Technology, Human Flourishing & Climate Change – Key Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering Heidegger’s philosophy of technology, concepts of human flourishing, and key climate-change terminology.

Martin Heidegger

20th-century German philosopher whose work on ontology, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and existentialism deeply influenced modern thought.

The Question Concerning Technology

Heidegger’s essay that investigates the true essence of technology and how it shapes human understanding of the world.

Ontology

Philosophical study of being and existence.

Phenomenology

Philosophical approach that examines structures of experience and consciousness from the first-person viewpoint.

Hermeneutics

The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of texts and symbolic expressions.

Existentialism

Philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Instrumental Definition of Technology

View of technology as a means to an end, a set of tools used to achieve specific goals.

Anthropological Definition of Technology

View of technology as a distinctively human activity integral to adaptation, innovation, and improvement of life.

Essence of Technology (Heidegger)

The deeper way technology reveals and shapes reality rather than merely serving as neutral tools.

Way of Revealing

Heidegger’s idea that technology ‘unconceals’ or discloses truth (alētheia) about the world.

Unconcealment (Alētheia)

Process by which truth is revealed or brought into the open.

Bringing Forth (Poiesis)

Respectful mode of revealing that allows things to emerge naturally, uncovering deeper meanings.

Challenging Forth (Enframing)

Modern technological revealing that aggressively orders nature for control and efficiency, treating it as a resource.

Standing Reserve

Concept describing how modern technology views the world—including people—as mere stockpiles to be exploited.

Modern Technology (Heidegger)

Technological era characterized by enframing, prioritizing control, utility, and efficiency above all else.

Calculative Thinking

Mind-set focused on measurement, efficiency, and prediction.

Meditative Thinking

Reflective mind-set that contemplates meaning, value, and our place within the world.

Human Flourishing

Achieving one’s fullest potential through purposeful, virtuous, and socially responsible action.

Eudaimonia

Aristotelian concept of flourishing and well-being derived from living in accordance with virtue.

Instrumental Goods

Things valued as means to achieve other ends.

Intrinsic Goods

Things valued for their own sake, inherently fulfilling.

Self-Sufficient (Eudaimonia)

Quality of providing complete fulfillment without reliance on external factors.

Tripartite Soul

Aristotle’s division of the soul into nutritive, sensitive, and rational parts.

Nutritive Soul

Soul aspect responsible for nourishment and reproduction.

Sensitive Soul

Soul aspect enabling perception, emotion, and movement.

Rational Soul

Soul aspect that allows reasoning, ethical choice, and pursuit of wisdom.

Jason Hickel

Anthropologist advocating for progress metrics based on human flourishing and ecological sustainability.

De-development

Hickel’s proposal for affluent nations to reduce overconsumption and ecological footprints.

Buen Vivir

Latin American concept of ‘good living’ stressing community, harmony with nature, and quality of life over material wealth.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of global or regional climate patterns, mainly driven by human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Greenhouse Effect

Process where atmospheric gases trap solar heat, warming Earth’s surface.

Global Warming

Overall rise in Earth’s average temperature due to intensified greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Atmospheric gases such as CO2, CH4, N2O, and fluorinated gases that retain heat.

Carbon Footprint

Total amount of GHGs emitted by an individual, organization, or activity, expressed in tons of CO2-equivalent.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Primary greenhouse gas released mainly by burning fossil fuels.

Methane (CH4)

Potent greenhouse gas emitted from livestock, agriculture, and decomposition.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Greenhouse gas released from fertilizer use and industrial processes.

Fluorinated Gases

Synthetic greenhouse gases produced during industrial processes, highly potent in warming potential.

Energy Crisis

Situation where energy demand outpaces supply due to resource depletion, geopolitical issues, or unsustainable practices.

Renewable Energy

Energy obtained from naturally replenishing resources like sunlight, wind, water, heat from Earth, or biomass.

Solar Energy

Electricity or heat generated from the sun’s radiation; intermittent and high upfront cost.

Wind Energy

Power produced by wind turbines; emission-free in operation but weather-dependent and potentially noisy.

Hydroelectric Power

Electricity generated by flowing water; reliable yet may disrupt aquatic ecosystems and requires high capital.

Geothermal Energy

Energy harnessed from heat beneath Earth’s surface; location-specific and involves costly drilling.

Bioenergy

Energy derived from organic materials; renewable and reduces fossil-fuel reliance.

Energy Efficiency

Using less energy to perform the same task, thereby reducing emissions and costs.

Carbon Pricing

Economic policy (tax or cap-and-trade) that assigns a cost to emitting carbon to incentivize reduction.

1. Burning fossil fuels

2. Deforestation

3. Agriculture and livestock

4. Fertilizer use

5. Industrial processes

Causes of rising greenhouse gas emissions

1. Rising of global temperature

2. Ocean acidification

3. Agricultural disruption

4. Biodiversity loss

Effects of climate change

1. Resource depletion

2. Geopolitical conflicts

3. Unsustainable energy practices

4. Rising energy demand

Causes of energy crisis

Economic disruptions

2. Environmental impact

3. Social inequality

4. Geopolitical tensions

Global impact of energy crisis

1. Reduction in fossil fuel reliance

2. Lower emissions

3. Cost effectiveness

4. Energy security

5. Sustainable development

Benefits of sustainable energy alternatives

1. Energy efficiency

2. Transition to renewable energy

3. Carbon pricing

4. Public awareness

5. Global cooperation

Strategies for combating climate change & energy crisis