STS031 L3 & L4

L3: Indigenous Science and Technology in the Philippines, L4: Human Flourishing

Definition and Aristotelian view of Human Flourishing​

• Eudaimonia “good spirited”- coined by Greek philosopher Aristotle (385-323 BC) to describe the pinnacle of happiness (happiness or welfare; "human flourishing or prosperity" and "blessedness“) that is attainable by humans. ​

• This has often been translated into “human flourishing” in literature, arguably likening humans to flowers achieving their full bloom.​

Eudaimonia

“human flourishing”; a contented state of being happy and healthy, and prosperous.

Aristotle’s Human Flourishing Components

• Phronesis, friendship, wealth, and power.

• The ancient Greek society believed that acquiring these qualities would surely bring the seekers happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good.

Aristotle’s era-

flourishing centered on individual virtues and achievements like wisdom, wealth, and power.

Today’s era-

focus has shifted to a global and interconnected perspective. Individuals are expected to contribute to a global community and work collaboratively towards common goals.

• Competition as a means of survival has become obsolete;

• Coordination is the new trend. ​

EASTERN CONCEPTION

• Focus is community-centric​

• Individuals should sacrificethemselves for the sake of society​

• Chinese Confucian system​

• Japanese Bushido​

• Encourage studies of literature, sciences, and art for a greater cause.

Bushido

a Japanese code of honor andethics that was followed by samuraiwarriors. The term translates to "way of thewarrior". ​

WESTERN CONCEPTION​

• More on the individual​

• Human flourishing as an end​

• Aristotelian view​

• Aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good.

Science, Technology, and Human Flourishing​

Interconnected

• Science and technology play a crucial role in helping humansunderstand themselves and their place in the world, whichultimately contributes to their well-being and fulfillment (humanflourishing).

Scientific Method​

• Science’s objective methodology is highly regarded for its unbiased nature.​

• Science’s perceived objectivity elevates it position, making it the sole authority on reason and empirical evidence.​

6 Steps of Scientific Method

1. Observe​

2. Determine the problem​

3. Formulate hypothesis that couldexplain the said phenomenon. ​

4. Conduct experiment ​

5. Gather and analyze ​

6. Formulate conclusion andprovide recommendation​

Experimentation and empiricism

• distinct features that give science edge over other schools of thought. ​

• However, there exist heavy objections the producers; the separating science and the so-called pseudoscience becomes more muddled.​

Verification theory​

• A discipline is considered science if its claims can be confirmed or interpreted. ​

• This theory prioritizes empiricism, focusing on measurable results and repeatable experiments.​

Shortcoming of verification theory​

• Premature dismissal of untested theories hinders innovation and discourages novel ideas.​
  NOTABLE EXAMPLES: ​

• Schrodinger’s Quantum Mechanics

• Einstein’s theory of gravitational waves was initially met with scepticism.​

Falsification Theory (Karl Popper)

• For a theory to be considered scientific, it must be falsifiable. ​

• “Falsifiable" refers to the inherent ability of a scientific theory or hypothesis to be proven false. ​

• “A theory is considered falsifiable if it’s possible to conceive of an observation or experiment that could, in principle, contradict its predictions. ”​

Verification Theory-

Focuses on finding evidenceto confirm a theory, which can lead to biased interpretations.​

Falsification Theory-

Focuses on testing a theory by trying to prove it false, which encourages amore critical and objective approach.​

Science as a Social Endeavor​

• Science is no longer confined to traditional scientists. ​

• Indigenous communities have their own scientific knowledge systems.​

Science AS Results​

• Science is not correct 100% of the time.​

• Science does not monopolize the claimfor definite results.​

Science as Education​

• There is no singlescientific method. ​

• A fulfilling life requires more than scientific understanding, including social skills, emotional intelligence, and self-reflection.​

A true eudaimon person ​

• Aristotle’s eudamonic person must be knowledgeable about science and possess intellectual virtues to discern truth and good reasoning.​

• A true eudaimon recognizes that flourishing requires excellence in various dimensions, such as language, movement, and social interactions.​

• THEREFORE, THEY SHOULDN’T FOCUS SOLELY ON ONE ASPECT.​

Indigenous Knowledge System

Deep-rooted understanding of the world passed down through generations; embedded in daily life and traditions; shaped by environment and experience; foundation of indigenous science.

Key Characteristics of Indigenous Knowledge

• Embedded in daily life – farming, hunting, fishing, medicine.

• Cultural significance – sacred meaning, ties to ancestors, land, nature.

• Intergenerational transmission – shared through stories, songs, myths.

• Holistic approach – interconnectedness of humans, animals, plants, environment.

Example – Predicting Weather & Seasons

• Bird migration → signals seasonal change.

• Crows flocking → sign of approaching storms.

• Geese V-formation → response to wind/pressure changes.

• Frogs croaking/jumping → sign of rain.

• Celestial bodies → sun, moon, and star positions predict seasonal events.

Example – Using Herbal Medicine

• Sambong → treats kidney stones & urinary tract infections.

• Lagundi → anti-inflammatory, cures coughs, colds, infections.

• Tawa-tawa → liver protection, used for hepatitis & dengue relief.

Example – Preserving Food

• Drying → extends shelf life of fish, fruits, vegetables.

• Salting → preserves meat and fish.

• Smoking → prevents spoilage, enhances flavor, prolongs storage.

Example – Classifying Plants and Animals

• Ethnobotany: classifies plants by use, healing, ritual significance.

• Ethnozoology: classifies animals by roles in food, work, or spiritual culture.

Example – Preserving and Selecting Seeds

• Seed banks → storing seeds for future planting.

• Seed selection → choosing seeds with traits like high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance.

Example – Using Indigenous Technology in Daily Lives

• Weaving → abaca, cotton, rattan; patterns carry cultural meaning.

• Pottery → tools, storage, ceremonial objects.

• Metallurgy → tools, weapons, jewelry, ornaments.

Example – Building Local Irrigation Systems

• Ifugao Rice Terraces → advanced terracing for rice cultivation on slopes.

• Canals and ditches → divert water for farmland irrigation.

Example – Classifying Soil Types

• Soil fertility → knowing which crops grow best.

• Soil texture → sandy (fast drainage), loamy (balanced nutrients), clay (good for rice).

Example – Producing Wine and Juices from Fruits

• Pineapple wine → fermented pineapple juice.

• Coconut wine (tuba) → traditional drink from fermented coconut sap.

Example – Growing Plants & Vegetables in the Yard

• Home gardens → daily food and medicinal herbs.

• Permaculture → crop rotation, companion planting for productivity.

Indigenous Knowledge vs Indigenous Science

• Indigenous Knowledge → broad, includes beliefs, traditions, oral transmission, culture.

• Indigenous Science → systematic, empirical, specific to natural world; based on observation, experimentation, traditional techniques.

Science Process Skills in Indigenous Science

Observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, problem-solving, inferring, communicating, predicting.

Cultural Values in Indigenous Science

Respect for land, nature, and interconnectedness of all living and non-living things.

Traditional Knowledge in Indigenous Science

Ethnobiology, ethnomedicine, indigenous farming methods, folk astronomy.