PROGRESSIVISM, CONSERVATISM AND THE DYNAMICS OF A CHANGING WORLD: TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

The modern world has experienced tremendous changes. These changes are evident in all areas of its history. Beneath these changes – positive or negative, is a great inclination towards the preservation of tradition. The dynamism of the changing world has therefore come with it the frequent questioning of traditional structures more so, this overlap between the movement of history and the quest for strong identification with traditional structures of human society has made it increasingly difficult to define and verify truth and reality in the modern world. While progressives advocate for positive and continued change in human society, conservatives prefer stability and faithfulness to traditional structures. It becomes pertinent therefore to underscore the middle ground. This is because a historical development that has the mélange of stability, immutability, reforms and progress remains the best option for a healthy human society. This article therefore explores the trends and intricacies of both fronts in human society and states their impacts in both human and societal development. Most importantly, the article seeks to present the possibility of a focal point where these two philosophical fronts meet and the implications of adopting this synthesis in the Modern society. This mélange is done from the perspective of Hegel, who understands the impact of a resultant synthesis from a thesis and antithesis in human history.