4-Human-Flourishing-

REVIEW

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY and NATION BUILDING

Module 4: THE HUMAN COMPLETE PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

  • Instructor: CRISTINE JOY EMBRADORA

OBJECTIVES

  • At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

    • Describe human flourishing.

    • Explain human flourishing in terms of science and technology.

    • Cite real-life examples of how people use science and technology responsibly to promote human flourishing.

Questions to Reflect

  1. What makes you happy?

  2. Health vs Money

    • Which matters to you the most? Why?

  3. Prosperity and Success

    • What is your basis to say that someone is prosperous and successful?

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY and HUMAN FLOURISHING

FLOURISHING

  • Key Terms:

    • Developing

    • Growth

    • Thriving

Definition of Flourishing

  • A state where people experience positive emotions, positive psychological functioning, and positive social functioning most of the time.

  • It reflects “living within an optimal range of human functioning.”

How can humans live a flourishing life?

  • Exploration of human flourishing:

HUMAN FLOURISHING: Based on Ancient Greek Philosophers' Perspective

PLATO

  • The Greek philosophers referred to flourishing life as eudaimonia.

  • For Plato, happiness is the product of eudaimonia or human flourishing.

Key Ideas from Plato about Human Flourishing

  • External Goods:

    • Well-being must NOT depend on fame, wealth, and appearance.

    • Pursuing external goods won't lead to flourishing.

  • Moral Thought and Virtuous Action:

    • Essential to flourishing is moral reasoning and virtuous behavior (virtue = excellence).

  • Path to Virtue:

    • Examine and think critically.

    • Master reasoning skills.

    • Practice the four cardinal virtues:

      1. Wisdom

      2. Courage

      3. Temperance

      4. Justice

ARISTOTLE

  • Eudaimonia is argued to be the highest good for human beings.

  • Virtues:

    • Define character traits essential for flourishing.

  • Aristotle's view combines knowledge-seeking with flourishing.

    • Intellectual Virtue: Gaining knowledge is critical for flourishing.

Summary

  • Possessing both intellectual virtues and character virtues leads to eudaimonia or human flourishing.

HUMAN FLOURISHING: A Modern World Concept

In Psychology

  • Modern interpretations revolve around concepts of happiness and well-being.

Are You Living a Flourishing Life?

  • Important self-reflection for individuals.

HUMAN FLOURISHING in TERMS of SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

  • Reflect on Aristotle's assertion: Humans flourish by gaining knowledge, termed 'intellectual virtue'.

  • It's the application of knowledge that leads to flourishing.

Science and Technology Defined

  • Science: Knowledge

  • Technology: Application

  • Scientific and technological advancements are vital for achieving a flourishing life.

Role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing

  • Reflect on the impact of technology on happiness and well-being.

Activity 2: "Flourishing or Failing"

  • Classify factors as either promoting or hindering human flourishing; provide explanations.

Positive Impacts of Science and Technology

  • Enhanced work efficiency and practicality.

  • Increased happiness and entertainment.

  • Improved health and safety.

  • Addressing social issues.

  • Development of human talent and abilities.

Negative Impacts of Science and Technology

  • Exploitation leading to negative consequences.

  • Industrialization can transform humans into 'machine-like' workers, limiting self-actualization.

  • Pollution as a result of technological development; linked to diseases and death.

  • Technologies such as nuclear weapons pose existential threats.

Overall Reflection

  • In striving for a flourishing life, humans often navigate the complex interplay of acquiring, consuming, or depleting available resources—both beneficial and harmful.

Seatwork Questions

  1. Is it only good people who can experience a flourishing life? Why or why not?

  2. How would you define a flourishing life beyond the given definition?

  3. In what ways can you use science and technology responsibly to promote human flourishing?