Republic of the Philippines Sultan Kudarat State University College of Industrial Technology Isulan Campus GE704 Science, Technology & Society GROUP 1 REPORT THE HUMAN PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Introduction: Among the animals on earth, we, humans, identify ourselves as the ones who have higher intellectual capacity. We have learned that things around us hold potential when combined with other things or when used in ways that these things are innately inclined to be used. Through time, passionate search, experiment or even accidental encounter, a lot of things were discovered, and we are determined to use, produce, and manipulate nature. This lesson explains briefly the attributes and capacity of man and his role in relation to technology and to society. It begins with St. Augustine’s idea that human beings were created by God, the Supreme Good, and that He has endowed us with intellect and the freedom to choose what is good and ultimately go back to Him. The journey towards God necessitates graces from Him in order for us, humans, to choose to do and innovate things for each other and for everyone’s good. This lessons also establishes some philosophical considerations on how technology can be construed as a tool for higher purposes aside from the usual idea of it being the provider of more efficient and comfortable ways of achieving and doing things. (adoniskathleen, 2019) https://www.coursehero.com/file/39153379/STSdocx/ Course material THE HUMAN PERSONFLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Technology has always been defined to an end and being a human activity. It has long filled the word. Everyday routines are marked with technological advances that reflect what a society is good or known for. Technology has well advanced since the middle of the20th Century especially after the end of World War II. It is not unexpected for technology to involve question of knowledge which lead to its formation as one of the branches of philosophy. This also led to the furtherance of technology based on how it is viewed andunderstood. But there is more to that. Aristotle, was born 304 B.C. an ancient Greek philosophy scientist and one of the most significant thinkers and who contributed so much to science, technology, political theory, and aesthetics world; followed that knowledge of the world begins by looking and examining that which exists. To understand the human person flourishing in terms of science and technology, it is good to first examine technology in its essence. What is Happiness? In psychology, happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by, among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. To behaviorists, happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good or positive. To neurologists, happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a reward for behavior that prolongs survival. The hedonistic view of well-being is that happiness is the polar opposite of suffering, the presence of happiness indicates the absence of pain. Because of this, hedonists believe that the purpose of life is to maximize happiness, which minimizes misery. Eudaimonia, a term that combines the Greek words for "good" and "spirit" to describe the ideology. Eudaimonia defines happiness as the pursuit of becoming a better person. Eudaemonists do this by challenging themselves intellectually or by engaging in activities that make them spiritually richer people. Aristotle --> Aristotle believed that human flourishing requires a life with other people. Aristotle taught that people acquire virtues through practice and that a set of concrete virtues could lead a person toward his natural excellence and happiness. --> 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 endeavors and that toward which all actions aim. It is success as a human being. The best life is one of excellent human activity. Eudaimonia “good spirited” Coined by Aristotle Describes the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans. “human flourishing” From Nicomachean Ethics (philosophical inquiry into the nature of the good life for a human being.) – human flourishing arises as a result of different components such as • Phronesis • Friendship • Wealth • Power In ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these will surely bring the seekers happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good. As time changes, elements that comprise human flourishing changed. People found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and make more money. Humans of today are expected to become “man of the world”. 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. Principles of Human Flourishing Dignity of the Human person - innate personal values or rights which demands respect for all people, regardless of race, social class, wealth etc. Common Good - sacrificing self-interest to provide for the basic human needs of everyone makes the whole community flourish. Preferential Option for the Poor - when decisions are made by first considering the poor. Subsidiarity - when all those affected by a decision are involved in making it. Universal Purpose of Goods - the Earth's resources serve every person's needs, regardless of who "owns" them. Stewardship of Creation - duty to care for the Earth as a (God-given) gift is a personal responsibility for the common good. Promotion of Peace - everyone has the duty to respect and collaborate in personal relationships, and at national and global levels. Participation - everyone has the right and the duty to take part in the life of a society (economic, political, cultural, religious) Global Solidarity - recognition that we are all interconnected, part of one human family. Different Conceptions of Human Flourishing Eastern • Focus is community-centric • Individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of society • Chinese Confucian system • Japanese Bushido • Encourage studies of literature, sciences, and art for a greater cause Western More focused on the individual Human flourishing as an end Aristotelian view Aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good Science, Technology and Human Flourishing Every discovery, innovation, and success contribute to our pool of human knowledge. Human’s perpetuals need to locate himself in the world by finding proofs to trace evolution. Elicits our idea of self-importance Technology is a human activity we excel in as a result of achieving science. Good is inherently related to the truth. REFERENCES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uo1FlcQENk https://www.techvshuman.com/read-preview/ https://www.slideshare.net/annaestardo/bspsts-pt6 https://prezi.com/7hyrj4_lkaxh/why-the-futuredoesnt-need-us/
