RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

MODULE NO. 5

HUMAN FLOURISHING

Topics to be delivered in the module:

1. Science, Technology and Human Flourishing
2. Science as Method and Results
3. Science as a Social Endeavor
4. Science and Results
5. Science as Education
6. How Much Is Too Much?

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the role/s of science and technology towards human flourishing; and
2. integrate human flourishing and progress of science and technology in one’s
meaning of good life; and

Overview

Regardless of race or nationality, humans want to flourish in order to achieve

his/her goal/s in life. Not only does one’s social status or self-esteem heightens when
s/he achieves something, it also brings about happiness.
Eudaimonia (good-spirited) is a term coined by Aristotle to describe the
greatest of happiness that humans can achieve. In literature, this is translated into
human flourishing wherein an individual is comparable to a flower, who upon reaching

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eudaimonia is at his/her full bloom. Aristotle’s human flourishing is a result of several

components including friendship (wisdom), phronesis, wealth, and power as what is
stated on his work in the Nicomachean Ethics. During his time, having the said
components will help one achieve happiness and in effect, will have the notion of what
is good.
Through time, the concept of human flourishing changed far from what Aristotle
originally had in mind. This can be attributed to the progress in technology that we
have. Before, people are contented in using animals for transport. At present, we even
have vehicles or ships that can bring us into space. One cannot argue that
advancements in science and technology did bring comfort to our lives. Humans of
today are expected to become “man of the world”. Competition as means of survival is
a passé since we are living in a global neighborhood. What is needed is cooperation
and coordination among individuals.
Human flourishing and the view of society is also different when looked up from
the eastern and western points of view. The former gives more emphasis on the
individual while the latter are more of community – centric. Also, they differ on their
end goal since the western focuses on one’s flourishing whereas the eastern puts the
community as its top priority. However, one cannot stereotype what was previously
mentioned regarding the east and west due to globalization. Due to interaction with
others, which also entails access to their culture is a challenge for someone to fully
adhere to their original philosophies.

Topic Presentation

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

These concepts can be summarized by the line:
“The good is inherently related to the truth”.
Through science, the secrets of the universe are uncovered, the question of
our existence is being answered, and it provides us with something to look forward to.
The fruits of science that we reap in attaining human flourishing is through technology.
Science aims to discover and materializes it through technology, and in the end
results to attaining one’s goal/s (human flourishing). Suffice to say that the end goals

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of both science and technology and human flourishing are related, in that the good is
inherently related to the truth.

SCIENCE AS METHOD AND RESULTS

Scientific Method is a method of investigation involving observation and theory
to test (scientific) hypotheses. Though simple as it seems because the said method is
introduced as early as one’s elementary days, it hones an individual’s empiricism
through the conduct of experiments in order to validate what’s in his/her mind.

Steps in Scientific Method

Steps
1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained event/s worth looking to.

2. Identify the problem and determine the factor/s involved.

3. Formulate a hypothesis that could possibly explain the said event/s. There are
two types of hypothesis:
a) null: states that there is no difference between the parameters under
study.
b) alternative: states that there is a difference between the parameters
under study.

3. Test the hypothesis by conducting experiment/s which can be either:

a) qualitative: description of attributes
b) quantitative: numerical

4. Based on the results of the experiment/s, gather data and analyze them. Make
sure that the amount of data that was put into analysis is enough to arrive at a
conclusion.

5. Draw a conclusion in order to make up one’s mind about something.

6. Provide recommendation/s in case others would want to broaden the study.

Verification Theory

Also known as logical positivism, this theory provided the earliest criterion
between science and philosophy. Strengthened by the early 20 th century movement,
the Vienna Circle (group of scholars), this theory lies on empiricism, measurable
results, and repeatable experiments. For them, a discipline is considered as science
if it can be confirmed or interpreted upon the acceptance of an alternative
hypothesis.

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Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

However, the loopholes of verification theory are as follows:

a) premature shut down of budding theories lacking empirical
results: this includes the Theory of Relativity (did someone or
something at present had the ability to travel at the speed of light)
and Evolution (how can you repeat the process of evolution since
it takes hundreds, or even billions of years to reoccur).
b) fails to weed out fraudulent arguments that explain things
coincidentally: astrology for example employs observation of
celestial objects to justify its results.

Falsification Theory

Proposed by Karl Popper, this theory is the current prevalent and most accepted
methodology in science for the reason that it provided a niche for theories rejected via
verification theory. Falsification theory argues that as long as a belief is not proven to
be false and can be justified by a corresponding alternative hypothesis then, it is
acceptable. It also encourages research on which theories can withstand the test of
falsification. As a result, it does not promote ultimate adoption of one theory.
Same with the first theory discussed, falsification theory has its shortcomings as
well:
a) No rule to determine the number of times a certain theory is
rejected/falsified in order for it to be set aside.
b) No assurance that observable events (“evidences”) are manifestations of
the theory
Due to these shortcomings although the use of this theory is the current trend,
scientists do not totally agree that falsification theory is the gold standard in proving
whether or not an ideology is scientific.
The figure below provides the comparability of the two theories:

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Science as a Social Endeavor

Due to the inconclusiveness of the methodologies previously cited, other

school of thought regarding science emerged. One of it is the aspect of science as a
social endeavor. This means that science is not only limited to books, computers, and
other sophisticated equipment. The knowledge garnered from shared experiences that
forged solidarity in a community projects science in a different light. For example,
tribesman who are able to hit their target with the use of bow and arrow have not
studied the physics behind it but are successful on it. Also, they did not study medicine
but are able to cure their fellow tribesmen with the use of herbal medicine. Thus, as
what was the 1999 UNESCO Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific
Knowledge stated, no science is inferior to another. This is supported on the social
endeavor side of science that looks on its application in figuring how the world
works/exists/originated among others.
Science then as a social endeavor aims to address various problems, satisfy
various needs, and see through society’s sustainable development with the use of
scientific knowledge. Again, scientific knowledge here also pertains to informal
education as well.

Science and Results

Science does not monopolize the claim for definite results since it is not 100
% correct all the time. Take for instance weather forecasting under the science of
meteorology. Even in the use of satellite imagery and other hi-tech equipment, weather
forecasting cannot determine the exact damage a typhoon or hurricane may bring.

Not all have access to formal education. Thus, people resort to the saying: “To
see is to believe”. Aside from science religion, luck, and human randomness also

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produce results and provide explanation. It is up to us to discern whether to believe on

the said fact and result or it is under the realms of science.

Science as Education

Admittedly, many students are into science-related courses in the hopes of

getting high-paying jobs and a lucrative career after graduation. Based on the findings
of the Manila Times in 2019, 91% of Filipino respondents are interested in taking up
careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and 80 % are
compelled to do so. That’s why the country is doing its best with regards to science
education (Lesson 3).

However, if one is really in pursuit of human flourishing (based on Aristotle’s

perspective), aside from science and technology, other disciplines must also be given
of equal importance. S/he must not focus to one discipline alone. To be a eudaimonic
person, a science-oriented individual must also possess intellectual virtues that will
enable him/her to determine which is fallacy or not. Also, s/he must also excel in other
dimensions such as artistic, kinetic, linguistic, and socio-civic.

How Much Is Too Much?

The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) signed by world leaders, including

the Philippines in 2000 has global partnership and development as one of its agenda.
In an economist perspective, the primary indicator of development is (economic)
growth wherein resources are used to achieve such. Through technology, harnessing
the resources around us became easier and faster.

However, what is missing in the equation is “sustainability” which was argued

by Jason Hickel, an economist who specializes in inequalities. Since nature cannot
keep up with the phase of economic growth, people resort to exploitation which on the
long run causes irreversible damages.

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Combatting Exploitation
According to him, if we do not subscribe into development policies, there
will come a point in time that nature would not be able to provide us with the things
we need. At present, we are reaping the cost of exploitation including extinction of
many flora and fauna and the man-made climate change which brought humanity
trouble in an unimaginable way. Worse, we might be carving our “own” extinction.

Additional Knowledge

Further Reading

Forget ‘developing’ rich countries, it’s time to ‘de-develop’ rich countries. By

Jason Hickel
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-
network/2015/sep/23/developing-poor-countries-de-develop-rich-countries-sdgs

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Guided Exercises / Learning Activities

Activity 5

State a brief history or discovery that brought about the invention of the things stated
below. State their contributions in our scientific development. Choose 1 topic.

• Microscope • Computer
• Telescope • Wheels
• Antibiotics • Paper
• Radio • Guns
• Internet • Cars

References

Serafica, J. et.al. (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. Rex Printing Company,
Inc., First Edition, 2018.

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