The Idea of Progress: A Theoretical and Concise Goal-Structure Model

Abstract

The idea of progress as it currently stands is not well understood. This is because it is taken to be both context-dependent and stands independently, without a formal structure. It is an idea which is applied in cases that can be as diverse as simply finishing an essay to the complex progress of humanity. If the idea appears in such diverse scenarios, is there an underlying mechanism through which we can easily understand it? Here we structure the idea and propose a simple postulate which allows us to have a more adequate knowledge of it. The expected result is the capability of realizing it’s intellectual appearance and understanding it in any given practical scenario; even if it is not totally clear based on what we define as progress. This short and simple model implies that the action of a goal definition should be handled with care, as the concept of progress is engulfed by the goal system.