The Conditions of Social Progress

L. L. Bernard
1922 American Journal of Sociology  
Social progress is an anthropomorphic concept, implying, in its most highly developed form, conscious comparison and valuation of two or more points or organizations in a perceived evolutionary process. Norms for measuring progress are established through the accumulated content of science, and they increase in precision with the advancement of scientific method. The chief conditions and limitations respecting social progress are the cosmic and physical, biological and psycho-social. Social
more » ... ress has evolved from the "blind" or non-previsioned into the socially conscious or intelligently controlled stage, in which science is its chief aid and promoter. Nevertheless, there is much opposition still on the part of the sentimentalists and the traditional culturists to science and even to the concept of progress itself. Only a better-developed scientific method and a completer knowledge of the nature of society can overcome this.
doi:10.1086/213424 fatcat:4ididvnya5aererx2r3j7f7cza