STS

Course Information

  • Course Code: 1010
  • Course Title: Science, Technology and Society
  • Module Title: Human Flourishing in Science and Technology
  • Prepared by: Aries E. Gealone

Module Overview

  • The focus is on the relationship between science, technology, and human flourishing. It includes the exploration of technology's essence, the impact of scientific discovery， and the role of art in technology.

Objectives

  1. Differentiate the Essence of Technology:
    • Analyze the distinctions between technology and modern technology through object analysis.
  2. Discuss Human Flourishing:
    • Examine the concept of human flourishing within the context of advancements in science and technology via reflective writing.
  3. Explain the Role of Art:
    • Discuss how art influences and is influenced by the technological landscape.

Scientific Discovery

  • Scientific discoveries can be classified into two categories:
    • Intentional: Made through planned experiments and research.
    • Unintentional: Occur unexpectedly during other processes or research activities.

Examples of Scientific Discoveries

Penicillin

  • Discovered by Alexander Fleming.
    • Background: Returned from vacation to find mold, specifically Penicillium notatum, in a petri dish.
    • Outcome: The mold killed Staphylococcus bacteria, leading to the development of the first antibiotic.

X-rays

  • Discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen.
    • Background: Was experimenting with cathode ray tubes when he observed a fluorescent screen glowing across the room.
    • Outcome: This led to the discovery of rays capable of passing through solid objects, now known as X-rays.

Pacemaker

  • Developed by Wilson Greatbatch.
    • Background: Attempted to create a device to record heart rhythms but mistakenly installed the wrong resistor.
    • Outcome: This mistake created a pulsing circuit which became the foundation for the implantable pacemaker.

Vaccines

  • Discovered by Louis Pasteur.
    • Background: His assistant incorrectly injected chickens with weakened cholera bacteria instead of fresh ones.
    • Outcome: The chickens became immune to subsequent stronger doses of cholera, establishing the principle of immunization.

Philosophical Perspective: Gestell

  • Concept by Martin Heidegger:
    • The term Gestell is a German word meaning enframing.
    • Application: Interprets humanity's relationship with the natural world.
    • Argument: The essence of modern technology lies in the human impulse to categorize and control the world.
    • Implication: Enframing precedes and shapes the development of modern science, providing a unique perspective on technology in relation to human perception.

Human Flourishing

  • Definition of Flourishing:

    • A state where individuals experience:
      • Positive emotions
      • Positive psychological functioning
      • Positive social functioning
      • Overall, living within an optimal range of human functioning.

  • Role of Flourishing in Science and Technology:

    • The human person, as both bearer and beneficiary of science and technology, flourishes by finding meaning in the world they construct through these advancements.

Activity and Discussion

  • Activity for Module 7:
    • Complete Activity C3 based on Module 7.
    • Reflective Question: Do you agree that the essence of modern technology lies in the human impulse to categorize and control the world? Provide a 2-4 sentence explanation.
    • This activity was conducted face-to-face (F2F).
    • If not yet submitted, students can turn in their responses at the next F2F meeting.