Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

(University of the City of Manila)

Science, Technology and Society

Written Report
The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology

Submitted by:

Acosta, Deanne Rosselini A.

Amoguis, Archie

Arcilla, Sean

Ariola, Aizel

Bajo, Julianna

Uy, Ryubelle

Submitted to:

Mrs. Corazon S. Bumanglag

 - Acosta, Deanne

It presents a general idea of how to do science (Scientific Method)

I. Defining Science
Science is a social institution; inherently a social system
Oxford Dictionary: “Systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural
world through observation and experiment.”
Encyclopedia Britannica: Science can also refer to the body or system of knowledge from such
studies.
II. Philosophy of Science
Science originated from philosophy

• 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.

III. Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

• 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.

• Elicits our idea of self-importance

• Technology is a human activity we excel in as a result of achieving science. (Heidegger)

• Good is inherently related to the truth

A. Science as Methods and Result

• Science stems from objectivity brought upon by a rigid method

• Claim to reason and empiricism

Plato: Philosophers, such as Plato, believed that all knowledge could be obtained through pure
reasoning.

Aristotle: Measurement and observation, the foundations upon which science is built, were Aristotle's
contribution. He proposed the idea of induction as a tool for gaining knowledge, and understood that
abstract thought and reasoning must be supported by real world findings.

Aristotle's methods can be summed up as follows.

1. Study what others have written about the subject.

2. Look for the general consensus about the subject
 3. Perform a systematic study of everything even partially related to the topic

Rene Descartes: In Discussion of the Method Descartes shared his framework for doing science. One of
his main lines of thought was skepticism – that everything should be doubted until it could be proved.

Cartesian Method (a method of inquiry that is modeled after mathematics):

1. Accept ideas as true and justified only if they are self-evident. An idea is self-evident if it is
clear and distinct in one’s mind.
2. Analysis: divide complex ideas into their simpler parts.
3. Synthesis: reach complex ideas by starting with ideas that are the simplest to know.
4. Exhaustive and complete: the inquiry should be complete and comprehensive. Nothing left
out.

Francis Bacon: Baconian method, methodical observation of facts as a means of studying and
interpreting natural phenomena. Bacon's method is an example of the application of inductive
reasoning.

Bacon’s method, as explained in Novum Organum (1620; “New Instrument”) consisted of three main
steps:

1. A description of facts
2. A tabulation, or classification, of those facts into three categories—instances of the presence of
the characteristic under investigation, instances of its absence, or instances of its presence in
varying degrees
3. The rejection of whatever appears, in the light of these tables, not to be connected with the
phenomenon under investigation and the determination of what is connected with it.

• Science stems from objectivity brought upon by a rigid method

• Claim to reason and empiricism

1. Steps in Scientific Method

a.Observe

b.Determine the Problem

c.Formulate hypothesis

d. Conduct experiment

e. Gather and analyze

f. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation

B. Verification Theory

• A discipline is science if it can be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an alternative

hypothesis being accepted.

• Premium on empiricism

• Takes into account those results which are measurable and experiments which are repeatable.

1. Vienna Circle

Group of scholars who believed that:

- only those which can be observed should be regarded as meaningful

- Reject those which cannot be directly accessed as meaningless.

C. Falsification Theory

• As long as an ideology is not proven to be false and can best explain a phenomenon over
alternative theories, we should accept the said ideology.

• Allowed emergence of theories otherwise rejected by the verification theory.

• Encourages research in order to determine which among the theories can stand the test of
falsification.

• KARL POPPER – aim at the production of new, falsifiable predictions. Scientific practice is
characterized by its continual effort to test theories against experience and make revisions based on the
outcomes of these tests.

• There is no known rule as to the number of instance that a theory is rejected or falsified in order
for it to be set aside.

• There is no assurance that observable event or “evidences” are indeed manifestations of a certain
concept or “theories”.

III. Science Co-exists with Philosophy

Science and philosophy have always learned from each other. Philosophy tirelessly draws from
scientific discoveries fresh strength, material for broad generalizations, while to the sciences it
imparts the world-view and methodological impulses of its universal principles.
The common ground of a substantial part of the content of science, its facts and laws has always
related it to philosophy, particularly in the field of the theory of knowledge, and today this common
ground links it with the problems of the moral and social aspects of scientific discoveries and
technical inventions.
 Philosophy may be called the "science of sciences" probably in the sense that it is, in effect, the self-
awareness of the sciences and the source from which all the sciences draw their world-view and
methodological principles, which in the course of centuries have been honed down into concise
forms.
Philosophy helps us to achieve a deeper understanding of the social significance and general
prospects of scientific discoveries and their technical applications.
As a whole, philosophy and the sciences are equal partners assisting creative thought in its
explorations to attain generalising truth.

- Uy, Ryubelle

The Greek Pioneers in the Philosophy of Life

All humans have a right to a life that is comfortable and secure. The different institutions of our
society, including but not limited to: family and community, government, education, economy, and
religion, all work to help each of us live a life that is worth living.

Socrates was one of the prominent philosophers who focused about life itself; according to him, “The
unexamined life is not worth living.” He asked questions about moral and psychological issues and
challenged existing ideas. Due to his ideology, Socrates was condemned and put to death by the Athenian
society. Nevertheless, Socrates became immortalized in history and philosophy.

Plato (c. 428 – 348 BCE) was a student of Socrates, will later on become one of the most influential western
philosopher. After leaving Athens and travelling around, he returned to Athens to found his own school,
the famed Academy. In this Academy, many intellectuals were schooled and honed, including Aristotle.

Aristotle - Served as a tutor to Alexander the Great. While Plato focused on metaphysics and
epistemology. Aristotle systematized logic. Due to their influence, Plato and Aristotle along with Socrates
are considered as pivotal figures in western philosophy.

EMERGENCE OF FOUR MAJOR SCHOOLS OF PHILOSOPHY

For cynics, the purpose of life is to live in virtue. According to them, in order to be attuned with nature,
people must reject all conventional needs such as power, sex, and wealth. The main figures of Cynism are
Antisthenes, Diogenes, and Crates of Thebes.

The Skeptics believed that people should doubt their senses, morality and logic. In sceptiscism, no one
can be certain about the knowledge we have.

Epicureans consider all the sensations we experience are true. Founded by Epicurus (341 – 271 BCE),
epicureanism emphasized the importance of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain as the innate goal
of man. Epicurianism is a form of hedonism.

Hedonism - It is a view that pleasure and pain are the two only important aspects of living.
Stoics posited that perfect rationality is the key to achieve moral goodness and happiness. Stoicism leans
toward the achievement of apatheia (translated as equanimity) – a state of mind wherein one is not
disturbed by passions, pain, or emotions. The founder of this school of thought is Zeno of Citium (c. 334 –
c. 262 BC)

- Arcilla, Sean Eleijah A.

Eudaimonia, literally “good spirited”, is a term coined by renowned Greek Philosopher Aristotle (385 –
323 BC) to describe the pinnacle of happiness attainable by humans.

- This has often been translated into “human flourishing” in literature.

- Aristotle’s human flourishing arises as a result of different components such as phronesis, friendship,
wealth, and power.

- Our concept of human flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle originally perceived
then- humans of today are expected to become a “man of the world”.

- Competition as a means of survival has become passé; coordination is the new trend.

- It has been observed that western civilization conception regarding society and human flourishing
tends to be more focused on the individual.

- Eastern civilizations are more community - centric. o Chinese Confucian system or Japanese Bushido
– both of which view the whole as greater that their components.

- They encourage also the studies of literature, sciences, and art, not entirely for oneself but in service of
a greater cause.

- Eudaimonia as the ultimate good; there is no indication whatsoever that Aristotle entailed it
instrumental to achieve some other goals.

A. What is Happiness?

• In psychology, happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by,
among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

• To behaviorists, happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good

or positive.

• To neurologists, happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a

reward for behavior that prolongs survival.

B. What is human flourishing?

• In Nicomachean Ethics, human flourishing arises as a result of different components such as

phronesis, friendship, wealth, and power. In ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these will
surely bring the seekers happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what
we call the Good.

• As time changes, elements that comprise human flourishing changed.

• People found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products,
and make more money.

• Humans of today are expected to become “man of the world”

• Supposed to situate himself in a global neighborhood, working side by side among institutions
and the government to be able to reach a common goal.

• Competition as a means of survival has become passé.

• Coordination is the new trend.

1. Eastern vs. Western conception regarding society and human flourishing

EASTERN CONCEPTION

- focus is community-centric

- individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of society

- Chinese Confucian system

- Japanese Bushido

- Encourage studies of literature, sciences, and art for a greater cause

WESTERN CONCEPTION

- more focused on the individual

- human flourishing as an end

- Aristotelian view

- Aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good

- Amoguis, Archie

Technology is a human activity that we excel in as a result of achieving science.

o Good is inherently related to the Truth.

According to ancient doctrine, the essence of a thing is considered to be what the thing is. We ask the
question concerning technology when we ask what it is. Everyone knows the two statements that
answer our question:

1. Technology is a means to an end. (a thing that is not valued or important in itself but is useful in
achieving an aim.)

2. Technology is a human activity.

The two definitions of technology belong together.

A. What is Technology?

Technology itself is a contrivance, or, in Latin, an instrumentum. The current conception of technology,
according to which it is a means and a human activity, can therefore be called the instrumental and
anthropological definition of technology

B. Technology as a Product of Human Reason and Freedom

Man is rational and with this rationality comes also his creativity. This creativity means man has the
capacity to innovate whatever are those available and “create” new things which other animals cannot.

Introduction

Technology is an essential weapon especially to us humans, because it tends to help people

make their work more quickly than it should be. As we can see the technology nowadays is very high
tech but when we tend to look into the first technology’s invented during the old eras we can see the
developments and its importance to the society not just in terms of culture, language, but more
importantly it changes the people’s lives.

Generation Gap

It is a difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics or values
but in today’s generation it is often use as a gap between younger people to their parents or
grandparents.

But generation gap is not a big problem into the field of technology, instead it helps the people to be
united and be adventurous in seeking for new knowledge through science and technology.

The Human Condition Before the Common Era

Way back before the people from the past are already very interested about science and
technology. And these curiousness led into various inventions that helps them to survive their everyday
life and makes the people in new generation happy because of the benefits that their inventions
brought until today.

Human Condition in the Common Era

Downside of Technology advancements

HABITAT DESTRUCTION

- Burning down of forests

- Construction of roads and dam
- Infested with foreign species

IMMENSE EXPLOITATION

- Overfishing
- Overgrazing
- Overhunting

POLLUTION

- Addition of harmful components to the environment thus causing undesirable changes to it.

Positive Impacts of Technology

MORTALITY RATE

- Lesser women and children die during birth

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

- Prolong life and distribution of medicines

LITERACY RATE

- Access to education

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

- Determine the value of country’s goods and services

- Ariola, Aizel

THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

Modern humans are reliant on technology in their search for the good life.

In the name of growth, we view the world as a field of resources, vent on attributing monetary value on
seemingly priceless entities.

Since humans appear not to really know what they are seeking for, the search continues. It is looming
fear, however, that the path we are treading will not take us to the right direction, leading us in endless
circles instead in our pursuit of the good life.
This is the danger presented by too much reliance on technology. Humans lose track of things that
matter, reducing their surroundings to their economic value. We can use technology to also save us
from technology.

Backtracking the human condition

Technology’s initial promises proved to be true, regardless of its ramification.

Different machineries aid in prolonging lives— assisting those with disabilities, honing efficiency in
industrial workplaces, and even exploring the universe for places we can thrive once all the Earth’s
resources are depleted.

Humans are still trying to discover and rediscover thing that would give meaning to their lives– whether
it be honor, strength or merit.

People are still trying to make sense of their existence in the world, and technology does little to aid them
in their pursuit of life’s meaning.

Technological advancements are seemingly occurring in a rapid pace that our morality cannot quite keep
up; no such consideration was given in this approach in achieving the good life.

- Bajo, Julianna

Technology as a way of understanding our world

While there are many ways to define technology, it is essentially the application of scientific knowledge
to make our lives easier. Technology become more advanced as science grows and the society directly
benefits from such advancement. However, technology itself is amoral – it does not tell us whether we
utilize it in the right or wrong manner. Since technology is an integral part of our lives, we must examine
how technology can contribute to the good life.

Martin Heidegger (1889 – 1976) – is one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. Heidegger
mostly studied ontology or the philosophical study of being. Among his other works, his essay Questions
concerning technology discussed the nature of technology and how it relates to human activity.

According to his work:

1. Technology is not an instrument; it is a way of revealing the truth about the world.

2. Technology is not controlled by humans; it is technology that can control human activity.

3. Technology is dangerous in the sense that it frames our thinking about the wolrd.

Techne – refers to both manufacturing and the arts. Techne is a part of poeisis which means “bringing-
forth”. Poeisis is related to aletheia which is the Greek word for “truth”.
If technology is to be understood according to the notion of techne and poiesis, it is neither a machine
nor a process of production. Instead, technology is a way of revealing and this way is a poeisis or bringing-
forth. Technology that brings forth contributes to good because truth is in the side of good.

Modern technology reveals by challenging. According to Heidegger, if humans continue to utilize

technology in a way that it enframes nature we will be able to self-destruct. This is the danger of
technology, it is not the essence of technology itself that is dangerous but the way humans interact with
the world from a technological point of view.

How do we avoid self-destruction, it is said that it is impractical to abandon technology all together as it
is essential to the progression and survival of our society. According to Heidegger, it should start from
enframing itself. Although destructive, it also allows humans to be in charge that they are in charge of
taking care of nature.

In conclusion, we can relate science and technology to the good life. In a sense, the goal of science is to
understand the world we live in. Thus it leads us closer to the truth and since truth is related to the concept
of good, science can contribute to good. And in terms of human flourishing, we can only achieve our
greatest potential if we have our basic needs covered.