PROGRESS
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 2676 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Human sciences, Epistemology, ontology or semantics |
The advance towards a positively valued goal.
This is a heavily value-loaden concept which should be considered carefully from a systemic viewpoint.
To begin with, progress should not be confused with progression or increase of quantitative values. Such an increase is normal in immature systems developing along chreods until they reach their normal homeostatic grown-up level. It would turn pathological once such homeostatic state has been attained. This, at least, is the case for living systems, but altogether probably for social ones.
However, quantitative increase may conceivably lead to qualitative progress, if one admits that structuration by dissipation in systems far- from- equilibrium can lead to a higher complexity level.
This view may explain why our materially exploding culture equates so generally progress with quantitative increase (that seems in fact to increase complexity). However, there are some processes, as for example exponential supposedly limitless growth, or non-compensated positive feedback that may easily lead to the demise of the system by exhaustion of its environmental sources or massive overburdening of its environmental sinks.
Thus, progress should not necessarily be identified with growth or increase. We should also make ourselves aware of our cultural prejudices as members of a techno-economical based culture, which could very well be preparing for itself some serious problems generated by its own success.