1. Read the definitions and fill in the gaps with suitable words.
PROGRESS
1. Forward movement, as toward a goal . Advance . Development . _Increase_ =
=======>> _Quantity_
2. Gradual betterment . Steady / Progressive _Improvement_ of society / civilization / humankind.
=======>> _Quality_
2. Brainstorming: Here is a list of questions you must ask yourself about the notion. Complete the blanks.
What type of progress?
technological / scientific / social / economic / medical / cultural (artistic) /educational /environmental (ecological) / political/ nutritional/ (...)
Who are the people concerned?
individuals / companies / governments / politicians/ students (young people)/scientists / artists/ associations (NGOs, charities)/trade unions /labor unions/ religious authorities/ teachers/ (...)
Which period of time is concerned?
the past / the present / the future/ another time dimension (utopia or dystopia, uchronia)/(...)
What is at stake?
medical issues / physical performances / technical advances / innovations / dehumanization / domination / environmental issues / animal rights / place of women in society / race relations / social inequalities / economic opportunities / globalization / new cultural movements / historical events/ solidarity between nations/human communication(...)
What are the advantages and disadvantages (= drawbacks) / the pros and cons / the upside and downside?
The are many possible advantages such as finding cures for illnesses or technological improvement, but that could also take to find out news ways of killing or new types weapons. Also the fact of replacing people for machines in certain jobs, that is not a way a progress as many people would lose their job and unemployment would increase. There are limits that should be respected to keep everybody’s well being.
Is it profitable (=profit-making/ beneficial) or is it potentially dangerous (risky/ hazardous)
for human beings? Why?
Progress is in some ways beneficial and can in other ways be risky as human society can surpass ethic limits when it comes to find out power.
Is the impact positive or negative? For whom?
The impact can be both positive and negative. Of course human progress is supposed to make our life better and easier but there can always be a bad turning point, as humans tend to be too ambitious and that can make them blind and not see their own mistakes.
Can we afford to reject progress or can’t we do without it (nowadays & in future)?
We can’t afford rejecting progress as for the moment it has taken us very far in all life aspects. However, catastrophes such as wars can always happen, humans need to be aware of limits that should not be surpassed.
Can’t we improve on the idea of progress commonly accepted in our modern world and consumer society? If so, how?
We can improve the idea of progress and make people accept it and make new generations aware of it, to make them better than last generations so they learn about humanity’s mistakes.
3. Build up your vocabulary
Complete the grid during the school-year with words and phrases suitable for the notion
UPSIDE / THE PROS
|
TYPES OF PROGRESS
|
DOWNSIDE / THE CONS
|
Enable people to work more efficiently / improve our living standard / ...
| Technological progress |
Cut people off from the real world / lose touch with nature / ...
|
Increase the knowledge of the world / discover new materials / ...
|
Scientific progress
|
Raise ethical issues / create new inequalities / ...
|
Upgrade education / reduce gender and racial discrimination / ...
|
Social progress
|
Lose traditional values / disrupt conservative lifestyles / ...
|
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