Unit 3

Cavite State University

• Department of Biological Sciences

• Course: GNED 06 Science, Technology, and Society

• Unit 3: Science and Technology and the Human Person

• Prepared by: Elijah P. Menpin

Learning Objectives

1. Describe man and their needs, defining human flourishing and Well-Being Theory.

2. Explain the evolution of human society and categorize various technologies contributing to national success.

3. Define intellectual virtues, the concept of public good, and distinguish between politico-ethical and politico-economic aspects of public good, as well as define green economy.

4. Understand the impact, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of technology on humanity.

Outline

I. The Human FlourishingII. Technology and the Evolution of Human SocietyIII. The Good LifeIV. When Technology and Humanity CrossV. Why Does the Future Not Need Us?

The Human Flourishing

Key Concepts

• Human Being: A member of the species Homo sapiens, defined by advanced mental capabilities, articulated speech, and upright walking.

• Society: An assembly of individuals sharing common interests or activities.

• Happiness: A mental state characterized by positive emotions-ranging from contentment to joy.

• Well-being: A condition of being happy, healthy, and prosperous.

What is a Human?

• Aristotle's Definition: Man is a rational animal capable of existing both in physical and spiritual realms, comprising a material body and spiritual soul.

• Rational Choice Theory: A framework for understanding human decision-making through rational thinking aligned with personal preferences.

Characteristics of Humans Evolving Over Time

• Bipedalism: Transition from four-legged to upright walking influenced by environmental changes (e.g., tree height).

• Tool Usage: Development of tools for survival—foraging, hunting, and farming.

• Domestication of Animals: Settling habits and taming of animals like goats and horses for food and labor tasks.

Changes in Human Body

• Body Structure: Variations in body length and gut based on diet and climate.

• Bone Health: Weak bones linked to sedentary lifestyles.

• Brain Complexity: Enhanced brain development due to increased information and ideas led to survival adaptations.

Social Life and Communication

• Humans are inherently social, forming groups, cultures, and community regulations to achieve common goals.

• Language and Symbols: Development of language and symbolic systems, including art, tools, and technology for communication and status representation.

Human Flourishing

• Defined as the quest for self-actualization and fulfillment within a community framework.

• Eudaimonia: The ultimate goal of human endeavors, representing positive mental health and resilience through satisfying basic needs.

Well-Being Theory

• Proposed by Martin E.P. Seligman, outlining that human flourishing encompasses not just individual happiness but broader psychological well-being.

• 5 Pillars of Well-Being (PERMA):

  • Positive Emotions: Emotions contributing to a pleasant life.

  • Engagement: Enthusiastic involvement in activities.

  • Relationships: Joyful connections with others.

  • Meaning: Purpose derived from connections with loved ones.

  • Accomplishment: Success achieved through effort.

Technology and the Evolution of Human Society

Evolution Stages (Johnson and Earl, 2006)

1. Hunter-Gatherers: Dependent on natural resources.

2. Shifters-Farmers: Taming animals and cultivation initiates agriculture.

3. Manufacturing Stage: Leads to industrialization with tool creation.

4. Future Man-Made Worlds: Synthetic food and recyclable material development due to population growth.

Classifications of Society (Toffler)

• First Wave: Emergence from hunter-gatherers post-agrarian revolution.

• Second Wave: Mass production from the Industrial Revolution to WWII.

• Third Wave: Post-industrial modern age, influenced by technology.

Classifications of Technology by Process

• Energy Technology: Generation and distribution (oil, solar, etc.).

• Equipment Technology: Creation of machinery (robots, lasers).

• Information Technology: Means of distributing content (computer, internet).

• Life Technology: Focused on health and food (genetic engineering).

• Materials Technology: Involves extraction and fabrication (plastics, aluminum).

Changes in Technologies (Schilling, 2009)

• Substitution: Replacement of outdated technology (e.g., VHS to DVD).

• Diffusion: Increased adoption and utilization of technologies (e.g., broom vs robot vacuum).

National Development through Science and Technology

• Science and Technology essential for national economic growth.

• Major beneficiaries include communication and transportation sectors.

• Notable countries advancing in this area include China and Japan.

• Ongoing challenges include poverty, hunger, and illiteracy despite technological progress.

National Development Indicators

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total economic activity measurement.

2. Per capita income: Average income reflecting living standards.

3. Income distribution: Impacts economic disparity.

4. Growth rate of GNP: Overall economic activity uptick.

5. Employment percentage: Labor participation rate.

6. Structure of labor force: Workforce composition analysis.

7. Human Life Expectancy: Average lifespan metrics.

8. Urban population percentage: Density and non-agricultural dependence analysis.

The Good Life

Understanding Virtue

• Virtue: Conformity to moral standards; displaying high moral qualities.

• Intellectual Virtues: Traits for cognitive engagement (e.g., curiosity, honesty).

• Moral Virtues: Character excellence linked to practical living (e.g., courage).

Pleasure vs Happiness

• Pleasure: Enjoyable experience, transitory.

• Happiness: A more stable state of well-being, contributing to overall life satisfaction.

Public Good

Concepts of Public Good

• Public Good: Services/items available for communal consumption without diminishing resources for others.

• Types:

  • Politico-Ethical Sense: Benefits society as a whole.

  • Politico-Economic Sense: Focused on economic minutiae.

Types of Public Goods

• Public: Government services (national defense, education).

• Private: Business-driven services (television, media).

• Mixed: Joint initiatives for public benefit (cable services).

• Public Bads: Societal issues needing eradication (pollution, corruption).

Green Economy

Definition

• Focuses on sustainable development, promoting human and environmental health.

• Aims to balance wealth creation and ecological preservation.

Legislative Measures

• Republic Act No. 8749: Addressing pollution control in the Philippines.

• Various initiatives for river and bay cleanliness, including local plastic bans.

When Technology and Humanity Cross

Advantages of Modern Technology

• Communication: Enhanced through IT and the internet.

• Lifestyle: Improved via appliances and technology.

• Education: Advancement in information access.

• Transportation: Innovations improving travel efficiency.

• Health: Cutting-edge medical technologies.

• Industry & Innovation: Growth through technological developments.

Disadvantages of Modern Technology

• Job loss and human displacement risks.

• Potential for global destruction via advanced weaponry.

• Increased loneliness and social disconnect.

Emerging Technological Ethical Dilemmas

• Real-Time Surveillance: Data privacy vs humanitarian aid.

• Mars Colonization: Risks vs exploration.

• Wearable Technology: Privacy concerns from data exposure.

• Pathogen Research: Testing ethics amid safety concerns.

Why Does the Future Not Need Us?

Stages of Technology (Schultz, 2016)

1. Proto-Technology: Initial tool usage pre-civilization.

2. Classical Technology: Village and agricultural improvement.

3. Modern Technology: Revolutionary scientific advancements.

4. Postmodern Technology: Synthetics, some potentially harmful.

Technology-Driven Extinction and Displacement

• Environmental Impact: CFCs harm ozone; fossil fuels accelerate climate change.

• Hazardous Materials: Nuclear byproducts expose risks.

• Plastic Pollution: Endangers marine life.

• Agricultural Chemicals: Contributing to water toxicity and ecological imbalance.

• Habitat Destruction: Resulting in unsustainable ecosystem alterations.

References

• Ilagan, Y. A., Balinado, L. O., Digma, J. R., Taglinao, L. P., Bono, M. T., & Penaflorida, M. V. (2018). Chapter VIII: Technology and the Evolution of Human Society. Science, Technology & Society. Panday-Lahi.