Condorcet's Vision Of The Future Essay

While some parts of Condorcet’s vision of the future seem quite plausible, some aspects appear to be quite illogical and implausible. For example, in regard to medical advancement and the increased human lifespan, Condorcet also states that while he does not believe that man will become immortal, he believes that medical advancements will allow the human lifespan to be “constantly extended” (133). However, while the average human lifespan can be extended, it seems irrational to believe that it can keep increasing at a constant rate without a definite end, as modern science seems to suggest; current data shows the average life expectancy to be rising at a much slower rate than previously, perhaps reaching a peak. Another aspect of Condorcet’s

Through education, Condorcet suggests, all people in the world will “acknowledge no master other than their own reason” (131). Condorcet states, “by such an education, they can...free themselves from a blind confidence in those to whom they may [otherwise] entrust the care of their interests and the security of their rights” (131). Condorcet argues that through equal education, citizens will become free and independant, able to think for themselves, while becoming able use their own reason and judgment; as a result, people will not succumb to prejudices, thus creating a better society. As a result, Condorcet suggests, “the new members of the enlightened class of men...will serve as the friends of humankind, exerting themselves together to advance the [continued] improvement and happiness of the species” (130). Condorcet’s vision of education would surely constitute as progress and change for the better; as history has proven, a society that enlightens and fosters individual education, is far superior to one that keeps its citizens