OK. Why do these examples make “progress is real, desirable, and possible” mistaken?
Can’t it be understood that by “progress,” we mean progress on things that are good for human well-being? Does every reference to progress always have to include a qualifier or disclaimer?
Things that are good are desireable would seem like a tauntology.
But my deeper critique is that whether a motto is a good choice or not depends on the context. And while in the past it may have made sense to abstract out progress as good, we’re now at that point where operating within that abstraction can lead us horribly astray.
OK. Why do these examples make “progress is real, desirable, and possible” mistaken?
Can’t it be understood that by “progress,” we mean progress on things that are good for human well-being? Does every reference to progress always have to include a qualifier or disclaimer?
Things that are good are desireable would seem like a tauntology.
But my deeper critique is that whether a motto is a good choice or not depends on the context. And while in the past it may have made sense to abstract out progress as good, we’re now at that point where operating within that abstraction can lead us horribly astray.