Austin Progress Studies Reading Group

Image: A Seaport at Sunrise by Claude Lorrain, oil on canvas, 1674

PURPOSE: an in-person reading & discussion group engaging with the history of science, technology, and industry to understand how these have and can best support human flourishing.

CONTEXT: For an introduction to progress studies or the progress movement, see Why Study Progress, We Need a New Philosophy of Progress, We Need a New Science of Progress or more resources.

WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday evenings, monthly, at Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar. Readings are posted on meetup several weeks in advance.

CONTENT: Readings typically consist of 2-4 essays, articles, or blog posts on a chosen topic in the history science, technology, or industry combined with forward looking positional writing from WIP, IFP, Roots of Progress, or the like. However, in 2026 we will focus a bit more on books. For reference, past readings have looked at: the concept of progress, the blast furnace and steel production, factory safety and the toyota production system, progress glamour, industrial literacy, pandemic prevention, pallets, standards, and food history, among others.

PARTICIPATION: No prior engagement with progress studies or the broader community is necessary. We welcome curious minds interested in progress, humanism, and agency—whether you’re deeply invested or just exploring. Expect a range of viewpoints and constructive, thoughtful dialogue. Readings investigate both historical successes (to build on) and failures (to learn from); participants tend to have a positive or interested view of technological development on the whole, but critiques are common and respectful, engaged skepticism is welcome too. Interrogate the readings as much as you can in advance and come with questions and comments - if you only have time to do a quick read through, then come curious.

FORMAT:
1 - Intros
2 - Light context on first reading
3 - General reactions
4 - Deeper dive