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Throughout history, most philosophers did not believe in any idea of progress, although some took various positions which mirrored aspects of the theory.<ref name="Lange"/> Philosophers such as [[Plato]] and [[Aristotle]] – who believed in a cyclical view of history – as well as the Christian philosopher [[Augustine]] – who believed in a linear view of history – held such positions despite never believing the theory.<ref name="Lange"/>

Throughout history, most philosophers did not believe in any idea of progress, although some took various positions which mirrored aspects of the theory.<ref name="Lange"/> Philosophers such as [[Plato]] and [[Aristotle]] – who believed in a cyclical view of history – as well as the Christian philosopher [[Augustine]] – who believed in a linear view of history – held such positions despite never believing the theory.<ref name="Lange"/>

The formation of the Idea of Progress began during the [[Enlightenment|Enlightenment Era]], during the 1700s, through the seeds of this theory could be seen in philosophical writings from the 1600s.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/progress-idea Progress, the Idea of]. ''Encyclopedia.com'' (from the ''Encyclopedia of Philosophy''). 2006. Retrieved December 25, 2017.</ref> These philosophers were inspired by the achievements of the [[Scientific Revolution]] and believed that the progress seen in scientific advancements could be applied in other fields such as the social or moral realm.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> These philosophers, unsurprisingly, took an optimistic and positive view of humanity.<ref name="Lange"/> The idea of progress was promoted by philosophers such as [[Immanuel Kant]], [[G. W. F. Hegel]], [[Karl Marx]], [[Auguste Comte]], [[John Stuart Mill]],<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/> and other thinkers involved in the radical strain of [[Enlightenment]] philosophy, such as the Marquis de Condorcet. de Condorcet argued that all human problems were on the verge of annihilation due to "the development of a new doctrine which is to deliver the final blow to the already tottering structure of prejudice." This doctrine, according to Condorcet, "is the idea of the limitless perfectibility of the human species.” In ''Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Spirit'', the Marquis paints a progressive picture of a history that is moving "forward" away from the dogmas of tradition and superstition thanks to the advent of modern reason and science.  

The formation of the Idea of Progress began during the [[Enlightenment|Enlightenment Era]], during the 1700s, through the seeds of this theory could be seen in philosophical writings from the 1600s.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia">[http://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/progress-idea Progress, the Idea of]. ''Encyclopedia.com'' (from the ''Encyclopedia of Philosophy''). 2006. Retrieved December 25, 2017.</ref> These philosophers were inspired by the achievements of the [[Scientific Revolution]] and believed that the progress seen in scientific advancements could be applied in other fields such as the social or moral realm.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> These philosophers, unsurprisingly, took an optimistic and positive view of humanity.<ref name="Lange"/> The idea of progress was promoted by philosophers such as [[Immanuel Kant]], [[G. W. F. Hegel]], [[Karl Marx]], [[Auguste Comte]], [[John Stuart Mill]],<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/> and other thinkers involved in the radical strain of [[Enlightenment]] philosophy, such as the Marquis de Condorcet. de Condorcet argued that all human problems were on the verge of annihilation due to "the development of a new doctrine which is to deliver the final blow to the already tottering structure of prejudice." This doctrine, according to Condorcet, "is the idea of the limitless perfectibility of the human species." In ''Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Spirit'', the Marquis paints a progressive picture of a history that is moving "forward" away from the dogmas of tradition and superstition thanks to the advent of modern reason and science.  

Events in the 20th century, such as [[World War I]], [[World War II]], the [[Holocaust]], and the development of [[nuclear weapon]]s, shook the belief in the idea of progress, leading many philosophers to either moderate their support for or to reject the Idea of Progress.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

Events in the 20th century, such as [[World War I]], [[World War II]], the [[Holocaust]], and the development of [[nuclear weapon]]s, shook the belief in the idea of progress, leading many philosophers to either moderate their support for or to reject the Idea of Progress.<ref name="Lange"/><ref name="Encyclopedia"/>