SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY IN NATIONBUILDING
1.Economic Growth and Industrialization:
Science and Technology drive economic progress
by improving efficiency in industries, creating
jobs, and boosting productivity.
•
Example: AI and automation have
optimized
manufacturing,
reduced
production costs and increasing output.
2.Infrastructure and Urban Development:
Engineering and technological advancements have
led to the construction of modern infrastructure
that supports a growing population.
•
Example:
Earthquake-resistant
structures reduce disaster risks in
earthquake-prone countries like Japan and
the Philippines.
3.Environmental Sustainability: Science and
technology contribute to developing sustainable
practices to combat climate change and protect
natural resources.
•
Example:
Waste
management
technologies like biodegradable plastics
and recycling programs help minimize
pollution.
4.Agricultural Advancements and Food
Security: Innovations in agriculture have
increased food production, reduced hunger, and
improved farming efficiency.
•
Example: Hydroponics and vertical
farming allow crops to be grown in urban
areas without soil, maximizing land use.
5.Scientific Research and Innovation:
Investments in research and development (R&D)
lead to breakthroughs that advance national
competitiveness and scientific knowledge.
•
Example: Establishment of the Philippine
Space Agency (PhilSA) enhances the
country’s
capabilities
in
satellite
technology and disaster monitoring.
HUMAN FLOURISHING IN SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
WHAT IS HUMAN FLOURISHING?
•
•
•
It refers to the realization of human
potential and the attainment of a
good life.
Rooted in philosophy, particularly in the
works of Plato and Aristurtle.
Encompasses happiness, life satisfaction,
mental and physical well-being, social
relationships, and meaningful existence.
PHILOSOPHICAL
FOUNDATIONS
HUMAN FLOURISHING
OF
Plato’s Perspective on Human Flourishing:
•
•
•
All human beings naturally desire
eudaimonia or human flourishing.
He believed that to flourish, one must have
moral thought and virtuous action.
The well-being of a human individual must
NOT depend on external goods (such as
fame, wealth, good appearance and other
external goods will not lead to flourishing)
How to Develop a Virtuous Character:
•
•
•
By examining things and thinking
more. He believed that those who do not
examine their life and surroundings will
not flourish. Humans can reason and must
use it to become wiser to flourish.
By masterly using reason. He believed
humans are good if they use reason over
desire. If they can control themselves
through reason and act for the common
good, they will flourish.
By living the four cardinal virtues. He
believed that there are four cardinal
virtues:
Wisdom,
Courage,
Temperance, and Justice.
Four Cardinal Virtues that contribute to
Flourishing:
•
•
Wisdom: Pursuit of knowledge and
understanding. (EX. A scientist studying
climate change to develop sustainable
solutions.)
Courage: Standing for what is right
despite fear. (EX. Whistleblowers exposing
corruption in technology firms.)
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
•
•
Temperance:
Self-control
and
moderation. (EX. Using social media
responsibly
instead
of
excessive
consumption.)
Justice: Fairness and treating others with
equity. (EX. Advocating for ethical AI
applications that do not discriminate.)
Aristurtle’s
Flourishing:
•
•
Perspective
on
Human
Argued that eudaimonia or human
flourishing is the highest good of human
beings.
Human nature, according to him, has four
aspects: physical, emotional, social
and rational.
•
•
MODERN PERSPECTIVES ON HUMAN
FLOURISHING
Martin Seligman’s Perma Model:
•
Key Aspects Human Beings Possess:
•
•
•
•
Physical: Health and bodily needs. (EX.
Regular exercise to maintain a healthy
body.)
Emotional: Managing desires and
emotions. (EX. Practicing mindfulness to
reduce stress.)
Social: Relationships and community
belonging. (EX. Volunteering to support
underprivileged communities.)
Rational: Use of reason and intellect. (EX.
Engaging in critical discussions about
ethical dilemmas in AI development.)
Aristurtle’s
Flourishing:
•
•
•
Perspective
on
Human
Flourishing occurs when intellectual
virtues and virtues of character are
cultivated.
He, like Plato, believed that humans pursue
knowledge about the world through
reasoning. He argued that by acquiring
knowledge, individuals could achieve a
state of flourishing, which he referred to as
“intellectual virtue.”
In addition to this, he emphasized the
importance of shaping our actions and
emotions, which he referred to as “moral
virtue.”
Aristurtle Identified Three Main Types of
Knowledge Essential for Flourishing:
•
mathematical principles and scientific
laws. (EX. Studying physics to comprehend
the laws of motion.)
Techne (Practical Knowledge): Skills
and craftmanship, applying knowledge in
real-life scenarios. (EX. A doctor using
medical knowledge to treat patients.)
Phronesis
(Practical
Wisdom):
Ethical and moral judgment in daily life.
(EX. A leader making fair decisions for
their community.)
A pioneer in positive psychology,
introduced the PERMA model, which
outlines five key elements of wellbeing:
o Positive Emotions: Experiencing
joy, gratitude, and optimism.
o Engagement:
Being
fully
absorbed in activities (flow state).
o Relationships:
Building
meaningful
and
supportive
connections.
o Meaning: Finding purpose and
significance in life.
o Accomplishment:
Achieving
goals and striving for mastery.
Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
•
Developed by Richard Ryan and
Edward Deci, SDT suggests that human
flourishing
depends
on
three
psychological needs:
o Autonomy: The ability to make
independent choices.
o Competence: Feeling effective
and capable.
o Relatedness: Feeling connected
to others.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
•
His model suggests that human flourishing
is achieved when all levels of needs are
satisfied. From basic physiological needs to
self-actualization.
Episteme (Theoretical Knowledge):
Understanding universal truths, such as
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
•
•
Automation and AI-driven industries
increase efficiency and innovation.
Technology fosters sustainable solutions,
such as renewable energy, improving living
conditions worldwide.
4. Scientific Exploration and Knowledge
Expansion
•
•
Mental health awareness and well-being
are vital for flourishing.
Science and technology play a significant
role in understanding human psychology,
promoting well-being, and creating tools
that enhance various aspects of life. (From
medical advancements to personalized
digital solutions that support individual
and societal flourishing.)
•
•
Ethical Challenges and Concerns in
Science and Technology:
•
THE
ROLE
OF
SCIENCE
AND
TECHNOLOGY IN HUMAN FLOURISHING
•
•
They transformed life by improving health,
communication, economy, and access to
knowledge. However, they must be aligned
with human values to promote true
flourishing.
•
•
•
Key Areas Where Science and Technology
Contribute to Human Flourishing:
1. Advancements
Health
•
•
•
Medicine
and
Vaccines, genetic engineering, and AIassisted diagnostics have improved life
expectancy and quality of life.
Neuroscience and psychology help in
understanding mental health, leading to
better treatment strategies.
2. Communication
Connectivity
•
in
and
Social
The internet and social media have
revolutionized how humans interact and
share knowledge.
Digital technology fosters education and
access to information, contributing to
personal and professional growth.
3. Economic and Industrial Growth
Space exploration, quantum computing,
and biotechnology push the boundaries of
human potential.
Scientific literacy enhances critical
thinking, leading to informed decisionmaking in society.
•
•
•
•
Digital addiction and mental health
issues linked to excessive screen time.
Environmental
impact
of
industrialization and technological
waste.
Job displacement due to automation
and AI.
Bias in AI algorithms lead to
discrimination.
Ethical
concerns
around
mass
surveillance, data collection, and cyber
threats.
CRISPR technology and gene editing
raise concerns about bioethics.
THE GOOD LIFE
The phrase “The Good Life” has been
discussed in philosophy, ethics, and even in
the context of science and technology.
It refers to a life of fulfillment, happiness,
and meaning, but different perspectives
define it in various ways.
It explores philosophical perspectives, the
impact of science and technology on the
good life, and contemporary debates on
what constitutes a good life in a highly
technological society.
PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON “THE
GOOD LIFE”
Aristurtle (Eudaimonia – The Flourishing
Life)
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
•
•
•
He believed the good life is about
achieving eudaimonia, often translated
as “flourishing” or “living well.”
This is attained by cultivating virtues (e.g.
wisdom, courage, justice) and living in
accordance with reason.
Material wealth and pleasure are NOT the
sole sources of happiness BUT can
contribute to it when pursued with
wisdom.
•
Existentialism
Authenticity)
•
Epicureanism (Pleasure as the Good Life)
•
•
He argues that a good life is about
seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.
However, he emphasized simple pleasures,
such as friendship, contemplation, and
freedom from unnecessary desires.
Stoicism (Virtue and Resilience)
•
•
The Stoics (e.g. Seneca, Marcus Aurelius)
believed that a good life is achieved by
living in harmony with nature and
developing inner peace through selfdiscipline and virtue.
External wealth and success are secondary
to personal integrity and resilience in
facing life’s challenges.
Utilitarianism (Maximizing Happiness for
the Greatest Number)
•
•
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart
Mill argued that actions should aim to
maximize happiness and minimize
suffering for the greatest number of
people.
Technology and science play a role in
improving human well-being, such as
through medicine, communication, and
infrastructure.
Friedrich Nietzsche (The Good Life as SelfOvercoming and the Will to Power)
•
•
He believed that a good life is about
self-overcoming—constantly pushing
beyond limitations, rejecting herd
mentality, and creating one’s own value.
He introduced the concept of the
Übermensch
(Overman
or
Superman)—an
individual
who
transcends societal norms and embraces
personal growth and innovation,
Self-overcoming in the modern world
requires
critical
thinking,
ethical
innovation, and a willingness to challenge
societal
norms
about
technology,
progress, and happiness.
•
(Personal
Meaning
and
Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus
emphasized that a good life is about
creating one’s own meaning and
purpose.
S&T give humans new tools to shape their
destinies, but they also introduce ethical
dilemmas that individuals must navigate
responsibly.
THREE ASPECTS OF A GOOD LIFE
SELF-MASTERY
•
•
It is the ability to regulate emotions,
thoughts, and behaviors to achieve
personal and ethical goals.
It involves cultivating self-discipline,
resilience, and moral integrity in making
choices.
CONTEMPLATION AND LEARNING
•
•
A meaningful life is rooted in the pursuit of
knowledge, critical thinking, and
self-reflection.
Contemplation allows individuals to
examine their beliefs, values, and purpose
in life.
SERVITUDE TO SOCIETY
•
•
A good life is not just about personal
success but also about helping others,
fostering community, and promoting
justice.
It means using one’s talents, resources,
and knowledge to serve humanity.
THE
ROLE
OF
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY IN THE GOOD LIFE
AND
How S&T Enhances Good Life
1. Health and Medicine
• Advances in medicine have prolonged
human life, improved health, and reduced
suffering.
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
•
•
Biotechnology and AI-powered diagnostics
enable early disease detection and
personalized treatments.
Mental health awareness and treatment
(e.g. antidepressants, therapy apps, brain
stimulation techniques) are improving
well-being.
Examples:
•
•
•
COVID-19 vaccines saved millions of lives
by preventing severe illness and
hospitalizations.
CRISPR gene editing is used to treat
genetic disorders like sickle cell disease.
Wearable
health
technology
(smartwatches, glucose monitors) helps
people monitor their health in real-time.
2. Communication and Connectivity
• The internet, smartphones, and social
media connect people globally improve
access
to
knowledge,
and
foster
collaboration.
• Technology has enabled remote work,
online
education,
and
instant
communication,
and
instant
communication across borders.
Examples:
•
•
•
Online learning platforms (Coursera, Khan
Academy, MS Teams, G-Classroom)
provide education to people worldwide.
Social media movements (#MeToo, climate
activism) empower social change.
Video calling (Zoom, Skype) keeps families
connected despite geographical distances.
3. Economic and Social Progress
• Industrialization and automation have
increased productivity, efficiency, and
economic growth.
• Technological innovations in agriculture
and industry have helped reduce hunger
and poverty.
Examples:
•
•
AI and robotics improve manufacturing
efficiency (e.g. Tesla’s automated car
production)
Precision agriculture (drones, sensors, AI)
helps farmers optimize crop yields and
reduce waste.
•
E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Shopee,
Lazada) provide business opportunities to
small entrepreneurs.
4. Environmental Sustainability
• Science helps mitigate climate change and
protect nature through renewable energy,
conservation, and green technologies.
• Sustainable innovations aim to ensure a
healthy planet for future generations.
CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL ISSUES IN
S&T
1. Technology and the Loss of Meaning
Concerns:
•
•
Does excessive reliance on technology
make life more convenient but less
meaningful?
Automation and AI may replace human
labor, leading to job losses and a crisis of
purpose.
Examples:
•
•
AI replacing creative jobs like AI-generated
art, writing and music challenge human
creativity.
Self-driving cars and delivery drones
threaten traditional jobs (e.g. taxi, drivers,
couriers)
Ethical Questions:
•
Should technological progress prioritize
human dignity and meaningful work over
efficiency?
2. The Digital Divide and Inequality
Concerns:
•
•
Not everyone has equal access to
technology – wealthier countries benefit
more from innovations.
The gap between developed and developing
nations grows wider.
Examples:
•
•
Rural communities in developing nations
still lack internet access and basic
healthcare technology.
Expensive medical treatments are only
accessible to the wealthy.
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
Ethical Questions:
•
How can technology be made more
accessible and inclusive?
3. Consumerism and Materialism
Concerns:
•
•
In a highly technological society, does
happiness become too dependent on
material goods?
Social
media
promotes
unrealistic
lifestyles, fueling dissatisfaction.
Examples:
•
•
Fast fashion industry (e.g. Shein, Zara,
Shopee,
Lazada)
promotes
overconsumption and environmental
harm.
Luxury technology products (latest
iPhones, gaming PCs) create endless
consumer demand.
Ethical Questions:
•
Should society promote minimalism and
sustainable
consumption
over
materialism?
4. Environmental
Implications
and
Ethical
Concerns:
•
•
Scientific advancements in genetic
engineering, AI, and robotics raise ethical
concerns.
How should society balance progress with
ethical responsibility?
Examples:
•
•
CRISPR technology – Should humans be
allowed to modify their DNA for nonmedical reasons?
AI in military applications – Should
autonomous weapons be allowed to decide
life and death?
Ethical Questions:
•
What ethical guidelines should govern
technological advancements?
FINDING
BALANCE
IN
A
TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD FOR A GOOD
LIFE
The good life depends on personal values,
societal conditions, and ethical considerations.
While S&T provide tools to improve life, their
responsible use is crucial to ensure progress
benefits everyone.
A meaningful life requires balancing
technological advancements with ethics, wellbeing, and sustainability. Health, communication,
and industry innovations have improved human
life, but they also bring challenges. Progress
should not come at the cost of human
dignity or the planet’s future. Ultimately, the
good life is not just about what technology
can achieve but how it is used to promote
happiness, justice, and a better world for
future generations.
TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF
REVEALING
Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)
•
•
•
A German philosopher and one of the most
influential thinkers of the 20th century.
His main work, Being and Time (1927),
explored deep questions about existence,
human experience, and how we
understand the world.
He later turned his focus to technology in
his essay “The Question Concerning
Technology” (1954), where he argued
that technology is not just about tools but a
way of revealing reality.
Martin Heidegger, in the question
concerning technology, challenges two
widely
accepted
ways
of
defining
technology:
Technology
Definition)
•
to
an
End
(Instrumental
Sees technology as a tool used to achieve
a purpose. According to this view,
technology is neutral-it is neither good nor
bad; what matters is how humans use it.
Technology
as
a
Human
(Anthropological Definition)
Activity
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
PROF. DIANNE ERECE SAMBRANA
•
Sees technology as something created,
developed,
and
controlled
by
humans for their purposes. It assumes
that humans remain the Master of
Technology.
As per Heidegger, both are wrong. While he
acknowledges that these views are true in a
conventional sense, he argues that they fail to
capture the deeper essence of technology.
They overlook the fact that technology has
its own way of shaping human perception
and reality.
THREE CLAIMS
TECHNOLOGY
OF
HEIDEGGER
ON
1. Technology is not merely an
instrument.
• Defining technology solely as an
instrument or human activity is correct in a
superficial sense BUT fails to grasp its true
essence. According to Heidegger, such
definitions do not delve deep enough into
what technology truly is.
2. Technology is a way of revealing.
• He introduced the idea that technology is a
mode
of
“Revealing”
(Greek:
Aletheia),
bringing
forth
truth.
Technology uncovers or discloses reality
in specifics ways, shaping how we
perceive and interact with the world.
3. Labeling technology to be the highest
danger.
• He
introduced
the
concept
of
“Enframing”
(Gestell),
where
everything, including humans, is viewed as
a “standing-reserve”-resources to be
optimized and exploited. This mindset can
lead to a reductionist view of existence,
where the intrinsic value of beings is
overlooked.
LIVING UP TO HEIDEGGER’S IDEA IN
THE 21ST CENTURY
1. Practice Reflective Awareness
• Ask questions about how it affects your
thoughts and behavior.
• Be mindful of how it frames your views of
success, relationships, or learning.
2. Spend Time in Nature Without
Screens
• Reconnect with environment with no
phones or apps.
• Take breaks between study sessions by
walking with no phones.
3. Prioritize
Genuine
Human
Connection
• Don’t let devices meditate or replace
authentic relationships.
• Spend time with people without screens in
between,
and
value
deep,
slow
conversations.
4. Create Time for Stillness, Thought,
and Self-Reflection
• Truth reveals itself in moments of deep
thought and quiet presence.
• Slowness allows being to “speak”-we must
make space for it.
5. Be critical of the Technological
Mindset
• Recognize when society sees people, nature
and knowledge only in terms of efficiency,
productivity, or data.
• Resist reducing everything to “usefulness”
6. Set Intentional Boundaries with
technology
• Take control of your tech habits instead of
letting them control you.
• Create intentional spaces and time where
technology is paused.
• You don’t have to be online 24/7 to be
relevant.
Martin Heidegger wants us to see that
technology is more than just a tool-it shapes how
we view and interact with the world. When we
see everything, including ourselves, as
resources to be used, we risk losing deeper
meanings of life. Still, he doesn’t reject
technology; instead, he urges us to be more
mindful of its impact and stay open to other ways
of understanding truth, such as through nature,
art, and human connection.
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