The Chronicle of Human Flourishing Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

Every discovery, innovation, and success

Accdg. to Nicomachean Ethics, there are contributes to our pool of human knowledge.
4 components arise that results to “HUMAN Perhaps, one of the most prevalent themes is
FLOURISHING” humans perpetual need to locate himself in the
1. Phronesis – habit of making decisions and taking world by finding proofs to trace evolution.
the right action in context and relentless pursuit of According to "The Question Concerning
excellence for the common good. Technology," an essay by German philosopher
2. Friendship – alliance; closeness; fondness Martin Heidegger, "technology is a way of
3. Wealth – prosperity; riches revealing." This suggests that applied science
4. Power – dominion; sovereignty or technology is undeniably intersected with
how the people in today's modern times live,
According to Aristotle there is an end of all the actions our social practices, and our institutions.
that we perform which we desire for itself. This is Heidegger emphasizes that technology is a
known as eudaimonia flourishing or happiness human activity that we excel in through
achieving science.
Human flourishing Eudaimonia… mean:
- good spirited Science as Methods and Results
- coined my Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) The Scientific Method.
- describe the Pinnacle of happiness that is attainable Although The Scientific Method has steps that differ
by humans from one scientific institution to next, it offers a shared
context of how science should be performed.
Aristotle's eudaimic person is required to be
knowledgeable about science. The general idea of The Scientific Method includes
the following mandatory steps:
1 Observation: Be conscious of unexplained
things or ideas that tugs your curiosity.
2 Problem Identification: Figure out the
variables concerned.
3 Hypothesis Formation: From previously
known truths and experiences, form an
educated guess explaining these occurrences.
4 Experimentation: Utilize both dependent and
A true eudaimon recognizes that flourishing requires independent variables in experimenting and
one to excel in various dimensions such as linguistic, figure out how these variables affect each
kinetic, artistic, and Socio-civic other.
5 Data Gathering and Analyzation: Collect
 Flourishing is the highest good of human the data resulting from the duration and
endeavors and that towards which all actions the conclusion of the experiment. Examine,
aim, it is success as a human being. scrutinize, and evaluate the data gathered if
it's substantial enough to form a judgment.
 To flourish, a man must pursue goals that are 6 Conclusion Formulation: Specify your
both rational for him individually and also as a experimentation results and offer
human being. recommendations from which others could
expound the study.
 Human flourishing is positively related to a
rational man’s attempts to externalize his VERIFICATION THEORY
values and actualize his internal views of how The Verification Theory is the first paradigm that
things ought to be. contrasts science from philosophy. The theory
proposes that a “study or discipline is science if it can
be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an
alternative hypothesis being accepted.” The theory
regards empiricism with high esteem and only
considers those results that can be measured and
experiments that can be repeated.
FALSIFICATION THEORY
This theory could probably be regarded as the most HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
prevalent methodology in science today. The
Falsification Theory stresses that “so long as an
ideology is not proven to be false and can best explain
a phenomenon over alternative theories, we should
accept it.” (Popper, 2002, pp. 1–3). Because this theory
is hospitable at nature, it allowed previously rejected
theories by the Verification Theory to emerge once
again. This theory advocates against the final adoption
of a theory; rather, it champions research to determine
which theories can weather the test of falsification.

Science as a Social Endeavour

⮚ As a consequence of globalization and the
ever-connected world that we live in today, Joseph Hickel (19 March 1736 - 28 March 1807)
it’s easy for us to assume that one’s way of  contemplated on, suggesting that developed
thinking, belief, or view is inferior if it goes countries should not push forth more growth
against what is accepted by most; this is called but instead adopt “de-development” policies or
Ethnocentrism, mainly this perspective talks else everybody loses.
about culture, but unfortunately, it can be  The primary goal to achieve growth for all
applied to many fields, including science. might prove to be fatal in long run.
 Economists believe that growth is the primary
Science As Education indicator of development.
 Technology has been a primary instrument in
⮚ There is no such thing as a singular scientific
enabling them to pursue said goal, utilizing
method offering. Discoveries in Physics, resources, machineries and labor.
specifically in quantum mechanics have idea  Moreover, Growth is not infinite, there is no
of objectivity in reality. preordained ceiling once the ball starts rolling.
Joseph Hickel contemplated on, suggesting
that developed countries should not push forth
more growth but instead adopt "de-
development" policies.

Science and Result

⮚ For the most part people who do not
Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics understand science are won over when the
relating to the very small. disciple is able to produce results.
It results in what may appear to be some very ⮚ In this particular argument, However, science
strange conclusions about the physical world. is not the only disciple which is able to
produce result-religion, luck and human
 OBJECTIVE randomness are some of its contemporaries in
o It refers to neutral statement which is the world.
completely true, unbiased and balanced. ⮚ Science and technology are recognized as
o Facts and observations positive on principle but can also, like human
enterprises serve evil ends.
 There are distinct portions in entrance exams
in Secondary and Tertiary levels.
 In the Philippines a large distribution of
science high schools can be found all over the
country. These preferences also reflected on
the amount of STEM offering schools
accommodating Grades 11 and 12.
 THE GOOD LIFE
Arête and Eudaimonia (Happiness)
A PUZZLING PROBLEM Arête is another Greek word connected to the
• People want to be healthy but many consume definition of happiness by Aristotle. It is defined as
junk food. "excellence of any kind," which also corresponds to
• People want to be happy but many do things "moral virtue." For Aristotle, Eudaimonia or pleasure,
that make themselves miserable. is only possible by living a life of virtue.
• Most things that taste good are probably bad
for you. Aristotle suggested two kinds of virtue.
• Most things that give you a thrill are probably
bad for you too. 1. Intellectual virtue, also known as the virtue of
thought and can be achieved through education, time,
WHAT IS THE GOOD LIFE? and experience. This is achieved through formal
• People have different ideas of what constitutes (taught and learned in the institution) and non-formal
the good life. means (self-taught).
• Wrong doing may lead to tragic consequences. ∙ Wisdom = guides ethical behavior
• Correct pursuits may lead to flourishing. ∙ Understanding = gained from scientific
• Therefore, be careful what you dream for. undertakings and meditation.

Types of Good 2. Moral virtue, also known as the virtue of character,

Aristotle clarified that every action aims to do is like a skill that can be achieved through habitual
something good, and he suggested two types of good practice. This is innate, and it is brought into
(NE Book 2, Chapter 2) completion only by exercise and repeated doing.
 Instrumental good (Intermediate good), ∙ Generosity= repeatedly being unselfish
which is transitory and does not encompass all ∙ Temperance = continually repelling and
aspects of life. This includes pleasure, wealth, preceding every attractive opportunity
fame, and honor ∙ Courage =repeatedly exhibiting the proper
Example: action and emotional response in a dangerous
Happiness is an essential human need usually situation
acquired by utilizing our five senses (sight, To achieve Eudaimonia or Happiness, both intellectual
hearing, taste, touch, smell). The pleasure that and moral virtue should be a reason or the rational
we get from eating our favorite dishes and soul. A balance between how one lives and acts must
going to our dream destination bring be maintained to attain happiness.
undeniable good experience but are both
temporary and momentary Happiness is the Goal of a Good Life
1. Materialism
 Intrinsic good (The Ultimate Good) is not This school of thought's primary belief is that
self-sufficient and does not stop aiming greater nothing exists except matter, which are tiny
good. This includes happiness, which, in an indivisible units called atoms or seeds, and
Aristotelian sense, means two things- living that changes are due to its movements and
well and doing well (NE 1:4). modifications. Led by Democritus and his
disciples, who were atomist, the world,
Eudaimonia: The Ultimate Good and Uniquely including man, is made up of matter, and there
Human no need to posit immaterial entities such as
o Happiness is known as Eudaimonia among the purpose. Its philosophical contribution
Greeks. It is from the root words EU (meaning includes the idea that point is what makes us
good) and daimon (meaning spirit) with the attain happiness. This is the concept of
collective meaning of happiness and welfare. happiness for people whose primary meaning
In Nichomachean Ethics (NE 1:7), Aristotle of their existence is material wealth.
further offered two hallmarks of Eudaimonia
2. Hedonism
Virtue=living well This principle evolves in the concept that life's
Excellence= doing well. end goal is a pleasure and that life is limited.
Led by Epicurus, this school of thought, just
Therefore, according to Aristotle, Eudemonia or like materialism, does not acknowledge the
Happiness transcends all aspects of life, for it is afterlife notion. Belonging in this doctrine are
about living well and doing well whatever one those who have the life motto of “Eat, drink
does. and be merry for tomorrow we die."
 

3. Stoicism
In this school of thought headed by Epicurus,
happiness can be obtained by being apathetic
to others. They believe in the fact that some
things are not within our control, and the
earlier we accept this reality, the happier we This model shows that the primary step towards a good
can be. People who attain happiness through a life starts with a relationship that involved the family,
careful practice of unconcern or indifference friends, and community. It is followed by balance
towards others due to the fear of resentment together with contentment and safety that provides a
belong to this ideology. sense of peace with oneself, and physical, spiritual,
and psychological well-being. Health and secure
4. Theism finances complete the non-abstract elements of a good
It is an ideological system believing in the life, according to Pessi. The abstract elements
existence of God, the source of all existence. proposed by Pessi start with fulfilling oneself, which
For theists, the ultimate source of happiness is include having meaningful things to do, reaching our
the communion with God and that the world ambitions and dreams in life, having a purpose in life,
we are in is just a temporary reality we live in and living according to one's values. Values and
a while waiting for the maximum return to the spirituality are the sixth steps. Having a peaceful home
Almighty God.   and neighborhood and peace of soul connected with its
own fundamental values (religion, justice, honesty, and
5. Humanism respect) are satisfied. The last but not the least is
This school of thought was inspired by the having a meaningful work or hobbies wherein one can
seventeenth century's Enlightenment-era and obtain all of the first five steps.
believe that human beings have the freedom to
create his destiny and laws and control THE GOOD LIFE IS A VIRTUOUS LIFE
themselves and the world around him. • A meaningful, authentic good life is based on
Humanists also believe that the world is a free inner goodness.
space that they have full control to improve • “The end of life is eudaimonia.”—Aristotle
lives and thus bring happiness to the world. • Eudaimonia means well-being, virtue and
human flourishing.
• To live the good life is to become what we
Recent School of Thought Regarding Happiness as ought to be as human beings—moral agents
the Goal of a Good Life who strive for moral excellence.
 
Antonia Macaro (2018)
She based her proposed components of the good life
based on the writings of Aristotle and provided five
criteria that may constitute a good life;
 
a.) Success and material comfort
She proponent that success and material
possession are not inherently evil but are
necessary for one's well-being.
 
b.) pleasure
Self-focused pleasure is an intermediate good,
but the pleasure derived from being involved
in a worthwhile activity and that good life is a
balance between value and pleasure.

The Novel Arrow Model of Good Life

Anne Birgitta Pessi (2008) provided the said model
that illustrates the essential steps towards a good life.