Sts -for quipper

Topic 7 – HUMAN FLOURISHING

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lessons the students should be able to:
1. explain the concept of human flourishing,
2. analyze human flourishing in relation to the progress of science and technology, and
3. conceptualize own views on human flourishing.

Human Being

Biologists describe human as having the quality of living organisms which indicates that human being is a complex
matter capable of performing life-sustaining processes. Human, being the highest form of living organisms, is said to have
characteristics which cannot be understood through science alone.

According to Magnus Enquist, head of the Centre for the Study of Cultural Evolution at Stockholm University, humans
have evolved a superior capacity to deal with sequential information. He suggests that this can be an important piece of the
puzzle to understand differences between humans and other animals.
Other characteristics that human being possesses are full-blown language capacity and reasoning and planning
abilities. Scientists and researchers find difficulty in identifying specific mental capabilities.

UNDERSTANDING HUMAN FLOURISHING

7.1 Human Flourishing in Science and Technology

Human being is given with innate abilities and characteristics which enable him to sustain his function and to survive in
the given environment. In the very center of being is “unexplainable thirst” which long for happiness, serenity, and fulfillment.
Man’s great longing in life can only be satisfied once fulfilled.
 Different Views About Man’s Unlimited Desire for Living by Selected Philosophers

A. On Aristotle’s Viewpoint

Aristotle introduced the “science of happiness”. He said that the

ultimate purpose of human existence is to pursue “that which is
always desirable in itself and never for the sake of something else.”
What separates man from animal is rational capacity. (Pursuit of
Happiness, 2018) This is Aristotle’s argument -human’s unique
function is to reason…pleasure alone cannot result in happiness
because animals are driven by the pursuit of pleasure and man has
greater capacity than animals. 7.2 Eudaimonia Human Flourishing

He introduced the term eudaimonia which simply mean “activity expressing virtue” or what Aristotle conceived as
happiness.

Aristotle’s theory of happiness was as follows: “ The function of man is to live a certain kind of life, and this activity implies a
rational principle, and the function of a good man is the good and noble performance of these, and if any action is well
performed it is performed in accord with the appropriate excellence: if this is the case, then happiness turns out to be an
activity of the soul in accordance with virtue” (Aristotle, 2004).

B. On Epicurus’s Viewpoint

Epicurus (341-270BC), a Greek philosopher who was one of the great minds to focus on the concept of happiness. He
agreed with other philosophers about happiness being our ultimate human pursuit but he had different proposal about the
sources of happiness. For him, pleasure could be obtained through the following:

Epicurean Sources of Happiness

 Knowledge
 Friendship
 Community
 Living a virtuous life
 Living a temperate life
 Moderation in all things
 Abstaining from bodily desires

Epicurus' perspective and teaching has been referred to as "serene hedonism." The term hedonism refers to the notion that
pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind and the source of all that is good.
C. On Nietzsche’s Viewpoint

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German philosopher and cultural critic who became famous for
uncompromising criticisms of traditional European morality and religion, as well as a conventional philosophical ideas and
social and political pieties associated with modernity. He philosophized with a hammer.

According to Nietzsche, to live peacefully and without anything

worries are the desire of mediocre people who do not give any greater meaning to life. He disagreed that “happiness” could
be a state a constant state of wellbeing. He described happiness as “ideal state of laziness” not having any worries or
distresses. He felt that contentment could only be found in having vital strength and a fighting spirit against all of the
obstacles that limit liberty and self- assertiveness. Being happy means being able to prove this vital strength.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

Figure 7.4 Nietzsche philosophizes with a hammer.

Human flourishing involves

the rational use of one’s
individual human
potentialities, including
talents, abilities, and virtues in
7.5 Human Flourishing in Science and Technology
the pursuit of his freely and
rationally chosen values and
goals.

We are living in a world where science and technology are the forefront of ever-changing society. This change is
bought about by the products of intensified application of scientific knowledge to deliver progress in the society-the
advances and continuous technological growth.
 The rise of information technologies makes global communication possible.
 The introduction of gene therapy, stem cells and cloning has improved the medical and health sectors.
 Nanotechnology and robotics made industries flourished.
 Economic growth and global standing were achieved through innovations.

Scientific applications continuously provide convenience to human lives. All of these and more, complete the story of
changes, innovations and progress which implies the ethical and moral preference of human in the modern society. These
developments become problematic due to the ethical and legal concerns such as in the process of cloning. There are
debates on whether human embryo is being sacrificed or not. Does the creation of artificial intelligence (A.I.) smarter than
human intelligence conserves the functionality of human nature? Does mining support the nation’s economic development
and labor employment or degradation of environment and human rights infringement? The progress and the desire of
human to flourish are inevitable.

Learning Activity
Film Critique (Triad Output)
1. Film title: The Magician’s Twin – C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism

Film synopsis: This video is the first of a three-part documentary. It explores Lewis’ prophetic concerns
about the misuse of science to abolish man and to undermine personal freedoms and
human dignity.
Guide questions:
i. What is scientism? How is scientism related to “Technocracy”? Was CS Lewis against
Science?
ii. The video contends that science and technology may be gaining increasing control over our
lives, potentially to the detriment of society. Do you agree? Does this match your own
observations and experiences?
iii. According to the film, how is science being likened to religion? What were examples of
movements in history that became cause for concern that the scientific method was being
applied beyond its appropriate boundaries?
iv. Science is supposed to promote critical thinking. According to the film, how might science
actually be promoting credulous, gullible thinking?
v. The film contends that much of modern science is about exerting over the world. Is this a
virtue/advantage or a liability/disadvantage?
vi. Why is the title of the film “The Magician’s Twin”? What are the strengths of science and
technology? What are the limits? What must complement S&T to ensure its proper use and
promote sustainable development?

2. Film title: Village of the Watermills – Akira Kurosawa

Film synopsis: This video is the last of eight short films that form the 1990 collection entitled “Dreams”
by Akira Kurosawa. In this film, a young man visits a village that has chosen to forego
modern technology.

Guide questions:
i. According to the old man, why have they chosen not to use electricity? Is the reason he gives
apparent today with other forms of modern technology?
ii. Compare the lifestyle of the village of the water mills with settlements during the agricultural
revolution.
iii. Is the film critical of scientists? If so, in what way? Base on the film, Is science and technology
really necessary to attain “the good life”?
iv. How do the main points of this video compare to those of “The Magician’s Twin”?

Processing

1. What other aspects in life may bring about human flourishing aside from science and technology?
2. What is your concept of happiness?

Formation

1. How do you attain happiness?

2. What is life without science and technology?

Synthesis

What is your own view of human flourishing?

Assessments

Write the letter of the correct answer on the blank before each number.

_______1. Biologists describe human as a _.

A. complex matter capable of performing life-sustaining processes
B. something that exists for a long time
C. a product of a complex process
D. unique species
______2. Man’s great longing in life can only be satisfied once___.
A. met B. _discovered C. fulfilled D. verified
______3. He described happiness as “ideal state of laziness” not having any worries or distresses.
A. Martin Heidegger C. Aristotle
B. Friedrich Nietzsche D. Epicurus
______4. It refers to the notion that pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind and the source of all that is
good.
A. eudaimonia B. scientia C. logos D. hedonism
______5. We are living in a world where ____ are the forefront of ever-changing society.
A. science and technology C. innovations
B. advancements D. developments
_______6. Which application of scientific knowledge has improved the medical and health sectors?
A. The rise of information technologies
B. Nanotechnology and robotics
C. The introduction of gene therapy, stem cells and cloning
D. Economic growth and global standing
_______7. For Aristotle, it means happiness.
A. hedonism B. scientia C. logos D. eudaimonia
_______8. He said that pleasure could be attained through living a virtuous life, living a temperate life, and moderation in all
things.
A. Aristotle B. Epicurus C. Heidegger D. Sigmund
_______9. He became famous for uncompromising criticisms of traditional European morality and religion.
A. Friedrich Nietzsche C. Aristotle
B. Martin Heidegger D. Epicurus
______10. Developments in the modern society become problematic due to___.
A. lack of funds C. the ethical and legal concerns
B. lack of support D. negative things they cause

Expanded Opportunity

Reflection Paper (Encoded: 1 short bond paper); Follow prescribed format:

Reflect on the relationship of scientific and technological progress and human flourishing based on the statement of
Sam Harris, a neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author of books discussing controversial issues and
problems of our time.
 “Human well-being is not a random phenomenon. It depends on many factors – ranging from genetics and
neurobiology to sociology and economics. But, clearly, there are scientific truths to be known about how we can
flourish in this world. Wherever we can have an impact on the well-being of others, questions of morality apply.”

- Sam Harris

References
Bautista, D.H., Burce, Niña., Dungo , J.M.,Garcia, C.S., Imson, J.B., Labog, R.A., …Santos, J.A. (2018). Science,
technology and society. 132 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman,Quezon City .MaxCor Publishing House

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https://medium.com/the-understanding-project?source=post_page-----643da473d919----------------------
https://www.happinessstrategies.com/category/happiness/
https://exploringyourmind.com/

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