progressers

Progressers are individuals or groups who advocate for continual advancement through science, technology, and social organization. The term is used in contemporary discourse and in speculative fiction to denote adherents of progress as a guiding principle, often contrasted with conservatism or resistance to change. While not tied to a single organization or doctrine, progressers typically emphasize rapid innovation, data-driven policy, and expansion of human capabilities.

Origins and usage: The word progressers is a productive derivation from progress and the suffix -er, and it has appeared in various contexts since the late 20th century. It is not standardized and may be used differently by different commentators, leading to a range of interpretations about its aims and methods.

Ideology and goals: Core tenets include belief in the primacy of scientific understanding, willingness to embrace risk for high-impact gains, and advocacy for institutions that accelerate improvement. Some progressers promote post-scarcity economics, universal access to education and healthcare, and advances in energy and environmental innovation. Others emphasize governance frameworks that enable rapid experimentation while maintaining accountability.

Variations: Within the label there are factions ranging from technoprogressive promoters who favor careful ethical oversight to more technophilic adopters who push for swift deployment of emerging technologies with fewer constraints. Critics argue that progressers can overlook ethical trade-offs, equity concerns, and long-term consequences.

Reception: The term is used in debates about policy direction, technology governance, and futurism. It is often contrasted with terms like conservatism, reformism, or regressionist philosophies.

See also: futurism, technocracy, progressivism, post-scarcity, ethics of technology.