CHAPTER 3

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, SOCIETY &

THE HUMAN CONDITION
LESSON 3
THE GOOD LIFE
 LESSON OBJECTIVES

AT THE END OF THIS LESSON, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO:

•UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TÉCHNÉ AND

PHRONESIS;

•UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHRONESIS AND

EUDAIMONIA, AND

•RECOGNIZE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TÉCHNĚ AND

EUDAIMONIA
TÉCHNÉ AND PHRONESIS
•Téchné
-Téchné represents Technical knowledge and expertise in
specific crafts, arts, or disciplines
-technē employs instrumental deliberation about what "sorts of
thing" are conducive to a productive end beyond the
undertaken actions.
-Téchné is essential for achieving practical goals and creating
valuable products or outcomes.
•PHRONESIS "What is Good"
-Phronesis, often referred to as "practical wisdom," is
a central concept in Aristotle's ethical philosophy.

-Phronesis is more concerned with moral and

ethical considerations than with technical expertise.

-Phronesis involves the capacity to judge and choose

the right course of action in complex, ambiguous, or
morally challenging situations.
 •Relationship of Téchné & Phronesis
-Téchné allows individuals to achieve their goals and
contribute positively to their communities and professions.

-Phronesis ensures that these goals and contributions are in

harmony with moral values and ethical principles, leading to
a life characterized by wisdom, integrity, and the pursuit of
the highest human virtues.

-The relationship between Téchné and phronesis in the good

life is integral and complementary. In Aristotle's philosophy,
these two concepts are crucial components of living a
flourishing and virtuous life (eudaimonia):
PHRONESIS & EUDAIMONIA
•PHRONESIS
-Practical wisdom means "recognizing particulars"
-Phronetic deliberation is distinguished from techne deliberation
(and simply characterized) by two things:

(1) its tele (virtuous actions)

-which are constituent-means to the end of eudaimonia.
(2) the aim of its agent
-who aims at eudaimonia.

-Phronesis is one of the moral virtues in Aristotle's ethics. It is the

practical wisdom that guides individuals to make virtuous and
morally sound decisions in various life situations.
 •EUDAIMONNIA
-Eudaimonia is a philosophical concept often associated with
the good life. It's a Greek term that roughly translates to
"flourishing" or "living in accordance with one's true nature."

-In the context of the good life, eudaimonia suggests that true
happiness and fulfillment come from living a virtuous life, pursuing
personal excellence, and realizing one's full potential.

-This concept has been explored by philosophers like Aristotle, who

believed that eudaimonia is the ultimate goal of human existence
and can be achieved through the cultivation of virtues and the
pursuit of meaningful activities.
 •Relationship between Phronesis & Eudaimonia
-In the pursuit of eudaimonia, individuals encounter
numerous choices and challenges. Phronesis enables them to
make choices that contribute positively to their well-being
and that of society. It helps individuals discern what is truly
valuable and virtuous in various circumstances.
TĒCHNĒ & EUDAIMONIA
 •TĒCHNĒ
- In the context of the good life, technē can be understood as the
skill or expertise required to create or achieve something
meaningful and valuable.

-Technē can also be a means of expressing one's values and

beliefs. Whether it's through art, craftsmanship, or
professional expertise, individuals can use their skills to
convey important messages and contribute to the greater
good.
•Eudaimonia
-Eudaimonia represents the ultimate goal of human life,
according to Aristotle.

-It is a state of well-being and fulfillment that results from

living a virtuous and morally excellent life. Eudaimonia is not
merely about happiness or pleasure but involves a deeper
sense of flourishing and actualizing one's true potential as a
human being.
 •relevant Relationship of Téchné & eudaimonia
-Both techne and eudaimonia are concerned with the idea of
living a flourishing and fulfilled life. Engaging in skilled and
meaningful activities through techne can contribute to a sense
of fulfillment and accomplishment, which aligns with the
concept of eudaimonia.
THANK YOU !