STS Module 3 5

3.
1 Human Flourishing
https://youtu.be/Br1sGrA7XTU
I hope you enjoy watching the life of Martin Heidegger (MH). Here is the summary of the short episode of
Martin's life;
1. He was a German philosopher who is fun of thinking about 'being', technology and etc.
2. He rejected the idea of positivist thinkers and critical to technological domination in the modern world.
3. Heidegger was critical to the essence and modern technology and
4. He reconstructed the meaning of technology that reflected in his essay entitled " The Question Concerning
Technology".
3.1.1 The Essence of Technology

The Greek concept of the essence of technology was investigated by Martin Heidegger. The meaning of
technology for the Greeks was assumed to be part of our everyday life. To clarify further, the term technology
was defined into two categories.
1. Technology is a means to an end.

2. Technology is a human activity.
The first definition treated technology as an instrument to achieve a purpose or end. For example,
student A bought a laptop and smartphone to be used for online learning since students were not allowed to
attend a face to face learning. Laptops and smartphones are instruments for the student to achieve his/her
purpose which is to participate in online learning.
The second definition pointed out that technology is part of our daily activities of the human person
which is to invent technology such as gadgets for online learning, protective equipment to fight COVID-19,
agricultural machines to produce foods and etc.
The two definitions of technology are interconnected with each other in such a way that the outcomes
of human activities are meant to serve their purpose. However, this definition of technology became
problematic when technology does not serve its purpose (essence). For example, imagine that COVID-19 will
die naturally. You might think that those PPEs and gadgets for learning are meaningless because the purpose
is not being served. The revival of face-to-face learning will make a gadget for online learning less significant in
the traditional classroom.
3.1. 2 The Problems on Modern Technology

The Greek definition of technology as a human activity designed for a specific purpose was restructured in
modern times. Technology in the modern era was reduced to calculative thinking that controls nature. For
instance, the invention of the telescope, the steam machine, and other devices were used to master nature. In
the mastery of nature, we used technology to manipulate things around us. To see a clear picture, Heidegger
provided three revelations on modern technology as challenging forth, enframing and dangerous;
Modern Technology as Challenging Forth
Heidegger claimed that ancient and modern technology are revealing. However, modern technology is
revealing not in the sense of bringing forth but rather challenging nature. Modern technology challenges nature
through extracting, transforming, storing, and distributing it. Challenging forth reduced nature as standing
'reserve' or something to be disposed of by the people. For example, people exploited the natural resources
without minding the negative effects on the ecology, the modernization of extracting gold, coal, and petroleum
from the ground compromised the bodies of water, using of synthetic dyes and artificial flavoring jeopardize
human health, and the use of chemicals in the agriculture poses threat to food safety and health
security.
Modern Technology as Enframing
According to Martin Heidegger, modern technology is enframing. The term 'enframing' derives from the
word 'frame' which means putting something into a box. This metaphorical term of Heidegger connotes that
modern technology put nature into a box through scientific knowledge. Enframing, according to Heidegger, is
akin to two ways of looking at the world; calculative thinking and meditative thinking. Humans put an order to
nature and control it through calculative thinking.
The Dangers of Technology
Heidegger at this point is critical to the dangers of modern technology by pointing out its defects as
enframing nature, challenging forth, treat nature as a standing reserve. In this case, modern technology
deviated from the essential notion of technology and revealing or poiesis. Heidegger sees this as a danger to
humanity.
Recognizing the dangers of technology requires critical and reflective thinking on its use. For example,
social media has indeed connected people in the most efficient and convenient way but it is prone to abuse
such as the invasion of privacy, online disinhibition, and proliferation of fake news.
The real threat of technology comes from its essence, not its activities or products. The correct response
to the danger of technology is not simply dismissing technology altogether. Heidegger explained that people
are delivered over to technology in the worst possible way when they regard it as something neutral
(Heidegger, 1997).
3.2 Good Life

A brief overview of Aristotle's Life
Aristotle, who lived from 384 - 322 BC, is probably the most important ancient Greek philosopher and
scientist. He was a student of Plato and founded a school named Lyceum. In his own school, Aristotle's
students compiled their lecture notes and came up with a book entitled Nichomachean Ethics. This
Nichomachean Ethics, dedicated to his son Nichomachus, became a foundation of Aristotle's ethics composed
of ten books.
What is a good life?
The term 'good life is one of the concerns of Greek thinkers like Aristotle. In the Nichomachean Ethics,
Aristotle says that every action aims at some good. Some goods are classified as instrumental or intrinsic. The
instrumental good is a means to achieve something else while intrinsic good is good in itself or ultimate good
(Eudaimonia or human flourishing/happiness). At this point, Aristotle is suggesting that if we want to live a good
life then we must develop intellectual and moral virtues.
Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia is a Greek word that means human flourishing or happiness. Eudaimonia as ultimate good is
the final end of our action. However, Aristotle categorized well into different aspects; instrumental good and
intrinsic good. Instrumental good aims at something else while intrinsic good is the final end or good in itself.
For example, enrolling in this course is good because you will learn something and get a grade at the end of
the day. Why do you want a grade? because I want to get a college degree. Why do you want to get a degree?
to secure a job. As you push the question, you will end up in the final end which is the eudaimonia. So studying
in college is instrumental good if it helps you to achieve happiness. On the other hand, studying in college is
intrinsic good if you are happy with what you are doing right now. Sometimes, there are people who wrongly
assumed bodily pleasure or wealth, fame, and honor as eudaimonia. This assumption is wrong because
eudaimonia is exclusive only to a human being who exercises the faculty of reason.
Human Person
The table above reflects Aristotle's concept of the human soul and its hierarchy of functions and activities. The
soul was divided into three; rational, sensitive, and nutritive. The rational part of the soul is the ability of a
human person to think either based on theoretical or practical knowledge. Aristotle formulated the principle of
'man as a rational animal' to achieve eudaimonia/happiness. Achieving eudaimonia/happiness is possible only
when a human person learns to identify and choose the mean of their action between excess and deficiency.
By doing this, we can moderate our actions to achieve the ultimate good or virtuous action. For example,
integrating advanced technology into human activities aided workers to produce outputs faster and easier.
Almost everything is run by machines. But, too much dependent on machines has negative effects on human
well-being. However, those societies that never upgrade their technology were left behind in the fast-changing
industrial revolution and considered backward societies. Between the two extremes of actions, a rational
animal who aims to reach eudaimonia should choose the mean of action of the advanced technocratic society
and backward society. Aristotle's method can be applied to the action of generosity, courage, anger and etc. to
make them virtuous.
Arete
Arete is one of the significant concepts of Aristotle in achieving a good life/Eudaimonia or happiness. Arete
is a Greek term that means 'excellence of any kind in terms of intellectual and moral virtues. Intellectual virtue
is achieved through education and experience. On the other hand, moral virtue is developed through the
constant practice of an action that promotes good life. For instance, courage became a virtue when it is
properly displayed at the right time, right manner, and right place in the face of danger. A person who does not
properly assess the danger and reserve any fear may develop the vice of foolhardiness or rashness. However,
a person may develop the vice of cowardice if he/she becomes fearful and incapable of acting on the problem
in the face of danger.
Science, Technology, and Good Life
The rapid development of science and technology is manifested through the current trend in integrating
machines into human affairs. The automation of communication, transportation, food production, education,
modernization of medicine, etc. must be geared towards a good life. Guided by the concept of a good life,
policymakers, state leaders, and technocrats can work hand-in-hand to make our world a better place to live in.
A world is in a state of balance between excess and deficiency.
Summary:
To wrap up the discussion, the good life as a final end of human actions is an indispensable ethical theory
that advocates happiness along with the development of science and technology. Connecting good life,
science and technology requires us to set our goal which is to achieve eudaimonia. Achieving eudaimonia is
possible through the constant practice of moral virtues guided by the rational part of the soul.
Science, Technology
and Society
GEC007
ILO: Identify different conceptions of human flourishing
The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and

Technology
Eudaimonia, literally “good spirited,” a term coined by Aristotle to
describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans; has often
been translated into “human flourishing” In Western civilization tends to be
more focused on the individual; based on an individual’s values rather than his
belief that the state is greater than him. The east are more community-
centric; community takes the highest regard that the individual should
sacrifice himself for the sake of the society.
ILO: Identify different conceptions of human flourishing
The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and

Technology
Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our pool of
human knowledge; human’s perpetual need to locate himself in the world by
finding proofs to trace evolution; the end goals of both science and
technology and human flourishing are related; in that the good is inherently
related to the truth, are two concepts about science which ventures its claim
on truth.
ILO: Determine the development of the scientific methods and validity of science
Science as Method and Results, Verification Theory,

Falsification Theory and How much is too much
Science as Method and Results
The Scientific Method:
• Observe
• Determine the problem
• formulate hypothesis; reject the null
hypothesis
• Conduct experiment
• Gather and analyze results
• Formulate conclusion and provide
recommendation

Verification Theory
The earliest criterion that
distinguishes philosophy and science
The idea proposes that a discipline is
science if it can be confirmed or
interpreted in the event of an alternative
hypothesis being accepted. Several
budding theories that lack empirical
results might be shot down prematurely,
causing slower innovation and punishing
ingenuity of newer, novel thoughts. This
theory completely fails to weed out
bogus arguments that explain things
coincidentally.

Falsification Theory
Karl Popper is the known
proponent of this view. Asserts that as
long as an ideology is not proven to be
false and can best explain a
phenomenon over alternative theories
Allowed emergence of theories
otherwise rejected by verification theory.
Encourages research in order to
determine which among the theories can
stand the test of falsification

How Much is Too Much
• In 2000, world leaders signed the Millennium Development Goals that
targets eight concerns, one of which was that they should be able to forge a
global partnership for development.
• However, inasmuch as the objective was good, the goal to achieve growth
might be fatal.
• The economists believe that growth is the primary indicator of development,
as both go hand in hand, and has put forth their resources in trying to
achieve it such. Technology has been the primary instrument in enabling
them to pursue said goal, utilizing resources, machineries, and labor.
However, the world cannot provide and stretch for everybody's consumption
since the nature has limitations. Thus, Hickel's proposal was to adopt "de-
development." policies.
ILO: Discuss what technology reveals
Technology as a mode of revealing

“A Way of Revealing”: Technology and Utopianism in Contemporary Culture
“Technology is a way of revealing. If we give heed to this, then another whole
realm for the essence of technology will open itself up to us. It is the realm of
revealing, i.e., of truth.”
—Martin Heidegger

Although technology was once viewed literally as a means of bringing
about utopian society, its means to that end was exhausted in the minds of
many when it fostered the nuclear attacks on Japan in 1945. Since then, not
only has technology lost its utopian verve, but it also has been viewed by some
quite pessimistically.

Nevertheless, technology does provide an avenue for utopian cultural
production, whose utopian energy must often be rescued by readers and
scholars using the Blochian utopian hermeneutic. In this way technology is as
Heidegger described it—“a way of revealing,” that is, the tool that brings the
carving out from within the rock.

This article argues that although technology has come to be viewed by some
pessimistically in the years since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it is now experiencing
a utopian renaissance in that it allows for utopian cultural production to be
widespread as never before.

This is occurring thanks to new technology-facilitated genres such as the
Alternate Reality Game, the mass audiences tuned in to Internet avenues for
utopian production, and the continued improvement of older technologies such
as film and television.

Technology cannot be the impetus for ideal change by itself, no matter how
embraced such a concept might have been upon the introduction of the
telegraph or the Internet, but it has brought about new methods of injecting
new energy into culture, which can only serve to benefit society as a whole.

Despite the many views of technology associated with utopian thinking, one
important role that technology plays is its facilitation of idealistic cultural
production—literature, music, visual arts, media.

This role can be as simple as the tools that allowed prehistoric man to create
cave paintings, or as advanced as contemporary cultural production platforms
(e.g., the Internet and film technologies).

If the hermeneutic employed by subscribers to the philosophy of Ernst Bloch is
accepted, then utopian potential can be found in any cultural product. Since
most cultural production is dependent upon technology in one way or another,
then it hardly seems a stretch to grant technology some credit in the area of
utopian potential, despite what it leaves to be desired in others.

Still, the history of technology’s relationship with utopianism is quite
complicated, especially with regard to technology as a means to a socially
utopian end.

Technological utopian visions flourished; however, technology remained an
object of considerable debate, especially in the wake of the nuclear attacks on
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in 1945, and throughout the Cold War.

At this point, technology all but entirely
ceased to be the means to utopia it had once
been credited as, and in fact became quite
the opposite in the minds of many, among
them Herbert Marcuse. Nevertheless,
technology resulted in significant gains in the
areas of cultural production, which allowed
for utopian visions to be explored, even if an
application of an interpretation of a perfect
world was necessary for them to be
recognized.

Today, technology remains that which allows for cultural production to
communicate messages of hope, which exemplifies Martin Heidegger’s (1977)
idea of technology as “a way of revealing” (p. 12), but technology cannot be
the locus for utopian change by itself.

In spite of this, new technological innovations might be evidence of a kind of
technological utopian renaissance within cultural studies, as new technology-
facilitated genres (e.g., Alternate Reality Games, mass audiences tuned into
Internet avenues for utopian production), and the continued improvement of
older technologies, (e.g., film and television) build on technology’s arsenal of
cultural production outlets.
ILO: Examine modern technology and its roles in human flourishing
Roles of Technology in Human Flourishing

1. Flourishing is living within an optimal range of human functioning.
2. Flourishing connotes goodness, generativity, growth, and resilience.
ILO:Critique human flourishing vis-à-vis progress of science and technology
Human Flourishing as Reflected in Progress and

Development
How do we know that we are
progressing?
What are the indicators of
development? More often than not, the
development is equated with growth and
greater consumption. The more that the
population is able to consume, the
wealthier it is. Likewise, the more the
person is able to buy stuff, the higher
he/she is on the development scale. The
planet, however, is already overburdened
with human activities. It is about time that
we rethink our standards of development
if we are truly want of live the good life.
Activity 1
Instructions: Choose a partner. Discuss the similarities and differences
between Jason Hickel's framework of de-development and Martin
Heidegger's The Question Concerning Technology. Then, write a 200 to
300-word reaction paper on Hickel's article in a short bond paper. Use
Heideggerian concepts learned in the previous section in explaining
your thoughts and ideas about Hickel. Submit it on next meeting
Quiz 1 – from the book

Activity 2
Instructions: Form 4 members and discuss about Hickel Paradigm
discussions from your Professors’ Photocopy. Discuss about your
group’s understanding and show examples if needed. Write it in a
Manila Paper maximum of 2 Manila papers ONLY.
Quiz 2 – Present it in class next meeting

3.3 Human Flourishing through Progress and De-Development
News Update
Despite the efforts to close out the gap between the rich and poor
countries, the gap just keeps on widening. (BBC Headline report in
2015).
Although there is no standard measure of inequality, the report claimed that most indicators suggest that
the widening of the growth gap slowed during the financial crisis in 2007 but is now growing again. The
increasing inequality appears paradoxical having in mind the efforts that had been poured onto the
development programs designed to assist poor countries to rise from absence to slow progress.
With this backdrop and in the context of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement and
economic development, a human must ask themselves whether they are indeed flourishing, individually or
collectively. If development efforts to close out the gap between the rich and the poor countries have failed, is it
possible to confront the challenges of development through a nonconformist framework?
Jason Hickel, an anthropologist at the London School of Economics, criticized the failure of the growth and
development efforts of the UN to eradicate poverty several decades ago. He conceptualized a nonconformist
perspective toward growth and development.
Here is the outline of Jason Hickel's article on 'Forget developing poor countries, it's time to de-develop rich
countries. Hickel's article will be discussed in detail in assignment 3.1.
Assumptions:
1. UN's new sustainable development goals (SDGs) assumed that growth based on the traditional economic
model is an effective strategy to eradicate poverty.
2. Gross Domestic Products (GDP) is a measure of human development.
3. Questions;
1. How much do we really need to live long and enjoy a happy life?
1. According to Peter Edward, instead of pushing poor countries to catch up with rich ones, we should
be thinking of ways to get rich countries to catch down to more appropriate levels of
development.
2. Genuine Progress is anchored on quality instead of quantity
2. What is a good life or good living?
1. Latin Americans organized themselves and envision the indigenous concept of Buen Vivir, or good
living.
2. Robert and Edward Skidelsky conceptualized the good life through the possibility of interventions
like banning advertising that promotes consumerism and shortens the working hour, and basic
income.
Summary:
This topic shows you a radical model of equalizing the poor and rich countries through eradicating
poverty as a perennial problem. Jason Hickel's criticized the existing UN model popularly known as new
sustainable development goals (SDGs) and he provided us with a nontraditional framework for solving the
problem of poverty.
4.1 When Technology and Humanity Cross
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ystdF6jN7hc
H - human beings'
U - unequivocal
M - means
A - and privilege that
N - need to be
R- respected
I - in order to
G - gain success for humanity
T - today and tomorrow in relation to
S- Science and Technology
What are human rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex,
national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, and the like.
Human rights in the face of technological and scientific advancement are critical factors in
one's journey toward a good life. Protecting the well-being and protecting the dignity of the human
person must be at the core of continued scientific and technological progress and development. Such
is the focus of the human rights-based approach to science, technology, and society by S. Romi
Mukherjee.
The following are the three important documents:
1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights -This document affirms everyone's right to participate in and benefit
from scientific advances, and be protected from scientific misuse. The right to the benefits of science
comes under the domain of 'culture,' so it is usually examined from a cultural rights perspective.
2. UNESCO Recommendation of the Status of Scientific Researchers- This document that all advances in
scientific and technological knowledge should solely be geared toward the welfare of the global citizens,
and calls upon member states to develop necessary protocol policies to monitor and secure this
objective. Countries are asked to show that science and technology are integrated into policies that aim to
ensure a more humane and just society.
3. UNESCO Declaration on the Use of Scientific Knowledge- This document states, "Today, more than ever,
science and its applications are indispensable for development. All levels of government and the private
sector should provide enhanced support for building up adequate and evenly distributed scientific and
technological capacity through appropriate education and research programs as an indispensable
foundation for economic, social, cultural, and environmentally sound development. This is particularly
urgent for developing countries." This declaration encompasses issues such as pollution-free production,
efficient resources use, biodiversity protection, and brain drains.
A human rights- approach to science, technology, and development sets the parameters for the
appraisal of how science, technology, and development promote human well-being.
Thus, the discussion on human rights in the face of the changing scientific and technological
contexts must not serve as merely a decorative moral dimension of scientific and technological
policies but rather the very heart of sustainable futures.
Human rights should be integrated into the journey toward the ultimate good. They should
guide humans not only to flourish as individual members of society but also to assist each other in
flourishing collectively as a society. Human rights are rights to sustainability, as Mukherjee put it.
They may function as the "golden mean," particularly by protecting the weak, poor, and vulnerable
from deficiencies and excesses of science and technology. By imposing upon science and technology
the moral and ethical duty to protect and uphold human rights, there can be a more effective and
sustainable approach to bridging the gap between poor and rich countries on both tangible and
intangible aspects. Ultimately, all these will lead humans to flourish together through science and
technology.
Summary
In summary, the good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens have
the freedom to flourish. The human person has the autonomy to make choices that may enable the
flourishing of his/her self and society. To be able to attain such a good life, one must need to
exercise, and to protect his or her rights for human dignity is the ultimate core of man's existence.
Thus, the United Nations proclaimed UDHR as a global standard to ensure that the rights of a person
are recognized and appreciated by individuals regardless of race, gender, religion, and education.
Also, whatever endeavors one undertakes, whether scientific or not, one must be aware that human
rights must be respected.
4.2 Why the Future Does Not Need Us?

The article, "Why the Future Does Not Need Us?" was written by William Nelson Joy, an
American computer scientist of Sun Microsystems. In his article, Joy warned against the rapid rise of
new technologies. He explained that 21st-century technologies are becoming very powerful that they
can potentially bring about new classes of accidents, threats, and abuses. He further warned that
these dangers are even pressing because they do not require large facilities or even rare raw
materials-knowledge alone will make them potentially harmful to humans.
Joy argued that robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology pose much greater threats
than technological developments that have come before. He particularly cited the ability of nanobots
to self-replicate, which quickly gets out of control. In the article, he cautioned humans against over-
dependence on machines. He also stated that if machines are given the capacity to decide on their
own, it will be impossible to predict how they might behave in the future. In this case, the fate of the
human race would be at the mercy of machines.
Joy also voiced his apprehension about the rapid increase in computer power. He was
concerned that computers will eventually become more intelligent than humans, thus ushering
societies into dystopian visions, such as robot rebellions. To illuminate his concern, Joy drew from
Theodore Kaczynski's book, Unabomber Manifesto, where Kaczynski described that the unintended
consequences of the design and use of technology are clearly related to Murphy's Law: " Anything
that can go wrong will go wrong." Kaczynski argued further that over-reliance on antibiotics led to the
great paradox of emerging antibiotic-resistant strains of dangerous bacteria.
Since the publication of the article, Joy's argument against twenty-first-century technologies
has received both criticisms and expressions of shared concern. Critics dismissed Joy's article for
deliberately presenting information in an imprecise manner that obscures the larger picture or state of
things. For one, John Seely and Paul Duguid (2001), in their article, A Response to Bill Joy and
doom-and-gloom Technofuturists, criticize Joy's failure to consider social factors and only deliberately
focused on one part of the larger picture. Others go as far as accusing Joy of being a neo-Luddite,
someone who rejects new technologies and shows technophobic leanings.
As a material, Joy's article tackles the unpleasant and uncomfortable possibilities that a
senseless approach to scientific and technological advancements may bring. Whether Joy's
propositions are a real possibility or an absolute moonshot, it is unavoidable to think of the future that
will no longer need the human race. It makes thinking about the roles and obligations of every
stakeholder a necessary component of scientific and technological advancement. In this case, it is
preeminently necessary that the scientific community, governments, and businesses engage in a
discussion to determine the safeguards of humans against the potential dangers of science and
technology.
Summary
In conclusion, contemporary times have seen a wide range of technological breakthroughs in
all shapes and sizes. It might be at your house, office, or business. It makes life simpler, but if not
utilized appropriately, it may also make life impossible.
In short, technology has its own set of advantages, benefits, and drawbacks. Science and
technology, as William Nelson Joy (2000) points out in his essay "Why the Future Does Not Need
Us," may be the ultimate manifestation of human rationality. People may use science and technology
to either shape or destroy the planet.
Module 4 Summary
In this module, we had discussed the following:
1. a human rights-based approach to science, technology, and development

2. importance of human rights with scientific and technological advancements
3. key documents and their principles that ensure the well-being of humans in the midst of scientific
progress and technological development
4. the main idea of the essay "Why the Future Does Not Need Us?"
In summary, we know that the world is undergoing many changes at a fast pace brought about
by inventions in science and technology. Although we could not discount the benefits that we reap
from these inventions, it is very important that alongside these technological advancements, scientists
need to show concern for humanity by safeguarding their very existence which is of utmost
importance than the pleasure, comfort, and financial gain that we can get from these inventions.
. There is nothing wrong with desiring for technological advancement, for as long as a thorough
study should be done before embarking on any scientific exploits. We could not resort to a senseless
approach in pursuing any form of the scientific invention that would be detrimental to the welfare of
the human race.
In this regard, there should be a concerted effort among the stakeholders like the scientific
community, government, businessmen to engage in a discussion to determine the safeguards of
humans against the potential dangers of these inventions.
Science, Technology
and Society
GEC007
ILO: Discuss the importance of human rights in the face of changing social conditions and technological
development
When Technology and Humanity Cross

Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent
dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of
all members of the human family is the
foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the
world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights
have resulted in barbarous acts which have
outraged the conscience of mankind, and the
advent of a world in which human beings shall
enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom
from fear and want has been proclaimed as the
highest aspiration of the common people,
development

Preamble
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to
be compelled to have recourse, as a last
resort, to rebellion against tyranny and
oppression, that human rights should be
protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the
development of friendly relations between
nations,
development

Preamble
Whereas the peoples of the United
Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their
faith in fundamental human rights, in the
dignity and worth of the human person and in
the equal rights of men and women and have
determined to promote social progress and
better standards of life in larger freedom,
development

Preamble
Whereas Member States have pledged
themselves to achieve, in co-operation with
the United Nations, the promotion of universal
respect for and observance of human rights
and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a
common understanding of these rights and
freedoms is of the greatest importance for the
full realization of this pledge,
development

Preamble
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL
DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a
common standard of achievement for all
peoples and all nations, to the end that every
individual and every organ of society, keeping
this
development

Preamble
Declaration constantly in mind, shall
strive by teaching and education to promote
respect for these rights and freedoms and by
progressive measures, national and
international, to secure their universal and
effective recognition and observance, both
among the peoples of Member States
themselves and among the peoples of
territories under their jurisdiction.
ILO: Identify the different technological advancements in society.
Technological Advancements
Television Sets, Mobile Phones, Computers,
and Humanity
People all over the world use these
technologies every day to accomplish different
purpose;
Television was a product of different
experiments by various people;
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow’s invention was called
the "electric telescope" that had 18 lines of
resolution;
Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton and Boris
Rosing their experiment gave rise to two types
of television systems, namely, mechanical and
electronic television.
Television Sets, Mobile Phones, Computers, and
Humanity
On April 3, 1973, Martin Cooper, a senior
engineer at Motorola, made the world’s first mobile
phone call;
In 1983, Motorola made their first commercial mobile
phone available to the public., It was known as the
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X.
Charles Babbage who designed the Analytical Engine
which was used as the basic framework of the
computers even until the present time;
The first design of computer was so big that it could
occupy whole floors of buildings;
The first true portable computer was released in April
1981. It was called the Osborne 1;
The evolution of laptops continued until the present
time where various designs and models are already
available.
Roles Played by These Technological
Advancements
Television is mainly used as a platform for
advertisements and information
dissemination;
Television also is a good platform for different
propagandas and advocacies.
Mobile phones are primarily used for
communication;
People use their mobile phones to surf the
Internet and to take pictures more than to text
or to call people;
Roles Played by These Technological
Advancements
Other applications include music player,
calendar, radio, television, and photo editor,
among others.
Personal computers and laptops can be used
to surf the Internet and communicate;
the availability of a mouse or a touchpad made
these two technological devices easier to
maneuver than mobile phones
Ethical Dilemma Faced by These Technological Advancements

People who are fixated on these
technological advancements start and
end their day by using such devices. It
causes them to become reclusive,
alienating themselves from other
people.
Children who are not capable yet of

rationally deciding for themselves what
is right or wrong

Robotics and Humanity
▪ A robot is an actuated mechanism
programmable in two or more axes with a
degree of autonomy, moving within its
environment, to perform intended tasks.
▪ A service robot is a robot that performs
useful tasks for humans or equipment
excluding industrial automation
application.
▪ A personal service robot or a service robot
for personal use is a service robot used for a
noncommercial task, usually by laypersons.
A professional service robot or a service
robot for professional use is a service robot
used for a commercial task, usually
operated by a properly trained operator.

Ethical Dilemma/s Faced by Robotics
• Safety - Who should be held
accountable if someone’s safety is
compromised by a robot?
• Emotional Component -What if
robots become sentient should they
be granted robot rights? Should they
have their own set of rights to be
upheld, respected, and protected by
humans?
Activity 4
From the book
Science, Technology
and Society
GEC007
ILO:Define concepts related to information
The Information Society

Information Age
“Period starting in the last quarter of the
20th century when information became
effortlessly accessible through publications
and through the management of information
by computers and computer networks”
Also called the Digital Age and the New Media
Age because it was associated with the
development of computers.
ILO: Discuss the role of language

Language
❖Language is a system that consists of the development,
acquisition, maintenance and use of complex systems of
communication, particularly the human ability to do so; a
language is any specific example of such a system.
❖Language plays a very important role in human lives. It is

a social phenomenon. One of the main goals of language
is to communicate with people and to understand them.
❖It is used to express our wishes, feelings, likes, dislike and
ideas – its symbolic function.
❖Multiple uses of language exist of communicate, direct
and express ideas, feelings and information. Directive,
expressive and informative uses of writing and oral forms
of communication. Directive use of language is used to
get another person on group to perform an action.

Significance of Language
Language is essentially a means
of communication among the
members of a society, in the expression
of culture, language is a fundamental
aspect. For instance writing, a
relatively recent invention has a great
importance for a language where by it
plays an important role in the
preservation of language.

Mathematics as the language of nature
Patterns in nature are visible
regularities of form found in the natural
world. These patterns recur in different
contexts and can sometimes be modelled
mathematically. Natural patterns include
symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders,
waves, foams, tessellations, cracks and
stripes. Early Greek philosophers studied
pattern, with Plato, Pythagoras and
Empedocles attempting to explain order
in nature. The modern understanding of
visible patterns developed gradually over
time.
ILO:Discuss the human and social impacts of the developments in the information age

Technological World
The ability to think and conceptually
comprehend nature and the principles it
follows eventually leads to science. Even in
ancient times, Western thinkers harnessed the
forces of nature after understanding them
better.
Hero of Alexandria would invent a primitive
steam engine in the first century (Davies,
1990)

Technologies
1. Cellphones- Many teenagers have cellphones, they became dependent on
them to stay connected with friends and the outside world. The teenagers
addicted in it.

Technologies
2. Computers- Teenagers need computers for school, but sometimes they get
distracted of the main task and start to surf on the web, playing video games
etc..

Technologies
3. Video games- They can helps teen unwind and release stress as long as
gaming isn't excessive. Excessive gaming can lead to attention issues at school
and poor academic performance.

Technologies
4. Television- Many teens prefer to watch television or play on the computer to
going outside for physical recreation activities. Too much media at home makes
it too easy for teens to default to inactivity. Internet can have a decrease in
school and relationship performance.
ILO: Discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the present

Printing Press
Printing is a process for reproducing text and
images using a master form or template. The earliest non-
paper products involving printing include cylinder seals and
objects such as the Cyrus Cylinder and the Cylinders of
Nabonidus. The earliest known form of printing as applied
to paper was woodblock printing, which appeared in China
before 220 AD. Later developments in printing technology
include the movable type invented by Bi Sheng around
1040 AD and the printing press invented by Johannes
Guttenberg.
Johannes Gutenberg (~1398–February 3, 1468) was
the inventor of a movable-type printing press, based on a
Rhenish wine press and using ink that clung to the metal
type and produced color fonts. His technological
innovations, which included punch-cutting, matrix-fitting,
type-casting, composing, and printing, was used nearly
unchanged for three centuries after his death.
ILO: Discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the present

World Wide Web
TIMOTHY BERNERS-LEE
A programmer who invented the www. He
was born in London on June 8, 1955
The World Wide Web (Internet)
Internet is a worldwide system of
interconnected networks that facilitate data
transmission among innumerable computers.
Internet was used mainly by scientists to
communicate with other scientists; it remained
under government control until 1984. One early
problem faced by Internet users was speed. The
development of fiber-optic cables allowed for
billions of bits of information to be received every
minute. Electronic mail, or email, was a suitable
way to send a message.
Science, Technology
and Society
GEC007
ILO: Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health
Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity and Environment
Biodiversity is defined as the vast variety of
life forms in the entire Earth. Its definition is in the
structural and functional perspective and not as
individual species.
Biodiversity is the source of the essential
goods and ecological services.
Significant decline in biodiversity has direct
human impact when ecosystem in its insufficiency
can no longer provide the physical as well as social
needs of human beings.
We, as human inhabitants of the ecosystem, must
preserve and conserve the biodiversity of all
creatures.

What is ecosystem?
It is a community of living organisms in
conjunction with the nonliving components of
their environment, interacting as a system
with each others in a given area.
Threats to Biodiversity
1. Habitat loss and destruction
2. Alterations in ecosystem composition
3. Over-exploitation: over-hunting, overfishing,
or over-collecting of species
4. Pollution and contamination
5. Global climate change

Health,Biology, and Biodiversity
Basic needs of living organisms such as
air, water, food, and habitat are provided by its
environment.
Lack of basic necessities is a significant
cause of human mortality.
Environmental hazards increase the risk
of cancer, heart disease, asthma, and many
other illnesses.
The interrelation between human health
and biological diversity is considerable and
complex.

Environment-Related Illnesses
Some human illnesses that are found to be
related with its environment include Parkinson’s
disease, heart disease, cancer, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity,
occupational injuries, dysentery, arthritis, malaria,
and depression.
Many of the issues at the intersection of
health and the environment have to do with
managing benefits and risks:
Pesticides play an important role in
increasing crop yields, but they can also pose
hazards to human health and the environment.

Environment-Related Illnesses
Energy production and use helps
sustain human life, but it can also pose hazards
to human health and the environment.
Increasing taxes on fossil fuels would
encourage greater fuel efficiency and lower
carbon dioxide emissions, but it would also
increase the price of transportation.
Managing benefits and risks also raises social
justice concerns:
People with lower socio-economic
status have greater exposure to certain
harmful environmental conditions.
ILO: Explain the process of genetic engineering
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

It is the term used for an organism created through genetic
engineering.
“…which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that
does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination”
The development of GMOs was perceived to help in the
advancement of technology for the benefit of humans in different
industries.
• Rosalie Ellasus, a former overseas Filipino worker who successfully
yielded 7.2 tons per acre as compared to regular yield of 4.2 tons
per hectare. No insecticide spraying needed. One of the success
stories genetically modified organisms.
• 1951 that the term genetic engineering was coined by Jack
Williamson
• An antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria was created in 1973
• GMO is the term used for an organism created through genetic
engineering.
• The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) defines GMO as an
“organism, either plant, animal, or microorganism in which the
genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not
occur naturally by mating or natural recombination.”

GMOs in Food and Agricultural Industries
• Pest resistance – genetically modified plants to
resist certain pests
• Virus resistance – genetically modified plants to
resist certain viruses
• Herbicide tolerance – genetically modified plants to
tolerate herbicide
• Fortification – genetically modified plants fortified
with certain minerals
• Cosmetic preservation – genetically modified plants
resist natural discoloration
• Increase growth rate – a genetically modified
organism that has higher yield in growth than
normal species

GMOs in Non-Food Crops and Microorganisms
• Flower production – GMOs in flower production are
seen in modified color and extended vase life of
flowers.
• Paper production – modified characteristics of trees for
higher yield of paper production
• Pharmaceutical productions – modified plants to
produce pharmaceutical products
• Bioremediation – use of modified plants that can assist
in the bioremediation of polluted sites
• Enzyme and drug production – use of modified
microorganisms that can produce enzymes for food
processing and medicines
• GMOs in the medical field – It helps in the production
of drugs, gene therapy, and laboratory researches.
ILO: Discuss the risks, benefits and implications of GMOs and potential future impacts
Risks, Benefits, and Implications of GMOs

Benefits of GMOs
1. Higher efficiency in farming
2. There will be less use for
herbicides/pesticides, and lower cost for
labor and cultivation.
3. Increase in harvest
4. GMO crops resistant to pests and diseases
means increase in potential growth and
harvest.
5. Control in fertility
6. Controlling the purity of the hybrid seeds
(GMO seeds) ensures higher yields.

Benefits of GMOs
7. Increase in food processing
8. Altered characteristics of GMO crops help
ease food processing.
9. Improvement of desirable characteristics
10. GMOs offer longer shelf life, enhanced color
and taste, enhanced production or reduction of
enzymes, and other modified characteristics of
plants, animals, and microorganisms.
11. Nutritional and pharmaceutical
enhancement GMO crops like maize are fortified
with lysine and Golden Rice fortified with
vitamin A and iron. There are now edible
vaccines for viral and diarrheal diseases.
12. Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides

Potential Risks of GMOs
Opponents of GMOs have the following
major concerns:
Since genetic engineering is still a
young branch of science, there are
inadequate studies on the effects of GMOs
to humans and the environment.
Genetic engineering promotes
mutation in organisms which the long term
effect is still unknown

Human consumption of GMOs might
have the following effects:
1. More allergic reactions
2. Gene mutation
3. Antibiotic resistance
4. Nutritional value

Potential Human Health Risks caused by GMOs
• Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects
since it is not naturally or organically produced.
• Consumption of GMOs may alter the balance of
existing microorganisms in the human digestive
system.
• Production of toxins may be detrimental to human
health.
• Production of allergens may have adverse effects
on humans.
Other potential risks that raise major concern are:
• Human Genome Project (HGP);
• Mutation of genetically engineered
microorganisms; and
• Cloning.
ILO: Discuss the biosafety on GMO
Catagena Protocol on Biodiversity

Biosafety on GMOs
International organizations
developed principles and treaties that
somehow ensure biosafety on GMOs.
Some of these initiatives are as
follows:
The Codex Alimentarius Commission
(Codex)

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
The Convention on Biological Diversity,
known informally as the Biodiversity
Convention, is a multilateral treaty. The
Convention has three main goals including:
the conservation of biological diversity; the
sustainable use of its components; and the
fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
from genetic resources. In other words, its
objective is to develop national strategies for
the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
It is an international agreement
which aims to ensure the safe
handling, transport, and use of living
modified organisms resulting from
modern biotechnology that may have
adverse effects on biological diversity,
taking into account risks to human
health.

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3.

3.1.1 The Essence of Technology

1. Technology is a means to an end.

3.1. 2 The Problems on Modern Technology

The Dangers of Technology

3.2 Good Life

The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and

The Human Flourishing in Terms of Science and

Science as Method and Results, Verification Theory,

Science as Method and Results, Verification Theory,

Science as Method and Results, Verification Theory,

Science as Method and Results, Verification Theory,

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Technology as a mode of revealing

Roles of Technology in Human Flourishing

Human Flourishing as Reflected in Progress and

Quiz 1 – from the book

Quiz 2 – Present it in class next meeting

The following are the three important documents:

4.2 Why the Future Does Not Need Us?

1. a human rights-based approach to science, technology, and development

When Technology and Humanity Cross

When Technology and Humanity Cross

When Technology and Humanity Cross

When Technology and Humanity Cross

When Technology and Humanity Cross

When Technology and Humanity Cross

Ethical Dilemma Faced by These Technological Advancements

Children who are not capable yet of

Ethical Dilemma Faced by These Technological Advancements

Ethical Dilemma Faced by These Technological Advancements

The Information Society

The Information Society

❖Language plays a very important role in human lives. It is

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

The Information Society

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Biodiversity and the Healthy Society

Genetically Modiﬁed Organism (GMO)

Genetically Modiﬁed Organism (GMO)

Genetically Modiﬁed Organism (GMO)