MADE BY: AHRI

STAS MIDTERMS
BSA 1 - YA - 1

HUMAN FLOURISHING
(PART 1)
Human Flourishing in Science and Technology
Philosophy
● Philosophy studies fundamental problems concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason,
mind, and language.

Branches of Philosophy
1. Natural Philosophy
2. Moral Philosophy
3. Metaphysical Philosophy

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)

● German philosopher, influential in phenomenology and existentialism.
● Key work: Being and Time (1927), which explores human existence, focusing on themes like
care, anxiety, guilt, and death.
● The Question Concerning Technology: Heidegger examines technology’s relationship with
humanity, suggesting that the essence of technology is about revealing, not just about
machines.

Key Points in “The Question Concerning Technology”

1. Path to Understanding Technology: Heidegger sees technology as a path, not just a tool.
2. Instrumental View of Technology: Often seen as neutral, under human control, but Heidegger
urges seeing beyond this.
3. Instrumentality and Essence: Technology connects to truth via causality, revealing its essence.
4. Technology as a Unique Kind of Revealing: Modern technology “challenges-forth” nature,
making resources readily available to humans and creating a “standing reserve.”
5. Modern Science and Technology: Science’s aggressive approach to nature aligns with
technology but differs from pure scientific inquiry.
6. Enframing and Destiny: Technology frames (enframes) our destiny, which isn’t fate but rather a
form of disclosure intertwined with human freedom.
7. Twofold Danger: Humanity risks reducing itself to a resource (“standing reserve”) or ignoring
other perspectives if technology’s “enframing” dominates.
8. Potential for Saving Power: Despite dangers, enframing allows for a potential “saving power”
involving humanity’s choice.

Doctrine of Causality
1. Causa Materialis: Material out of which something is made.
2. Causa Formalis: Form or shape of the object.
3. Causa Efficiens: Agent that brings something into being.
4. Causa Finalis: The purpose or end.
Bringing Forth and Revealing
● Bringing forth (Poiesis): Technology reveals by “bringing forth” from concealment, similar to
Greek aletheia (truth or unhiddenness).
● Modern Technology: Aggressive in its revealing, constantly demanding nature’s resources.
Examples:
● Challenging forth: Volcanic eruptions, coral bleaching, mining.
● Bringing forth: Planting trees, farming.

Questioning as the Piety of Thought

● Piety: Means obedience, reflecting on our relationship to technology and the essence of
existence.
● Heidegger argues that viewing technology as neutral blinds us to its deeper impact.

Enframing: Modern technology’s way of revealing

● Calculative Thinking: Organizing and controlling nature.
● Meditative Thinking: Letting nature reveal itself without interference.

Key Concepts of Technology and Human Flourishing

1. Technology as a Mode of Revealing: It brings hidden aspects of nature to light.
2. Technology as Poiesis: Modern technology can be seen as a type of creative revealing.
3. Questioning as Piety of Thought: Critical, thoughtful questioning deepens understanding.
4. Enframing: The way technology “frames” nature as a resource.
5. Human Person Swallowed by Technology: Risks losing freedom and individuality.
6. Art as a Way Out of Enframing: Art can help break free from technology’s grip by offering
alternative ways of seeing and understanding.

Selected Views on Technology

General View

● Technology is often seen as a means to an end.

● Aristotle: Technology organizes techniques to meet human demands, focusing on the
production of desired outcomes.

Technological Pessimism (Jacques Ellul)

● Jacques Ellul (1912–1994): French philosopher who viewed technology as both progressive and
problematic.
○ Main concerns:
1. Technological progress has a cost
2. It creates new problems.
3. It has damaging effects.
4. It causes unpredictable and devastating impacts.

● Technological Optimism: Some people believe technology can solve all problems (extreme form
is technocratism, where technology is seen as the ultimate authority).

Existentialism and Technology

 Existentialism: Focuses on the authenticity of existence and the choices individuals make.
Martin Heidegger: Investigates existence and authenticity, questioning traditional views on technology.

Heidegger’s Views on Technology

Two Definitions of Technology:
1. Instrumental: Technology as a means to an end.
2. Anthropological: Technology as a human activity.
● Heidegger critiques these views as simplistic, urging a deeper understanding.

Instrumental Definition of Technology

● Heidegger differentiates older, simpler technologies (like a sawmill) from modern technology
(like a hydroelectric plant).
● He suggests that technology isn’t merely neutral and shouldn’t be seen only as a tool.

Aristotle’s Four Causes (Illustrated by Heidegger)

1. Material Cause: What something is made from (e.g., silver for a chalice).
2. Formal Cause: The shape or form.
3. Final Cause: The purpose or function.
4. Efficient Cause: The agent that brings it into being (e.g., a silversmith).

Heidegger’s Concept of Technology as a Way of Revealing

● Essence of Technology (Enframing): Technology reveals hidden aspects of nature by
challenging it.
Examples of Ancient vs. Modern Technology:
● Ancient: Windmills, simple planting, wooden bridges.
● Modern: Hydroelectric plants that reveal nature’s power by forcing it to produce energy.

Enframing and the Process of Revealing

● Enframing: The way technology reveals nature by challenging it. Modern technology unlocks
nature’s resources, making them available in new ways.
● Hydroelectric Example: Forces the Rhine River to produce electricity.
● Danger of Continuous Revealing: Constant revealing can obscure other aspects of reality,
concealing as it reveals (e.g., cause-effect thinking hides the mystery of the divine).

The Society in the Face of Science and Technology

● Heidegger warns that people often seek happiness in modern technology.
● To prevent being overwhelmed by technology’s influence, people should pause to reflect on its
value, rather than letting it dictate their lives.

(PART 2)
Robots, Machines, and Technology
Human Being Defined
● The term “human being” refers to a complex entity capable of life-sustaining processes.
● Biologists classify humans as living organisms with qualities similar to plants and animals.
● Humans, as the highest form of living organisms, have unique characteristics that science
cannot fully explain.
Smith (2012)
 ● we can’t turn to science for an answer because in the first place, science identified humans with
varied opinions and limited evidence.
●
Intellect and Human Uniqueness
● Blakemore and Greenfield (1987) observed that intellect sets humans apart from other
creatures.
● This intellect supports self-consciousness and awareness, which allows humans to discover
truth and advance humanity.

Heidegger’s Philosophy of “Being”

● Heidegger argued that the meaning of “being” is a foundational question in philosophy.
● The ancient Greek philosophers explored it, but it was later neglected in Western philosophy.
● Heidegger believed that questioning “being” does not imply ignorance but rather a pursuit of
understanding linked to existence.
● “Being” is associated with the concept of existence, with humans as “inquirers” reflecting on
their own existence.
● Heidegger introduced “Dasein,” meaning “being there,” which emphasizes two key aspects of
human existence:
1. Existence in a World: Humans exist within a shared world.
2. Self-Definition: Humans define themselves as they exist in this world.

Understanding Human Flourishing

● Humans have inherent abilities and traits that allow them to survive and fulfill their functions.

Aristotle’s Teachings on Purpose and Happiness:

● Aristotle believed each person has a life purpose and that the goal of life is to fulfill this purpose.
● Earthly happiness is the highest ambition of all humans.
● Achieving happiness requires cultivating virtues, understanding truth, and pursuing moral
excellence.
● This pursuit leads to “eudaimonia,” a state of human flourishing characterized by well-being,
happiness, and prosperity.

Etymology of Eudaimonia:
● “Eudaimonia” is derived from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “daemon” (spirit), meaning “a
state of having a good spirit” or “good genius.”
● Eudaimonia in moral philosophy refers to actions that contribute to an individual’s well-being.

Epicurus on Happiness
● Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, viewed happiness not as a definition but as a theory of its
source.
● He believed that a balance and moderation in life contribute to happiness, rather than
metaphysical ideas.

Nietzsche on Happiness
● Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, had a different perspective on happiness.
● He defined happiness as an “ideal state of laziness,” which he saw as a life free from worries or
distress.
Objective View of Human Flourishing (Philosophers’ views are the evidence of objective sense of how
it means to flourish.)
● The philosophical views on human flourishing suggest that living well is the ultimate human
desire.
● Flourishing means leading a life centered on well-being, integrating science, philosophy, and an
objective understanding of how to live a fulfilling life.
● Flourishing can either be based on the state of mind (e.g mental habit) or a kind of value (e.g
insights, outlook).

ANOTHER NOTE:

● Human flourishing: Defined as the endeavor to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within a
larger community. It includes access to the pleasant life, the engaged or good life, and the
meaningful life.
● Seligman, Steen, Park, and Peterson (2005): Human flourishing involves developing personal
and social attributes that showcase character strengths and virtues shared across cultures.

Aristotle on Flourishing:
● The ultimate goal of all actions is flourishing, the greatest good.
● Flourishing, or “the good,” is the aim of all purposeful actions.

Suggested three types of life as ideal for humans:

1. Philosophical life
2. Life of pleasure
3. Life of political activity

Eudaimonia:
● Greek for “good spirit”; describes a state where one’s life, considered as a whole, flourishes.
● Eudaimonia implies pursuing one’s own good or flourishing.
● Seen as a divine state humanity can strive toward.
● Happiness: Defined as “doing well” and “living well”; a pleasant state of mind.
● Both ordinary people and philosophers agree on the concept of happiness (eudaimonia), though
they differ on its exact nature (Nicomachean Ethics 1095a17).

Epicurus:
● Identifies eudaimonia as a life of pleasure and freedom from pain and distress.
● Believes virtue is only instrumentally related to happiness.

Socrates:
● Virtues such as self-control, justice, courage, wisdom, and piety are essential for a happy life
(eudaimonia). Virtues guarantee happiness.
Plato:
● Eudaimonia depends on virtue (arête), considered the most crucial element of a flourishing life.
Pyrrho:
● Founder of Pyrrhonism; emphasizes achieving ataraxia (state of equanimity) as a path to
eudaimonia. Pyrrhonist practices are aimed at achieving epoché (suspension of judgment).
THE GOOD LIFE
The Good Life - A Puzzling Problem:
● People desire health but consume unhealthy foods.
● People want happiness but engage in actions that cause misery.
● Often, enjoyable things may have negative consequences.

Defining the Good Life:

● Different views on what constitutes the good life.
● Wrong pursuits may lead to tragedy, while right pursuits may lead to flourishing.

Aristotle’s Perspective (Nicomachean Ethics 2:2):

● All human activities aim for some good, and this good is the goal of every art, action, and
inquiry.
● Eudaimonia (good life) consists of happiness and virtue, which includes intellectual and moral
aspects.

The Four Pillars of the Good Life:

1. Health
2. Wealth
3. Love
4. Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness:

● Widely regarded as the highest human good.
● However, if not guided by principles of meaning, spirituality, and virtue, it may lack purpose.

Golden Rule Across Cultures:

● Confucius, Aristotle, Buddhism, and Christianity emphasize treating others as one wishes to be
treated.

Challenges of Pursuing Happiness:

● Pursuing personal happiness without a moral compass may lead to disillusionment.
● The world is often unsatisfying, and material pursuits may not fulfill inner needs.

Fate and Circumstances:

● Bad things can happen to good people, and some face constant struggles, like poverty.

Philosophical Reflections on Life:

● Living authentically involves accepting death (Heidegger).
● An unexamined life is not worth living (Socrates).
● A holistic good life involves good people, community, and peace.

Materialism:
● Belief that matter is the fundamental substance of nature.
● Ancient Greek materialists like Democritus and Leucippus believed that all things are made of
atoms.
Types of materialism:
1. naïve
2. dialectical
3. metaphysica

Hedonism
● The pursuit of pleasure as life’s primary goal.
● However, pleasure alone may not lead to lasting happiness.

Stoicism
● Founded by Epicurus, it teaches finding happiness by accepting the present and avoiding
desires for pleasure or fear of pain.

Theism
● Belief in a Supreme Being, with happiness rooted in connection with God.
● Examples include monotheistic religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Humanism
● Emphasizes human agency and value, focusing on science rather than religious beliefs to
understand the world.

The Good Life as a Balanced Life:

● A single-minded pursuit can be harmful.
● Balance between engagement and rest, love and selflessness, achievement and acceptance is
essential.

Impact of Science and Technology:

● Modern man’s thinking is deeply influenced by advancements, opening new possibilities and
ethical questions.

Virtue and Happiness:

● Virtue is a character trait that enables one to do and be good.
● Happiness and eudaimonia (good spirit) define a good life.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
The Good Life:
● Philosophers, such as Socrates, Aristotle, and others, have explored what constitutes a good
life. They emphasized that it involves more than just material wealth or pleasure.
● The “good life” is seen as a process, not a destination (Carl Rogers).
● It includes living authentically, fulfilling your purpose, and maintaining moral decency (Dotson,
2012).

Philosophical Views:
● Aristotle: The good life involves achieving one’s potential through virtuous actions.
● Socrates: The unexamined life is not worth living—meaning life should be lived with reflection
and purpose.
 ● Heidegger: Living authentically means accepting life’s transient nature, including the fact of
death.

Happiness and Ethics:

● The good life is often tied to happiness, but there’s an ongoing debate about whether happiness
equals a good life or if deeper meaning is required for fulfillment.
● Ethics and character play a crucial role in defining the good life: “good” refers to personal virtue,
while “right” refers to ethical actions based on duty.

Technology and Humanity:

● A concern is whether technological advancements (e.g., genetic engineering) might impact
human values and existence in negative ways.

Views on Happiness:
● Hedonism: The pursuit of pleasure is the ultimate goal.
● Stoicism: Happiness is found in controlling desires and emotions.
● Epicureanism: Moderation and avoiding excess lead to happiness.

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY

The Idea of Technology and Humanity
● David Mattin’s View: New technologies cannot fully liberate us from the human condition; the
21st century will remain deeply human.

Humanity
● Definition: A virtue based on ethics of altruism derived from the human condition (Wikipedia).
● Confucius’ View: Humanity is the “love of people,” and if you want to make a stand, help others
make a stand.

Human-Robot Interaction
● Current Technology: Robotics plays a large role in everyday life, improving efficiency in tasks
that humans struggle with, such as waste management in developing countries like India.
● AI Robots: Most robots today are industrial tools, not androids like those seen in movies. They
are used in various practical applications.

The Impact of Technology on Human Health

● Technology and Daily Life: Technology now permeates every aspect of life, including texting,
email checking, and multitasking.
● Health Effects: Multitasking can reduce focus, especially in teens who are emotionally more
vulnerable to technology’s effects (e.g., texting).
● Research Findings: People now absorb three times more information daily than 50 years ago,
and spend about 12 hours in front of screens.

The Future of Humanity (Nick Bostrom, 2009)

● Extinction: 99% of all species are already extinct. Human extinction could happen due to factors
like biotechnology (e.g., engineered viruses) or catastrophic events like nuclear war.
● Recurrent Collapse: Human civilization might face collapses that prevent further technological or
societal advancement.
 ● Plateau: Human civilization may reach a technological plateau where further advancement is
impossible.
● Post-Humanity: Advances in biotechnology and nanotechnology could drastically alter human
life, leading to new forms of human existence with enhanced cognitive abilities, longer lifespans,
and different physical traits.

The Concept of Humanity

● Origin of the Word: “Humanitas” from Latin, meaning “human nature, kindness.”
● Humanity: Refers to the human race as a whole and the qualities that make us human, such as
love, compassion, and creativity, distinguishing us from robots or aliens.
● “Soft War” Concept: Refers to the rights and duties during conflicts, emphasizing the need for
ethical considerations, even in war.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Albert Einstein’s Quote:
● Technology may surpass human understanding and values, threatening our humanity.

Humanity:
● Refers to virtues like kindness and empathy, based on basic ethics and human condition.

Negative Impacts of Technology:

● Technology can lead to social isolation, job loss, and decreased face-to-face interaction.

Future Risks of Technology:

1. Extinction: Technology could lead to humanity’s downfall.
2. Recurrent Collapse: Societies may break down due to technological changes.
3. Plateau: Technology might stop improving our lives at some point.
4. Post-Humanity: Technologies might evolve humans beyond their current form.

Technology Trends (Jayshree Pandya)

1. Biological Engineering and Bio-Economy:
● Advancements in genetic modification, bio-manufacturing, and health solutions.
2. Molecular Manufacturing and Self-replicating Systems:
● Development of molecular-level machines that can replicate and build materials.
3. Distributed Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):
● Decentralized production of objects via 3D printing technology, reducing reliance on
traditional manufacturing.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driven Automation:
● Machines and software systems that can perform tasks without human intervention,
revolutionizing industries like healthcare, finance, and transport.
5. Neuromorphic Computing:
● Computers that mimic the structure of the human brain to enhance cognitive computing,
learning, and memory processes.
6. Quantum Computing:
● Computation systems that use quantum bits (qubits), offering potential breakthroughs in
fields like cryptography and complex simulations.
7. Nanosatellites and Space Exploration:
 ● Small, cost-effective satellites designed for space exploration, global connectivity, and
scientific research.
8. Brain-to-Internet (BrainNet):
● The concept of direct brain-to-computer or brain-to-brain communication, potentially
revolutionizing how humans interact with machines.
9. Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine:
● Technologies that use stem cells to regenerate tissues and treat diseases, paving the
way for advanced medical treatments.
10. Brain Mapping and Brain Uploading:
● Efforts to map the human brain and potentially upload consciousness to machines,
blurring the lines between humans and technology.

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY PART 2 (WEEK 11)

Technology and Humanity
● Rapid Technological Change: Technology is advancing at a fast pace, transforming areas like
healthcare, communication, and education. However, concerns exist about its long-term impact
on humanity.
● Human Control Over Nature: C.S. Lewis warned that technology could turn into a tool for
humans to exert power over one another, reducing us to mere machines governed by instincts.
● Technology’s Role in Shaping Humanity: Some, like Francis Fukuyama, see technologies like
genetic engineering and stem cell research as possibilities to enhance life, while others like
Jacques Ellul and William Gibson caution that technology might shape human behavior more
than we realize.

21st Century Technologies

1. Genetic Engineering:
● Manipulation of organisms’ genetic material to produce desired traits.
● Used in cloning, GMOs, and gene therapy.
2. Robotics:
● Field combining computer science and engineering.
Types of Robots:
● Pre-programmed (simple tasks)
● Humanoid (mimic human behavior)
● Autonomous (operate independently)
● Augmenting (enhance human capabilities)
● Applications: Military, industrial, medical, domestic, agriculture, and nanobots.
3. Nanotechnology:
● Manipulation of materials at an atomic or molecular level to create new technologies.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
● Simulates human intelligence through machines.
● Applications: Autonomous vehicles, games, medical diagnosis, and search engines.
● AI methods: Symbolic (top-down) and connectionist (bottom-up) approaches.

Potential Risks of Technology

1. Devaluation of Humanity: Over-reliance on technology might reduce human relevance.
2. Job Losses: Automation and AI could decrease the need for human labor.
3. Ethical Issues: New technologies bring challenges regarding ethics and moral considerations.
 4. Social Isolation: Technology might lead to increased loneliness and isolation.
5. Environmental Problems: Technological advancements can have unforeseen environmental
impacts.

Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future

1. Electric/self-driving cars
2. Robot butlers
3. Flying cars
4. Space tourism
5. Colonization of other planets
6. Wearable screens
7. 3D printed food and metal
8. 5G-6G connectivity
9. Re-engineering and recycling
10. High-rise farms
11. Lab-grown meats
12. Robot soldiers
13. Roads over rivers and seas
14. Holography
15. Body implants/prosthetics

Post-Humanity
● Refers to a future where technology, especially genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and
robotics (GNR), radically alters the human condition.

Key Concepts:
1. GNR: Genetics, Nanotechnology, Robotics
2. KMD: Knowledge and Mass Destruction
3. WMD: Weapons of Mass Destruction
4. NBC: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical threats

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Why does future not need us?
Three Possible Scenarios for the Near Future:
1. Genetically Enhanced Intelligence and Longer Lives
● Genetic modifications could enhance human intelligence and eliminate genetic diseases.
● Possibility of extending human lifespan by removing age-related conditions.
2. Advances in Stem Cell Research
● Stem cell research may enable the regeneration of any tissue in the human body.
● Potential for repairing or replacing damaged organs and tissues, leading to improved
health and longevity.
3. Widespread Use of Psychotropic Drugs
● Increased use of drugs like Prozac and Ritalin to enhance mood and happiness.
● These drugs could help individuals maintain positive emotions without significant side
effects, potentially altering emotional experiences.

21st Century Technologies:

 1. Genetic Engineering
Definition: The alteration or manipulation of an organism’s genetic material to introduce specific
characteristics.
Applications
● Research
● Medicine
● Industrial biotechnology
● Agriculture
Uses
● Cloning
● Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
● Gene therapy

2. Robotics
Definition: An interdisciplinary field combining computer science and engineering, focused on
designing, manufacturing, and operating robots.
Key Areas
● Robot conception
● Robot design
● Robot operation

Types of Robots
1. Pre-Programmed Robots
● Operate in controlled environments.
● Perform simple, repetitive tasks.
2. Humanoid Robots
● Mimic human behavior or appearance.
● Example: Sophia the robot.
3. Autonomous Robots
● Operate independently without human control.
4. Teleoperated Robots
● Controlled by humans remotely.
5. Augmenting Robots
● Enhance or replace human capabilities.

Other Technologies:
1. Nanotechnology
● Manipulation of materials at the atomic or molecular scale to revolutionize various
industries.
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
● Machines that respond to stimuli with human-like thinking, judgment, and intentions.

Potential Risks to Society

1. Devaluation of Humanity
● Human qualities may be overlooked or undervalued due to technology’s rise.
2. Decrease in Demand for Human Labor
● Automation and AI could replace many human jobs, leading to unemployment.
3. High Costs of Creation
● Developing advanced technologies can be expensive, limiting access and increasing
inequality.
4. Ethical Issues
● Concerns about the moral implications of technologies like genetic engineering, AI, and
robotics.
5. Social Isolation
● Increased dependence on technology may lead to reduced human interaction and social
bonds.
6. Environmental Problems
● The production and disposal of advanced technologies could lead to pollution and
resource depletion.