Progressivism, in its broadest sense, is not merely a political stance but a comprehensive worldview encompassing philosophy, belief systems, and visions for the future. Andrew Carlson's book “The Progressive Worldview” delves into this expansive concept, offering a three-volume exploration of what it means to embrace a progressive ethos.
His first volume, “The History of Progress,” traces the evolution of progressive thought from the Scientific Revolution to the late twentieth century, intertwining advancements in science with moral and philosophical development.
Eastern philosophy, particularly the teachings of Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Mencius, provides an infinite reservoir of wisdom that intersects intriguingly with progressivism.
By way of example, Confucius emphasized societal harmony and ethical governance, advocating for a moral society built on respect and justice. His focus on continuous self-improvement and societal betterment resonates with progressive ideals of social justice and reform.
Lao Tzu, the sage of Taoism, introduced the concept of living in harmony with the Tao, the natural order of the universe. His teachings on adaptability, balance, and the flow of life mirror the progressive commitment to evolving with scientific discoveries and ethical considerations, advocating for a harmonious existence that aligns with the natural world.
Then there is Mencius, a follower of Confucius, who furthered these ideas by emphasizing the inherent goodness of humans and the importance of cultivating virtuous leadership. His views on benevolent governance and the potential for human progress align closely with the progressive pursuit of equitable and compassionate societal structures.
Carlson’s work seeks to help contemporary progressives articulate their answers to enduring existential questions: Where does the world come from? How does it operate? Where is it headed? And what is our place within it?
By integrating insights from Eastern philosophy, progressivism can draw on a profound heritage of ethical and metaphysical thought, fostering a worldview that is both scientifically informed and spiritually enriched. In this confluence, we find a compelling vision for navigating the complexities of modern life with wisdom and integrity.
The Ten Pillars of a Progressive Philosophy by Andrew Carlson
1. The World’s Overriding Trajectory is One of Progress
Many ancient cultures viewed time as cyclical, with history ever repeating itself. Medieval Christianity had a declinist worldview, seeing the world as sinking ever deeper into sin. First arising in the seventeenth century, the progressive worldview regards the world as having the potential for getting better over time, or for making progress.
2. Reason is a Primary Driver of Progress
The progressive worldview arose out of the Scientific Revolution, itself launched when a series of bold thinkers resolved to stop trusting the voice of authority and to instead use nothing but their own powers of reason to seek the truth. This new approach worked, not only producing a sudden explosion of scientific learning, but allowing people to begin using this new knowledge with the aim of making it a better place for its human inhabitants.
3. Progressive Morality Rests on the Principle of Universalism
If modern science rests on the idea that nature is governed by certain universal laws, the progressive conception of morality rests on the conviction that we likewise ought to treat one another in accord with the idea of universal law. Thus, to paraphrase Thomas Jefferson’s words from the Declaration of Independence, a progressive political order will be built on the proposition that all people are morally equal by nature, endowed with certain inalienable, universal rights.
4. A Progressive Political Order Rests on Government by Consent
If we are morally autonomous by nature, we live in society with others. It follows that the only just society will be one that respects the autonomy of the individual by giving everyone a voice in their own governance, as opposed to making governance a privilege accorded only to a few.
5. A Balanced Free Market Forms the Basis of a Progressive Economic Order
Progressives have long been critical of unfettered capitalism, for good reason. That said, the free market has shown itself to be an incomparable engine for raising standards of living—thereby reducing poverty—even while fostering individual freedom and flourishing. Contemporary progressivism therefore needs to look for ways to humanize the market, not tear it down.
6. From a Progressive Perspective, the American Founders Got Things Half Right
Once the American founders had freed themselves from the tyranny of an overseas king, they resolved to build a new nation on the principle that all people are created equal. What they got right was their guiding ideal: the ideal of universalism. Where they fell short was in the implementation, offering “universal” rights only to the demographic group that had always dominated European society, white men.
7. A Progressive Philosophy Will Evolve Over Time
The Enlightenment thinkers who first articulated the progressive worldview were brilliant in their own time, yet what they ultimately championed was the human ability to learn. It follows that we should not chain ourselves with certain doctrines first developed centuries ago but rather periodically update our worldview to reflect what we are continuing to learn about ourselves and the world. Indeed, why would a worldview grounded in the concept of progress not continuously seek to improve itself?
8. A Progressive Philosophy Must Acknowledge that Progress is Hard
The second law of thermodynamics dictates that, in any closed system, disorder will increase over time. Most progress involves some sort of increase in order. This does not make progress impossible, but it does mean progress will always be a struggle, requiring a great deal of hard work and energy.
9. The Progressive Moral Project Involves Expanding the Circle of Social Inclusion
When the United States was first founded, it granted the rights, opportunities, and moral dignity a universalistic order promises to only a single demographic group, white men. As our country has made some moral progress since this time, this has involved drawing one traditionally marginalized group after the next into our society’s “in group,” with the ultimate goal being to forge aningroup so large and welcoming that it includes everyone, while excluding no one, thus making “in” and “out” disappear.
10. Progress, in its Most General Form, Involves the Movement from Relative Simplicity to Greater Complexity
Whether we consider many tiny atoms coming together to form stars or the first single-cell organisms evolving into large, sophisticated animals like ourselves, modern science has shown that most progress involves a movement from smaller and simpler to larger and more complex. This includes our recent moral progress, as we have worked to make the circle of social inclusion larger, more diverse, and more gloriously complex than ever before.
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History is rife with examples of time periods where belief systems fail, and the way through is never those old, failing ideologies. This is especially true for political ideologies when external situations politics primarily deals with are rapidly changing.
Progressivism, like every other ism, is in the way.
Nicely said Diamond. Is there a distinction made here between Progressive and Radical leftist thought
History is rife with examples of time periods where belief systems fail, and the way through is never those old, failing ideologies. This is especially true for political ideologies when external situations politics primarily deals with are rapidly changing.
Progressivism, like every other ism, is in the way.