Science, Technology, and Society: Techne, Episteme, Phronesis, and Human Flourishing

Vocabulary flashcards covering Greek concepts of knowledge and nature, theories of happiness and flourishing, and E.F. Schumacher's critiques of materialist economics versus Buddhist economics.

Episteme

Systematic, theoretical knowledge ('knowing why') that seeks to unravel universal truths of the natural world, commonly identified today as science.

Techne

Practical knowledge ('knowing how') meaning craft, art, or skill, which applies theoretical knowledge into practice to create technology, tools, and practical solutions.

Physis

Nature itself or reality, which serves as the environment within which science and technology emerge, operate, and are ultimately limited.

Phronesis

Practical wisdom or ethical judgment ('knowing what is the right thing to do'), which guides decisions on using science and technology responsibly when choosing between multiple options.

Eudaimonia

A state of human flourishing and living a good, meaningful life in harmony with others and nature, representing the ultimate goal of knowledge, technology, and wisdom beyond mere survival.

Five Greek Ideas Framework

The interconnected classical framework where Episteme provides knowledge of truths, Techne provides craft to build, Physis represents natural reality, Phronesis guides wise choices, and Eudaimonia represents human flourishing.

Happiness (Psychological View)

A mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Happiness (Behaviorist View)

A cocktail of emotions experienced when performing positive or good actions.

Happiness (Neurological View)

The experience of a flood of brain hormones released as a reward for behavior that prolongs survival.

Hedonism

The belief that happiness is the polar opposite of suffering and that life's purpose is to maximize happiness while minimizing misery and pain.

Eudaimonism

The belief that happiness is achieved through the pursuit of self-improvement by intellectually challenging oneself and engaging in activities that enrich one spiritually.

Human Flourishing

A state of optimal human functioning where individuals experience ongoing positive emotions, positive psychological functioning, and positive social functioning in a meaningful life.

Ernst Friedrich Schumacher

A German-born British economist and philosopher who wrote 'Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered' (1973) and advocated for Buddhist economics.

Materialist Economics

An economic perspective premised on 'more is better,' prioritizing production, consumption, income, and quantitative GDP growth as key indicators of success.

Buddhist Economics

An economic perspective premised on 'enough is better,' prioritizing human well-being, meaningful work, simplicity, and living in harmony with nature.

Endless Growth Obsession

Schumacher's critique that materialist economics unsustainably assumes infinite growth is possible despite operating on finite natural resources.

Right Livelihood

A concept in Buddhist economics holding that work should provide dignity, creativity, purpose, and joy rather than serving solely as a draining means to earn money.

Simplicity and Sufficiency

The principle in Buddhist economics advocating for having 'enough' to live well rather than pursuing luxury and endless material consumption.

Type 1 Mechanization

Mechanization that replaces human work completely to reduce costs and maximize efficiency, often causing job loss, unemployment, and worker alienation.

Type 2 Mechanization

Mechanization that assists or enhances human work to make labor safer, easier, and more creative while preserving human dignity.