Idea of Progress

Question 1

what is european modernity

Answer 1

description of the transition to modern period by europe

marked by industrialisation and rationality

Question 2

time as a central thesis of progress

Answer 2

time created to be a functional relationship with capitalism
in pre capitalism: time was expectation and fulfilment
capitalism: hours in relationship to labour

Question 3

progress by stages

Answer 3

the supposition that societies have evolved in a uni linear direction from pre modern to capitalist and developed

Question 4

uni - linear trajectory / idea of progress

Answer 4

all societies aspire to be modern and capitalist . all societies will move through a sequence of stages to ‘development’ where each stage will represent an improvement on the previous stage
has come to govern all modern life not just political environment

Question 5

what are the problems with idea of progress

Answer 5

• assumes that all non western societies and western societies start in the same position
• cannot fathom a plurality of pasts and histories so -
• cannot have a plurality of futures
  western society will always be ahead
• robs the right to self determination
• in colonies it is a silent oppressor , makes African society look like Western society

Question 6

what does progress act as

Answer 6

a structuring organising principle of modern life

specific aim or end in itself - movement from elementary to complex society