Condorcet and the Theory of Progress | by Outis | LICENTIA POETICA

Press enter or click to view image in full sizeMarquis de Condorcet by Licentia Poetica

Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet was a key figure in the French Enlightenment who championed the idea of human progress. His “Theory of Progress” is best captured in his final work, “Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind” (1795). In this text, Condorcet outlines his belief in the indefinite perfectibility of humanity and emphasizes how reason, education, and science can drive continuous improvement in society. Condorcet’s views on progress remain central to Enlightenment thought and influenced subsequent debates on human development, social justice, and political rights.

Condorcet’s Concept of Human Perfectibility:

Condorcet’s theory of progress rests on the notion of human perfectibility, which he describes as “indefinite.” Unlike many thinkers of his time, Condorcet believed that there were no inherent limits to the improvement of human knowledge, moral development, and social institutions. He argued that progress was not only possible but inevitable as long as humans continued to apply reason and science to societal problems.

Perfectibility of Human Nature:Condorcet saw the potential for humans to improve in all areas — intellectually, morally, and politically. He believed that education and reason were the key drivers of this progress, asserting that increased access to knowledge would lead to a more enlightened and just society.
Key Quote from Condorcet:

“Nature has set no term to the perfection of human faculties; that the perfectibility of man is truly indefinite; and that the progress of this perfectibility, from now on independent of any power that would seek to halt it, has no other limit than the duration of the globe upon which nature has placed us.”

This optimism contrasted with more pessimistic views about human limitations, such as those proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau or Thomas Malthus, who were skeptical of the capacity for indefinite progress.

Stages of Human Progress:

In the “Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind”, Condorcet divides human history into ten stages, each representing a step forward in the intellectual and moral development of humanity. These stages begin with the primitive state of humans and move through the development of agriculture, the rise of civilization, and the eventual triumph of science and reason during the Enlightenment.

Primitive Societies:In the earliest stages, humans live in small, primitive societies with little knowledge or organization. Over time, they begin to develop agriculture, which leads to the formation of social institutions and the rise of civilizations.
Medieval Period:Condorcet acknowledges the darkness of the medieval period, during which he believed progress was halted by superstition and religious dogma. He argues that the rise of Christianity and the feudal system were barriers to human progress, as they suppressed reason and scientific inquiry.
Enlightenment and Revolution:The later stages of history, according to Condorcet, are marked by the resurgence of rational inquiry, particularly during the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. The Enlightenment represents the pinnacle of human achievement, where reason, liberty, and science flourish, and where societies move toward democratic governance and human rights.
Key Quote from Condorcet:

“The Enlightenment is the dawn of a new era, in which humanity shall move forward to ever greater heights of reason and virtue.”

Condorcet believed that the French Revolution would lead to the full realization of Enlightenment ideals, including universal rights and the end of oppression.

Role of Science and Education in Progress:

For Condorcet, science and education were the key engines of progress. He argued that scientific discoveries, particularly in fields like mathematics, astronomy, and natural philosophy, had already transformed human understanding of the world and would continue to do so. Moreover, he advocated for a system of universal education that would allow all individuals, regardless of gender or class, to access knowledge and participate in society as informed citizens.

Universal Education:Condorcet was one of the first Enlightenment thinkers to propose a public education system that would be free and universal. He believed that an educated populace was essential for the preservation of liberty and the functioning of a democratic society.
Key Quote from Condorcet:

“It is only through education that a society can be truly free, for education arms the individual with the tools to exercise reason and understand the rights and duties of citizenship.”

Scientific Progress and Social Reform:Condorcet also saw scientific progress as a key driver of social reform. He believed that advances in medicine, agriculture, and technology would improve the quality of life for all people and that the application of reason to social and political problems would lead to fairer and more just societies.

Critique of Oppression and Inequality:

One of the most forward-thinking aspects of Condorcet’s theory of progress is his critique of oppression and inequality. He argued that all forms of inequality, whether based on class, race, or gender, were contrary to the principles of reason and justice. He was particularly critical of the treatment of women and the enslavement of non-Europeans, advocating for the rights of all individuals to be recognized equally.

Gender Equality:Condorcet was one of the few Enlightenment thinkers to advocate for women’s rights. He argued that women were equally capable of reason and should have the same educational opportunities and political rights as men. He believed that women’s oppression was a significant barrier to human progress.
Key Quote from Condorcet:

“Either no individual of the human species has true rights, or all have the same; and he who votes against the rights of another, whatever his religion, color, or sex, renounces his own.”

Abolition of Slavery:Condorcet was also a vocal critic of slavery. He argued that the enslavement of Africans was one of the greatest moral injustices of the time and that it was incompatible with the principles of human equality and reason.

Progress and Human Rights:

Condorcet’s belief in indefinite progress was closely tied to his commitment to human rights. He saw the expansion of rights — to women, to non-Europeans, and to all citizens — as an essential part of the progress of civilization. In his view, the recognition of universal rights was a natural consequence of the spread of reason and education.

Universal Suffrage:Condorcet was an early advocate of universal suffrage, arguing that all citizens, regardless of wealth or education, should have a say in the governance of society. He believed that a democratic republic was the best form of government to ensure the protection of rights and the advancement of society.
Rights of Future Generations:One of Condorcet’s most innovative ideas was his recognition of the rights of future generations. He argued that societies have a responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit a world in which they can enjoy the fruits of progress.
Key Quote from Condorcet:

“We owe to future generations the means of preserving and extending the improvements bequeathed to us by our ancestors.”

Conclusion:

Condorcet’s theory of progress remains one of the most optimistic and forward-looking contributions to Enlightenment thought. His belief in the indefinite perfectibility of humanity through reason, education, and science laid the groundwork for modern ideas about social progress and reform. His advocacy for universal rights, gender equality, and the abolition of slavery was ahead of its time and influenced subsequent generations of philosophers, political thinkers, and social reformers.