The evolution of human society has been accompanied by violent conflict in its historical and prehistoric course. Like animals, Nations have fought to prevail, often bringing innovation, so as to almost justify war as an instrument of civilization.
How is progress measured for an individual and for a society? Is conflict the only means to pursue it?
This work synthetically connects philosophy to reality. Some of the issues being addressed belong to such a potentially remote future as not to deserve a large use of resources in the present. However, their consideration is essential like the ultimate Goal of any planning, whose purpose is to draw a line from that Goal to the present, without which any effort would be vain.