The concept of stages has lost traction though, not so much because of empirical data (that are open to various interpretations), but mainly because of two concerns: determinism and inequality. So, we should address them first.

Determinism – until the early 20^th century, social determinism was popular among both idealists (e.g. Hegel) and materialists (e.g. Marx). Later on, however, the idea that there is a particular trajectory of social development was largely abandoned (with the notable exception of Teilhard de Chardin). One reason for this was a teleological overtone of those theories that was a mismatch for the dominant zeitgeist. The other more important reason was that social determinism didn’t go very well with human freedom. If global social processes were determined, this could mean that historical events and even individuals themselves are also determined – not leaving much room for choice and free will (the basis of political and legal systems in most of the world). This concern is not warranted though. Recognising that there is a particular trajectory of social development (at least up to a point, which will be clarified below) does not imply inevitability of any social event and can be compatible with individual choices. It only means that a society and humankind as a whole may sooner or later, in one way or another, reach a certain stage of development (that is, if that society or humankind does not perish beforehand). To repeat the above analogy, the fact that every person (who lives long enough) goes

Quantitative social development refers to an increase or improvement of similar competences and capacities that typify this kind of personal development, although different examples naturally apply:

• Dynamism (mobility, cultural exchanges)
• Complexity (of social organisation)
• Differentiation (e.g. specialisation) and social integration
• Pattern recognition (of social processes)
• Creativity (e.g. technological and other innovations, art production);
• Refinement (of social practices)
• Focus regulation (e.g. an ability to narrow the focus on one social issue, but also to expand it to include other societies, the environment, etc.)
• Diversity and versatility (e.g. multicultural coexistence and cooperation)
• Internal control (e.g. autonomy, self-governance)
• Efficiency (in utilising natural and other resources)
• Stability and flexibility (an ability of a society to adapt to changes)
• Perspective (e.g. taking into account long term consequences)
• The scope of moral sense (e.g. equality before the law).

These capacities are manifested through social practices that affect all three dimensions of development: