CHAPTER II

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Lesson 1: HUMAN FLOURISHING

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Identify different conceptions of human flourishing;
2. Determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science; and
3. Critic human flourishing vis-à-vis progress of science and technology to be able to
define for themselves the meaning of a good life.

Introduction

Eudaimonia, literally “good spirited”, is a term coined by renowned Greek philosopher

Aristotle (385-323 B.C.) to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans. This
has often been translated into “human flourishing” in literature, arguably likening humans to
flowers achieving their full bloom. As discusses in the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle‟s human
flourishing arises as a result of different components such as phronesis, friendship, wealth and
power. In the Ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these qualities will surely bring
the seekers happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we
call the Good.

As times change, elements that comprise human flourishing changed, which are subject
to the dynamic social history as written by humans. People found means to live more
comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and make more money. Our concept
of human flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle originally perceived then –
humans of today are expected to become a “man of the world”. He is supposed to situate himself
in a global neighbourhood, working side by side among institutions and the government to be
able to reach a common goal.

Interestingly, there exists a discrepancy between eastern and western conception

regarding society and human flourishing. It has been observed that western civilization tends to
be more focused on the individual, while those from the east are more community-centric.
Human flourishing as an end then is primarily more of a concern for western civilizations over
eastern ones. This is not to discredit our kinsfolk from the east; perhaps in their view, community
takes the highest regard that the individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of the society.
This is apparent in the Chinese Confucian system or the Japanese Bushido, both of which view
the whole as greater than their components. The Chinese and the Japanese encourage studies of
literature, sciences, and art, not entirely for oneself but in service of a greater cause.

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 The Greek Aristotelian view, on the other hand, aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate
good; there is no indication whatsoever that Aristotle entailed it instrumental to achieve some
other goals.

Principles of Human Flourishing

1. Dignity of the Human person – innate personal values or rights which demands respect for
all people, regardless of race, social class, wealth, etc.
2. Common good – sacrificing self-interest to provide for the basic human needs of everyone
makes the whole community flourish.
3. Preferential Option for the Poor – when decisions are made by first considering the poor.
4. Subsidarity – when all those affected by a decision are involved in making it.
5. Universal Purpose of Goods – the Earth‟s resources serve every person‟s needs, regardless of
who “owns” them.
6. Stewardship of Creation – duty to care for the Earth as a (God-given) gift is a personal
responsibility for the common good.
7. Promotion of Peace – everyone has the duty to respect and collaborate in personal
relationships, and at national and global levels.
8. Participation – everyone has the right and the duty to take part in the life of a society
(economic, political, cultural, and religious)
9. Global Solidarity – recognition that we are all interconnected, part of one human family.

Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

„The Science of Human Flourishing‟ is a bold and ambitious new project, leaders in the
fields of science, technology and theology would gather to examine some of the key elements
that contribute to human flourishing. Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our
pool of human knowledge. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent themes is human‟s perpetual need
to locate himself in the world by finding proofs to trace evolution. Human flourishing is deeply
intertwined with goal setting relevant to science and technology. The latter is relevant as a tool in
achieving the former or echoing Heidegger‟s statement, technology is a human activity that we
excel in as a result of achieving science. Both science and technology and human flourishing are
related, in that the good is inherently related to the truth. The following are two concepts about
science which ventures its claim on truth.

Science as Method and Results

According to Bradford, 2017, science is the word for systematic and logical approach to
discovering how the universe works. It is also „the body of knowledge‟ accumulated through the
findings pertaining to the things in the universe. True to this definition, science is rather based on
fact and not an opinion or preferences; science aims for qualitative and /or quantitative results
acquired through testing and analysis.
When conducting research, researchers use the scientific method to gather measurable,
empirical evidences / data in an experiment related to a hypothesis, thus the results aims to
support or contradict a theory.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained occurrences unfolding.

2. Determine the problem and identify factors involved.
3. Through past knowledge of similar instance, formulate hypothesis that could explain the said
phenomenon.
4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and independent variables, and trying to see
how independent ones affect dependent ones.
5. Gather and analyze results throughout and upon culmination of the experiment. Examine if
the data gathered are significant enough to conclude results.
6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation in case others would want to broaden
the study.

The above routine is basic methodology when introducing them to experimentation and
empiricism – two distinct features that give science edge over other schools of thought.

Verification Theory

The earliest criterion that distinguishes philosophy and science is verification theory. The
idea proposes that a discipline is science if it can be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an
alternative hypothesis being accepted. Said theory gives premium to empiricism and only takes
into account those results which are measurable and experiments which are repeatable.

Falsification Theory

Perhaps the current prevalent methodology in science, falsification theory asserts that as
long as an ideology is not proven to be false and can best explain a phenomenon over alternative
theories, we should accept the said ideology. Due to its hospitable character, the shift to this
theory allowed emergence of theories otherwise rejected by verification theory. It does not
promote ultimate adoption of one theory but instead encourages research in order to determine
which among the theories can stand the test of falsification. The strongest one is that which is
able to remain upheld amidst various tests, while being able to make particularly risky
predictions about the world. Karl Popper is the known proponent of this view.

Science as a Social Endeavor

Science is done by unique individuals- not by automated robots. Science is embedded

within a global scientific community. This community provides cultural norms, expectations, and
accumulated knowledge, which are essential to the expansion of scientific knowledge. A new
school of thought on the proper demarcation criterion of science emerged. Several philosophers
presented an alternative demarcation that explores the social dimension of science and
effectively, technology. The new view perpetuates a dimension which generally benefits the
society.

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Science and Results

Results are results. These are the outcome from the hypotheses formulated and the
analyzed data molding the conclusions or simply the results. Generally, the important results of a
study are the mere answers to the specific questions that study set out to find: the reply to the
specific. A scientific result must always be objective; it must be stated as derived fact.
For the most part, people who do not understand science are won over when the
discipline is able to produce results. In this particular argument, however, science is not the only
discipline which is able to produce results – religion, luck, and human randomness are some of
its contemporaries in the field. For some communities without access to science, they can turn to
divination and superstition and still get the same results.

Science as Education

Science is defined as the “the intellectual and practical activity that encompasses the
systematic study of the structure of the physical and natural world through observation and
experiment”. Science relies on the accumulation of previously acquired knowledge. There are
distinct portions in entrance exams in the secondary and tertiary levels that are dedicated to
science and mathematics. In the Philippines, there are more college students enrolled in STEM
strand than any other strands. One might infer that there is more demand in this field as students
are preconditioned that the field would latter land them high-paying jobs and a lucrative career
after graduation.

Science education is one of the important subjects in school due to its relevance to
students‟ live and the universally applicable problem-solving and critical thinking skills it uses
and develops. These are lifelong skills that allow students to generate ideas, weigh decisions
intelligently and even understand the evidence behind public policy – making. Teaching
technological literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving through science education gives
students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.

How Much is Too Much?

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight (8) goals that
UN Member States have agreed to try to achieve by the year 2015. The United Nations
Millennium Declaration, signed in September 2000, commits world leaders to combat poverty,
hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The
MDGs are derived from this Declaration. Each MDG has targets set for 2015 and indicators to
monitor progress from 1990 levels. Several of these relate directly to health.

MDG 1 : Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

MDG 2 : Achieve universal primary education

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MDG 3 : Promote gender equality and empower women
MDG 4 : Reduce child mortality
MDG 5 : Improve maternal health
MDG 6 : Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
MDG 7 : Ensure environmental sustainability
MDG 8 : A global partnership for development

SUMMARY

Human flourishing is defined as being “good spirited” in the classical Aristotelian notion.
Humans generally have a notion on what it means to flourish; albeit in the advent of science and
technology, they close to hinge their ends alongside the latter‟s results. While it is true that
science equips its knowers some details about the world, its main claim to objectivity and
systematic methodology is at the very least flawed. However, that does not stop institutions to
favour those who excel in said discipline. Finally, the economic perception of enrichment,
otherwise known as growth, is heavily fuelled by technology and should be impeded. We have to
rethink of our perception of a good life apart from one presented in this regard.

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Assignment #2

TOPIC: Human Flourishing in Science and Technology

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the importance of human flourishing to science and technology?

2. What do you think constitute human flourishing?

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