So, what is progress?

I like to think that progress is about maximizing global satisfaction. But then really hard questions follow

- Who are included in "global"?, every human being?, every conscious mammal?. Do we all get the same weight?

- (Assuming last answer is all human beings) How should we come to a consensus?. How do we coordinate to achieve our agreed goals?

If you think this is all too subjective, should we stop pouring resources into philosophy and arts?

I think this questions deserve at least some studying