Rethinking development at the twilight of Bacon’s age

•The success of Bacon’s program undermined its own foundations.•We are witnessing the twilight of Bacon’s age.•“Development” is the latest and last reinterpretation of the idea of progress.•Redefine development as a process of reframing, revitalizing, and creating values.•A new program is needed to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Futures : the journal of policy, planning and futures studies planning and futures studies, 2019-12, Vol.114, p.102470, Article 102470
Main Author: Sagasti, Francisco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacon
Bacon, Francis (1561-1626)
Climate change
Consumption
Development
Progress
Technological change
Values
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Summary:•The success of Bacon’s program undermined its own foundations.•We are witnessing the twilight of Bacon’s age.•“Development” is the latest and last reinterpretation of the idea of progress.•Redefine development as a process of reframing, revitalizing, and creating values.•A new program is needed to guide humanity into the post-Baconian age. Four centuries ago Sir Francis Bacon articulated a comprehensive view on how to use the power of modern science for the benefit of humanity. Over time the Baconian program led to conceptions of progress and development associated with unlimited growth, intensive resource use and unbridled consumption. The success of Bacon’s program ended up undermining its own foundations and requires a revision of development thinking and practice. In particular, climate change and technological advances are creating a new context for development and demanding behavioral and value changes. Efforts to improve the human condition in the transition to the post-Baconian age should focus on reorienting value systems, and on articulating a new program for humanity.
ISSN:0016-3287
1873-6378
DOI:10.1016/j.futures.2019.102470