GGG

GE – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Instructor: Henrietta A. Sanchez

LESSON.6(week 7)
THE HUMAN PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Learning Objectives:
a. Identify different ideas of human flourishing
b.. Differentiate western and eastern ideas about human flourishing
c. Cite the importance of Human Flourishing
d. Discuss what to do on science and technology in relation to human flourishing

INTRODUCTION:
Every living creature is meant to become to become what is meant to be. As we grow and develop, there
are different factors that affect us, there are different questions that need to be answered and there are steps
and actions that need to be undertaken.

FLOURISHING:
Flourishing is the highest good of human attempt to achieve his/her goal. It is a success as a human being
when he/she achieved it for the betterment of his/her life. It is also a state where people experience positive
emotions, positive psychological and positive social functioning, most of the time," living "within an optimal range
of human functioning." The best life is one of excellent human activity.

 “EUDAIMONIA”, literally “GOOD SPIRITED” is a term connected by renowned Greek Philosopher

ARISTOTLE (385-232 B.C) to described the peak of human’s happiness that can be attained. The
big question is “How?”. How will you achieve your flourishing?

 Aristotle’s human flourishing arises as a product of different factors such as phronesis, friendship,
wealth and Power. The Ancient Greek society believed that for the people to achieve the true
meaning of happiness these qualities should be acquired, which in effect allow them join in the
greater notion of what we call the Good.

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  In ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring the components will surely bring the seekers
happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good.

 Aristotle endorses egoism, rationality, and the value of life. He insisted that the key idea in ethics is
a human individual’s own character. According to Aristotle, each person has a natural obligation to
achieve, become, and make something of himself/herself by pursuing his/her true ends and goals
in life. Each person should be concerned with the “best that is within him/her” and with the most
accomplished and self-sufficient success and excellence.

HUMAN FLOURISHING:
- An effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within the context of a larger community of
individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts.

- It involves the rational use of one’s individual human potentialities, including talents, abilities, and
virtues in the pursuit of his freely and rationally chosen values and goals.

Human flourishes and finds meaning in the world that he/she builds.

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EASTERN VS WESTERN IDEAS REGARDING SOCIETY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING:

EASTERN IDEAS WESTERN IDEAS

• focus is community-centric
• individual should sacrifice himself for the
sake of society ( community-centered)
•Chinese Confucian system
•Encourage studies of literature, sciences, and
art for a greater cause
• more focused on the individual
• human flourishing as an end
•Aristotelian view
•Aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good

IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN FLOURISHING:

As time changes, elements that comprise human flourishing changed.

Peoples found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and make
more money.
There was a big change in the way the people lived before the way the people live today.
Development allowed them to make grander and more sophisticated machines to aid them in their
endeavors
that eventually led to space explorations, medicines innovations and ventures of life after death.

Humans of today are expected to become a “man of the world.” The person today is supposed to build
himself/herself in a global neighborhood, working side by among institutions and different governments to
be able to reach common goal. Competition as a means of survival has become outdated; Cooperation
and coordination among individuals are the new trend.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY on Human Flourishing:

must be treated as part of human life that needs reflective and meditative thinking.

must be examined for their greater impact on humanity as a whole .

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Human may unconsciously acquire, consume or destroy what the world has to offer

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Activity Sheet No.6

1. Define Human Flourishing

2. Explain the Aristotle’s human flourishing different factors.

3. What is EUDAIMONIA ?

4. Differentiate Eastern and Western Philosophy in terms of Human Flourishing.

HUMAN
FLOURISHING

5. In your opinion, how will you achieve human flourishing?

6. Suggest ways how to control or minimize negative impacts brought by science and technology.