Science and Human Flourishing

Science

• Began with the invention of the printing press, which allowed for mass production of reading materials
• A body of knowledge about the natural and physical world
• It is an idea, theory, belief, and systematic reasoning and observations of the natural and physical world
• Enframing, by Heidegger, states that humans manipulate nature to serve our needs, instead of seeing it for what it is
• Modernizes the understanding and practices of science by leading to experimentation and scientific processes

Flourishing of Humans

• Homo sapiens are the backbone of today’s society
• Science and technology satisfy man’s material needs and desires in this world
• Human satisfaction is based on rational calculations dictated by personal preferences
• Humans are known as rational thinkers, capable of thinking and reasoning
• Humans forage, hunt, and fish for food consumption
• Humans practiced metals smelting which led to the use of bronze
• Humans domesticated animals for clothing, medicine, and shelters
• Humans started to permanently settle
• Humans have complex brains that changed due to environmental challenges, like climate, diet, food availability, group size, parental care
• Humans are social beings
• Interactions within social groups led to the formation of society, which allows for mutual support and the cultivation of culture

Eudaimonia

• It is a state of well-being and contentment that can be understood as happiness
• It is the ability to live a good life, where humans need to satisfy their needs and demands
• According to Aristotle, when humans desire ends, we reach eudaimonia, flourishing, or happiness
• Defined as a contented state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous
• An objective state that is the ideal emotional state of a well-lived life

Humanism

• Espouses the freedom of man to carve his own destiny and to legislate his own laws.
• Man is literally the captain of his own ship.
• Humanists see themselves not merely as stewards of creation but as individuals who are in control of themselves and the world outside them.

Intellectual Virtues

• Excellent personal traits or character strength that are deemed to be morally good for thinking and learning
• Intellectual virtues include: theoretical wisdom (thinking and truth), practical wisdom, and understanding.
• Experience and time are necessary requirements for the development of intellectual virtue
• Intellectual virtues are acquired by practicing, guided by instructions
• Intellectual virtues include excellent character traits, involve human emotions, intentions, motivations, and values, and are aimed at cognitive goods
• Intellectual virtue is about a person’s excellent disposition in life concerning decision making and criticism

Moral Virtues

• Moral virtues are controlled by practical wisdom
• Development is nurtured as a habit
• Moral virtues include: patience, courage, and perseverance
• Good thinking and learning require being intellectually careful, honest, with humility, and being attentive
• Moral virtues are about the ability to endure difficult circumstances, confronting uncertainty, and doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success

Pleasure vs Happiness

• Pleasure is a positive, enjoyable or worth seeking mental state that gives a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment
• Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment
• Pleasure is a significant component of happiness
• Happiness will not last a lifetime
• Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment

Explore the evolution of science and its intersection with human development. This quiz covers topics from the invention of the printing press to modern scientific processes and the role of humans as rational thinkers. Delve into how science satisfies human needs and desires in our society.