Moreover, progress and regress are often intricately intertwined.

So, in Russia in the 1990s, both are clearly present. The decline in production, the rupture of former economic ties between factories, the decline in the standard of living for many people and the increase in crime are obvious "marks" of regression. But there is also the opposite - signs of progress: the liberation of society from Soviet totalitarianism and the dictatorship of the CPSU, the beginning of a movement towards a market and democracy, the expansion of the rights and freedoms of citizens, significant freedom of the media, the transition from the Cold War to peaceful cooperation with the West, etc.

Questions and tasks

Define progress and regress.

How was the path of mankind considered in antiquity?

What changed about this during the Renaissance?

Is it possible to talk about social progress in general, given the ambiguity of changes?

Think of the questions posed in one of the philosophical books: Is it progress to replace the arrow with a firearm, the flintlock with a submachine gun? Is it possible to consider the replacement of red-hot tongs with electric current as a progress? Justify your answer.

Which of the following can be attributed to the contradictions of social progress:

A) the development of technology leads to the emergence of both means of creation and means of destruction;

B) the development of production leads to a change in the social status of the worker;

C) the development of scientific knowledge leads to a change in human ideas about the world;

D) human culture undergoes changes under the influence of production.

Lecture:

The concepts of progress, regression, stagnation

Individuals and society as a whole tend to strive for the best. Our fathers and grandfathers worked so that we could live better than them. In turn, we must take care of the future of our children. Such a desire of people contributes to social development, but it can proceed both in a progressive and regressive direction.

Social Progress- this is the direction of social development from the lowest to the highest, from the less perfect to the more perfect.

The term "social progress" is related to the terms "innovation" and "modernization". Innovation is an innovation in any area, leading to its qualitative growth. And modernization is the renewal of machines, equipment, technical processes to bring them in line with the requirements of the time.

public regression- this is the direction of social development, opposite to progress, from higher to lower, less perfect.

For example, population growth is progress, and the opposite of population decline is regression. But in the development of society there may be a period when there are neither shifts nor recessions. This period is called stagnation.

Stagnation- a stagnant phenomenon in the development of society.

Criteria of social progress

In order to assess the presence of social progress and its effectiveness, there are criteria. The most important of them are:

• Education and literacy of people.

The degree of their morality and tolerance.

Democracy of society and the quality of realization of the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The level of scientific and technical innovation.

The level of labor productivity and the well-being of the people.

The level of life expectancy, the state of health of the population.

Ways of social progress

In what ways can social progress be carried out? There are three such paths: evolution, revolution, reform. The word evolution in Latin means "deployment", revolution - "coup", and reform - "transformation".

revolutionary path involves rapid fundamental changes in social and state foundations. This is the path of violence, destruction and sacrifice.

Reform is an integral part of social development - legal transformations in any sphere of the life of society, carried out at the initiative of the authorities without affecting the existing foundations. Reforms can be both evolutionary and revolutionary in nature. For example, reforms Peter I were revolutionary in nature (remember the decree on cutting the beards of the boyars). And the transition of Russia since 2003 to the Bologna system of education, for example, the introduction of the Federal State Educational Standard in schools, the levels of bachelor's and master's degrees in universities, is an evolutionary reform.

Controversy of social progress

The directions of social development listed above (progress, regress) in history are interconnected. Often progress in one area may be accompanied by regression in another, progress in one country - regression in others. P The inconsistency of social progress is illustrated by the following examples:

The second half of the 20th century is significant for the rapid progress in science - automation and computerization of production (progress). The development of this and other branches of science requires huge expenditures of electricity, thermal and atomic energy. Scientific and technological revolution has put all modern mankind on the brink of ecological catastrophe (regression).

The invention of technical devices certainly makes life easier for a person (progress), but negatively affects his health (regression).

The power of Macedonia - the country of Alexander the Great (progress) was based on the destruction of other countries (regression).

Progress is a direction of development characterized by a transition from lower to higher, from simple to more complex and perfect forms, which is expressed in a higher organization, in the growth of evolutionary possibilities.

Regression - movement - from higher to lower, degradation, return to obsolete structures and relationships, i.e. everything that leads to negative consequences in the life of society.

The idea of ​​the progressive development of mankind appeared in antiquity and was most fully developed in the teachings of the French Enlightenment philosophers of the 18th century.

In Christianity, the criterion of progress was internal perfection, approximation to the divine ideal, expansion of the number of God's chosen ones. A number of researchers consider the development of productive forces based on scientific and technological progress as a key condition for progress (Marx, Rostow, and others). Hegel considered progress as the self-development of the world mind.

In the 20th century, it turned out that progressive changes in some areas were accompanied by regression in others. The inconsistency of social progress became apparent.

Two approaches to the criteria of social progress (based either on the primacy of society or the individual).

the criterion of progress is the formation of social forms that ensure the organization of society as a whole, which determines the position of a person.
the criterion of progress is seen in the position of a person in society, in the level of his freedom, happiness, in social well-being and the integrity of the personality, the degree of its individualization. Personality in this case acts not as a means, but as a goal and criterion of progress.

The modern understanding of progress rejects the idea of ​​the inexorability of progress due to objective social laws and bases its reasoning on the principle “there is hope for a transition to a world better than ours”.

The main manifestations of the inconsistency of progress are the alternation of ups and downs in social development, the combination of progress in one area with regression in another. Often, progress in a given area can be beneficial for some social forces, but not for others.

The problem of the meaning and direction of historical progress lies in the creation of a high-tech society, in the improvement of morality, in the further development of science and knowledge of the secrets of the Universe, or in the creation of a perfect state, in raising the living standards of people. The degree of progressiveness of this or that social system must be assessed by the conditions created in it for the free development of man and the satisfaction of all his needs. The universal criterion of progress is humanism.

The criterion of progress should be the measure of freedom that society is able to provide to the individual in order to maximize the disclosure of its potential.

from lat. movement forward and movement in the opposite direction) - concepts for expressing opposite forms of development. Progress is a type (form), a direction of development, characterized by a transition from the lower to the higher, from the less perfect to the more perfect. We can talk about progress in relation to the system as a whole, to its individual elements, to the structure and other parameters of a developing object. Regression - a transition from higher forms of development to lower ones, a movement back to old, obsolete forms, stagnation, a change for the worse.

Great Definition

Incomplete definition ↓

PROGRESS AND REGRESS

lat. progressus - forward movement and regressus - return) - the most common, opposite in their characteristics, multidirectional and at the same time inseparable from each other, dialectically interconnected development trends. P. is a type (direction) of the development of complex systems, which is characterized by a transition from lower to higher, from simple to complex, from less perfect to more perfect, in contrast to R. as a movement back, backward (from higher and more perfect forms to the lower and less perfect). Initially, the concepts of P. and river. were used almost exclusively within the framework of the philosophical understanding of the problem of the direction of social development and bore a strongly pronounced imprint of human orientations and preferences (a measure of the realization in public life of various historical eras of the ideals of equality, social justice, freedom, human dignity, etc.). Starting from the middle of the 19th century. the concepts of P. and river. are gradually filled with objective scientific and theoretical content (the most significant contribution to this was made by the concept of a materialistic understanding of history, created by Marx and Engels) and at the same time universalized, spreading to the sphere of living and (to a lesser extent) inanimate matter (under the influence of the development of a complex of biological sciences, cybernetics, systems theory, etc.). Accordingly, an increase in the level of organization of matter is considered as the most important universal objective criterion of P.. If in the process of development the number of elements and subsystems increases, the structures that unite them become more complex, the number of connections and interactions increases, and the set of functions, i.e. actions and procedures performed by these elements and subsystems, increases, thereby ensuring greater stability, adaptability, viability and the possibility of further development, then such a process is a P. If, on the contrary, as a result of development, the set of functions useful for the system decreases, the previously existing structures disintegrate, the number of subsystems, elements and connections that ensure the existence, stability and vitality of this system decreases, then such a process is called R.O.P. and r. can be said, bearing in mind the nature (orientation) of a change either in the system as a whole or in individual elements (subsystems). At the same time, the progressive development of the system as a whole does not mean that the same direction of changes is inherent in all its subsystems; and vice versa, a change in the progressive direction of c.-l. subsystems does not automatically entail P. systems as a whole. Thus, the progressive development (complication) of the organism as a whole does not exclude the oppositely directed process of simplification, degradation of its individual functions or organs. P. and r. are dialectical opposites; development cannot be understood as only P. or only R. In the evolution of living organisms and the development of society, progressive and regressive tendencies are combined and interact in a complex way. Moreover, the interrelation of these tendencies in living matter and in society is not limited to the connections of alternation or cyclicality (when development processes are conceived by analogy with the growth, flourishing and subsequent wilting, aging of living organisms). Being dialectically opposite, P. and r. are inextricably intertwined with each other. “... Every progress in organic development,” Engels noted, “is at the same time a regression, for it reinforces one-sided development and excludes the possibility of development in many other directions” (T. 20, p. 621). The dialectical relationship between P. and R. it also manifests itself in the objective multidirectional nature of the processes of development of natural and social phenomena; they include not only P., but also r., and one-plane, and circular changes; progressive development is only one of the possible (and actually implemented) directions for the development of complex system objects. The concepts of P. and R. are integral characteristics of complex developing systems, and therefore it is impossible to judge the direction of their changes by individual isolated indicators. This is especially important in relation to the analysis of the peculiarities of the P. of social systems. Here it is necessary to take into account not some isolated features, but the whole complex of indicators of the economic, social, political, spiritual life of the community and such an integral characteristic of their relationship as the degree of viability they provide, the prospects of a particular social structure. P.'s concept in relation to about-vu bears in itself idea of ​​unity of historical process, continuity, preservation and augmentation of the highest achievements of material and spiritual culture of mankind, all its humanistic values. The essence of social P., its goal is a person, his liberation, expansion of opportunities for versatile and harmonious development.

All societies are in constant development, in the process of change and transition from one state to another. At the same time, sociologists distinguish two directions and three main forms of the movement of society. First, let's look at the essence progressive and regressive directions.

Progress(from lat. progressus - moving forward, success) means development with an upward trend, a movement from lower to higher, from less perfect to more perfect. It leads to positive changes in society and is manifested, for example, in the improvement of the means of production and labor force, in the development of the social division of labor and the growth of its productivity, in new achievements in science and culture, in improving the living conditions of people, their comprehensive development, etc.

Regression(from lat. regressus - reverse movement), on the contrary, implies development with a downward trend, a movement backwards, a transition from higher to lower, which leads to negative consequences. It can manifest itself, say, in a decrease in the efficiency of production and the level of people's well-being, in the spread of smoking, drunkenness, drug addiction in society, the deterioration of public health, an increase in mortality, a drop in the level of spirituality and morality of people, etc.

Which path is society following: the path of progress or regression? What the answer to this question will be depends on how people think about the future: does it bring a better life or does it bode well?

ancient greek poet Hesiod (8th-7th centuries BC) wrote about the five stages in the life of mankind.

The first stage was "golden age", when people lived easily and carelessly.

Second - "silver Age"- the beginning of the decline of morality and piety. Descending lower and lower, people found themselves in "iron age" when evil and violence reign everywhere, justice is trampled.

How did Hesiod see the path of mankind: progressive or regressive?

Unlike Hesiod, ancient philosophers

Plato and Aristotle viewed history as a cyclic cycle repeating the same stages.

The development of the idea of ​​historical progress is connected with the achievements of science, crafts, arts, and the revival of social life in the Renaissance.

One of the first to put forward the theory of social progress was the French philosopher Anne Robber Turgot (1727-1781).

His contemporary French philosopher-enlightener Jacques Antoine Condorcet (1743-1794) sees historical progress as a path of social progress, in the center of which is the upward development of the human mind.

K. Marx He believed that humanity is moving towards an ever greater mastery of nature, the development of production and of man himself.

Recall the facts from the history of the XIX-XX centuries. Revolutions were often followed by counter-revolutions, reforms by counter-reforms, and fundamental changes in the political structure by the restoration of the old order.

Think about what examples from domestic or general history can illustrate this idea.

If we tried to depict the progress of mankind graphically, then we would get not a straight line, but a broken line, reflecting ups and downs. There have been periods in the history of different countries when reaction triumphed, when the progressive forces of society were persecuted. For example, what disasters did fascism bring to Europe: the death of millions, the enslavement of many peoples, the destruction of cultural centers, bonfires from the books of the greatest thinkers and artists, the cult of brute force.

Individual changes occurring in different areas of society can be multidirectional, i.e. progress in one area may be accompanied by regression in another.

Thus, throughout history, the progress of technology is clearly traced: from stone tools to iron ones, from hand tools to machines, etc. But the progress of technology, the development of industry led to the destruction of nature.

Thus, progress in one area was accompanied by regression in another. The progress of science and technology has had mixed consequences. The use of computer technology has not only expanded the possibilities of work, but has led to new diseases associated with prolonged work at the display: visual impairment, etc.

The growth of large cities, the complication of production and the rhythms of life in everyday life - increased the burden on the human body, gave rise to stress. Modern history, as well as the past, is perceived as the result of people's creativity, where both progress and regress take place.

Humanity as a whole is characterized by development in an ascending line. Evidence of world social progress, in particular, can be not only the growth of material well-being and social security of people, but also the weakening of confrontation (confrontation - from lat. con - against + irons - front - confrontation, confrontation) between classes and peoples of different countries, the desire for peace and cooperation of an increasing number of earthlings, the establishment of political democracy, the development of universal morality and genuine humanistic culture, and finally, everything human in man.

An important sign of social progress, further, scientists consider the growing trend towards the liberation of man - liberation (a) from suppression by the state, (b) from the dictates of the collective, (c) from any exploitation, (d) from the isolation of living space, (e) from fear for their safety and future. In other words, the tendency to expand and more and more effective protection of civil rights and freedoms of people everywhere in the world.

In terms of the degree to which the rights and freedoms of citizens are ensured, the modern world presents a very mixed picture. Thus, according to the estimates of the American organization in support of democracy in the world community "Freedom House" (Eng. Freedom House - Freedom House, founded in 1941), which annually publishes a "map of freedom" of the world, from 191 countries of the planet in 1997

– 79 were completely free;

- partly free (which includes Russia) - 59;

– not free – 53. Among the latter, 17 most not free states (the “worst of the worst” category) are highlighted, such as Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, China, Cuba, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and others. The geography of the spread of freedom around the globe is curious: its main centers are concentrated in Western Europe and North America. At the same time, out of 53 countries in Africa, only 9 are recognized as free, and not a single one among the Arab countries.

Progress can also be seen in human relations themselves. More and more people understand that they must learn to live together and abide by the laws of society, must respect other people's living standards and be able to find compromises (compromise - from lat. compromissum - an agreement based on mutual concessions), must suppress their own aggressiveness, value and protect nature and everything that previous generations have created. These are encouraging signs that humanity is steadily moving towards a relationship of solidarity, harmony and goodness.

Regression is more often local in nature, that is, it concerns either individual societies or life spheres, or individual periods. For example, while Norway, Finland and Japan (our neighbors) and other Western countries were steadily climbing the steps of progress and prosperity, the Soviet Union and its "comrades in socialist misfortune" [Bulgaria, East Germany (East Germany), Poland, Romania , Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and others] regressed, sliding irresistibly in the 1970s and 80s. into the abyss of collapse and crisis. Furthermore, progress and regress are often inextricably intertwined.

So, in Russia in the 1990s, both are clearly present. The decline in production, the rupture of former economic ties between factories, the decline in the standard of living for many people and the increase in crime are obvious "marks" of regression. But there is also the opposite - signs of progress: the liberation of society from Soviet totalitarianism and the dictatorship of the CPSU, the beginning of a movement towards a market and democracy, the expansion of the rights and freedoms of citizens, significant freedom of the media, the transition from the Cold War to peaceful cooperation with the West, etc.

Questions and tasks

1. Define progress and regress.

2. How was the path of mankind viewed in antiquity?

3. What changed about this during the Renaissance?

4. Is it possible to talk about social progress in general, given the ambiguity of changes?

5. Consider the questions posed in one of the philosophical books: Is it progress to replace the arrow with a firearm, the flintlock with a submachine gun? Is it possible to consider the replacement of red-hot tongs with electric current as a progress? Justify your answer.

6. Which of the following can be attributed to the contradictions of social progress:

A) the development of technology leads to the emergence of both means of creation and means of destruction;

B) the development of production leads to a change in the social status of the worker;

C) the development of scientific knowledge leads to a change in human ideas about the world;

D) human culture undergoes changes under the influence of production.