REFLECTION JOURNAL No.

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Topic: Specific Issues in Science, Technology, and Society

What I Already  Humans have a general understanding of what it means to
Know thrive, even with the introduction of science and technology.
 Science and Technology has brought forth innovations that has
made man’s life more efficient
 There is a so-called "generation gap" between today's people
and the older generation, which can be attributed primarily to
technological changes. The majority of people in the older
generation believe that these technologies are overly
complicated.
 People have begun to attach their lives to modern
advancements, such as social media, the internet, and mobile
devices, to the point where they see their worth and happiness
in these things.
 The definition of 'happiness' or 'good life' is subjective. That is,
different people see it through different lenses. My happiness is
not the same as another person's happiness.
What I Learned  Aristotle coined the term "Eudaimonia", translated in simple
words as 'fulfillment' or 'contentment. It describes the pinnacle
of happiness that is attainable by humans.
 Human flourishing is inextricably linked to scientific and
technological goal setting, reflecting Heidegger's assertion that
technology is a human activity in which we excel as a result of
obtaining science.
 The older generation is hesitant to use these technologies
because they are accustomed to simple living in the past,
where machines were simple to understand and operate.
 In terms of the initial goals, it appears that little has changed.
Parts of the world are still fighting for their lives as a result of
viruses and diseases, wars, and lack of water resources. The
human condition appears to be nothing more than a rehashed
version of its former self, despite its increased sophistication.
 Throughout history, various schools of thought have emerged,
all of which strive for a good and happy life. Materialism,
Hedonism, Stoicism, Theism, and Humanism are among them.
Although there is a lot more to it, even a combination of these,
that we will discover as we learn more about ourselves.
What I Want to  What more is it in store for man? To what extent will we be
Know contented with our lives?
 How does Science and Life and vice versa influence each
other?
 How can science aid this gap between generations?
 How long will it take for mankind to realize that progress and
development do not equate to a happy life? From the crony
capitalists' point of view, how can they stand by and watch
people suffer while acting as if they aren't a part of the
exploitation (both human and environmental) that is worsening
everything?
 With our differing views of what it means to be happy, how can
we interconnect all these into a single shared definition on
which we can anchor our morality upon and ensure that no one
is left behind on the journey?
Application/Action  Man should reassess their meaning of a good life and align
their morality to their virtues.
 Modern innovations in science must always assess its impact to

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 the life of the people that will benefit it and the life of the
nature to where it’s from.
 Scientists and others involved in science and technology should
make these innovations less intimidating and perplexing to the
older generation. Younger generations must also use this as a
means of introducing new advancements in a fun way.
 If we do not want everything to be in vain and worthless in the
long run, we must change our perspective. Instead of focusing
on a single point of view (Aristotle's definition of the good life
versus sci-tech innovations), why not combine both of these
ideas to ensure that as we enter the state of 'eudaimonia,' our
morality and virtues are preserved? Easy to say, but we need
to atleast try for us to know.
 World leaders play a pivotal role in this endeavor. They hold
the key in inspiring their citizens and pushing forward towards
change. If they set an example and effectively translate it to
the people, then our shared definition of what it means to be
happy could possibly be handed down to us. That is if they
aspire the way we want them to.

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