This graduate-level course corresponds to the second unit of the «Contributing to the Advancement of Civilization: Towards a Framework» series, a text developed by FUNDAEC after more than a decade of applying its educational programs in various contexts. Following the study of the first unit, Justice and the Oneness of Humanity, The Big Push continues to explore the nature of an evolving conceptual framework that governs our thought and action as we strive to contribute to the building of a materially and spiritually prosperous civilization, focusing on concepts that enhance our understanding of what is meant by "material civilization."

Course content

This second unit consists of five chapters. The first revisits the discussion initiated in the previous unit regarding the nature of the evolving conceptual framework that guides the thought and action of an individual striving to contribute to both the material and spiritual advancement of civilization. The following four chapters are dedicated to exploring various concepts that, when considered together, help clarify the understanding of what is meant by "material civilization." 

The approach used to examine these concepts involves a detailed exploration of the evolution of development thought during the second half of the 20th century, as reflected in the programs of governments and major international agencies. However, it is important to note that the focus here is not primarily on the field of social and economic development itself. Rather, the aim is to understand how five decades of intense international efforts to modernize the so-called "underdeveloped" countries of the world have shaped certain ideas central to the civilization-building process. The task is to identify these ideas and then make the best effort to modify them so that they align with other elements of the conceptual framework being developed.