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Videos

Feb. 23, 2026

The Sophists: Fifth Century Enlightenment? | pt 1

The Sophists: Fifth Century Enlightenment? | pt 1

The word “sophist” is still in common use—and almost exclusively as an insult. Sophistry means clever but dishonest reasoning. Yet the people this label was first attached to were the most sought-after teachers in the most dynamic democratic society the ancient world produced. They advised statesmen, authored constitutions, and theorized…

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Feb. 9, 2026

Five Faces of Progress: The Road to Anti-Progress |Prof. Tyson Retz Pt.2 | Ep. 4

Five Faces of Progress: The Road to  Anti-Progress |Prof. Tyson Retz Pt.2 | Ep. 4

In this episode of Notions of Progress - Part Two, we continue exploring the fascinating evolution of progress thinking with Professor Tyson Retz, author of "Progress in the Scale of History" (Cambridge University Press, 2022). In this episode, Professor Retz discusses categories 3-5 of his framework: Relative Progress, Everybody’s Progress…

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Jan. 26, 2026

Five Faces of Progress: A Conceptual Framework for Historical Change |Prof. Tyson Retz | Ep. 3 Pt.1

Five Faces of Progress: A Conceptual Framework for Historical Change |Prof. Tyson Retz | Ep. 3 Pt.1

In this episode of Notions of Progress, we explore the fascinating evolution of progress thinking with Professor Tyson Retz, author of "Progress in the Scale of History" (Cambridge University Press, 2022). Professor Retz introduces his innovative five-category framework that traces various conceptions of progress as part of a layered and…

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Jan. 12, 2026

The Promethean Question: : Greek Views on Technological Progress | Notions of Progress Ep. 2

The Promethean Question: : Greek Views on Technological Progress | Notions of Progress Ep. 2

In Episode 2 of Notions of Progress, we explore the "Promethean Question" - examining Greek antiquity's perspectives on technological progress from 700-300 BCE. Did the ancient Greeks view technology as a divine gift or a dangerous curse? 🎧 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN: → YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notionsofprogress?sub_confirmation=1 → Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notions-of-progress/id1837506445 → Spotify:…

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Dec. 22, 2025

Notions of Progress Trailer

Notions of Progress   Trailer

In "Notions of Progress," host Marshall Madow explores the concept of progress through history, examining technological advancements and philosophical ideas. This trailer delves into themes like AI, transhumanism, and technological determinism, tracing progress from ancient Greece to modern times. It questions the assumptions behind progress and its impact on human…

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