Human Flourishing in Science & Technology

What is the main goal of Human Flourishing according to Aristotle?

According to Technological Pessimism, what is one perceived drawback of technological progress?

What does Heidegger mean by 'enframing' in relation to technology?

What is a stance of Technological Optimism?

What does Existentialism emphasize regarding human agency?

How does Heidegger contrast ancient and modern technology?

What is a criticism of being overly engrossed in technology, as suggested by Heidegger?

Which philosophical view suggests that technology is merely a means to an end?

Human Flourishing in Science & Technology

Human flourishing is defined as the effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment within a larger community.

Philosophical Views on Technology

Aristotelianism:
- Technology is a tool for achieving goals.
- Technology is to organize techniques to address human needs.
Technological Pessimism (Jacques Ellul):
- Technological advancements have a consequence.
- Technological progress creates more problems.
- Technological progress creates damaging effects.
Technological Optimism:
- Technology can solve problems.
- Technology alleviates problems and provides solutions.
- Technologists, engineers, and ordinary people support this view greatly.
Existentialism (Martin Heidegger):
- People are free agents who control their choices and actions.
- Technology's essence is "enframing" – bringing forth the concealed into view.
- Modern technology is a way of revealing.
- Heidegger contrasted ancient methods of harnessing energy (e.g., windmills) with modern technologies (e.g., hydroelectric dams). Farmers planting seeds, contrasted with modern cultivation techniques, are cited as examples.
- Continuous and unquestioned advancement of technology can lead to focusing solely on revealing, without properly considering the consequences.

Explore the philosophical perspectives on technology and its role in human flourishing. This quiz delves into theories from Aristotelianism, technological pessimism, optimism, and existentialism, highlighting how each viewpoint affects our understanding of technology's impact on society.