Technology, Human Flourishing, and Climate Change – Review Flashcards

These flashcards cover Heidegger’s philosophy of technology, concepts of human flourishing and eudaimonia, Jason Hickel’s sustainability ideas, and key facts about climate change and sustainable energy.

Who was Martin Heidegger?

A German philosopher and one of the most influential figures in 20th-century philosophy.

Which philosophical disciplines did Heidegger mainly focus on?

Ontology, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and existentialism.

What essay did Heidegger write to explore the essence of technology?

“The Question Concerning Technology.”

According to the instrumental definition, what is technology?

A means to an end—a set of tools used to achieve specific goals.

According to the anthropological definition, what is technology?

A human activity that helps us adapt, innovate, and improve life.

Why are the instrumental and anthropological definitions of technology ultimately incomplete for Heidegger?

They overlook technology’s deeper essence and its impact on how we understand and experience existence.

For Heidegger, is technology neutral?

No; it actively shapes human reality and our understanding of the world.

What does Heidegger mean by technology as a “way of revealing”?

Technology discloses or unconceals truth (alētheia) by shaping how we perceive the world.

Name Heidegger’s two modes of revealing.

Bringing-forth (poiesis) and challenging-forth (enframing).

How does 'bringing-forth' reveal truth?

Through a respectful interaction with nature that unveils new possibilities and meanings.

How does 'challenging-forth' (enframing) reveal truth?

By focusing on control and efficiency, treating the world as a ‘standing reserve’ for exploitation.

What characterizes modern technology for Heidegger?

Enframing—an orientation of control, efficiency, and utility.

Give an example of enframing in viewing a forest.

Seeing the forest only as timber for production.

Which kind of thinking focuses on efficiency and control?

Calculative thinking.

Which kind of thinking encourages reflection and deeper engagement?

Meditative thinking.

Define human flourishing.

Achieving one’s fullest potential through purposeful action.

Human flourishing is rooted in which Aristotelian concept?

Eudaimonia.

Which three elements interplay to create human flourishing?

Virtues, ethical actions, and social responsibility.

How can technology threaten human flourishing?

Through misuse or overemphasis, leading to harm rather than progress.

What does Jason Hickel say progress should be measured by?

Human flourishing and sustainability.

What alignment does Hickel advocate for technological advancements?

They should promote a prosperous and sustainable future while balancing ethical considerations.

What is Hickel’s stance on growth in affluent nations?

They should ‘de-develop’ by reducing overconsumption and ecological footprints.

Which Latin concept does Hickel promote and what does it stress?

Buen vivir (good living) emphasizing community, harmony with nature, and quality of life over material accumulation.

What is eudaimonia?

A state of flourishing, well-being, and living in alignment with one’s highest potential.

Differentiate instrumental and intrinsic goods.

Instrumental goods serve further ends; intrinsic goods are valuable in and of themselves.

List three attributes of eudaimonia.

Self-sufficient, comprehensive of all life aspects, and a lifelong pursuit.

Name the three parts of Aristotle’s tripartite soul.

Nutritive, sensitive, and rational souls.

What is climate change?

The long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, mainly driven by human activities that emit greenhouse gases.

Explain the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun in Earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming.

What is a carbon footprint?

The total greenhouse gases emitted by human activities, measured in CO₂-equivalent tons.

Name four major greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.

Give two human sources of methane (CH₄).

Livestock and agriculture.

List five main causes of rising greenhouse-gas emissions.

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture & livestock, fertilizer use, and industrial processes.

Give four key effects of climate change.

Rising global temperatures, ocean acidification, agricultural disruption, and biodiversity loss.

Name four causes of the current energy crisis.

Resource depletion, geopolitical conflicts, unsustainable energy practices, and rising energy demand.

Provide two global impacts of the energy crisis.

Economic disruptions and environmental impacts (also social inequality and geopolitical tensions).

State two sustainable energy alternatives.

Solar energy and wind energy (others include hydroelectric, geothermal, and bioenergy).

Give one disadvantage of solar energy.

It is intermittent and has a high initial setup cost.

Give one disadvantage of wind energy.

Its output is weather-dependent and it can create noise or harm flying wildlife.

Provide one advantage of bioenergy.

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels by using renewable organic materials.

List three strategies to combat climate change and the energy crisis.

Improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy, and implementing carbon pricing (plus public awareness and global cooperation).