A critique of human progress: a new definition and inconsistencies in society

In this paper, we discuss the concept of human progress and its inconsistencies in society suggesting a new general definition that synthetises previous concepts and endeavours to improve them. This study proposes, within a pragmatic point of view, human progress as an inexhaustible process driven by an ideal of maximum wellbeing of purposeful people, which, on attainment of any of its goals for increasing wellbeing, then seek another consequential goal in new socioeconomic contexts over time and space. The human progress enhances the fundamental life-interests of people represented by health, wealth, expansion of knowledge, technology and freedom directed to increase wellbeing in society. These factors lead to better and more complex forms of life. However, this study also shows the inconsistency of the equation economic growth= social progress because human progress - during its continuous process without limit - generate negative effects for human being such as a higher pollution and incidence of cancer in society. This study is propaedeutic for further studies focusing social-political and economic characteristics of human progress.