NORTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE FOR MARITIME SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LINGSAT, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO LA UNION

Name: _________________________________ Course/Sec.

_________________________

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

MODULE 2
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

LESSON 1: HUMAN FLOURISHING

*science, technology and human flourishing
*science as a method
*science as a social endeavor
*science as a result
*science as an education
LESSON 2: TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING
*the human condition before common era
*the human condition in the common era
*the essence of technology
*backtracking the human condition
LESSON 3: THE GOOD LIFE
*Aristotle and how we aspire for a good life
*happiness as the goal of a good life
LESSON 4: WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
*television sets, mobile phones, computers, and humanity
*roles played by these technological advancements
*ethical dilemma faced by these technological advancement
*robotics and humanity
*roles played by robotics
*ethical dilemma/s faced by robotics
TOPIC 1: HUMAN FLOURISHING
[Link]:
Rapid advances in science and technology are raising fundamental questions
about human life, flourishing, suffering, and death. People wonder the beginning of
life and it deserves the much need human protection. Flourishing borders allowed
people full access to cultures that as a result, very few are able to maintain their
original philosophies. It is in this regard that we would tackle human flourishing-in a
global perspective and as a man of the world.
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
a. identify different conceptions of human flourishing;
b. analyze the human condition inorder to deeply reflect and express philosophical
ramifications that are meaningful to you as part of society;
[Link] human flourishing vis-a vis the progress of science and technology so
that you can define for yourself the meaning of good life.
II. INSTRUCTION: Please be guided by the following reminders. These reminders
will apply for every lesson.
1. Please read the various text carefully so that you can comprehend easily.
2. You can consult google or dictionaries for clearer understanding of terms and
concepts met in the text.
3. Do the different activities required. Do not leave any activity (questions
unanswered) undone.
4. Please follow instructions. Feel free to ask me via messenger or text for
clarification on directions.
5. Answer questions with all honesty. Success does not come from copying from
others. It is made possible by trying hard on your own even from your
mistakes.
6. Review your answers. It is safe to go back and think about what you have
written. This can help you lessen if not avoid errors.
7. Do not delay in doing and submitting your requirements. This can help you
avoid having a file of unfinished activities.
8. Have fun as you learn. When you’re having fun, you can easily learn the
lessons.
[Link] PROPER:
[Link]
Brainstorming: Try to determine the possible alternatives to growth and
development. List down way or ways to promote sustainable living and start a mini
– campaign advocating the method of your choice.
B. DISCUSSION:
EUDAIMONIA, literally “good spirited” is a term coined by renowned Greek
philosopher Aristotle to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by
humans. This is often been translated to “human flourishing” in literature, arguably
likening humans to flowers achieving their full bloom. Aristotles’ human flourishing
arises as a result of different components such as phronesis, friendship, wealth and
power. In the ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these qualities will
surely bring the seekers happiness which in effect allows them to partake in the
greater notion of what we call GOOD.
In the beginning, early people relied on simple machines to make hunting
and gathering easier. This development allowed them to make grander and more
sophisticated machines to aid them in their endeavors that eventually led to space
explorations, medicine innovations and ventures of life after death. Our concept of
human flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle originally
perceived then- humans of today are expected to become a “man of the world”.
He is supposed to situate himself in a global neighborhood, working side by side
among institutions and the government to be able to reach a common goal.
Competition as a means of survival has become passe; coordination is the new
trend.
Flourishing borders allowed people full access to cultures that as a result,
very few are able to maintain their original philosophies. It is in this regard that we
would tackle human flourishing in a global perspective and as a man of the world.
According to Aristotle, there is an end of all of the actions that we perform
which we desire for itself. This is what is known as eudaimonia, flourishing, or
happiness, which is desired for its own sake with all other things being desired on
its account. Eudaimonia is a property of one’s life when considered as a whole.
Flourishing is the highest good of human endeavours and that toward which all
actions aim. It is success as a human being. The best life is one of excellent human
activity.
For Aristotle, the good is what is good for purposeful, goal-directed entities.
He defines the good proper to human beings as the activities in which the life
functions specific to human beings are most fully realized. For Aristotle, the good of
each species is teleologically immanent to that species. A person’s nature as a
human being provides him with guidance with respect to how he should live his life.
A fundamental fact of human nature is the existence of individual human beings
each with his own rational mind and free will. The use of one’s volitional
consciousness is a person’s distinctive capacity and means of survival.
To flourish, a man must pursue goals that are both rational for him
individually and also as a human being. The use of reason is a necessary, but not a
sufficient, condition for human flourishing. Living rationally (i.e., consciously) means
dealing with the world conceptually. Living consciously implies respect for the facts
of reality. The principle of living consciously is not affected by the degree of one’s
intelligence or the extent of one’s knowledge; rather, it is the acceptance and use of
one’s reason in the recognition and perception of reality and in his choice of values
and actions to the best of his ability, whatever that ability may be. To pursue
rational goals through rational means is the only way to cope successfully with
reality and achieve one’s goals.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our pool of human
knowledge. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent themes is human perpetual need to
locate himself in the world by finding proofs to trace evolution. The business of
uncovering the secrets of the universe answers the question of our existence and
provides us something to look forward to. Having a particular role, which is uniquely
ours, elicits our idea of self-importance. It is in this regard that human flourishing is
deeply intertwined with goal setting relevant to science and technology. In this
case, the latter is relevant as a tool in achieving the former or echoing Heidegger’s
statement, technology is a human activity that we excel in as a result of achieving
science. Suffice to say that the end goal of both science and technology and human
flourishing are related, in that the good is inherently related to the truth. The
following are two concepts about science which ventures its claim on truth.
VERIFICATION THEORY is the earliest criterion that distinguishes philosophy and
science. The idea proposes that a discipline is science if it can be confirmed or
interpreted in the event of alternative hypothesis being accepted. In that regard,
said theory gives premium to empiricism and only takes into account those results
which are measurable and experiments which are repeatable. Celebrated
discoveries in physics, for instance, are initially theorized without proper
acknowledgement of their being. Einstein theory on the existence of gravitational
waves would, following this thought, be dismissed due to lack of evidence almost a
hundred years ago. Quantum mechanics would not have prospered if the scientific
society during the time of Edwin Schrodinger did not entertain his outrageous
thought that the cat in the box is both dead and alive, which can only be
determined once you look in the box yourself.
Aside from the above critique, this theory completely fails to weed out bogus
arguments that explain thing coincidentally. A classic example is astrology, whose
followers are able to employ the verification method in ascertaining its reliability.
The idea is that since one already has some sort of expectations on what to find,
they will interpret events in line with the said expectations. American philosopher
Thomas Kuhn warned us against bridging the gap between evidence and theory by
attempting to interpret the former according to our own biases, that is, whether or
not we subscribe to the theory. Below is a short story illustrating this point:
Suppose, for instance, this girl, lea has a (not-so-scientific) theory that her
classmate Ian likes her. Good, she thought, I like him too. But how do I know that he
likes me?
She began observing him and his interactions with her. Several gesture she
noted include his always exchanging pleasantries with her whenever they bump
into each other, his big smile when he sees her, and him going out of his way to
greet her even when riding a jeepney. Though these observations, she was then
able to conclude that Ian does like her because, she thought, why would anyone do
something like that for a person he does not like?
As it turn out, however, Ian is just generally happy to meet people he knew.
He had known Lea since they were in first year and regards her as a generally okay
person. It is no surprise then that upon learning that Ian basically does this to
everyone, Lea was crushed. She vowed to herself that she would never assume
again.
Based from the above story, is it justified for Lea to think that Ian does not
like her?
FALSIFICATION THEORY asserts that as long as an ideology is not proven to be
false and can best explain a phenomenon over alternative theories, we should
accept the said ideology. Karl popper is the known proponent of this view. He was
notorious for stating that up-and-coming theories of the time, such as Marx’s theory
of Social History and Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis, are not testable and thus not
falsifiable, and subsequently questioning their status as scientific.
To illustrate, previous story is restated:
Ian is generally everybody’s friend. He likes to be around people and
generally aspires to become everybody’s friend. However, there is this one girl, Lea,
who seemed to not like him when he is around. Every time he waves at her, she
turns away, and when they are in the same room, she avoids his glances. Through
this he concluded that Lea does not like him and does his best to show her that he
is not a threat. He began greeting her whenever they pass by each other at the
corridor, even going so far as calling her attention when he was in the jeepney and
saw her walking fast. When they are able to talk to each other, he found out that
Lea is just really shy and is not accustomed to people greeting her. He then was
able to conclude that his initial impression of her not liking him (as a person) is
wrong and thus the said proposition is rejected.
Although there is no happy ending yet for Lea and Ian, we can thus see how
in this case, falsification method is prone to the same generalizations committed by
the verification method.
SCIENCE AS A SOCIAL ENDEAVOR
Several philosophers such as Paul Thagard, Imre Lakatos, Helen Longino,
David Bloor, and Richard Rorty, among others, presented an alternative
demarcation that explores the social dimension of science and technology. Sciences
cease to belong solely to gown-wearing, bespectacled scientists at laboratories. The
new view perpetuates a dimension which generally benefits the society.
Example, far-off places in South America where many of the tribes remain
uncontacted, do not regard western science as their science. Whatever their
science is, it can be ascertained that it is in no way inferior to that of globalized
people’s science. Thus, it presents an alternative notion that goes beyond the
boundaries of cold, hard facts of science and instead projects it in a different light,
such as manifestation of shared experience forging solidarity over communities.
SCIENCE AS A RESULT
For most part, people who do not understand science are won over when the
discipline is able to produce results. Similar to when Jesus performed miracles and
garnered followers, people are sold over the capacity of science to do stuff they
cannot fully comprehend. In this case, science is not the only discipline which is
able to produce results-religion, luck, and human randomness are some of the
contemporaries in the field. For some communities without access to science, they
can turn to divination and superstition and still get the same results. Science is not
entirely foolproof, such that it is correct 100% of the time. Weather reports, for one,
illustrate fallibility and limitations of their scope as well as their inability to predict
disasters. The best that can be done during an upcoming disaster is to reinforce
materials to be more calamity proof and restore the area upon impact. It can be
then concluded that science does not monopolize the claim for definite results.
SCIENCE AS EDUCATION
There are distinct portions in entrance exams in the secondary and tertiary
levels that are dedicated to science and mathematics. In the Philippines, a large
distribution of science high schools can be found all over the country, forging
competition for aspiring students to secure a slot and undergo rigorous science and
mathematics training based on specialized curricula. This preference is also
reflected on the amount of STEM (Science, technology, Engineering, Mathematics) –
offering schools accommodating Grades 11 and 12. Among all the clusters being
offered, Stem trumps the remaining clusters in terms of popularity and distribution,
with Accounting and Business coming in a close second. One might infer that there
are more demand in this field as students are preconditioned that the field would
latter land them high-paying jobs and a lucrative career after graduation.
If one is really in pursuit of human flourishing, it would make sense for them
to pursue it holistically. Simply mastering science and technology would be
inadequate if we are to, say, socialize with people or ruminate on our inner self.
Aristotle’s eudaimonic person is required to be knowledgeable about science,
among other things of equal importance. They are supposed to possess intellectual
virtues that will enable them to determine truth from falsehood or good reasoning
from poor reasoning. A true eudaimon recognizes that flourishing requires on to
excel in various dimensions, such as linguistic, kinetic, artistic, and socio-civic. Thus,
he understands that he should focus on one aspect alone.

[Link]
Read the selection below and write a short reflection about it.
 HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH
In 2000, world leaders signed the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) that
targets eight concerns, one of which states that they should be able to forge a
global partnership for development. Inasmuch as the institutes imposing them do
so in good faith, the primary goal to achieve growth for all might prove to be fatal in
the long run.
Economists believe that growth is the primary indicator of development, as
both go hand in hand, and has put forth their resources in trying to achieve such.
Technology has been a primary instrument in enabling them to pursue said goal,
utilizing resources, machineries, and labor. What is missing in this equation is that
growth presents an illusory notion of sustainability-the world’s resources can only
provide so much, it cannot be expected to stretch out for everybody’s consumption
over a long period of time. Moreover, growth is not infinite-there is no preordained
ceiling once the ball starts rolling. If the MDG convention’s intent was to get
everyone in the growth ship, that ship will surely sink before leaving the port. The
same analogy applies to the capacity of nature to accommodate us, which Joseph
Hickel contemplated on, suggesting that developed countries should not push forth
more growth but instead adopt “de-development” policies or else, everybody loses.
The rapid pace of technological growth allows no room for nature to recuperate,
resulting in exploitation and irreversible damages to nature. Right now, we are
experiencing repercussions of said exploits in the hands of man-made climate
change, which would snowball and affect majority of flora and fauna, driving half of
the latter extinct in less than a hundred year from now. If this continues in its
currently alarming rate, we might bring about our own extinction.
D. STRATEGY:
Human flourishing is defined as being “good spirited” in the classical
Aristotelian notion. Humans generally have a notion on what it means to flourish;
albeit in the advent of science and technology, they hinge their ends alongside the
latter’s results. While it is true that science equips its knowers some details about
the world, its main claim to objectivity and systematic methodology is at the very
least flawed. However, that does not stop institutions to favor those who excel in
said discipline. Finally, the economic perception of enrichment, otherwise known as
growth, is heavily fuelled by technology and should be impeded. We have to rethink
of our perception of a good life apart from one presented in this regard.
E. EVALUATION:
Answer the following questions briefly but substantially.
1. Were we successful so far in trying to tie down technology with what we
conceive as human flourishing?
2. What do you think constitutes human flourishing?
IV. REFERENCES/MATERIALS/RESOURCES
1. Aldea, Kathryn Idrisha K.’Coronan, Hans Peter A. et al., Science, Technology
and Society. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.,2018.
 2. Bueno, David C. Ed.D., Science, Technology and Society. Books
[Link] Corp.,2019
3. Contreras, Antonio P.,Erasga,Dennis S. et al., Science , technology and
Society: A Critical Approach. Mindshappers Co. Inc. 2018.
4. Doria, Benjamin D., Nacario, Charlie P. et al., Science, Technology and Society.
Jimczyville Publications, 2018
5. Serafica, Janice patria J., Pawilen, Greg T. et al. Science, technology and
Society. Rex Printing company, Inc. 2018.

LESSON 2: TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING

[Link]

Comparing the lives of the people before and now will make anyone realize the changes that
happened in the society not just in terms of culture, language or rights but more importantly, changes in
people’s way of life due to the existence of science and technology. The term” generation gap” is
attributed mainly to the changes brought about by technology. This gap is not something to be worried
about. This does not in any way make technology a villain. Instead, it is a challenge for people in the field
of science and technology to make these technological advancements more accessible and less
confusing for people who are not as young anymore. This is also a challenge for the younger generation
to take the older generation to an exciting journey in science and technology. In this way, everyone can
experience what it is like to live with ease and comfort because of the availability of modern technology.
People who lived in the past and people who are living in the present all have different views of what it
means to flourish, primarily due to the kind of environments and the period one is in. people’s way of
life and how the society works also affect how one construes the concept of human flourishing. The
environment need to be assessed in order to know the possibility of human flourishing and to what
extent it is possible. Since there have been drastic changes in people’s way of life, it can be inferred that
there have been drastic changes not only in the conception of human flourishing but to people’s actual
human condition. These changes were brought about by the interplay of different factors but
essentially, it was brought about by science and technology. So at the end of this lesson, you expected
to:

 Explain the concept of human condition before science and technology;

 Identify the change that happened in human condition after science and technology; and
 Name ways on how technology aided in revealing the truth about the human being.

II. INSTRUCTION: Please be guided by the following reminders.

1. Please read the various text carefully so that you can comprehend easily.

2. You can consult google or dictionaries for clearer understanding of terms and concepts met in the
text.

3. Do the different activities required. Do not leave any activity (questions unanswered) undone.

4. Please follow instructions. Feel free to ask me via messenger or text for clarification on directions.

5. Answer questions with all honesty. Success does not come from copying from others. It is made
possible by trying hard on your own even from your mistakes.

6. Review your answers. It is safe to go back and think about what you have written. This can help you
lessen if not avoid errors.

7. Do not delay in doing and submitting your requirements. This can help you avoid having a file of
unfinished activities.

8 .Have fun as you learn. When you’re having fun, you can easily learn the lessons.

III. LESSON PROPER

A. PRESENTATION
 [Link]
party

[Link]
party

Have you experience this activities during your childhood? If so, write a short reflection “I’m
happy I had my childhood before technology took over”

[Link]:

THE HUMAN CONDITION BEFORE COMMON ERA

Our early ancestors’ primal need to survive paved way for the invention of several
developments. As it is difficult to pinpoint the particular period where technology is said to have started,
one can say that at the very least, the motivation to make things easier has been around since humans
are. HOMO ERECTUS have been using fire to cook, through chipping one flint over the other to produce
a spark, all the while without realizing the laws of friction and heat. Tools from stone and flints marked
the era of the Stone Age, during the advent of our very own Homo sapiens, and humans began to
sharpen stones as one would a knife; an example of this is the simple machine called wedge.

wedge

This particular period proved to be difficult for our ancestors, but in a remarkably distinct way.
There is little to no written accounts except for several cave drawings and unearthed artifacts from
various parts of the world that narrate how their culture came to be. It then proves that there are little
capacity of our ancestors to contemplate and perceive things outside themselves in a more reflective
manner. For instance, there are several excavations in different parts of Europe of miniature statues
prevalent during the Paleolithic period, the so called “Venus” figure. It depicts a rudimentary carving of a
voluptuous woman out of ivory or stone.

Soon enough, people discovered minerals and began forging metalwork. They realized that
these substances are more durable, malleable, and have more luster than the previous material. On the
other hand, there are some indicators that human in the past share the same concerns and interests,
suggesting that these inclinations persist through multitudes of generation over several millennia. Fur
clothing and animal skin are primarily used for comfort against harsh winds-our ancestors are able to
draw the connection between their being naked and vulnerable due to some lack of fur or protective
covering which would otherwise allow them to withstand extreme weather conditions. They begin to
cover themselves up out of necessity, and gradually, added several more to their garments.

Nevertheless, it can be positively inferred that like the people of today, our ancestors also found
the need to explain things in a way that makes sense to them. They quickly realized that there are
events outside of their control and attempted to justify things as being a work of a supernatural being.
Throughout the course of history, religion remains to be the strongest contender to science arguably
due to its being the most easily grasped.

THE HUMAN CONDITION IN THE COMMON ERA

Humanity became more complex. The primary goal was not merely to survive, but to live the
good life.

Technology has been instrumental in all of these because of searching for the good life, people
were able to come up with creations that would make life easier, more comfortable and more enriching.
Although the good life- envisioned before might be pale in comparison to the multifariousness of today,
it offered us the initial intricacies of how today came to be. Such intricacies are also evident in the
machines created and causes endeavored by the people of long ago.
 Position-wise, the humans of today are much better off compared to humans several centuries
ago. Advancements in medicine, technology, health and education ushered in humanity’s best yet, and
show no sign of stopping. Below are some notable comparisons then and now.

1. Mortality Rate. Due to technology, lesser women and children die during birth, assuring robust
population and strong workforce. Medical care for premature infants allows them to survive and
develop normally, while proper maternal care ensures that mothers can fully recover and
remain empowered.
2. Average Lifespan. Science is able to prolong lives by enhancing living status and discovering
different remedies to most diseases. Distribution of medicines is also made easier and faster.
3. Literacy Rate. Access to education provided to more individuals generally creates a more
informed public that could determine a more just society.
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although not an indicator of an average person’s lifestyle in a
certain country, it is often used to determine the value of the country’s goods and services
produced within the territory given a certain time period. Higher country income is brought
upon by high productivity, often an indicator of presence of technology.

THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

Humanity has indeed come a long way from our primitive ways, and as a general rule, it is said
that we are more “developed” than we were before. We see ways and means from nature to utilize
and achieve growth-a goal, that we believe would bring forth betterment.

According to Heidegger, Technology itself is a contrivance-in Latin an “Instrumentum”. The

current conception of technology according to which it is a means and a human activity, can
therefore be called the instrumental and anthropological definition of technology.

Heidegger urged people to envision technology as a mode of revealing as it shows too much
more about the human person and the world. Technology is a way of bringing forth, a making
something. By considering technology as a mode of revealing then truth is brought forth.

Example. The truth that the earth is weeping could be revealed by the information and data
taken by modern devices. Whatever truth is uncovered, it will be something more meaningful and
significant than the superficial or practical use of technology.

Heidegger also put forward the ancient Greek concepts of:

1. Aletheia means unhidden or disclosure.

2. Poiesis is defined as bringing forth. According to Aristotle, it means making or producing
something for a purpose.
3. Techne means skills, art or craft.

Does the idea that technology is poiesis apply to modern technology?

Heidegger characterize modern technology as a challenging forth since it is very aggressive in its
activity. Modern technology may also be a mode of revealing but not as the harmonious bringing forth.
Modern technology challenges nature and demands of its resources that are most of the time, forcibly
extracted for human consumption and storage. It brings about a “setting upon” on land. Example
mining. Modern technology that challenges forth and bring about the setting upon of land. It extracts
minerals from the earth and forcefully assigns the land as a means to fulfill the never-ending demands of
people.

With modern technology, revealing never comes to an end. The revealing always happens on
our own terms as everything is in demand. Examples are: a) information at our fingertips, b) food
harvested even out of season, c) gravity defied to fly off to space. We no longer need to work with the
rhythms of nature because we have learned to control it.

Enframing is a way of revealing in modern technology that challenges forth and sets upon nature is a
way of looking at reality. In simpler terms, it is as if nature is put in a box or in a frame so that it can be
better understood and controlled to people’s desires. Enframing is done because people want security,
even the ordering that happens is violent and even if the Earth is made as a big gasoline station from
which we extract, stockpile, and put in standing reserve, ready to be used as we see it.

Though it is true that the individual takes part in the revealing of nature, limits must still be
recognized. Humans do not really call the shots on this Earth. If we allow ourselves to get swallowed by
modern technology, we lose the essence of who we are as beings in this world. If we are constantly
plugged online and no longer have the capacity for authentic personal encounters, then we are truly
swallowed by technology. If we cannot let go of the convenience and profits brought about by processes
and industries that pollute the environment and cause climate change, then technology has consumed
humanity.

BACKTRACKING THE HUMAN CONDITION

Technology’s initial promises proved to be true, regardless of its ramifications. All in all the
human condition improved, only if by improving we measure the level of comfort, various scientific
breakthroughs, and improved lifestyle of those who had the luxury to afford to do so. Different
machineries aid in prolonging lives-assisting those with disabilities, honing efficiency in industrial
workplaces, and even exploring the universe for places we can thrive once all the Earth’s resources are
depleted. While it is true that technology offered us one compelling notion of the truth and the good,
we should be staunch in our resolve if we want to know the real one. For starters, we might begin with
considering other concepts which corresponds to the GOOD, such as Aristotle’s conception of human
flourishing. His notion entertains the idea of holistic enrichment of a person situated in his society. A
notable distinction on Aristotle’s idea is his subscription on evaluative concepts called virtues and their
role in achieving the good life. Technological advancements are seemingly occurring in a rapid pace that
our morality cannot quite keep up; no such consideration was given in this approach in achieving the
good life.

[Link]:

Try to imagine the world without technology. How do you think your day- to- day life would be
like? Do this by illustrating a scenario (drawing) where a certain technological innovations does not exist.
Examples that you could use: watch, phone, cars, electricity etc.) Choose one only.

[Link] / SUMMARY
 Science and technology has been part of human activity since the beginning of our species. It
has aided us in survival and helped us outsmart our adversaries, provided us comfortable living, allowed
us to explore the world, and assisted us in discovering more about ourselves and the truth. However, it
also leads us to a paradox in which we are only able to see the world in the lenses of technological
innovations. In our pursuit of growth, we had conveniently forgotten that technology only presents one
approach in viewing the world. This forgetfulness leads us to evaluate objects as consumable or not-
transcending to other human beings, determining their capacity to be productive. Our valuation of
things became one-dimensional, geared toward production of goods for more consumption which we
believe would lead us to the good life. This is only the conception of technology, as Hiedegger also
proposed that technology is what humans do. Advancements in the field expose us to previously
unknown predicaments, effectively helping us to reveal our own natures and enforcing one perspective
in finding the truth.

[Link]:

Answer the following questions:

1. What would have happened to humankind if technology did not exist?

2. Do you agree with Martin Heidegger in his idea that technology should only be seen as one of
the approaches in perceiving truth? What are other possible approaches you should consider?

IV. REFERENCES/MATERIAL/RESOURCES
1. Aldea, Kathryn Idrisha K.’Coronan, Hans Peter A. et al., Science, Technology
and Society. Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.,2018.
2. Bueno, David C. Ed.D., Science, Technology and Society. Books
[Link] Corp.,2019
3. Contreras, Antonio P.,Erasga,Dennis S. et al., Science , technology and
Society: A Critical Approach. Mindshappers Co. Inc. 2018.
4. Doria, Benjamin D., Nacario, Charlie P. et al., Science, Technology and Society.
Jimczyville Publications, 2018
5. Serafica, Janice patria J., Pawilen, Greg T. et al. Science, technology and
Society. Rex Printing company, Inc. 2018.
6. [Link]
birthday-party

LESSON 3: THE GOOD LIFE

[Link]
 We all have vision of what the good life should look like. To others, a good life
means wealth. To some, a good life means fulfilled life. To them, this good life is
perhaps one of the fantasies of humans. Though the work of philosophers for the
past hundred years or so may seem divorced from mundane concerns and desires,
this way not always so. Philosophical thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Immanuel Kant,
and Friedrich Nietzsche once made the question of the good life central to their
philosophy. Every attempt to know is connected in some way in an attempt to find
the “good”, the attainment of human flourishing. Rightly so, one must find the truth
about what the good is before one can even try to locate that which is good.
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
 Examine what is meant by a good life;
 Identify how humans attempts to attain what is deemed to be a good life; and
 Recognize possibilities available to human being to attain the good life.
II. INSTRUCTION: Please be guided by the following reminders.
1. Please read the various text carefully so that you can comprehend easily.
2. You can consult google or dictionaries for clearer understanding of terms and
concepts met in the text.
3. Do the different activities required. Do not leave any activity (questions
unanswered) undone. Write legibly and send it to my gmail account
(nancybueniosubala@[Link]).
4. Please follow instructions. Feel free to ask me via messenger or text for
clarification on directions.
5. Answer questions with all honesty. Success does not come from copying from
others. It is made possible by trying hard on your own even from your mistakes.
6. Review your answers. It is safe to go back and think about what you have written.
This can help you lessen if not avoid errors.
7. Do not delay in doing and submitting your requirements. This can help you avoid
having a file of unfinished activities.
8 .Have fun as you learn. When you’re having fun, you can easily learn the lessons.
III. LESSON PROPER:
[Link]
In your own point of view what does it really mean to live a good life? What
qualifies as a good existence?
[Link]
ARISTOTLE AND HOW WE ALL ASPIRE FOR A GOOD LIFE

The first philosopher who approached the problem of reality from a “scientific” lens as we know now, is
also the first thinker who dabbed into the complex problematization of the end goal of life:happiness.

Compared ti his teacher and predecessor, Plato, Aristotle embarked on the different approach in
figuring out reality. In contrast to Plato who thought that things in this world are not real and are only
copies of the real in the world of forms, Aristotle puts everything back to the ground in claiming that this
world is all there is to it and that this world is the only reality we can assess. For Plato, change is so

Perplexing that it can only make sense if there are two realities: the world of forms and the world of
matter. Consider the human person. When you try to see yourself in front of the mirror, you normally
say and think that you are looking at yourself-that is, you are the person who slept at night and you are
the same person looking at yourself now, despite the occasional changes like a new pimple that grows in
your nose. The same is true for seed that you threw out in the garden. When you peek into the same
patch of land where the seed ingrained itself into, you may be surprised to see a little plant showing
itself to you and to the sun. Plato recognized change as a process and as a phenomenon that happens in
the world, that in fact that is constant, things remain and they retain their ultimate “whatness”: that you
remain to be you despite the pimple that now sits atop your nose. Plato was convinced that reality is full
of this seemingly contrasting manifestations of change and permanence. For Plato, this can only be
explained by postulating two aspects of reality: the world of forms and the world of matter. In the
world of matter, things are changing and impermanent. In the world of forms, the entities are only
copies of the ideal and the models, and the forms are the only real entities Things are red in this world
because they participate in what it means to be red in the world of forms.

Aristotle for his part, disagreed with his teacher’s position and forwarded the idea that there is
no reality over and above what the senses can perceive. As such, it is only by observation of the external
world that one can truly understand what reality is all about. Change is a process that is inherent in
things. We, along with all other entities in the world start as potentialities and move toward actualities.

Example. Consider a seed that eventually germinates and grows into a plant. The seed that
turned to become the plant underwent change from the potential plant that is the seed to its full
actuality, the plant.

Aristotle extend this analysis from the external world into the province of the human person and
declares that even human beings are potentialities who aspire for their actuality. Every human being
moves according to some end. Every action that emanates from a human person is a function of the
purpose (telos) that the person has. Example, when a boy ask for a burger from a Filipino burger joint,
the action that he takes is motivated primarily by the purpose that he has, inferably to get full or to
taste the burger that he only sees in TV. Another is, when a person tries to finish her degree in the
university, despite the initial failures she may have had, she definitely is being propelled by a higher
purpose than to just graduate. She wants something more, maybe to have a license and land a
promising job in the future. Every human person, according to Aristotle, aspires for an end. This end is
happiness or human flourishing, a kind of contentment in knowing that one is getting the best out of life.
A king of feeling that one has maxed out his potentials in the world, that he has attained the crux of his
humanity.

HAPPINESS AS THE GOAL OF A GOOD LIFE

John Stuart Mill declared the Greatest Happiness Principle by saying that an action is right as far
as it maximizes the attainment of happiness for the greatest number of people. Mill said that individual
happiness of each individual should be prioritized and collectively dictates the kind of action that should
be endorsed. Consider the pronouncement against mining. When an action benefits the greatest
number of people, said action is deemed ethical. Does mining benefits rather than disadvantages? Does
mining result in more people getting happy rather than sad? If the answers to the said questions are in
the affirmative, then the said action, mining, is deemed ethical.

The ethical is, of course, meant to lead us to the good and happy life. Through the ages, man has
constantly struggled with the external world in order to reach human flourishing. History has given birth
to different school of thought, all of which aim for the good and happy life.

1. Materialism
The first materialists were the atomists in Ancient Greece. Democritus and Leucippus led a
school whose primary belief is that the world is made up of and is controlled by the tiny
indivisible units in the world called atomos or seed. For Democritus and his disciples, the world,
including human beings, is made up of matter. There is no need to posit immaterial entities as
sources of purpose. Atomos simply comes together randomly to form the things in the world. As
such, only material entities matter. In terms of human flourishing, matter is what makes us
attain happiness. We see this at work with most people who are clinging on to material wealth
as the primary source of the meaning of their existence.
2. Hedonism
The hedonists. For their part, see the end goal of life in acquiring pleasure. Pleasure has always
been the priority of hedonists. For them, life is about obtaining and indulging in pleasure
because life is limited. The mantra of this school of thought is the famous, “Eat, drink and be
 merry for tomorrow we die.” Led by Epicurus, this school of thought also does not buy any
notion of afterlife just like the materialists.
3. Stoicism
Another school of thought led by Epicurus, the stoics espoused the idea that to generate
happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and be apathetic. The original term, apatheia,
precisely means to be indifferent. For stoics, happiness can only be attained by a careful practice
of apathy. We should, in this worldview, adopt the fact that some things are not within our
control. The sooner we realize this, the happier we can become.
4. Theism
Most people find the meaning of their lives using God as the fulcrum of their existence. The
Philippines, as a predominantly Catholic country, is witness to how people base their life goals
on beliefs that hinged on some form of supernatural reality called heaven. The ultimate basis of
happiness for theists is the communion with God .The world where we are in is only just a
temporary reality where we have no maneuver around while waiting for the ultimate return to
the hands of God.
5. Humanism

Humanism as another school of thought espouses the freedom of man to carve his own destiny
and to legislate his own laws, free from shackles of a God that monitors and controls. For
humanists, man is literally the captain of his own ship. Humanists see themselves not merely as
stewards of the creation but as individuals who are in control of themselves and the world
outside them.

Technology allowed us to tinker with our sexuality. Biologically male individuals can now
undergo medical operation if they so wish for sexual reassignment. Breast implants are now
available and can be done with relative convenience if anyone wishes to have one. Hormones
may also be injected in order to alter the sexual chemicals in the body.

[Link]

GOOD LIFE COLLAGE. Cut out pictures in magazines or newspapers that demonstrate how technology
has made the man’s desire for a happy life more realizable. You may also opt to print out pictures from
websites and other sources. Explain how this technological advancements have made the campaign for
the attainment of good life easier.

D. STRATEGY / SUMMARY

Man is constantly in pursuit of the good life. Every person has his perspective when it comes to
what comprises good life. Throughout history, man has worked hard in pointing out what amounts to a
good, happy life. Some people like the classical theorists thought that happiness has to do with the
insides of the human person. The soul, as the seat of our humanity, has been the focus of attention of
this end goal. The soul has to attain a certain balance in order to have a good life, a life of flourishing. It
was only until the seventeenth century that happiness became a centerpiece in the lives of people, even
becoming a full-blown ethical foundation in John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism. At present, we see
multitudes of schools of thought that all promise their own key to finding happiness. Science and
technology has been, for the most part, at the forefront of man’s attempts at finding this happiness. The
only question at the end of the day is whether science is taking the right path toward attaining what it
really means to live a good life.
E. EVALUATION / ASSESSMENT

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the relationship between the good life and science?

2. Does technology always lead us to the good life? How and why?

IV. REFERENCES/MATERIALS/RESOURCES

1. Aldea, Kathryn Idrisha K.’Coronan, Hans Peter A. et al., Science, Technology and Society. Books Atbp.
Publishing Corp.,2018.

[Link], David C. Ed.D., Science, Technology and Society. Books [Link] Corp.,2019

[Link], Antonio P.,Erasga,Dennis S. et al., Science , technology and Society: A Critical Approach.
Mindshappers Co. Inc. 2018.

4. Doria, Benjamin D., Nacario, Charlie P. et al., Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications,
2018

5. Serafica, Janice patria J., Pawilen, Greg T. et al. Science, technology and Society. Rex Printing
company, Inc. 2018.

LESSON 4: WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS

[Link]

The ever-growing society has made people see technology as some form of necessity. The roles
played by technology these days are very crucial not only to a few but also to everyone. In one way or
another, each person in the society is directly or indirectly affected by technology whether he wills it or
not. In fact, most people survive their everyday lives with great reliance to the different technological
advancements already available to the masses. While there may be some who would claim that their
lives are not greatly affected by technology, the fact cannot be denied that technology is already an
inevitable part of the society. Technology these days enjoys such fame and glory because of the many
different benefits it brings to mankind. Some would even say that it does not only bring convenience but
also pleasure and happiness to people. There are people who would even argue that technology has
become a necessity and no longer a want.

At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

 Know the different technological advancement in the society; and

 Discuss the effects of the interplay between technology and humanity through the dilemma(s)
they face.

[Link]: Please be guided with the following reminders.

1. Please read the various text carefully so that you can comprehend easily.

2. You can consult google or dictionaries for clearer understanding of terms and concepts met in the
text.

3. Do the different activities required. Do not leave any activity 0r questions unanswered.

4. Please follow instructions. Feel free to ask me via messenger or text for clarification on directions.

5. Answer questions with all honesty. Success does not come from copying from others. It is made
possible by trying hard on your own even from your mistakes.

6. Review your answers. It is safe to go back and think about what you have written. This can help you
lessen if not avoid errors.

7. Do not delay in doing and submitting your requirements. This can help you avoid having a file of
unfinished activities.

8 .Have fun as you learn. When you’re having fun, you can easily learn the lessons.

[Link] PROPER

[Link]

When technology and humanity cross, it is a slam bang. There is a clash between the two. Which
side are you on? Are you ready to face the future or are you not ready for the future? Are you going to
benefit due to the clash technology or are you going to suffer the consequences of patronizing it or are
you going to be enslave by technology?

[Link]

How will humanity prevail if it clashes with technology? Humanity will change the world in the
next two decades than 30 decades ago. Technology has changed all aspects of our lives, even ancient
fields of study mankind.

TELEVISION SETS, MOBILE PHONES, COMPUTERS, AND HUMANITY

 A number of technological devices can be easily found inside the home, the most accessible
place to anyone. Almost all households, if not all, own these types of devices:

1. Television sets
According to Kantar Media, one of the most trusted television audience measurement
providers, in the Philippines, 92% of urban homes and 70% of rural homes own at least one
television set. It is for this reason why television remains to be the ultimate medium for
advertisement placements (The Manila Times 2014). Kantar Media also reported that in the
Philippines, the current count of households with television set already reached 15.135 million
(Noda 2012). This number signifies that television plays a great role in the lives the Filipinos.
Television is mainly used as a platform for advertisements and information
dissemination. In fact, television remains to be the most used avenue by different advertising
companies not only in the Philippines but also all over the world
2. Mobile phones.

Filipinos love to use their mobile phones anywhere, anytime. They use it for different purposes
other than communication. More than half of the Filipino population own at least one mobile
phone regardless of type. In 2010, global research agency Synovate conducted a survey and
declared 67% product ownership in the country. In fact, it was also claimed that mobile phones
are considered a must-have among young Filipinos (ABS-CBN news,2010). The Ipsos Media Atlas
Philippines Nationwide Urban 2011-2012 survey results showed that one in every three Filipinos
cannot live without a mobile phone. In other words, 305 of the Philippine urban population
nationwide said that mobile phones are necessities in life (Roa,2012). Philippine streets are full
of people using their mobile phones. Not only this, there are some Filipinos who even own more
than one mobile phone.

Mobile phones are primarily used for communication. It offers services like texting,
calling, surfing and take pictures more than to text or call people. Other applications include
music player, calendar, radio, television etc.

[Link] and laptops

Computers and laptops have also become part of many of the Filipino households. There are
some Filipino families who own more than one computer or laptop while some own at least one
computer or laptop. However, the number of computers or laptops sold per year may not be as
high as the number of mobile phones and television sets. Most of the profits gained by
computer and laptop manufacturers come from offices, businesses, or schools where such
devices have become part of their necessities.
Computers and laptops also have useful set of functions and roles. Although most of the
functions found in these technological devices are now also available in mobile phones, they still
offer their own unique features that make them attractive.

Here are some facts about Filipinos and their use of gadgets and Internet Rappler,n.d.):
 Mobile phone subscription is at 119 million.
 Filipinos spend approximately 3.2 hours on mobile and 5.2 hours on desktop daily.
 Currently, the Philippines has one of the highest digital populations in the world.
 There are now 47 million active Facebook accounts in the Philippines.
  The Philippines is the fastest-growing application market in Southeast Asia.

ETHICAL DILEMMA FACED BY THESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

1. These technological devices makes children lazy and unhealthy. This is because of the fact that
people who are fixated on these technological advancements start and end their day by using
such devices.

It is really concerning to know that these are people who develop different kinds of sickness
because of too much use of technological devices. It also causes them to become reclusive,
alienating themselves from other people. In fact, there are people who are friends for example
on social media but not in real life. This just shows that there are things that technology claims
to do but in real life does not. It is for these reason why there are people who call for the
establishment of ethics of technology

2. Moral dilemma. People especially the children who are not capable yet of rationally deciding for
themselves what is right or wrong, are freely exposed to different things on television, mobile
phones, laptops, or computers. Because of the availability and easy access to the internet, they
can just easily search the web and go to the different websites without restrictions. This allows
them to see, read or her things which are not suitable for their very young age. This makes them
very vulnerable to character change and can greatly affect the way they view the world and the
things around them.

ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY

The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe (UNECE) made it their task to formulate a working definition for service robots. A preliminary
extract of the relevant definition is (IFR, 2012):

 A robot is an actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with the degree of
autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform intended task. Autonomy in this context
means the ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and sensing without human
intervention.

 A service robot is a robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment excluding
industrial automation application. Note: A robot may be classified according to its intended
application as an industrial robot or a service robot.
 A personal service robot or a service robot for personal use is a service robot used for a
noncommercial tasks, usually by laypersons. Examples are domestic servant robot, automated
wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, and pet exercising robot.
 A professional service robot or a service robot for professional use is a service robot used for a
commercial task, usually operated by a properly trained operator. Examples are cleaning robot
for public places, delivery robot in offices or hospitals, firefighting robot, and surgery robot in
hospitals. In this context, an operator is a person designated to start, monitor, and stop the
intended operation of a robot or a robot system.

ROLES PLAYED BY ROBOTICS

 Robots play different roles not only in the lives of the people but also in the society as a whole.
They are primarily used to ease the workload of mankind. They were invented to make life more
efficient and less stressful. On one hand, they perform the simplest tasks at home so that their masters
can perform the complex ones without stressing themselves over the simple tasks. There are also robots
which are made for pleasure. To be more specific, these types of robots perform activities to entertain
people. They can usually be found in amusement parks or exhibits. In addition, there are also some
robots which were made to serve as toys. They also perform different activities but they are usually
child-friendly. Other examples of robots are those which can be seen in movies. One of the reasons why
robots are very famous is because of movies. A number of local and national movies were inspired by
robots. This goes to show that people have developed a distinct fascination over robots.

ETHICAL DILEMMA/S FACED BY ROBOTICS

1. Safety
2. Emotional component

[Link]

Reflect on the pictures below

D. STRATEGY/SUMMARY

In modern times, there are different technological advancements in all forms and sizes may it be
inside the home, the workplace, the learning place, or simply on the streets. It is now very accessible to
almost anyone in the world. It is not completely impossible to say that each person in the world owns at
least one technological device. Besides, technology is not enclosed to expensive and high-end devices.
Simply types of machines that can perform simple task regularly can already be considered a form of
technology. However, despite its usefulness and beneficial characteristics, there are still some problems
faced by the different technological advancements. To be more specific, these problems are ethical in
nature that involve not only the machine but also mankind. It is now impossible for technology and
humanity not to cross paths because as some would argue, technology has become a necessity for
people. At the end of the day, ethics should still be enforced in the field of technology so as to ensure
the safety and morality of these devices to people.

IV. REFERENCES/RESOURCES/ MATERIAL

1. Aldea, Kathryn Idrisha K.’Coronan, Hans Peter A. et al., Science, Technology and Society. Books
Atbp. Publishing Corp.,2018.
[Link], David C. Ed.D., Science, Technology and Society. Books [Link] Corp.,2019

[Link], Antonio P.,Erasga,Dennis S. et al., Science , technology and Society: A Critical Approach.
Mindshappers Co. Inc. 2018.

4. Doria, Benjamin D., Nacario, Charlie P. et al., Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville
Publications, 2018

5. Serafica, Janice patria J., Pawilen, Greg T. et al. Science, technology and Society. Rex Printing
company, Inc. 2018.