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MODULE 4

HUMAN PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of human condition before science and technology;

2. Identify the change that happened to human condition after science and
technology; and
3. Name ways on how technology aided in revealing the truth about the
human being.

Introduction

Among the animals on earth, we, humans, identify ourselves as the ones

who have higher intellectual capacity. We have learned that things around us
hold potential when combined with other things or when used in ways that these
things are innately inclined to be used. The aim of this module is to discuss the
concept of human condition and explain the pillar of well-being theory.

Lesson

Selected Views on Technology

1. Aristotlianism - this views technology as basically a means to an end. To

Aristotle, technology is the organizing of techniques in order to meet the
demand that is being posed by humans. It will be judged either good or
bad based on the value given to the product and the effect to the society.

2. Technological Pessimism – this view is extremely supported by French

philosopher Jacques Ellul. Technological Pessimism holds that technology
is progressive and beneficial in many ways, it is also doubtful in many
ways. It is said that technology is a way of life.

Ellul’s pessimistic Arguments are:

a. Technological progress has a price
b. Technological progress creates more problem
c. Technological progress creates damaging effect
d. Technological progress creates devastating effects
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3. Technological Optimism – this view strongly supported by technologists,

engineers and also by ordinary people who believe that technology can
alleviate all the difficulties and provide solutions for problems that may
come. It holds that even though technological problems may arise;
technology will still be solution to it. The extreme version of this philosophy
is technocratism which holds technology as supreme authority on
everything.

4. Existentialism- the main concern of this view is the existence or the

mode of being someone or something which is governed by the norm of
authenticity. This view basically investigates the meaning of existence or
being and always faced with the selection.

Martin Heidegger (1889-1996)

 is one of the most known supporters of this philosophy. He did not stop
defining what technology is but has dealt with its essence. To Heidegger
the real essence of technology lies in enframing, the gathering of the
setting upon which challenges man to bring the unconcealed to un
concealment.

 a well-known German philosopher examined the two-usual definition of

technology; means to an end and human activity. He called it the
instrumental and anthropological definition of technology or simply means
by which human ends or realized.

The Instrumental Definition of Technology

 According to Heidegger, the instrument definition of technology

encourages us to view technology from the different periods of time as not
having fundamental differences.
 Heidegger said “Everything depends on manipulating technology in the
proper manner as a means.
 Technology has always been defined as a means to an end and being a
human activity.
 It has long filled the word. Everyday routines are marked with
technological advances that reflect what a society is good or known for.
Technology has well advanced since the middle of the 20 th century
especially after the end of world war II.
 It is not unexpected for technology to involve question of knowledge which
lead to its formation as one of the branches of philosophy. This also led to
furtherance of technology based on how it is viewed and understood.
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 Aristotle was born 304 BC and ancient Greek philosopher and one of the
most significant thinkers who contributed so much to science, technology,
political theory, and aesthetics world.

Aristotle Four Causes

1. CausaMaterialis or MaterialCause (The material of which the

object is made of)
2. CausaFormalis or Formal Cause (The form or the shape of
the object that gives its image)
3. CausaEffeciens or EfficientCause (The agent that primary
use of which object is made)
4. CausaFinalis or Final Cause(The purpose or the primary use
of which object is made)

Assessment

Answer the following:

1. Why is technology not a human activity?

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2. How can technology be ‘a way of revealing’?

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3. Why is technology not neutral?

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4. How does Heidegger define ‘enframing’?

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5. How would you characterize the dangers of modern technology? How do

your concerns compare with Heidegger's?
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Reflection

How, for better and worse, is human perception itself

changing as we engage in the activity that is social media technology?
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Assignment:

What is the exact character of the connection of human flourishing

and technology? Cite examples

References

Annett, A(2016).Human Flourishing, the Common Good , and Catholic

Social Teaching.

Heidegger, M.(1954)The Question Concerning Technology. Garland

Science Germany.

Loyola Marymont University. Educating for Intellectual Virtues. John

Templeton Foundation