Human Flourishing & Technology

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Questions and Answers

What does rationality allow humans to do?

Express emotions only

Obey reason

Be creative and obey reason (correct)

None of the above

Homo erectus utilized fire without understanding the laws of friction and heat.

True

What term is used to describe human flourishing?

Eudaimonia

Before the Common Era, humans used ______ for clothing.

fur and animal skin Signup and view all the answers

What were the early humans driven by to survive?

Primal needs Signup and view all the answers

Match the early human activities to their descriptions:

Hunting = Finding food to survive Farming = Cultivating land for produce Metalwork = Forging tools and objects Artisan craftsmanship = Creating products for compensation Signup and view all the answers

Physical strength was undervalued in the Common Era.

False Signup and view all the answers

Modern humans rely on technology in their search for the ______.

good life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'eudaimonia' as understood by Plato and Aristotle?

Human flourishing or happiness Signup and view all the answers

Plato believed that self-examination is unnecessary for human flourishing.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the four cardinal virtues according to Plato.

Wisdom Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, humans are considered _______ beings due to their need for air, water, and food.

physical Signup and view all the answers

Match the following philosophers to their contributions regarding human flourishing:

Plato = Outlined the cardinal virtues Aristotle = Described humans as social beings Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a fulfilling life according to the virtue of wisdom?

Seeking learning based on curiosity Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, emotional needs are not considered important for human flourishing.

False Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human nature does Aristotle associate with a need for friendship and cooperation?

Social beings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lesson 4: Human Person Flourishing & Technology

Technology comes from Greek words: techne (art, skills, or way) and logos (study of). It's the application of scientific knowledge to practical human life goals.

What is Human Flourishing?

Ancient Greek philosophers (Plato and Aristotle) explored how to live a flourishing life.
Eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is often equated with happiness.

Plato's View on Flourishing

Virtue development through examining life and surroundings. Using reason to become wiser is crucial for flourishing.
Mastering reason over desires is essential for goodness.
Living the four cardinal virtues (wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice).
Wisdom involves curious learning.
Courage is important in a just society.
Temperance prevents corruption.

Aristotle's View on Flourishing

Eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is the highest good for humans.
Human nature has four aspects: physical, emotional, social, and rational.

Human Flourishing Aspects

Physical: Humans need air, water, food, rest, and exercise.
Emotional: Urges, wants, desires, and reactions are part of human nature.
Social: Friendship, cooperation, and belonging are important.
Rational: This distinguishes humans from other animals; it allows for expression, creativity, and the use of reason.

Intellectual Virtues and Character

Eudaimonia is achieved through intellectual virtues and virtues of character.

Technology as a Way of Revealing

Three parts:
- The Human Condition Before Common Era (Homo erectus, tools, discoveries).
- The Human Condition in the Common Era (survival, hunting, specialized roles).
- The Essence of Technology (reliance on technology, impact on the world view).

Modern Humans & Technology

Modern humans rely heavily on technology in their pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Over-reliance on technology could lead to a loss of focus on more fundamental aspects of life
Technology is perceived both as a tool and something that shape our understanding

Technology's Perspective

Technology could be interpreted in two primary ways or perspectives
- a means or tool to reach a particular end
something that directly forms or constitutes or shapes our understanding of the world.

Heidegger's Technological View

Heidegger believed technology reveals the world in a particular way: challenging humans to manipulate nature in increasing efficacy and speed.
The modern approach to technology can be viewed as enframing, meaning a method where humans use nature to reveal its underlying structure.
Calculative thinking vs. meditative thinking: Humans order nature for the purpose of control or perceive the truth more holistically without the use of force or violence.
The danger of technology arises from misconstruing or misinterpreting nature because of technology's framing of it.
Technology, in its essence, is something man does not control.

Summary

Science and technology have been part of human activity from the beginning.
The advancement in technology led to exposure of new problems and ways of viewing the world, offering different perspective and understanding.

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Description

Explore the intersection of human flourishing and technology in this lesson. Delve into ancient Greek philosophies from Plato and Aristotle, focusing on eudaimonia and the role of virtues in achieving a flourishing life. Understand how applying scientific knowledge can impact personal growth and societal well-being.