NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF TALAVERA
OFF- CAMPUS PROGRAM
2nd Semester, AY 2021- 2022
GE 7: Science, Technology,
and Society
Eleonor F. Dela Cruz
Instructor
UNIT IV: HUMAN FLOURISHING
Overview
This unit gives you an idea of how humans can flourish, what is Human
Flourishing from a different point of view, how to flourish, and the impact
of technology in humans. This will help you analyze the difference
between human flourishing in philosophers' views and the modern world
concept. You will also identify the negative and positive effects of
technology and how it affects humans. This chapter will reflect your life
in self-actualization. So that you will know your role in society as a
student and as a human as well. Also, you will be able to deeply
understand your needs (emotional aspect; strength and weakness) and
how you will overcome it.
Learning Objectives:
• At the end of the unit, I am able to:
1. define flourishing in philosopher point of view and modern world
concept;
2. familiarize with the two Greek philosophers and their opinion on virtue;
3. appreciate the application of technology and its relation to human
flourishing; and
4. explain the connection of human flouring to science and technology.
Setting Up
Directions: “The true secret of happiness lies in the taking a genuine
interest in all the details of daily life”. This is one of the best quotes
that define happiness by William Morris. Have you asked yourself if
you are happy? With this, answer the following questions by writing on
the space provided.
1. What is your own definition of happiness?
2. When is the last time you feel happy and how did you feel it?
3. Give a situation in your life that you feel down/miserable and
what did you do to overcome it?
4. What makes you happy?
Lesson Proper: Human Flourishing
According to Aristotle, Human is defined as a rational animal because
they can think and use reason consistently. The way human beings do things
is by making rational choices that take specific actions or scientific
investigations that are mostly in-line in their personal preferences. Hence, a
human being is a person who makes up society and is responsible for the
research and innovations currently being used and existing today.
Understanding the behavior of humans (strength and weakness), their
nature, values, norms, needs (material or spiritual), and how to cater to
these is an essential tool to live a flourishing life.
A. Human Flourishing: Based on Ancient
Greek Philosophers’ Perspective.
Flourishing. It is a state where people experience positive emotions
and positive social functioning (. Is a descriptor and a measure of
positive mental health in life well-being (the state of being happy,
healthy or prosperous).
How to live a flourishing life?
Two of the most recognized Greek Philosophers that tries to answer the
question. PLATO and ARISTOTLE. These great philosophers called
flourishing life as “EUDAIMONIA”; it is usually associated with
HAPPINESS. For them, happiness is the result of eudaimonia or human
flourishing.
A. Human Flourishing: Based on Ancient
Greek Philosophers’ Perspective.
PLATO’S interpretation of “Human Flourishing”
PLATO (428/427 – 348/347 B.C.). For him, “all human beings naturally desire
eudaimonia or human flourishing”. To be flourish, Plato believed that one must have
moral thought and virtuous action. (VIRTUE – trait or quality that is deemed to be
morally good). The well-being of a human individual must NOT depend on external
goods (such as fame, wealth, good appearance). To live just for the sake of these
external goods will not lead to flourishing.
If having a VIRTUE is needed in order to FLOURISH, How does one develop
virtue? According to Plato, Human being can develop virtue by the following:
• By examining things and thinking more
• By masterly using reason
• By living the Four Cardinal Virtues (Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, Justice)
•
A. Human Flourishing: Based on Ancient
Greek Philosophers’ Perspective.
• By examining things and thinking more
Plato believed that humans can reason and must use it to
become wiser to flourish. He said that human being who does not
examine his or her life and surroundings would not flourish.
• By masterly using reason
According to Plato, using reason over desires makes human to
be good. Reasoning allows the control of oneself, and limiting one’s
reason may result in negative consequences. A human can flourish if
he or she can control itself through reason and act for the common
good.
A. Human Flourishing: Based on Ancient
Greek Philosophers’ Perspective.
• By living the four cardinal virtues
Wisdom: The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of
being wise. One must pursue learning based on curiosity, which leads to more efficacy and
selfmastery, which are needed to have a fulfilling life.
Courage: It is important to have courage in society today; it is needed to face life’s
challenges because JUSTICE needs courageous individuals to stand for what is right and to
correct what is wrong.
Temperance: According to Joel (2011), it is defined as moderation or voluntary self-
restraint. Plato believed that having temperance prevents corruption and chaos. It is
important in the society because a human without temperance will not flourish since lack
of self-restraint can lead to vices and violence.
A. Human Flourishing: Based on Ancient
Greek Philosophers’ Perspective.
ARISTOTLE’S interpretation of “Human Flourishing”.
.
ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.) He explained that eudaimonia or human flourishing is the highest
good of human beings. Zey (2001) introduced the Rational Choice Theory, which is used to
model human decision making. It explains the behavior of human being in order to satisfy
human needs.
What are the aspects of Human Nature?
There are four aspects of Human nature according to Aristotle.
1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Social
4. Rational
Humans are Physical Being. For humans, to keep their body physically and mentally
functioning, they need air, water, food rest, and exercise.
Humans are Emotional Being. Humans are the highest forms of animals. Like any
other animals, humans have needs, desires, and wants. Humans have emotional
needs to express different emotions in such reaction.
Humans are Social Being. The feeling of satisfaction, flourishing, or well-being can
be experienced when learning to socialized. As social beings, it is inherent that
humans need friendship, companions, cooperation, and a sense of belongingness in
society.
Humans are Rational Being. As Aristotle said, a human is defined as a rational
animal because they can think and use reason consistently. Rationality is what
differentiates humans from other animals. It allows human to express, be creative,
or obey reason.
How does human become more virtuous?
For Aristotle, a virtue is a character trait that enables a person to
flourish. Just like Plato, Aristotle believed that humans, through reason,
seek knowledge about the world. He also believed that by gaining
knowledge, humans would flourish. He called it “INTELLECTUAL
VIRTUE” (According to King (2014), intellectual virtue is an excellent
personal trait or character strength that is deemed to be morally good
for thinking and learning and is often associated with knowledge and
cognitive ability.) Aristotle made an important distinction between
knowledge and human flourishing.
2 Types of Knowledge:
1. Theoretical knowledge. This type of knowledge is about the
nature of the principle. It allows us to manipulate nature;
however, without practical knowledge, it cannot be done.
2. Practical knowledge. This is the knowledge of applying
principles. Thus, knowledge is very important in life, but it is the
application of this knowledge that leads to flourishing.
Aside from intellectual virtue, the other virtue in life is the virtue
of character. Aristotle believed that to flourish, one must possess
the 11 virtuous traits. (Courage, temperance, liberality,
magnificence, magnanimity, patience, truthfulness, wittiness,
friendliness, justice, and Shame). In addition, Aristotle stated that
all virtues are connected by PHRONESIS or “PRACTICAL WISDOM”.
It enables an individual to apply the appropriate virtue in each
situation. A virtuous life can be attained through education and
habit. In summary, when an individual possesses INTELLECTUAL
VIRTUE and VIRTUES OF CHARACTER, he or she will attain
EUDAIMONIA or HUMAN FLOURISHING.
B. Human Flourishing: A Modern World
Concept
In Psychology, Human Flourishing has different components: happiness,
life satisfaction, mental and virtue, close social relationship, and financial
and material stability.
1. Flourishing is intrinsically worthwhile It contrasts with the Greek
Philosopher’s point of view that human flourishing is a means to an end
goal, happiness. Flourishing is naturally good and is worth striving for.
Therefore, it is intrinsically worthwhile.
2. The actualization of the human potential When an individual uses his
or her potentials and capabilities it is called human flourishing. The
level of flourishing for every individual will cannot be compared
because every individual has different potential and encounter
different
Criteria for Human Flourishing
a. Life as a whole. In studying an individual’s flourishing, it is needed to understand
his or her nature as a whole person/life, which means it is important to study not
only some parts of an individuals life but its totality as a human as a well.
b. Human flourishing is a dynamic state. Human flourishing is self-motivated. It
requires a developmental process/progress to portray human potential. To become
a flourishing human being, one must continuously develop or endlessly growing.
c. Objective good. Everyone needs to be flourish. There are things that are good and
otherwise bad for everybody. Good things or objective goods such as good social
relationships, positive emotions and purpose, and so on, if developed, will
contribute to having a flourishing life.
C. The Human Person Flourishing in Terms
of Science and Technology
Now that you have an idea and a good perspective about human flourishing. What do you
think is the role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing?
Role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing
Remember, Aristotle said that humans flourish by gaining new knowledge. He called it
“intellectual virtue.” He also distinguished theoretical knowledge and practical
knowledge. On the other hand, Science is a systematic body of knowledge that seeks to
explain life and the world.
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
-Comparable to theoretical knowledge. -Comparable to practical knowledge
-Explains the nature or principles behind -Applies the theoretical knowledge in
an object, event or phenomenon. order to have an output.
Elucidating the importance of science and technology to human being, scientific
and technological discoveries allow humanity to gain intellectual virtues. For
example, through science, the antibiotic nature of Penicillium notatum was
discovered. But through technology, the penicillin medicine was developed and
provided a cure to many diseases.
Alvin Tofler is an American writer and futurologist who focused his writings on
technology expansion and its impact on society (Zakaria, 2012). Advancement in
Science and Technology provides a positive impact on human life such as the
following:
• made work easier, efficient or practical
• made people happy or entertained
• kept people healthy and safe
• helped to address social issues and concerns
• helped in the development of human talent and abilities
D. Technology as a Way of Revealing
For this topic try to read the essay by Martin Heidegger: The Question
Concerning Technology. (Optional)
[Link]
Concerning_Technology_and_O ther [Link]
• Martin Heidegger (1889-1976). It is one of the most original and
important philosophers in the 20th century. In his essay, he
suggested how humans establish a “free relationship” with
technology. Heidegger focused on orientation to technology, not on
the form or function.
•
How do we generally think about technology?
For Heidegger, First, technology is a means to an end. It refers to the
instrumental definition of technology. And secondly, technology is a human
activity that refers to the anthropological definition. These two definitions of
Heidegger are correct; however, limiting the understanding of human
relationships with technology. Heidegger discussed the concepts of causality to
fully understand what is meant by “technology as a means to an end.”
There are four causes of causality/connection.
1. Causa materialis. It refers to the material used to form an object.
2. Causa formalis. It refers to the form or shape.
3. Causa finalis. It refers to an end.
4. Causa efficiens. It refers to which brings about the effect
“CAUSA,” Latin word means “that which brings about.” Furthermore, Heidegger
preferably uses the Greek word “aition,” which means “that which is responsible
for something else.” And that leads him to use the terms hyle, eidos, telos, and
logos as a replacement to the four causes. Heidegger termed technology as a kind
of poesis, a way of bringing forth or revealing referred to as – “the realm of
truth.” Technology came from the Greek word “technikon” that is related to
techne. Heidegger made two points about techne. It refers to both manufacturing
and to the arts. It is usually part of poesis. Techne is a kind of knowing. It may
refer to “expertise” or “know-how.” In a sense, technology is not in the
instrumental production of good or manipulation of materials, but rather in
“revealing.” Heidegger differentiates older forms of technology and modern form
of technology. He said that modern technology has a different kind of revealing,
and it is challenging. Old windmills, for instance, draw energy from the wind but
do not extract and store energy, unlike modern technology.
•
• To understand more of modern technology as revealing differently. Heidegger
introduced the idea of “standing reserve.” He explained that technology transforms
the world into a standing reserve. It is said that “nothing in the world is good in and
of itself, but only good for something. An airplane, for instance, has no good or
value in and of itself, but it is good for humanity as a mode of transportation. It can
be disposed of, leaving it with no value its disposal by humanity depends on its
goodness. Humans can become standing reserves of technology. Since humans are
responsible for technological advances, humans will never completely become as
standing reserves. In the same way, nature and nature's mode of revealing will never
completely become under human control.
• Despite humans having now the capacity to destroy nature, the natural world
reveals itself to humans on their terms. Example: Humans cannot directly control
the formation of coal deposits or accumulate nitrogen in the soil. They can only
control the way humans orient themselves to their thinking and actions, with such
resources. Humans manage to think of technology as an instrument, a means of
getting things done.
Thank you, Stay safe and God bless!!!
Ma’am ELLEN
Facebook Name: Ellen Dela Cruz
Cellphone Number: 09066776753
Email add: delacruzellen302@[Link]