What Now That We Are Unstuck From Progress?

  • Thread starter dantsmith
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In summary, the conversation revolves around the idea of progress and how it has been the driving force for modern civilization for the past millennium. However, there is now a question about whether this idea will continue to organize our thoughts and actions in the future. Some believe that progress is just an illusion and that the universe is ultimately unreal. Others argue that progress is dependent on breakthroughs in physics and can only be understood through metaphysics. The conversation also includes sarcastic remarks and criticism of the lack of clarity in the original post.
  • #1
dantsmith
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Nothing is real...

What has been most real to modern civilization, for the past millennium, is the notion of material progress.

Progress is the most real artifact of the modern mind, in that it has organized our thoughts and actions, more than any other idea.

Quite simply, for the past millennium, we have been stuck on the idea of progress.

What now, now that it appears that we are about to come unstuck from that idea?

What then will organize our thoughts and actions?

Just wondering...

.
 
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  • #2


dantsmith said:
What has been most real to modern civilization, for the past millennium, is the notion of material progress.

Progress is the most real artifact of the modern mind, in that it has organized our thoughts and actions, more than any other idea.

Quite simply, for the past millennium, we have been stuck on the idea of progress.

What now, now that it appears that we are about to come unstuck from that idea?

What then will organize our thoughts and actions?

Just wondering...

.
Bolding mine.

Are you saying that people no longer think there will be progress? Where are you getting this idea?
 
  • #3


Evo said:
Are you saying that people no longer think there will be progress? Where are you getting this idea?
Evo,

That life exists in this universe, depends upon the Anthropic Principle.

How hospitable is our world to Progress? That depends upon the supposition that the current laws of physics can and will be superseded by laws that are even more amenable to progress than the best physical minds can presently envision. It depends on unforeseeable breakthroughs in physics.

If we were policy wonks, we might wish to hedge our bets concerning said breakthrough. Is that defeatism? Or is it an exercise in pragmatics?

The only hedge beyond physics is what is known as meta-physics. In dealing with the philosophy of (a) science, we are, necessarily, engaging in meta-science.

That is what I wish to engage in here. Would there be a better place in the world to become so engaged?
 
  • #4


Will you please answer Evo's question?
 
  • #5


You are absolutely right my friend. It is the bloody thought of PROGRESS AND SUCCESS which has marred the entire beauty of this Macrocosm.
 
  • #6


The Universe is unreal. Actually there is nothing out there. You aren't there. Nor am I. Nothing. If you feel that I am writing this thread and you seem to see it, it is nothing but a visual aberration of the metaphysical type.
 
  • #7


Are you guys F**cking around or what? Or is somebody being sarcastic? Not everything that seems to have a vague meaning is philosophy, I don't know what to call this... horsegarbage? ...*inhale* yea maaaan nothing is real, we are all just illusions in a big cosmics nothingness. "yea maan its like *cough cough* people are always like trying to like use science to control the world but their really is nothing, the world's tyranny is because of people's progress and control man"...*inhale* Yea I bet in the old days before there wasnt as much stuff and society, people were able to telepathically communicate man, mind over matter bro"...The daily revelations of overly-skeptical, under educated teenaged stoners
 
  • #8


If the OP can't explain what he means clearly enough to be discussed. Closed.
 

1. What is progress and how did we become "unstuck" from it?

Progress is the idea of continuous improvement and advancement in society, technology, and other areas. We became "unstuck" from it when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our normal way of life and forced us to re-evaluate our priorities and progress as a society.

2. What are the consequences of being "unstuck" from progress?

The consequences of being "unstuck" from progress can vary. On one hand, it can lead to a slowdown or halt in economic growth and development. On the other hand, it can also give us the opportunity to reflect and make changes for a more sustainable and equitable future.

3. How can we continue to make progress while also being "unstuck"?

We can continue to make progress by redefining what progress means to us and focusing on areas that truly matter, such as improving healthcare, addressing climate change, and promoting social justice. We can also use technology and innovation to find new ways to make progress while adapting to our current circumstances.

4. What can we learn from being "unstuck" from progress?

We can learn to be more adaptable and resilient, to not take progress for granted, and to prioritize our well-being and the well-being of others. We can also learn to be more mindful of our actions and their impact on the environment and society.

5. Will we ever fully "return" to progress?

It is unlikely that we will ever fully "return" to progress as it was before the pandemic. However, we can use this experience to create a new and better version of progress that takes into account the lessons we have learned and the changes we have made. Progress should not be a linear path, but rather a continuous journey of growth and improvement.

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