College of Arts and Sciences Education

General Education – Science

2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Big Picture (For 3rd Exam)

Week 6-7: Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO): At the end of the unit, you are
expected to:

A. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life to contemporary issues
guided by ethical standards;

B. Discuss the importance of human rights in the face of changing social

conditions and technological development; and

C. Determine the human and social impacts of the developments in the

information age.

Big Picture in Focus: ULOa. Examine shared concerns that make

up the good life to come up with innovative and creative solutions
to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards.

Metalanguage
Nicomachean ethics by Aristotle - a philosophical inquiry into the nature of the
good life for a human being. It emphasized what is truly virtuous and
what is mistakenly thought to be so.

Aristotle: Character Lists of Nicomachean Ethics

1. The virtue of justice - Aristotle says justice consists in what is lawful and
fair, with fairness involving equitable distributions and the correction of
what is inequitable. He makes a distinction between natural justice and
legal justice.
Natural justice is the same in all times and places in a sense, that
comprised by the laws that order the universe and that order beings
toward their ends. Legal justice is that which is just according to law; it
ought to be in accordance with natural justice.

2. Law - are codifications of certain ethical values meant to help regulate

society, and also impact decision- making. It is necessary in order to
habituate citizens in virtuous action.

3. The Good- Aristotle posits that the Good is the supreme goal of life. This
ultimate good which is both final and self-sufficient, thus, he defines this as

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happiness. There must be one final end of all human actions which is
done on purpose and for a definite/final goal as desired for its own sake.

4. Happiness - Aristotle enshrines happiness as a central purpose of human

life and a goal in itself. Happiness is a final end or goal that encompasses
the totality of one's life. It is not something that can be gained or lost in a
few hours, like pleasurable sensations. It is more like the ultimate value of
your life as lived up to this moment, measuring how well you have lived up
to your full potential as a human being. He distinguished three kinds of
happiness: pleasure (life as the body), politics (and life according to the
rhetoric of honor) and meditation (life according to reason).

5. Virtue - Virtue is a mean by two extremes, and its exercise thus requires
prudence in order to determine what the mean is for specific
circumstances. Virtues are acquired by habituation. There are four
requirements for virtue: a person (1) know what he is doing, (2) intend the
action for its own sake, (3) take pleasure in it and (4) do it with certainty
and firmness. When a person performs a virtuous action but does it in
opposition to his desires, he is continent but not virtuous.
Aristotle discusses eleven virtues: courage, temperance,
generosity, magnificence, magnanimity, right ambition, good
temper, friendliness, truthfulness, wit, and justice in his
Nicomachean ethics.

6. Wealth and Money- The money cannot be an end of life, it can be a

means. Wealth is stored in the category of useful and not necessary. An
example are generosity and munificence, both virtues which direct the use
of wealth. A person should use his wealth liberally in the service of others
and of good causes, but should not spend beyond his means.

7. Prudence - it is the virtue which one must develop in order to attain moral
virtue and to find the correct mean in all of one's actions. Prudence is an
intellectual virtue, and is the ability to deliberate well regarding human
actions. From Aristotle's words, "to know what is good for oneself"
(1142a).

8. Friendship - Friendship is necessary for a happy life, because human

beings are social beings. Aristotle describes three types of friendship:
Useful/interest, pleasure and virtue.

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Eudaimonia – It is a condition of human flourishing or of living well. It is about

individual Happiness. Aristotle’s eudaimonia leads to a general idea that reflects
“pursuit of virtue, excellence, and the best within us” (Huta & Waterman, 2014:
1426).

Essential Knowledge

Everyone is in pursuit of good life. We want to achieve a life which will make
us happy and content. Below, are Aristotle’s definitions of good.

NICOMACHEAN ETHICS AND MODERN CONCEPTS

• Aristotle begins the work by positing that there

exists some ultimate good toward which, in the
final analysis, all human actions ultimately aim.
Everyone is moving towards the good thus,
completing studies, training for sport, or taking
a rest is good.

• Good life is more than these countless expressions of what is good.

Characterized by happiness that springs from living and doing
well(eudaimonia).It is a flourishing life filled with meaningful endeavors that
empower the human person to be the best version of himself/herself.
(Ex.: Student acts to be the best version by studying well and fulfilling
the demands of school or by training hard as well as joining and
winning in sports competitions if an athlete.)

• According to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate end of human action which

people pursue for its own sake.

Example: Financial stability for one’s family, the power achieved from
winning the elections, or the harmony and peace as a reward for taking
the environment)

• Happiness defines a good life, not the kind that comes from sensate
pleasures. It is which comes from living a life of virtue (a life of excellence,
manifested from the personal to global scale).
Example: Making sure that one avoids sugary and processed foods to
keep healthy; taking care of the environment through proper waste
management which results in a clean environment and adds people’s
well-being and happiness.)

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• The virtuous actions require discipline and practice. Activities contrary to

virtue are those which do not result happiness.

Example: a) The lack of discipline in eating healthful food eventually

makes one sick.
b.) The lack for concern in the environment destroys the
Earth we live in.

• The good life is marked by happiness brought about by virtuous human

actions and decisions that affect the individual self and the greater
community. It is characterized by a life of flourishing of oneself and others.

• Virtue plays a significant role in the living and attainment of the good life. It is
the constant practice of the good no matter how difficult the circumstances
may be. It is the excellence of character that empowers one to do and be
good.

• Two kinds of virtue (a) intellectual virtue (the main owes its birth and growth to
teaching), and (b) moral virtue (comes about as a result of habit).
The intellectual virtue depends to a large extent on the education received,
both for its production for its increase, so does it need experience and time.
The moral virtue, by contrast, is the product of habit

Modern Concepts/Morality
Many (traditional) moral theories are unable to meet the second
criterion and simply fall short of the high demands of applied ethics to solve the
complex moral problems of our times. The traditional moral theories are not
sufficiently well equipped to deal with completely new problems such as issues
concerning nuclear power, gene technology, and cloning and so forth. Thus, there
must be a constant interest in updating and enhancing a particular moral theory in
order to make it compatible with the latest demands.

The following are the two main moral theories of modern virtue ethics (or neo-
Aristotelianism):

1. Kant’s deontological ethics –founded by German philosopher Immanuel Kant.

This ethics is deontological in the sense that one has to obey the duties
and obligations which derive from his supreme principle of morality,
that is, the Categorical Imperative a test for maxims which, in turn,
determine whether certain acts have moral worth or not). A maxim is
an individual’s subjective principle or rule of the will which tells the
individual what to do in a given particular situation.

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2. Utilitarianism-
Jeremy Bentham in his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and
Legislation (1789) and John Stuart Mill in Utilitarianism (1863) are the
founders of utilitarianism. They pointed out that utility should be seen
as an important standard of evaluation in ethical reasoning and
decision-making.
The following four main aspects are typical for each utilitarian
theory:
1. The consequence principle: Utilitarianism is not about actions but
about the consequences of actions which means that the moral
worth of the particular action is determined by its outcome.

2. Happiness: Utilitarianism is a teleological theory insofar as

happiness is the main goal that should be achieved. This particular
goal can be identified with (i.) the promotion of pleasure, (ii.) the
avoidance of pain or harm, (iii.) the fulfilment of desires or
considered preferences, or (iv.) with meeting some objective criteria
of well-being.

3. Greatest Happiness Principle: Utilitarianism is not about mere

happiness but about “the greatest happiness” attainable. The moral
rightness or wrongness of actions depends on the goal of achieving
the greatest happiness for the greatest number of sentient beings,
in short, “the greatest happiness for the greatest number”.

4. Maximizing: The collective amount of utility regarding sentient

beings affected by the action should be maximized. This line of
reasoning contains strong altruistic claims because, roughly
speaking, one should only choose those actions which improve
other sentient beings’ happiness.

The upshot is, however, that the vital question of how to live a good life
cannot be separated from the essential question of how one should act. Both
questions are intimately interwoven and a complete ethical theory will always be
concerned with both issues.
Thus, in connection to the onward progress of science and technology is also
the movement towards the good life since it is the highest expressions of human
faculties by allowing us to thrive and flourish in life if we desire it. Science and
technology may also corrupt a person, but by grounding oneself in virtue will help
him/her steer clear of danger.

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2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you
further understand the lesson:

McNamara, Daniel Joseph SJ, Valverde, V.M., Beleno, R. (2018). Science

Technology and Society.1st ed. C and E Pub.

Moschella, Melissa (February 2000 Web. 27 June 2020). "Aristotle: Nicomachean

Ethics Characters". GradeSaver, 3. Retrieved from
https://www.gradesaver.com/aristotles-ethics/study-guide/character\

Tim, "Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (Summary), April 24, 2012, " in Philosophy &
Philosophers, April 24, 2012, https://www.the-philosophy.com/aristotle-
nicomachean-ethics-summary.

Let’s Check

Activity 6. Now that you’ve understand the deep meaning of good life as it posited by
Aristotle. Write your answer on the spaces provided below.

__________________ 1. It is everyone’s ultimate aim in life.

__________________ 2. It is an ancient Greek word which means living and doing
well.
__________________ 3. It is said to be the ultimate end of human action. It is
pursued for its own sake.

__________________ 4. He is the ancient Greek philosopher known for

Nicomachean ethics
__________________ 5. Utilitarian theory implies that _________ is the main goal
that should be achieved.

__________________ 6. It is an important standard in evaluating the ethical

reasoning and decision –making.

__________________ 7. It is an action that requires discipline and constant practice.

__________________ 8. It is constant practice of doing good.

__________________ 9. A type of virtue that shows success of a person in which a
result of being academically inclined.
__________________ 10. A type of virtue that shows a natural character of being
generous.

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Let’s Analyze

Activity 6. At this point, you may have formed a better grasp of what is good.
Please answer the questions below.

1. In your opinion, what constitutes a good life?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2. What doe Aristotle say about the good life? How would you relate the
Aristotelian concept of good life with the contemporary world?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. How does the progress in science and technology contribute towards the
attainment of good life?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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In a Nutshell

Activity 6. In this unit, we learned that good life is everyone’s ultimate goal. We may
have different understanding and perception on how to achieve this especially in the
contemporary world. In this part, you shall draw conclusions, form perspectives, craft
arguments, and ideas from the unit lesson. The first item is provided for your
reference. You need to provide the succeeding items.

1. Aiming to have a good life is very relevant for us since we believe it gives us
happiness. Through science and technology, complete technological
instruments used for attaining our basic needs, we believe one is already
living a good life. Thus, Aristotle’s definition of good life reminded us that living
with virtue that constitutes happiness are already a good life. In the
contemporary world, we need to carry always the virtue even if there will be a
highest application of such technology to aim good life

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Do you have questions for clarifications?

Questions/Issues Answers

2.
3.
4.
5.

Good life Happiness

Nicomachean ethics Intellectual virtue
Virtue Moral virtue
eudaimonia

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Big Picture in Focus: ULOb. Discuss the importance of human

rights in the face of changing social conditions and technological
development.

Metalanguage

The most essential terms below are defined for you to have a better understanding
of this section in the course

UDHR(Universal Declaration of Human Rights) – the global standard of

fundamental human rights for universal recognition and protection.

AI (Artificial Intelligence) – the theory and development of computer systems able

to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception,
speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

GNR - genetics, nanotech and robotics

Essential Knowledge

The good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens
have the freedom to flourish. Everyone has the autonomy to make choices which
may enable the flourishing of his/her self and the society.

United Nations General Assembly – proclaimed the Universal Declaration of

Human
Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1048

UDHR Preamble – “Whereas recognition of inherent dignity and of equal and

inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom,
justice and peace in the world”. Everyone has absolute moral worth by virtue of
being human.

Human dignity – is an ultimate core value of our existence. From the 1987
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE II: The
State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for
human rights.

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There are concepts of Human Dignity:

a. Focuses on the inherent worth of each individual. Such dignity exists

merely by virtue of a person's humanity and does not depend on
intelligence, morality, or social status. Intrinsic dignity is a presumption of
human equality-each person is born with the same quantum of dignity.

b. Dignity can express and serve as the grounds for enforcing various
substantive values. Substantive forms of dignity require living in a certain
way. Dignity may require behaving, for example, with self-control, courage,
or modesty. This dignity embodies a particular view of what constitutes the
good life for man, what makes human life flourish for the individual as well
as the community.

c. Constitutional courts often associate dignity with recognition and respect.

respect for a person's dignity requires recognizing and validating
individuals in their particularity. This recognition requires individuals to
demonstrate respect and concern for each other.

When we fully recognize and appreciate this truth in ourselves and in all the
persons around us, regardless of their status in life, then we pave the way for a just
and progressive society.

The following are some of the fundamental articles of human rights that are
vital and necessary in the pursuit of good life:

Article 1 – Freedom from Equality

All human being are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit
of brotherhood.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv1SOp06geE&t=1s

Article 2 – Freedom from Discrimination

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom without distinction of any
kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national
or social origin, property, birth or other status. No distinction shall be made on
political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a
person belongs, whether independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other
limitation of sovereignty.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jy1nJCYEOo&t=3s

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Article 3 - Free to Life, Liberty and Security of a person

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. No one shall
be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such
procedure as are established by law.”
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtMsSvPX658&t=1s

Article 4 – Freedom from Slavery

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and slave trade shall
be prohibited in all their forms.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnfiENKheNo&t=2s

Article 5 – Freedom from Torture, Cruelty and Degrading Treatment

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading
treatment or punishment.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhCQQ0fov0o

Article 6 – Freedom from Recognition

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-yOlLEV55Q

Article 7 – Legal Equalities

All are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in
violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zabio686_54

The UDHR now serve as framework in the understanding of what each

person’s fundamental rights are and these apply to everyone and everywhere. It is
imperative that we all know and live these rights to prevent injustice and oppression.

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HUMAN VS ROBOTS

https://www.google.com/search?q=human+vs+robot&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwijqL3i8pbq
AhUBHqYKHTg4D4oQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=758&bih=587#imgrc=SCCoMROvFV_n4M

There is a gradual replacement of manual labor, several factors based on:

• Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machinery. Computers

become more and more sophisticated.

• Robots usually designed like human beings, are created to perform

complex, repetitive, or dangerous tasks.

• Development of artificial intelligence (AI), robots may also eventually

act and decide like humans.

• To Filipinos, artificial intelligence seems like the stuff of science fiction

movies. But it is also use surely in gaining ground, especially in the
business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. Technology enables the
growth of the BPO industry but it seems that it is also technology that
will kill the industry. Investors and business analytics provided by
artificial intelligence.

• Unemployment is only one of the ethical considerations in the

widespread of AI. The following sample questions must be pointed out
or resolved when faced with technology that may become a threat to
human dignity and security; Is the value of the person inversely
proportional to that of a machine exhibiting? What does this mean for
human beings who can be replaced by machines? How do we guard
against mistakes committed by machines?

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• Machines and robots approach having a human-like nature, humans

may also have the tendency to become machine-like. Human begin to
function more like automatons. The used of internet has become an
instant go-to tool for answers to questions. Example, more often than
not, people accept what the search engine, like Google. We forget how
to process, read, think further, or put things in context. As the internet
gets more intelligent, we are in danger of becoming less.

• Nicolas Carr (2008) asserted in his article “Is the

Google making us stupid?”, that as we rely on
computers to mediate our understanding of the
world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into
artificial intelligence.

• The development of society along with science and technology gives

rise to more and more complex issues. The important is, we are able to
protect and exercise human rights for everyone in our pursuit of the
good life. Thus, amid these developments, we are free, more rational
and more loving in our practice of science and technology.

WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US?

• According to Bill Joy, the most powerful 21st-
century technologies are the genetics, nanotech
and robotics (GNR). It would be threatening to
make humans an endangered species due to the
unreflective and unquestioning acceptance of new
technologies by humans.

• Joy argues that developing technologies provide a much greater

danger to humanity than any technology before has ever presented. In
particular, he focuses on engineering, nanotechnology and robotics.

• He said, “Each of these technologies also offers untold promise: the

vision of near immortality drives us forward; genetic engineering may
soon provide treatments, if not outright cures, for most of the diseases;
and nanotechnology and nanomedicine can address yet more ills.” It

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could significantly extend our average life span and improve the quality
of our lives.

• The definite testament to the success of science and technology was

the atomic bomb a deadly weapon developed from the brilliant
physicists led by J. Robert Oppenheimer. But this was fatal reminder of
its destructive
power after the bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in
1945.

• With GNR, we are called to be circumspect and questioning of

technology as Heidegger propounded that in questioning we build a
way. Today, GNR is accessible to small groups and individuals and
may not require funding and facilities as huge as needed by nuclear
weapons and mass destruction.

• Science and technology may be the highest expression of human

rationality. People are able to shape or destroy the world with it.

• Human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind, our
rationality and our science and technology become manifest, and not
able to rein in the vanity arrogance such unleashed powers, then we
are on the way to destroying the world.

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you
further understand the lesson:

Messerly, Jonh (2014). Bill Joy: Why The Future Doesn’t Need Us. Retrieved from
https://reasonandmeaning.com/2016/02/15/summary-of-bill-joys-why-the-
future-doesnt-need-us/

United Nations: Peace, Dignity and Equality on a Healthy Planet. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html

GOV,PH Official Gazette Open Data Portal . THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE II. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-

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republic-of-the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-
philippines-article-ii/

Neomi Rao (2013)., Three Concepts of Dignity in Constitutional Law, 86

Notre Dame L. Rev. 183. Retrieved from
http://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndlr/vol86/iss1/4

Let’s Check

Activity 7. Now, that you already have an understanding on the effect when
technology and humanity cross. You’re also able to identify our human rights and
how rational thinking is imperative especially in the use of science and technology.
It’s time for you to write your answers below on the blank provided before each item:

___________________ 1. Argued that developing technologies provide much

greater danger and it needs to be questioned and
reflected.

___________________ 2. Who questioned “Is Google making us stupid?”

___________________ 3. It refers to the ultimate core value of our existence.

___________________ 4. It is the highest expression of human rationality.

___________________ 5. It serves as the common understanding of what each

person’s fundamental rights.

___________________ 6. It is the most powerful technologies in the contemporary

time.

___________________ 7. What article of human right is implemented when the

ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) is applied to
the country?

___________________ 8. What article of human right is violated when not when the
laws of the country are not followed and justice is served
without due process?

___________________ 9. What article in the UDHR is violated when many of the

front liners of the present situation of pandemic has been
harassed and not welcomed to join the community?

____________________ 10. What article in the UDHR is violated when someone is

bullied in the social media?

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Let’s Analyze

Activity 7. At this portion, you are required to answer briefly the questions below:

1. How does science and technology affect contemporary life and vice versa?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. How do we protect our human rights in the face of technological

advancements and ethical dilemmas?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. How do we protect our human rights in the face of technological

advancements and ethical dilemmas?

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. Do you believe that Google makes people stupid? Cite at least three
examples to support your assertion.
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

5. Explain Bill Joy’s article “why the future does not need us?”
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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In A Nutshell
Activity 7. Now, you learned and even made realizations about our human
rights in the changing technological advancements. Thus, you are required to write
your arguments or general point of views about this matter. I write first on the first
item and you do the rest.

1. As we face and examine present issues in the application of science and

technology, we need to keep in ourselves that this progressive society entails
and must manifest a constant practice of the good. Exhibited with scientific
methodologies, virtue, social responsibility and global concerns. These things
would practice the individual human rights.

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Do you have questions for clarifications?

Questions/Issues Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

UDHR Freedom from Discrimination

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Freedom from Slavery
GNR Freedom from Torture
Freedom from equality Legal Equalities

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Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Big Picture in Focus: ULOc. Discuss the evolution of technology

from the ancient times up to the present.

Metalanguage
The following terms below are essential to understand the context of
this unit. Remember these terms as you go through the topic.

Information – knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction

(Webster Dictionary)

Language – a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the

use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks
having understood meanings (Webster Dictionary)

Eidos – the cognitive part of cultural structure made up of the criteria of

credibility, the logic used in thinking and acting, and the basic ideas by
which the members of a culture organize and interpret experience :
logical structure(Meriam Webster Dictionary).

CERN (in French “Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire”)–

European Organization for Nuclear Research or European Council for Nuclear
Research -

Essential Knowledge

Humans are surrounded on all sides by technology claiming to supply

information
such as: television, smart phones, and internet devices and among others. Before
the printed word, the written word was prevalent as mentioned in the previous
chapters. Yet, the intent to carry information has always been present.
The following explains how human and social impacts of the development in
the information age and the evolution of technology as well.

INFORMATION
Word – a combination of sounds that represents something. Made up sounds
and yet they transmit something more significant (message). Words
are informed with meaning given by a speaker and intended for the
listener. They communicate meaning.

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2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

THE ROLE OF A LANGUAGE

• The first step of knowing is, through the human quest for
understanding the natural world, the ability to name and classify
objects found in nature.

• The scientific search for truth early on recognized the usefulness of

language and the ability it gave to make sense of nature.

• It is clear that thinking in terms of a common system being generated

by the speaker and received by the listener is useful in the pursuit of
knowledge.

• Science, from the Latin word scire (meaning to know), one kind of
knowledge the Greeks wanted to understand.

• First philosophers believed, the many seemingly different things in the

natural world must have a unifying factor. There was an inside to be
“understood”.

• Plato’s principle “One and the Many”, refers to the underlying unity
among diverse beings in the natural world. According to him, there is a
common intrinsic nature shared by different objects, which determines
their real sense.

Thus, the importance of a language is a tool to: learn knowledge, transmit

information, express feeling, emotions ideas, forge cultural ties and may construct
social identity.

MATHEMATICS AS A LANGUAGE OF NATURE

Mathematics – was the great contribution of Isaac Newton.

Galileo Galilei – said “the laws of nature are written in the language of
mathematics, symbols are triangles, circles and other
geometrical figures, without whose help it is impossible to
comprehend a single word.”

Key Takeaways: Why Math is a Language:

• A system of communication must have vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and

people who use and understand it.
• Mathematics meets this definition of a language. Linguists who don't consider
math a language cite its use as a written rather than spoken form of
communication.
• Math is a universal language. The symbols and organization to form
equations are the same in every country of the world.
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2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

(By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. 2019)

• Through the discovery of laws and language of nature, people can

develop technology using these laws that benefit the society. This
language is mathematics.

TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
• Started by the early people and the ancient time Western thinkers
harnessed forces of nature after understanding them better.
• It was never recorded when early people realized that fire has its own
power and energy.
• Lost in antiquity is the first sailing vessel that that worked through the
power of the wind.
• A primitive steam engine invented in 1st century by Hero of Alexandria

The ability to think and conceptually comprehend nature and the principles it
follows eventually leads to science.

THE PRINTING PRESS AND BEYOND

https://interestingengineering.com/the-invention-and-history-of-the-printing-press

• Johannes Gutenberg – invented the early printing press (as stated in

the previous lesson)

• The power of the eidos or idea, would be witnessed in the succeeding

centuries of development particularly in the west. The fascination with
language in the ancient, brought the preservation of words of the
earlier people at the same time when the West weakened due to
internecine warfare (bloody) and conflicts.

• The development of printing press, which may be regarded as the

beginning of the true revolution in 15th century. Ancient Greek came up
with the idea that the knowledge should be shared and communicated
to the society using this printing press. Other people on different part of

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Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

the world could also share their thoughts and ideas with each other and
forming communities of thinkers across space and time. (Connell,
1958)
• This technological invention allowed words and scientific ideas to
establish a view of nature anchored in scholarly works and studies.
Such as, new discoveries on the phenomenon of electricity which were
eagerly absorbed by fellow scientist who then utilized the science to
create other technological products. Example, radio waves were built
upon wave nature of electricity and magnetism to come up with
television and etc.
• The transmission of ideas has gone changes in the information age.
Digital world is a direct offspring of the progressing world of technology
built upon the many advances of science (Toffler,1984).

THE WORLD WIDE WEB

Sir Tim Berners-Lee - invented the world wide web

(www) as a way of addressing data processing and
information sharing needs among scientists for the European
Organization for nuclear Research (CERN) at first.

• From CERN’s atom smasher that produces a huge amount of scientific

data every second, it required better data analyzers to work on the
gathered information with co-scientists. Even telegraph and telephone
has allowed transmission of information to transcend physical
boundaries, processing a veritable ocean and mountain of scientific
data generated by the atom smasher still needed a new medium.
That’s the world wide web.

• At present, through the comfort of sharing information reliability

becomes compromised. Anybody that has connection with one another
can produce informations which are half -truths and lies or the rise of
fake news. Example are sources from social medias which also
encouraged building community with of like-minded people. Creation
of biases ideas and beliefs based only on the content that they allow
within the community (biased misleading information) using to their
own advantage.

• Thus, it pays everyone to be vigilant in utilizing modern devices at all

times even if benefited us. We must be responsible in utilizing these
technologies to avoid harming others and ourselves.

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General Education – Science
2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Self-Help: You can also refer to the sources below to help you
further understand the lesson:

Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, February 11). Why Mathematics Is a

Language. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/why-mathematics-is-a-
language-4158142

World Wide Web Foundation (2008-2020): The History of the Web Sir Tim Berners-
Lee https://webfoundation.org/about/vision/history-of-the-web/

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General Education – Science
2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Let’s Check

Activity 8. Now, that you have learned the most essential concepts about the social
impacts of the developments in the information age and its technological evolution
from the past to the present. Let’s try to check your understanding of these concepts.
Classify the following statements with your chosen answer such as: INFORMATION,
ROLE OF A LANGUAGE, MATHEMATICS AS A LANGUAGE, TECHNOLOGICAL
WORLD, PRINTING PRESS, and WORLD WIDE WEB. Write your answers on the
space provided.

___________________________ 1. One uses common words to express feelings or

emotions.

____________________________ 2. When a message is successfully received and

understood by the receiver or listener.

___________________________ 3. Comprehend the things around you through

the figures and symbols.

___________________________ 4. Televisions, radios and other medium were

used to send out information.

___________________________ 5. Information were known through newspapers,

books, journals and etc.

___________________________ 6. Using search engines, sending messages and

and connecting people in a faster way.

___________________________ 7. Most of the time, this could be the easiest

source of different information factual or not.
So, validation of the sources is a must.

__________________________ 8. News and other knowledge received.

__________________________ 9 . Telegraph/telegram, cell phones, telephones

and other means of gadgets are used as a
medium of sending information.

__________________________ 10. Abstract symbols are used to give information.

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2nd Flr. DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Let’s Analyze

Activity 8. You are required to explain briefly your answers on the questions below.

1. Which developments in the information age brought significant changes in

the way you live your life today and why?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. How did the transmission of information evolve from the ancient times up
to the present?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. How did the printing press change the course of history? What ideas were
spread using this invention?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

4. Social media which facilitates the sharing of information, ideas, and other
content in different parts of the globe. If social media was deactivated for a
month in the country, what would possibly happen?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

5. Social media also poses certain risks especially in the dissemination of

false information. As a student, how will you use social media to ensure
that you do not propagate inaccurate and unreliable information?
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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General Education – Science
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Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

In a Nutshell
Activity 1. Based from what you’ve learned in this unit, on the definition of
the most essential terms and concepts, and the learning exercise that you have
done, please feel free to write your arguments or lessons learned below.

1. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

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Phone No. : (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Do you have questions for clarifications?

Questions/Issues Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Information Language
Technological world One and the many
CERN World wide web
Printing press eidos

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