This article defines a conservative as a person who is averse to change and holds to traditional values and attitudes, typically in relation to politics. It defines a progressive as a person advocating or implementing social reform or new, liberal ideas. I think most people would accept these definitions and would agree that they are pretty much polar opposites. However, since politics is not a "hard" science, it probably is not wise to accept all of the opinions from the extremes on either side. That said, one side on the political spectrum historically has demonstrated superiority of its ideas.