Chapter II.

Science, Technology, and Society and Human Conditions

Lesson 1
HUMAN FLOURISHING

Objectives:
at the end of the lesson the students should be able to:
• Identify the different conceptions of human flourishing
• Determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science
• Critic human flourishing vis - a - vis progress of science and technology to be able to define for themselves the
meaning of the good life.

What is Human Flourishing?

Eudaimonia , literally “ a good spirit” is a term coined by renowned Greek philosopher

Aristotle ( 385-323 BC) to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by Humans

This was translated to “ Human Flourishing” in literature arguably likening humans to flowers
achieving their full bloom.

As it discussed to Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle concepts of human Flourishing arises results:

Phronexis

Friendship

Wealth

And power

In Ancient Greek society , they believe that acquiring those qualities will surely bring the
seekers happiness and the effect of it was the greater notion of “Good.”

Other Concepts of Human Flourishing

Socrates thought all human beings wanted eudaimonia more than anything else and that
virtue was both the seed and the fruit. Virtues such as self-control, courage, justice, piety and
wisdom guaranteed a good and happy life. He contrasted eudaimonia with the life that seeks
after honor (modern fame) and pleasure (modern hedonism) because that does nothing for
the state of ones soul and thus can never lead to the ‘incomparably more important’
eudaimonia.
Human flourishing in Buddhism

These views are also present in Buddhism where wisdom and compassion are the two highest
virtues, both of which are achieved by walking the eightfold path. Right view and right
intention will lead to wisdom, or, in other words, seeing reality as it is and act accordingly.
Right speech, right action and right livelihood leads to compassion where self and other
overlap of happiness and fulfillment in life.

 Eight fold path

 Rightness of belief
 Resolve
 Speech
 Action
 livelihood,
 Effort
 thought,
 And meditation

Principles of Human flourishing

Restoring the culture to the glory of God: it’s the reason we are working to inspire Christians
to live out a theology that integrates faith, work, and economics. If Christians do this, together
we can bring about human flourishing.

As time Goes by Human Flourishing was changed :

 Which are the dynamic social history as written by humans.

 People found to live comfortably, explore more places, developed more products and
make moneys.
 Development that allowed them to make grander and more sophisticated machines to
bring innovations, explorations and ventures life after death.
 Humans today are expected to become the “Man of the world”
 Competitions as means of Survival has become pass and coordination is a new trend.
Example

The discrepancy between eastern and western conception regarding the society and human
flourishing . It has been observed that the western civilizations tend to be more focused on the
individuals, while those from the eastern are more community –centric.

More concerned for western civilization over eastern ones. But for them community is the
highest regards that the individuals should sacrifice himself for the sake of the society.

Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

Science and technology contributes a pool of human knowledge and the uncovering the
secrets of the universe that gives us answers to the questions and what we look forward to.

One of the most prevalent themes of Human’s perpetual need is to locate himself in the world
by finding proof to trace evolutions.

Every discoveries, innovations and success will provide us something new to look forward that
having a particular role, which is uniquely ours, elicits our idea of self- importance.

Suffice to say that the end goals of both science and technology and human flourishing are
related, in that the good life is inherently related to the truth.

According to Heidegger’s statement

“Technology is a human activity that we excel in as a results of achieving science .” and a goal
of both science and technology and human flourishing .

Science as Method and Results

It presents a general idea of how to do science:

1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained occurrences and unfolding.

2. Determine the problem and identify factors involved.
3. Formulate hypothesis that could explained the said phenomenon . The goal is to reject
the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis for the study.

4. Conduct experiment by setting up the dependent and independent variables

5. Gather and analyze results

6. Formulate conclusions and provide recommendations

The two Distinct Features of Scientific method

Verification theory

The Earliest criterion that distinguished philosophy and science. It gives premium to
empiricism and only takes into account of results which measurable and experiments which
repeatable.

Falsification theory

Asserts that as long as an ideology are not proven to be false and can be best explained a
phenomenon over alternative theories. The ideology is accepted.

Example

Verification Theory

Astrology, whose followers are able to employ the verification method in ascertaining its
reliability,. They will interpret events in line with the said expectations.

American philosopher Thomas Kuhn warned us against the gap between the evidence and
theory. (Example, suppose to the instance that this girl, Lea has a theory that her classmate Ian
likes her, she thought, I like him too but do I know that he likes me?)

Falsification Theory

It does not promote ultimate adoption of one theory but instead encourages research in order
to determine which the theories can stand the test of falsification. (the story of Ian and Lea)

There is no known rule as to the number of instance that theory is rejected or falsified in order
for it to be set aside

And falsification method is more accepted.