Progress and Regression, Modernity and Social Evolution

This paper deals with progress and evolution. Regarding progress, it in particular critically engages with recent works (Wagner, Allen, Jaeggi), arguing that we need a more assertive perspective. Our immersion in an evolutionarily and contingently created but globally established (modern) imaginary is found to underpin that more assertive perspective of progress. To articulate its perspective more generally, the paper draws upon a former elaboration on evolutionary homology and homoplasy regarding power. Thereby it tackles the development of morals/ethics, leading to a discussion of progress – and regression – including but going beyond material and cognitive issues. It grapples with evolutionary theory (introducing ‘homoplasy’ and ‘convergence’) and discontinuist views of history, as well as modernity, also glancing at some post/decolonial perspectives regarding history (Chakrabarty, Dussel). Finally, the text introduces the concepts of retrospective teleology and of prospective teleology in order to frame how these issues are, or may be, dealt with within the imaginary of contemporary modernity, in which universalized equal freedom – and universal solidarity – appear as a criterion for progress.