Introduction: The Puzzle of Progress (00:31)

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Presenter Barry C. Smith introduces the panel of experts, who will discuss topics of technological advancement. They will talk about if the advancement has made society better.

The Pitch: Christopher Hamilton (05:20)

Philosopher Hamilton says society is the beneficiary of technological advancement, but not all of it is positive. He says most technology is a distraction from human consciousness.

The Pitch: Serena Kutchinsky (04:52)

Digital journalist Kutchinsky says technology creates a pressure for people to have perfect online lives. She says social media is having a negative effect on mental health.

The Pitch: Bruce Parry (04:28)

Documentarian Parry talks about his time spent within indigenous communities that do not have modern technology. He talks about the projection of romance onto different ways of life.

Theme One: What Would a Good Life Look Like? (10:23)

The panel discusses if technology makes for a good life or not. Kutchinsky says a good life depends on the ability to choose to use the technology that is available. Hamilton talks about humans’ poor decision making skills in relation to technology.

Theme Two: Why Are the Most Progressed Societies Still Dissatisfied? (05:50)

The panel discusses if one definition of the good life is acceptable for a society because of individual differences. Parry talks about the strength of accepting but not placing a value on difference.

Theme Three: Would Abandoning Material Benefit Lead to Richer and Fuller Lives (14:11)

The panel discusses if giving up technology and material goods would lead to a better life. They talk about different ways of achieving happiness amid technology.

Credits: The Puzzle of Progress (00:20)

Credits: The Puzzle of Progress