Science, Technology, and Society: The Good Life

These flashcards cover key concepts discussed in the lecture about the Good Life, including philosophical perspectives from Plato, Aristotle, and Humanism, as well as the implications for happiness and purpose.

What are the lesson objectives regarding the Good Life?

Examine what is meant by a Good Life; identify how humans attempt to attain what is deemed to be a Good Life; recognize possibilities available to human beings to attain the Good Life.

How does Plato differ from Aristotle in terms of reality?

Plato believes things in this world are not real but copies of the real in the world of forms, while Aristotle maintains this world is the only reality we can access.

What does Aristotle argue about human actions and purpose?

Every human action emanates from a purpose (telos) that the person has.

According to John Stuart Mill, what defines the rightness of an action?

An action is right as far as it maximizes the attainment of happiness for the greatest number of people.

What is the goal of Hedonism?

The goal of life is acquiring pleasure, and pleasure has always been their priority.

What is Stoicism's perspective on achieving happiness?

To generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and practice apathy.

What is the fundamental belief of Humanism?

Humanism espouses the freedom of man to carve his own destiny and legislate his own laws, free from the control of God.

How does Democritus explain the nature of the world?

Democritus believes the world is made up of matter, with no need to posit immaterial entities as sources of purpose.

What is the concept of 'human flourishing' according to Aristotle?

A kind of contentment where one believes they are maximizing their potential in life and achieving the essence of humanity.

What dilemma does the end of the discussion on science and the good life pose?

The question is whether science is taking the right path toward understanding what it truly means to live a good life.