The Parabox of Human Progress: A philosophical Sociological, and Historical Reflections

Obinna Nwoko¹,
Ugochukwu Njoku²,
Beauty Okoronkwo³

¹²³Department of Foundations and Management, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Nigeria

 Abstract
This interdisciplinary study undertakes a critical examination of the concept of progress, revealing its inherent paradoxes and complexities. Through a philosophical lens, this research deconstructs the metaphysical assumptions underlying the notion of progress, exposing the tensions between teleological and existentialist perspectives. Sociologically, this study analyzes the ways in which progress has been constructed and legitimized, highlighting the power dynamics and social inequalities that underpin its discourse. Historically, this research traces the evolution of progress as a concept, from its Enlightenment roots to its contemporary manifestations, revealing the ways in which it has been shaped by and reflected in various cultural, economic, and political contexts. By integrating these three perspectives, this study offers a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the paradox of progress, illuminating both its emancipatory potential and its oppressive consequences. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to a more critical and reflexive understanding of progress, one that acknowledges its complexities and challenges its dominant narratives.

Keywords: Progress, Paradox, Philosophy, Sociology, History