Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar
Website: [Link]; Email: uepnsofficial@[Link]

GE 7: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

First Semester, SY 2020 – 2021

Prepared and Compiled by:

RUTH L. SAYDE
PAULA MAE M. CAPARIC
JERICK BESALO
IRVIN MORALES
CAC, Part-Time Lecturers

NAME OF STUDENT: _______________________________________________________________

COURSE & YEAR: __________________________________________________________
 UNIT-2 STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIT-2 STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

MODULE 6 – HUMAN FLOURISHING …...……………………...……………………….…….... 4

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………… 4

OUTCOMES ………………………………………………………………………………………... 4

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING……………………….…….……. 5

SCIENCE AS METHOD AND RESULTS…………………..………………….…..……….…….. 6

SCIENTIFIC METHOD……………………………………………………………………..…….. 7

LET’S TAKE A BREAK ……………………………………………………….…………………….. 8

THE CRITERIONS THAT DIFFERENTITES SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY…………………..... 9

VERIFICATION THEORY …………………………………………………...……………… 9

FALSIFICATION THEORY …………………………………………………..……………… 9

DIFFERENCE OF VERFICATION THEORY AND FALSIFICATION THEORY …………… 10

SCIENCE AS A SOCIAL ENDEAVOR …………………..………………….…..…………….. 10

SCIENCE AND RESULTS…………………………………………………………………….…. 11

LET’S TAKE A BREAK ……………………………………………………….…………………….. 12

Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………..... 14
References ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Suggested Readings …………………………………………………………………………… 14

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UNIT 2

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

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6
HUMAN FLOURISHING

INTRODUCTION

Good day! Are you ready for today’s discussion?

Well, do not worry. We will get through this. I hope you have fun!

As we grow and develop, there are different factors that affects us this different
questions arises that needs to be answered and steps that needs action to be
undertaken. Flourishing is the highest good of human attempt to achieve his/her goal.
It is the success as a human being when he/she achieved it for the betterment of
his/her life. In this module, we are going to discover what is human flourishing and how
can we attain it with the help of science and technology.

OUTCOMES

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

 identify different conceptions of human flourishing

 define the meaning of the good life
 determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science
 critique human flourishing vis-à-vis the progress of science and technology

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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

In the previous modules, the contributions of science and technology

have been discussed thoroughly. The discovery, innovation, and success
contributions to the human knowledge we all gain. The field of uncovering the
secrets of the universe answers the question of our existence and provides
something to look forward to. Having a role elicits our idea of self-importance.
It is because of this that human flourishing is deeply intertwined with goal
setting relevant to science and technology. The latter is relevant as a tool in
achieving the former statement. As what Martin Heidegger said, technology is
a human activity that we excel in as a result of achieving science.

Aristotle, one of the renowned Greek Philosophers, has coined the term
eudaimonia which literally translates to “good spirited” to describe the
pinnacle of happiness that is attainable to humans. In Literature, eudaimonia
is often translated into “human flourishing”. Aristotle’s 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
quantities will surely bring the seeker happiness, which in effect allows them to
partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good. For Aristotle, the good
is for purposeful and goal-directed entities. He defines the good proper to
human beings as the activities in which the life functions specific to human
beings are mostly fully realized. But the question is, how do we achieve human
flourishing?

As the times changes, people found means to live more comfortably,

explore more places, develop more products, and make more money, and
then repeating the process in full circle. In the beginning, early people relied

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on simple machines to make hunting and gathering food and materials easier.
This development allowed them to make grander and more sophisticated
machines to help them in their adventures, explorations, discoveries,
innovations and ventures of life after death. Meanwhile or concept of human
flourishing today differs from Aristotle’s philosophy. Humans 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. Competitions as a means
of survival has become passé; nowadays coordination is the new trend.

Meanwhile, there is a difference between the eastern and western ideas

regarding society and human flourishing. The Western Society, to which
Aristotle is included, tends to be more focused on the individual. While those
from the Eastern Society are more community centric. Individual flourishing as
an end then is primarily more of a concern for western civilization. Eastern
civilizations puts the community above the individual. Community is given the
highest regard and that the individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of
the society.

Nevertheless, such societal stereotypes cannot be said to be true given

the current state of globalization. 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 learn human flourishing – in a
global perspective and as a man of the world.

SCIENCE AS METHOD AND RESULTS

Science’s reputation stems from the objectivity brought by the arbitrary,

rigid methodology whose very character absolves it from any accusation of
prejudice, Science claims to create reason and empiricism - garnering
supporters who want to defend it and its ways.

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SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Science is a systematic way of studying things and finding answers to

questions. Scientific method is an approach seeking knowledge that involves
creating a hypothesis. This methodology is used to answer questions in a
different disciplines. This method is taught an early grade level. Though their
different number of steps depending on the study or discipline covered, it still
presents a general view of how to solve problems.

1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained occurrences

unfolding.
2. Determine the problem and identify the factors involved.
3. Formulate hypothesis that could explain the said phenomena. The
ideal goal is to reject the null hypothesis and accept alternative
hypothesis for the study “to count as significant”.
4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and independent
variables, and trying to see how independent variables affect
dependent variables.
5. Gather and analyze results throughout and upon culmination of the
experiment. Examine if the data gathered are significant enough to
conclude results. Accept or reject the hypothesis if necessary.
6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation in case others
would want to broaden the study.

The scientific method is logical process for experimentation that is used

to observe and answer questions. The above steps is a basic methodology
when introducing experimentation and empiricism. There are many steps and
actions to be made when following the scientific method but this does not
disclose the idea that the above should be strictly followed and not be altered
whatsoever. As long as the basic process is completed, the goal must remain
the same.

Although scientific method is a series of steps, keep in mind that new

information or thinking might cause a scientist to back up and repeat at any
point during the process. A process life the scientific method that involves such
backing up and repeating is called iterative process. As what Albert Einstein
said, genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work.

Scientific method gives a logical way on how to solve a problem and to

improve our daily living, but science does not work alone. There should be a
collaboration among individuals and have different ideas, drives,
characteristics, motivations, culture, and beliefs that help us to attain what we
call now as human flourishing.

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Okay! Take a deep breath and sharpen your pencil for a learning exercise.

LET’S TAKE A BREAK!

Learning Exercise #1

Instructions: Think of a problem in your daily life where you can apply the scientific
method.
EXAMPLE
Observe: Low score in math during quiz.
Formulate Hypotheses: I’m spending too much time in Facebook and Mobile Legends.
Conduct Experiment: I will spend 1 hour in using my phone and 4 hours studying.
Gather and Analyze: I will identify if my scores increase in all of my quizzes or not.
Formulate Conclusion and Provide Recommendation: If my quizzes in Math are higher than my
scores before so therefore I conclude that lessening the number of hours in browsing Facebook is
effective. If not, I will recommend to stop spending my time in Facebook but rather focus on
studying and reviewing my notes.

Observe:__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Formulate Hypotheses:_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Conduct Experiment:______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Gather and Analyze:______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Formulate Conclusion and Provide Recommendation:_______________________

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

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THE CRITERIONS THAT DIFFERENTITES SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY

VERIFICATION THEORY

The idea proposes that a discipline is science if it can be confirmed or

interpreted in the event of an alternative hypothesis being accepted.
Verification theory supports empiricism and only takes into account those
results which are measurable and experiments which are repeatable.
Espoused by a movement in the early 20th century called the Vienna circle, a
group of scholars who believed that only those which can be observed should
be regarded as meaningful and reject those which cannot be directly
accessed as meaningless. A verification of a hypothesis implies that an
observation, or another verified hypothesis, is in accordance with the
hypothesis.

PROS AND CONS OF VERIFICATION THEORY

PROS CONS
Initially this proved to be attractive due to general Several budding theories that lack empirical results might be
consensus from people, which happened to see for shot down prematurely, causing slower innovation and
themselves how the experiment occurred, solidifying punishing ingenuity of newer, novel thoughts. This theory fails to
its validity and garnering support from esteemed weed out bogus arguments that explains things coincidentally.
figures.

FALSIFICATION THEORY

This theory asserts that as long as an ideology is not proven to be false

ad can best explain a phenomenon over alternative theories, we should
accept the said ideology. This theory allowed emergence of theories otherwise
rejected by verification theory. It does not promote ultimate adoption of one
theory allowed emergence of theory but instead encourages research in order
to determine which among the theories can stand the test of falsification. The
strongest one is that which is able to make particularly risky predictions about
the world. Karl Popper was known as the proponent of this view. There is no
known rule as to the number of instance that a theory is rejected or falsified in
order for it to be set aside. Similarly, there is no assurance that observations
event or evidences are indeed manifestations of a certain concept or theories.
Even though falsification method is more accepted, scientists are still not
convinced that it should be regarded as what makes a discipline scientific.

A falsification of a hypothesis implies that an observation, or another

verified hypothesis, opposes the hypothesis. A falsification hence implies that
an observation or another verified hypothesis verifies the negation of the
hypothesis.

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DIFFERENCE OF VERFICATION THEORY AND FALSIFICATION THEORY

As discussed above, “Falsification” is to be understood as the refutation

of statements, and in contrast, “verification” refers to statements that are
shown to be true. The goal of science is to create knowledge by identifying
true statements as true (verified) and false statements as false (falsified). Both
verification and falsification are based on observations and cannot be used in
claims that a hypothesis is eternally "true" or "false". This is further discussed
under Epistemology, part induction.

A verification of a hypothesis increases our belief in the hypothesis. While

a falsification of a hypothesis decreases our belief in the hypothesis.

There is no logical difference between verification and falsification. Here

is an example:

"All ravens are black." "Not all ravens are black."

is a statement that is: is a statement that is
 theoretically possible,  possible to verify.
but hard in reality, to verify.  theoretically possible,
 possible to falsify. but hard in reality, to falsify.

The example demonstrates that verification and falsification are

fundamental identical activities. In order to verify, alternatively falsify, any of
the two statements, all ravens should be inspected, or we must find one non-
black raven.

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 effectively,
technology. 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 experiences forging solidarity over communities.
Science cease to belong solely to gown-wearing, bespectacled scientists at
laboratories. The new view perpetuates a dimension which generally benefits
the society. Indigenous science is in no way inferior to that of globalized
people’s science.

The process of science is flexible and may take many possible paths.
Science is done by unique individuals without following a certain routine with
motivation, ambition, and creativity. Scientists from diverse backgrounds bring
many points of view that have bearing on scientific problems. The following

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are importance of diversity and collaboration in the scientific community

towards human flourishing.

1. Collaboration and diversity balance possible biases. Scientist and

practitioners with different sets of beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and values
helps science to balance out the possible biases that might happen if
science were practiced by a small group of humanity. Scientist should be
objective and not impartial in their assessments of scientific issues.
Scientists are often kept in check by diverse scientific community when
personal biases sneak in their scientific cases.
2. Diversity and collaboration stimulate problem solving. Science greatly
benefits from the scientific community. A diverse scientific community is
able to generate new research methods, explanations, and ideas, which
can help science over challenging obstacles and she new light on
problems for the betterment of the society.
3. Diversity and collaboration facilitate specialization. Every scientist have
different strengths and interest. Each scientist have different approaches
to the same question, even though they came from different
backgrounds that choose to investigate different questions. They have
different methods that are based on their interests.
4. Diversity and collaboration are inspiration and motivation. Innovations
and developments of ideas are often encourage by interactions in
society. Some people are driven by the thrill of competition against other
scientist. While other scientist are driven by the competition offered by the
community. In the scientific community, achievement is usually measured
in term so f respect and esteem from colleagues.
5. Diversity and collaboration divide labor. Science is too wide for a single
scientist to handle on their own. Collaborations and division of labor
became important today as the scientific understanding, techniques and
technologies expand. More research is done at the intersections of
different fields as there are more to learn about the world now than
before.

SCIENCE AND RESULTS

Science is not the only discipline which is able to produce results. People
who do not understand science are won over when the disciple is able to
produce results. For some communities without access to science, they turn to
superstition and divination and still get the same results. Science is not entirely
foolproof, such that is correct 100% of the time. Science does not monopolize
the claim for definite results.

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And we are done with Module 7!

But do not be too excited. Take a deep breath.
Sharpen your pencil for another learning exercise.
You can do it!

LET’S TAKE A BREAK!

Learning Exercise #2

Let us pause for a while and think. Do the following mastery of the big ideas
presented in this module.

1. What is the meaning of human flourishing and how will you able to achieve it?___
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2. Differentiate Eastern and Western Philosophy in terms of human flourishing. And list
down their similarities in the middle.

Eastern Western
Philosophy Philosophy

Human
Flourishing

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3. Differentiate Verification Theory and Falsification Theory by stating what you have
understood and create a simple example after. And state the similarities of the two
theories in the middle.

Verification Falsification
Theory Theory

Here is the criteria for written requirements.

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1
Information is very organized Information is slightly Information is organized The information appears
in a well-constructed organized in a well- but paragraph(s) are not to be disorganized.
Organization
paragraph or paragraphs. constructed paragraph or well-constructed.
paragraphs.
Information relates to the Information relates to the Information partially Information has little or
topic. It provides a lot of topic. It provides few relates to the topic. No nothing to do with the
Content
supporting details and/or supporting details and/or details and/or examples topic.
examples. examples. are given.
Main points well developed Main points well developed Main points are present Main points lack detailed
with high quality and with quality supporting with limited detail and development. Ideas are
Development quantity support. Reveals details and quantity. Critical development. Some vague with little evidence
high degree of critical thinking is weaved into critical thinking is of critical thinking.
thinking. points. present.
Essay is free of distracting Essay has few punctuation Most spelling, Spelling, punctuation,
spelling, punctuation, and and grammatical errors punctuation, and and grammatical errors
grammatical errors; absent allowing reader to follow grammar correct create distraction,
Grammar
of fragments, comma splices, ideas clearly. Very few allowing reader to making reading difficult;
& Mechanics
and run-ons. fragments or run-ons. progress through essay. fragments, comma
Some errors remain. splices, run-ons evident.
Errors are frequent.
Meets all formal and Meets format and Meets format and Fails to follow format and
assignment requirements assignment requirements; assignment assignment requirement;
and evidences attention to margins, spacing, and requirements; generally cover format, incorrect
detail; all margins, spacing indentations are correct; correct margins, indentations; neatness of
Format
and indentations are correct; essay is neat and correctly spacing, and essay needs attention.
essay is neat and correctly assembled. indentations; essay is
assembled with professional neat but may have some
look. assembly errors.

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Don’t walk out on me right now –

this is a bit of mental work but look at this as a challenge
– and work through it. 

COMMENT FOR LEARNING EXERCISE #2

How well did you do this time?

I hope it was a cinch!

SUMMARY

Every man is currently in pursuit of their happiness in order to have a good life.
Every man has different perspective on how to achieve a good life. Throughout the
years of pursuit, man has discovered different ways and things to equate to having a
good life. Some believe that happiness can be attained by fulfilling what is good for
the soul, that it must attain a certain balance in order to have a good life. While others
believe that happiness can be gained by acquiring material things and satisfying
one’s desire. Science and technology attempts to aid man at finding this happiness.
However, it is still up to mankind if science does fulfills this path and gives a truthful
fulfilling good life.

REFERENCES

 Serafica, Pawilen, Caslib, Alata. “Science, Technology, and Society”. Rex Book
Store, Inc. Manila, Philippines. 2018
 Prieto, Vega, Felipe, Meneses. “Science, Technology, and Society”. Lorimar
Publishing Inc. Quezon City, Manila. 2019

SUGGESTED READINGS

 Movie Clip (Youtube): The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the case against
Scientism
 Film: Akiro Kurasawa’s Dreams “Village of the Watermills”
 Forget ‘developing’ rich countries by Jason Hickel
[Link]

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 UNIT-2 STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

network/2015/sep/23/developing-poorcountries-de-develop-rich-countries-
sdgs
 Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm for the 21st Century by
Fabian Dayrit in Stellar Origins, Human Ways (2011)
 Serafica, Pawilen, Caslib, Alata. “Science, Technology and Society”. 2018. RBS.
 Technological Advancements and their Effects on Humanity. By Karehka
ramey. November 12, 2012

Now, you can take a break!

Watch your favorite Korean Drama or movie,
browse and check your social media accounts,
or play your favorite games.
Because why not?
You worked hard.
You deserve a break. Enjoy!

A DAILY REMINDER:

“Success is no accident.
It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice
and most of all, love of what you are
doing or learning to do.”
- Pete

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