Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion

School of the Archdiocese of Capiz

Roxas City

COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCES, AND

EDUCATION
CASE 2B

Program and Year Level: BS PSYCHOLOGY 2

Course Code: GEC 7
Subject Description: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and SOCIETY

HOW TO LIVE A FLOURISHING LIFE?

• Two of most prominent ancient Greek philosopher were Plato and Aristotle.
• Ancient Greek philosophers were some of the first thinkers who tried to answer
the question.
• The Greek philosophers called a Flourishing life eudaimonia.
• Eudaimonia is usually equated with happiness.
For Plato and Aristotle, happiness is the result of eudaimonia or human flourishing.
Plato (428/427 – 348/347 B.C)
• For Plato, all human beings naturally desire eudaimonia or human flourishing.
• Plato believed that in order to flourish, one must have moral thought and virtuous
action. In this case, virtue is referred to as
• “excellence”
• For Plato, the well- being of a human individual must NOT depend on external
goods (such as fame, wealth and appearance). To live just for the sake of fame, wealth,
good appearance and other external goods will not lead to flourishing.
ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C)
• Aristotle argued that eudaimonia or human flourishing is the highest good of
human beings.
• Human nature, according to Aristotle, has four aspect: physical, emotional,
social, and rational.
How does one become more virtuous?
• For Aristotle, a Virtue is a character trait that enables a person to flourish.
• Aristotle, like Plato, believed that humans through reason seek knowledge about
the world. He believed that by gaining knowledge, human will flourish. He called this:
intellectual virtue”.
What Is “Human Flourishing”?
Modern Concept of Human Flourishing
In Psychology, happiness, life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and
purpose, character and virtue, closed social relationship and financial and material
stability are all components of HUMAN FLOURISHING.
Progress in Science and Technology had many positive in human life such as the
following:
• Made work easier, efficient or practical.
• Made us happy or entertained.
• Keep us healthy and safe.
• Helped to address social issues and concerns.
• Helped in the development of human talent and abilities.
• EXAMPLE: The development of social media made it easier to communicate
with people.

The term "generation gap" is attributed mainly to the changes brought about by
technology.
It is a challenge for people in the field of science and technology to make these
technologies more accessible and less confusing for people who are not as young
anymore.
People before the common Era are gifted with brains, to advance than other creatures.
Humans are able to utilize abundant materials for their own ease and comfort that they
discover new things to motivate their HUMAN CONDITION BEFORE COMMON ERA
Homo erectus have been using fire to cook, chipping to produce a spark, and without
realizing the laws of friction and heat.
People discover minerals and began forging metal work just like their jewelries
considered to be a luxury for them such as bones of animals they hunt. Elves to do, and
use the tools with a purpose.
HUMAN CONDITION BEFORE COMMON ERA
Our early ancestor's 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 human are.
Tools from stone and flints marked the era of 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.
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.
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 People discovered minerals and began forging metalwork just like
their pieces of jewelry considered to be a luxury for them such as bones of animals they
hunt.
Different Tribes and different Gods as people who lived in the past know how to provide
their needs through rituals or ceremonies to their gods.
Fur clothing and animal skin are primarily used for comfort against harsh winds our
ancestors can draw a 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, add several more to their garments.
Some of those found at excavation sites are reminiscent of early accessories,
suggesting that our ancestors have been deeply engaged in the concept of beauty
The people of yesterday appeared to have acknowledged early on that they could only
do and understand as much, that perhaps other powers at play also existed alongside
them. This notion effectively humbled and perhaps grounded them, with their constant
befuddlement serving as an early reminder that they were way behind several larger,
more powerful forces in nature in terms of order of things.
HUMAN CONDITION IN THE COMMON ERA
For a long time, humans were content with their relationship with nature. Earliest case
of man-made extinction occurred over 12,000 years ago, possibly brought upon by
hunting and territorial disputes.
The Holocene extinction, or Anthropocene extinction, is the ongoing extinction event
caused by humans during the Holocene epoch. These extinctions span numerous
families of plants and animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and
invertebrates, and affecting not just terrestrial species but also large sectors of marine
life. Growing population also necessitated finding additional resources, leading to
overhunting and overfishing common prey, some of which were endemic to the area
Formation of communities caused humans to expand more in territory and more people
to feed. Even as a community, the people realized that they were at most self-sufficient,
they were in constant need of resources.
The passage describes the evolution of a community from self-sufficiency to
interdependence due to population growth and resource depletion. As they began to
hunt, farm, and produce for profit, they relied on neighboring communities for essential
goods, leading to a complex exchange system that included food, clothing, and various
products. This reliance fostered specialization, with artisans emerging as skilled
providers. Ultimately, the focus shifted from mere survival to pursuing a better quality of
life.
The passage discusses how the early concept of the "good life" laid the groundwork for
modern complexity. Ancient people developed intricate practices, including early
medicine and alchemy, driven by their beliefs and desires, such as warding off death
and seeking gold. This pursuit led to the emergence of chemistry. Conflicts among
different groups often resulted in wars, prompting communities to invest in military
resources. Initially, leaders were chosen for their physical strength, but intellectuals also
played crucial roles in advancing civilization through innovation and discovery.
Technology has been instrumental in all of these because in searching for the good life,
people were able to come up with creations that would make life easier, more
comfortable, and more enriching.
Advancements in medicine, technology, health and education, leads in humanity’s best
yet, and show no sign of stopping.
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 of the 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 Lifesplan
• Aside from the reason that people engage less in combat and are less likely
to die in treatable diseases now as opposed to then, science is able to
prolong lives by enhancing living status and discovering different remedies to
most diseases. Distribution of medicines is also made easier.
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.
Martin Heidegger a philosopher argued that the essence of technology, or purpose, and
being are different from each other. To achieve man's end and second which constitutes
human activity.
Modern humans are reliant on technology in their search for the good life. We see ways
and means from nature to utilize and achieve growth-a goal that we believe would bring
forth betterment.
In retrospect, this view of technology proves to be goal-oriented.
It assumes that it is instrumental in achieving a goal in mind, that it is a purposeful,
deliberate craft humans steer to reach some greater good.
In the advent of postmodernism, however, the deterministic view appended to
technology crumbled as people began to question if anything is deterministic at all.
PHILOSOPHERS
• One philosopher by the name of Martin Heidegger argued that its essence,
purpose, and being are different
• He was able to expound on this point upon identifying that technology can either
be perceived as first, a means to achieve man's end and second, that which constitutes
human activity.
• The second perspective paints technology in such a way that each period reveals
a particular character regarding man's being. A characteristic design, or flaw, unfolds
based on the repercussions. brought upon by immersing ourselves with a piece of new
technology.
BACKTRACKING THE HUMAN CONDITION
The term “human condition” refers to the experiences, challenges, and limitations that
are inherent in the human experience.
THE COMMON ERA
• The Common Era began after the birth of Jesus Christ, marking a significant
shift in human history.
CHARACTERIZED BY:
• The search for meaning and purpose
• Global interconnectedness
CHALLENGES FACED IN THE COMMON ERA
• Social inequality
• Environmental degradation
• Ongoing conflicts
• Personal Challenges
CONCLUSION
The human condition is complex, multilayered, and characterized by ongoing struggle
and opportunity. As we navigate this intricate landscape, it’s essential to engage in
continuous reflection about our experiences and the meaning we derive from them.
HUMAN FLOURISHING AS REFLECTED IN PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT
How do we know that we are progressing? What are the indicators of development?
More often than not, development is equated with growth and greater consumption. The
more that a population is able to consume, the wealthier it is. Likewise, the more that a
person is able to buy stuff, the higher he/she is on the development scale. The planet,
however, is already overburdened with human activities. It is about time that we rethink
our standards of development if we truly want to live the good life. Jason Hickel, an
anthropologist at the London School of Economics, challenges us to rethink and reflect
on a different paradigm of "de-development."
• HUMAN FLOURISHING refers to the achievement of a good, fulfilling life, often
tied to concepts of well-being, happiness, virtue, and purpose.
• The progress of science and technology plays a significant role in influencing this
flourishing, with both positive and negative implications.
Positive Impact of Science and Technology on Human Flourishing
Improved Health and Longevity
• Advances in medical science and technology have dramatically increased life
expectancy and improved the quality of life.
Enhanced Communication and Connectivity
• Technology, especially digital and communication technologies, has made the
world more interconnected.
Increased Comfort and Convenience
• Science and technology have created tools and innovations that make daily
life more efficient and comfortable.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
• Technology has democratized access to information, empowering individuals
to pursue education, engage in self-improvement, and gain awareness about
their rights and opportunities.
Negative Impact of Science and Technology on Human Flourishing
Loss of Meaning and Purpose
• While technology has made life more convenient, it can also create a sense
of alienation or loss of purpose.
Erosion of Privacy and Autonomy
• Advances in surveillance technology, data collection, and artificial intelligence
can undermine personal privacy and autonomy.
Environmental Degradation
• Technological progress, especially in industrialization and energy
consumption, has contributed to environmental damage, including climate
change, deforestation, and pollution.
Social Isolation and Mental Health Challenges
• While technology can enhance connectivity, it can also contribute to social
isolation.
Life in Developed vs. Developing Countries
Developed Country
• Relatively few people experiencing poverty.
• Very low unemployment rates.
• Citizens experience a high standard of living.
• Strong economic growth
• Industrialization
Developing Country
• lower incomes
• high levels of poverty
• high population growth rates
• inadequate housing
• limited educational opportunities
• deficient health systems
Economist Peter Edward argues that instead of pushing poorer countries to “catch up”
with rich ones, we should be thinking of ways to get rich countries to “catch down” to
more appropriate levels of development. We should look at societies where people live
long and happy lives at relatively low levels of income and consumption not as basket
cases that need to be developed towards western models, but as exemplars of efficient
living.
How much do we really need to live long and happy lives? In the US, life expectancy is
79 years and GDP per capita is $53,000. But many countries have achieved similar life
expectancy with a mere fraction of this income.
Yes, some of the excess income and consumption we see in the rich world yields
improvements in quality of life that are not captured by life expectancy, or even literacy
rates. But even if we look at measures of overall happiness and wellbeing in addition to
life expectancy, a number of low- and middle-income countries rank highly. Costa Rica
manages to sustain one of the highest happiness indicators and life expectancies in the
world with a per capita income one-fourth that of the US.
De-development, a concept popularized by economist Jason Hickel, is a radical
departure from the traditional development paradigm that emphasizes endless
economic growth.
It challenges the idea that progress is solely measured by increasing GDP and instead
advocates for a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable way of life.
Critique of Traditional Development:
• Growth Obsession: De-development argues that the relentless pursuit of
economic growth, often measured by GDP, is unsustainable and harmful. It
points out that GDP growth often comes at the expense of the environment,
social well-being, and resource depletion.
• Inequality and Marginalization: Hickel emphasizes that the current
development model often benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor and
marginalized. He argues that the focus on growth exacerbates inequality and
creates a system where the rich get richer while the poor struggle to survive.
• Environmental Degradation: De-development highlights the significant
environmental impact of economic growth, including climate change,
pollution, and resource depletion. It emphasizes that we are living beyond the
planet's capacity to sustain our current level of consumption.
Core Principles of De-Development:
• Reduced Consumption: De-development advocates for a shift towards a
more sustainable lifestyle with lower consumption levels. This means
consuming less, reusing and recycling more, and prioritizing experiences over
material possessions.
• Redistribution of Wealth: De-development calls for a more equitable
distribution of wealth and resources. This involves challenging the current
system that concentrates wealth in the hands of a few and ensuring that
everyone has access to basic necessities.
 • Decentralization: De-development emphasizes local autonomy and self-
sufficiency. It promotes a shift away from centralized economic systems and
towards more localized, community-based economies.
• Focus on Wellbeing: De-development prioritizes well-being and quality of life
over material wealth. This involves measuring progress not just by economic
indicators but also by factors such as health, happiness, and social
connections.
According to a case study by Morone and Yilan (2020), the concept of sustainability is
gaining attention as societies recognize the environmental consequences of their
actions, particularly the depletion of resources and increasing waste due to population
growth and rising global incomes. Traditional linear strategies, focused on reducing
material and energy use, have proven insufficient because they fail to address broader
economic and social factors. A paradigm shift is needed, moving towards a "cradle to
cradle" approach, where materials and energy are used more effectively within closed-
loop systems, ensuring no waste is generated. Aligned with this, the bio-inspired circular
economy aims for eco-effectiveness rather than just eco-efficiency. Although it lacks a
standardized definition, the circular economy is designed to be restorative and
regenerative, keeping products and materials at their highest value. It distinguishes
between technical and biological cycles and aligns with the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. Despite differing opinions, the circular economy concept is
becoming central to the sustainable development debate.
The Importance of Individual Actions and Choices
While systemic changes are crucial for achieving a sustainable future, individual actions
and choices play a pivotal role in promoting de-development. By adopting more
sustainable lifestyles, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological footprint and
contribute to a more equitable society. This includes:
• Conscious consumption: Reducing consumption, opting for sustainable
products, and supporting ethical businesses.
• Efficient resource use: Conserving energy, water, and other resources
through mindful practices.
• Waste reduction: Minimizing waste generation and participating in recycling
programs.
• Sustainable transportation: Choosing public transport, cycling, or walking
whenever possible.
• Ethical investments: Supporting companies and organizations that prioritize
sustainability and social responsibility.
The Role of Governments and International Organizations
Governments and international organizations are instrumental in creating the enabling
environment for de-development. They can implement policies and regulations that
promote sustainable practices, incentivize businesses to adopt more environmentally
friendly approaches, and invest in renewable energy and infrastructure. Key areas of
focus include:
• Environmental regulations: Enacting strict environmental laws and
regulations to protect natural resources and reduce pollution.
• Sustainable infrastructure: Investing in renewable energy, public
transportation, and sustainable urban planning.
• Education and awareness: Promoting environmental education and
awareness among citizens.
 • International cooperation: Collaborating with other countries to address
global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
STEADY-STATE ECONOMY
• an economy of stable or mildly fluctuating size. The term typically refers to a
national economy, but it can also be applied to a local, regional, or global
economy. An economy can reach a steady state after a period of growth or
degrowth. To be sustainable, a steady state economy may not exceed
ecological limits.
• A steady state economy entails stabilized population and per capita
consumption. Birth rates equal death rates, and production rates equal
depreciation rates. Minimizing waste allows for a steady state economy at
higher levels of production and consumption.
• All else equal, the steady state economy is indicated by stabilized (or mildly
fluctuating) gross domestic product (GDP). GDP is not a good indicator of
well-being, but is a solid indicator of economic activity and environmental
impact.
Benefits of a Steady State Economy
A steady state economy is the only type of economy that is sustainable over the long
term. It is an economy that meets people's needs without undermining the life-support
services of the planet. It represents the ultimate social movement toward a better world
for all. Life is downshifted as overconsumption, congestion, sprawl, and unfair trade
practices fade away. People instead focus on community, relationships, sufficient
consumption, and the things that really matter in life.
Rules for a Steady State Economy
Good economic policies strive to achieve societal goals like sustainability and fairness
with the least amount of impingement on individual freedoms. Following this principle,
achieving a steady state economy requires adherence to only four basic rules or system
principles that are hard to argue with:
(1) Maintain the health of ecosystems and the life-support services they
provide.
(2) Extract renewable resources like fish and timber at a rate no faster than
they can be regenerated.
(3) Consume non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals at a rate
no faster than they can be replaced by the discovery of renewable
substitutes.
(4) Deposit wastes in the environment at a rate no faster than they can be
safely assimilated.
Economic growth
• an increase in the production and consumption of goods and services. For
distinct economic or political units, economic growth is generally indicated by increasing
gross domestic product (GDP).
• Economic growth entails increasing population times per capita consumption,
higher throughput of materials and energy, and a growing ecological footprint.
• Economic growth is distinguished from “economic development,” which refers to
qualitative change independent of quantitative growth.
Some people might think that "de-development is about giving things up. However,
Hickel explains that this is not the case. For Hickel, "dedevelopment" is a step toward
understanding and being aware of the reason for our life and purpose. It is not about
being miserable; the goal is to live a happy and productive life. It is not preventing
mankind from progressing, but rather helping it to find balance and harmony and rise as
a whole.
By Robert and Edward Skidelsky, they lay out the possibility of interventions such as
banning advertising, a shorter working week and a basic income, all of which would
improve our lives while reducing consumption.
THE GOOD LIFE THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND
Plato and Aristotle embarked on a different approach figuring out reality.
Plato thought that things in this world are not real and are only copies of the real in the
world of forms.
Change is so perplexing that it can only make sense if there are two realities: 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.
ARISTOTLE
The first philosopher who approached the problem of reality from a scientific lens, also
the first thinker who dabbled into the complex problematization of the end goal of life:
happiness.
• He 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 all access.
• There is no reality over and above what the senses can perceive. 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. It starts as potentialities and
move toward actualities. The movement also entails change.
• He extends the external world into the province of a human person and
declares that even human beings are potentialities who aspire for their
actuality. Every action that emanates from a human person is a function of
the purpose (telos) that the person has.
• Every human person aspires for an end that we have learned: happiness or
Human flourishing moves human.
PLATO
• He thought that things in this world are not real and are only copies of the real in
the world of forms.
• Change is so perplexing that it can only make sense if there are two realities: the
world of forms and the world of matter. He recognized change as a process and a
phenomenon that happens in the world that is constant.
• He also claims that despite the reality of change, things remain to be you despite
all the changes.
• He was convinced that reality is full of these seemingly contrasting
manifestations of change and permanence.
HAPPINESS AS THE GOAL OF A GOOD LIFE
In 18th century, 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. When an action benefits
the greatest number of people, said action is deemed ethical.
• Ethical meant to lead us to the good and happy life.
• Throughout the years, man has constantly struggled with the external world in
order to reach human flourishing.
• History has given birth to different schools of thought, all of which aim for
the good and happy life.
1. MATERIALISM
Atomists: Democritus and Leucippus
• The world is mThe ade up of and is controlled by the tiny indivisible units in
the world called atomos or seeds.
• world and also human beings is made up of matter.
• Atomos comes together randomly to form the things in the world.
• Matter is what makes us attain happiness.
2. HEDONISM
Hedonists: acquiring Pleasure
• 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. They do not buy any notion of afterlife
just like the materialists
3. STOICISM
Stoics: Epicurus
• They espoused the idea that to generate happiness, one must learn to
distance oneself and be apathetic. (Apatheia means to be indifferent).
Happiness can only be attained by a careful practice of apathy. We should
adopt the fact that some things are not within our control. The sooner we
realize this, the happier we can become.
4. THEISM
Theists: The communion with God
• Most people find meaning of their lives using God as a fulcrum of their
existence. To witness how people, base their life goals on beliefs that hinged
on some form of supernatural reality called Heaven. The world where we are
in is only just a temporary reality where we have to maneuver around while
waiting for the ultimate return to the hands of God.
5. HUMANISM
Humanists: The captain on his own ship
• 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.
• Scientists turned to technology in order to ease the difficulty of life. They are
ready to confront more sophisticated attempts at altering the world for the
benefit of humanity and willing to tamper with time and space in the name of
technology.
• Technology allowed us to tinker with our sexuality. (Medical Operations,
hormones)
• Whether or not we agree with these technological advancements, there are
all undertaken in the hopes of a good life. The balance, however, between
good life, ethics, and technology has to be attained.