Module 2 Lesson 1 - The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology

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

Human Flourishing - an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfilment within the context of a larger
community of individuals, each with the right to pursue his or her own such efforts.

Human flourishing - 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.

Aristotle (Greek philosopher 385-323 BC) coined the term “Eudaimonia” literally “good spirited, it described
the peak of human’s happiness that can be attained and it translated into “human flourishing” in literature.

Aristotle’s human flourishing arises as a product of different factors such as; phronesis, friendship, wealth
and power.
Phronesis - is an ancient Greek word for a type of wisdom or intelligence. It is more specifically a type of
wisdom relevant to practical action, implying both good judgement and excellence of character and habits,
sometimes referred to as "practical virtue". In the Ancient Greek society, they believed 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.

The elements of human flourishing changed, as the time change. People found ways to live more
comfortably, they can go anywhere and explore more places, and developed and invented different products
and make more money. Continues development led to the invention of simple machines to more sophisticated
and complex tools and equipment.
The concept of human flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle perceived before. At
present, humans are expected to become a “man of the world”.

There is a difference between Eastern and Western ideas regarding society and human flourishing. In
western civilization tends to be more focused on the individual, while the eastern civilization are community-
centric. Human flourishing is an end then is primarily more of a concern for western civilization. Eastern
civilization puts community above the individual. Community takes the highest regard that the individual
should sacrifice himself for the sake of the society.

Activity No. 4- Make a virtual interview on 5 individual, about their opinions on the following questions:

1. What is happiness?

2. What is/are your goal/s?

3. How can you achieve your goal/s?

4. Who are the people you need to achieve your goal/s with?

Make a summary of your interview. Report to the class.