Republic of the Philippines Course Code: GE7

INITAO COLLEGE Course Title: Science, Technology, and Society

Jampason, Initao, Misamis Oriental Unit: 3 (lecture)
1st Semester, A.Y. 2021 - 2022
Instructor’s Name: Instructor’s Name: Instructor’s Name:
BRYAN LESTER M. DELA ROMELYN J. BANAYBANAY ROSHIN MARIELLE N. BRITOS
CRUZ Mobile Number: Mobile Number:
Mobile Number: 0960-684-2524 0938-982-0278
0955-524-4931 e-mail address: e-mail address:
e-mail address: [email protected] [email protected]
bryanlestermercado.delacruz@gm
ail.com Class: Class:
Class: BSBA3 G3, G4, G5, G6, G7, and BSCrim3 G1 and G2
BSHM3 G1, G2, and G3 G8
BSBA3 G1 and G2
BEEd3 G1 and G2
Module 5 (September 28 – October 12, 2021)
Lesson Objectives
Topic: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
 Human  Identify different conceptions of human flourishing;
Flourishing  Determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science; and
Duration: 3 hours  Critique human flourishing vis-à-vis progress of science and technology to be
able to define for themselves the meaning of a good life.

CHAPTER II: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Eudaimonia- (n) lit. “human flourishing”; a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous.

 It is a Greek word commonly translated as happiness or welfare; however “human flourishing”

has been proposed as a more accurate translation.
 Etymologically, it is consist of words eu (“good) and daimon (“spirited). It is a concept in
Aristotelian ethics and political philosophy along with the terms arête, most often translated as
“virtue” or “excellence” and phronesis often translated as “practical or ethical wisdom”.
 In Aristotle’s work, eudaimonia was based on older Greek tradition. It describes the pinnacle of
happiness that is attainable by humans.

Nicomachean Ethics- discussed that the human flourishing arises as a result of different components
such as:
PHRONESIS FRIENDSHIP WEALTH POWER
Ancient Greek Society believed that acquiring these qualities will surely bring the seekers
happiness and allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the GOOD.
As the time change, components of human flourishing changed which are subject to the dynamic
social history as written by humans.

People found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products and make
more money and then repeating the process in full circle.
EARLY M a k e g r a n d e r a n d m o r e s o p h is tic a te d
S im p le m a c h in e s to h u n t a n d g a th e r
PEOPLE m a c h in e s

Today, our concept of human flourishing proves to be different from Aristotle originally perceived then.
HUMANS OF TODAY "MAN OF THE WORLD"
EASTERN CONCEPTION WESTERN CONCEPTION
1. Most are community-centric. 1. Tends to focused on the individual.
2. Human flourishing is less concern than 2. Human flourishing is much concern.
Western. 3. Greek Aristotelian view.
3. Chines Confucian system
1
4. Japanese Bushido.

Nevertheless, such stereotypes cannot be said to be true given the current stance of globalization.
Flourishing borders allowed people full access to cultures. Competition as a means of survival has
become passé. Coordination is the new trend.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

 Human flourishing is deeply intertwined with goal setting relevant to science and technology.
 The end goals of both science and technology, and human flourishing are related in that “The
good is inherently related to the truth”.

SCIENCE AS METHOD AND RESULTS

1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained

occurrences unfolding.
2. Determine the problem and identify factors involved.
3. Through past knowledge of similar instance, formulate
hypothesis that could explain the said phenomenon.
Ideally, the goal is to reject the null hypothesis and
accept the alternative hypothesis for the study.
4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and
independent variables, and trying to see how
independent ones affect dependent ones.
5. Gather and analyze results throughout and upon
culmination of the experiment. Examine if the data
gathered are significant enough to conclude results.
6. Formulate conclusion and provide
recommendation in case others would want to
broaden the study.

VERIFICATION THEORY FALSIFICATION THEORY

Earliest criterion that distinguished philosophy Current prevalent methodology in science.
and science. Asserts that as long as an ideology is not
Proposes that a discipline is a science if it can proven to be false and can best explain a
be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an phenomenon over alternative theories-
alternative hypothesis being accepted. ACCEPT THE IDEOLOGY.
Espoused by a movement in the early 20th Emergence of theories rejected by verification
century called Vienna Circle. theory.
American philosopher Thomas Kuhn warned Karl Popper- known proponent of this view.
us against bridging the gap between evidence Believed in theories of Marx’s theory of Social
and theory. History and Sigmund Freud Psychoanalysis-
not testable and thus not falsifiable.

SCIENCE AS A SOCIAL ENDEAVOR presents an alternative notion that goes beyond the boundaries of
cold, hard facts of science and instead projects it in a different light, such as a manifestation of shared
experienced forging solidarity over communities.

SCIENCE AND RESULTS

 People who do not understand science are won over when the discipline is able to produce results.
Religion, luck, and human randomness are some of science’ contemporaries in the field.
 Some communities without access to science turn to divination and superstition and still get the
same results.
 Science is not entirely foolproof. It does not monopolize the claim for definite results.

SCIENCE AS EDUCATION
There is no such thing as a singular scientific method. Scientists can experiment in a variety of
2
procedures to get results and call them science. Aristotle’s eudaimonic person is required to be
knowledgeable about science, among other things of equal importance. They are supposed to possess
intellectual virtues that will enable them to determine truth from falsehood or good reasoning from poor
reasoning. They understand that they should not focus on one aspect alone.

How much is TOO MUCH?

Economists believe that growth is primarily indicator of development. Technology has been a
primary instrument in enabling them to pursue said goal, utilizing resources, machineries and labor.
However, the world’s resources cannot cope with the rapid pace of technological growth.

EXPLOITATION AND IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGES TO NATURE

ASSESSMENT

I. State a brief history or discovery that brought about the invention or discovery of a thing stated below.
State its contributions in our scientific development. CHOOSE ONLY ONE.

a. Gravity f. Benzene Ring

b. Telescope g. Large Hadron Collider
c. Processed Food h. Guns
d. Microscope i. Internet
e. Radio j. Cell phones

II. Complete the table by writing a description and example of each step of the scientific method.

STEPS DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

1. Define the problem
2. Write a hypothesis
3. Background research
4. Experiment
5. Analyze data
6. Draw a conclusion

Module 6 (September 28 – October 12, 2021)

Lesson Objectives
Topic: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
 Technology As  Explain the concept of human condition before science and technology;
a Way of  Identify the change that happened in human condition after science and
Revealing technology;
Duration: 3 hours  Name ways on how technology aided in revealing the truth about the human
being.

INTRODUCTION

Comparing the lives of the people before and now will make anyone realize the changes that
happened in society in terms of culture, language or rights but more importantly changes in people’s way
of life due to the existence of science and technology.

THE HUMAN CONDITION BEFORE COMMON ERA

Stone Age- marked by tools from stone and flints. There is a little capacity for our ancestors to
contemplate and perceive things outside themselves in a more reflective manner.
Homo erectus  Have been using fire to cook through chipping one flint over the other to produce
a spark, all the while without realizing the laws of friction and heat.
Homo  Humans began to sharpen stones as one would a knife; an example of this is the
3
sapiens simple machine called wedge.
Metal Age- marked by the discovery of minerals.
 People began forging metalwork.
 Fur clothing and animal skin are primarily used for comfort against harsh winds.
 Our ancestors have been deeply engaged in the concept of beauty.
 Found the need to explain things in a way that makes sense to them.
 Realized that there are events outside of their control and attempted to justify things as
being a work of a supernatural being.

THE HUMAN CONDITION IN THE COMMON ERA

 Humans were content with their relationship with nature.
100,000-  The Holocene extinction, also called as the sixth extinction or more aptly
200,000 Anthropocene extinction pertains to the ongoing extinction of several species- both
years ago flora and fauna- due to human activity (overhunting and overfishing).
 Humans were quick to find ways to drive off other megafaunas threatening a
prospective hunting spot and eventually, settling grounds.
 Hunting, coupled with a changing terrain that the humans began cultivating when
agriculture emerged caused several species to lose competition in territory and food
9,000 years resources.
ago  Formation of communities caused humans to expand more in territory and more
people to feed.
 Waging wars with other tribes albeit.
 Engaged in peaceful negotiation and less bloody method.
 The process of trade emerged, leading to cross-town and eventually cross-cultural
5000 years interaction as more products were exchanged and the initial needs extended to
ago wants.
 They have turned to wealth as one of their goals as humans and ultimately as
civilizations. Thus, they began to do things with prospect of profit.
 They were able to find and create niches for interests.
 Humanity became more complex. The primary goal was not merely to survive, but to
live the good life.
Nowadays  Due to differing races, belief, or abundance of resources and/or territory, wars were
always waged, leading communities to allocate resources to the militia.
 Advancement in medicine, technology, health, and education ushered in humanity’s
best yet, and show no sign of stopping.

THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY (“We were more DEVELOPED than we were before”.)

Modern humans are reliant on technology in their search for the good life. Together with science, it
gave us explanations, which worked for us and benefited us.
1. Instrumental Definition- Technology is a means to an end.
2. Anthropological Definition- Technology is a human activity.
Both definitions are correct. However, neither touches on the true essence of technology.

Martin Heidegger- argued that the essence, or purpose of technology, and being are different from each
other.
 “Technology can either be perceived as first, a means to achieve man’s end and second, that
which constitutes human activity”.
 The second perspective paints technology in such a way that each period reveals a particular
character regarding man’s being.
 It can be stated that technology allows human to confront the unknown and see how they would
react.
Danger presented by too much reliance on technology
4
1. Human lose track of things that matter.
2. Reducing their surroundings to their economic value.
ASSESSMENT

I. Identify and explain the improvement that happened in the following aspects brought about by science
and technology.

1. Mortality Rate
2. Average Lifespan
3. Literacy Rate
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

II. Do a brief backtracking of the human condition amidst the current technological advancement.

Module 7 (September 28 – October 12, 2021)

Lesson Objectives
Topic: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
 The Good Life  Examine what is meant by a good life;
Duration: 3 hours  Identify how humans attempt to attain what is deemed to be a good life; and
 Recognize possibilities available to human being to attain the good life.

ARISTOTLE AND HOW WE ALL ASPIRE FOR A GOOD LIFE

It is interesting to note that the first philosopher who approached the problem of reality from a
“scientific” lens is Aristotle who is also the first thinker who dabbled into the complex problematization
of the end goal of life: happiness.

According to Aristotle, human beings are potentialities who aspire for their actuality. Every human being
moves according to some end. This end; we have learned from the previous lessons, is happiness or
human flourishing. No individual resists happiness. We all want to be happy. Aristotle claims that
happiness is the be all and end all of everything that we do. We may not realize it but the end goal of
everything that we do is happiness.

When Aristotle claims that we want to be happy, he does not necessarily mean the everyday happiness
that we obtain when we win a competition or we eat our favorite dish in a restaurant. What Aristotle
actually means is human flourishing, a kind of contentment in knowing that one is getting the best out
of life. A kind of feeling that one has maxed out his potentials in the world, that he has attained the crux
of his humanity.

HAPPINESS AS THE GOAL OF A GOOD LIFE

John Stuart Mill- declared Greatest Happiness Principle.

 “An action is right as far as it maximizes the attainment of happiness for the greatest number of
people”.
 Also said that individual happiness of each individual should be prioritized and collectively
dictates the kind of action that should be endorsed.

DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT (All of which aim for the good and happy life)
1. Materialism  There is no need to posit immaterial entities as sources of purpose. As such,
only material entities matter.
 Matter is what makes us attain happiness.
2. Hedonism  See the end goal of life in acquiring pleasure.
 Life is about obtaining and indulging in pleasure because life is limited.
 Mantra- “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.”
3. Stoicism  To generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and be apathetic. A
careful practice of apathy.
 Adopt the fact that some things are not within our control. The sooner we

5
realize this, the happier we can become.
4. Theism  Find the meaning of their lives using God as a fulcrum of their existence.
 Base their life goals on beliefs that hinged on some form of supernatural reality
called heaven.
 The ultimate basis of happiness is the communion with God.
 The world where we are in is only just a temporary reality where we have to
maneuver around while waiting for the ultimate return to the hands of God.
5. Humanism  Espouses the freedom of man to carve his own destiny and to legislate his own
laws, free from the shackles of a God that monitors and controls.
 Man is literally the captain of his own ship.
 Humanists see themselves not merely as stewards of the creation but as
individuals who are in control of themselves and the world outside them.
ASSESSMENT

I. Good Life Collage. Cut out pictures in magazines or newspapers that demonstrate how technology
has made the man’s desire for a happy life more realizable. You may also opt to print out pictures from
websites and other sources. Explain how these technological advancements have made the campaign
for the attainment of good life easier or otherwise.
Analytical Rubric for Collage Making (40 Points)
Category 10points 7-8points 5points 3points
(Indicators) (Indicators) (Indicators) (Indicators)
1. Creativity All of the graphics or Most of the Some graphics or Only few of the
objects used reflect graphics or objects used graphics or
a degree of student objects used reflect student objects used
creativity in their reflect student creativity in their reflect student
display. creativity in their display, but the creativity in their
display. ideas were typical display.
rather than
creative.
2. Design Graphics are 1-2 graphics are 3-4 graphics are 5 or more
trimmed to an lacking in design lacking in design graphics are not in
appropriate size, or in placement. or in placement. an appropriate
interesting shape There are few Too much size and shape.
and are arranged smudges or glue background is Most of the
well (some in front marks. showing. There background is
and some in are noticeable showing. It
behind). Care has smudges or glue appears little
been taken to marks. attention was
balance the pictures given to designing
across the area. the collage.
Items are glued
neatly and securely.
3. Number of Includes 8 or more Includes 7 Includes 5 Includes fewer
Items different items. different items. different items. than 5 different
Missing some items. Missing
items. many items.
4. Explanation The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is The explanation is
reasonable, related related to and weak, fairly incomplete.
to the collage, and describes the reasonable, and Illustrate difficulty
provides insight to purpose of the partially related to understanding on
the purpose/ collage. It is the collage. how to relate the
meaning and somehow collage to the
design. reasonable. theme.

II. How the school of humanism influenced most of the scientists in dealing with science? How about the
people in using technology?

REFERENCE:
6
Science, Technology, and Society, Serafica, JP, et. Al.