Progress has been a key concept in all different approaches to the philosophy of history. However, it can always be re-considered what constitutes progress. Is it about technological development or a qualitative change or social relations, or both?

Two main scenarios of the information society are discussed and compared in an extensive study. The authors review how other researchers and philosophers interpret the main features of information technology, their relation to the concept of democracy, and particularly to the actors of democracy, i.e. parties, politicians, and citizens.

The author privides a review of the evolution of the West-European integration, and analyses the idea and programme of single currency within the context of the neo-conservative ear, aimed at the destruction of the welfare state.