Author |
Bury, J. B. (John Bagnell), 1861-1927 |
Title |
The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry into Its Origin and Growth
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Note |
Reading ease score: 55.6 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
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Credits |
Produced by Steve Harris, Charles Franks, David Widger and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
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Summary |
"The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry into Its Origin and Growth" by J. B. Bury is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the development and implications of the idea of progress as a central concept in Western civilization, considering how it has shaped social theories and institutions over time. The opening of the text sets the stage for this inquiry by examining the historical evolution of the idea of progress, contrasting it with earlier themes that dominated thought during the Middle Ages, such as religious salvation and an emphasis on the afterlife. Bury contemplates how, during the modern era, the notion of progress has become intertwined with other ideals like liberty and democracy, often serving as a measurement of civilization's worth. He notes significant shifts in societal values, such as the growing ethical consideration towards future generations, and suggests that an understanding of this idea is crucial for evaluating modern political and social theories. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
CB: History: History of civilization
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LoC Class |
HM: Social sciences: Sociology
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Subject |
Progress
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Subject |
History -- Philosophy
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
4557 |
Release Date |
Oct 1, 2003 |
Most Recently Updated |
Feb 1, 2013 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
399 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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