STS 01: Science and the Human Condition

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Questions and Answers

What is one positive impact of technological development on society?

Rise in poverty levels

Enhanced social isolation

Reduction in untimely deaths (correct)

Increase in social conflicts

According to the positive view of technological evolution, what is society progressing towards?

Increased destructive behaviors

Decreased quality of life

Betterment of human conditions (correct)

Greater inequality

What critical concern is raised about human dependency on technology?

Improved real-life interactions

Increased impatience and decreased critical thinking (correct)

Boosted social equity

Enhanced critical thinking skills

What ethical implication is associated with the misuse of technological advancements?

Encouraging selfish purposes and causing damage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a negative outcome of technological evolution?

Social isolation despite connectivity Signup and view all the answers

What does Bill Joy express concern over regarding future technological advancements?

Creating a dystopia that threatens survival Signup and view all the answers

Which statement represents a potential negative impact of technology on personal interactions?

Reduced face-to-face communication Signup and view all the answers

How does technology potentially exacerbate contemporary social problems?

By increasing occurrences of deviant behavior Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Technocratism in the context of technology?

A belief in technology's ability to solve all social problems Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is notably associated with existentialism and technology?

Martin Heidegger Signup and view all the answers

How does Heidegger's concept of 'Enframing' relate to technology?

Turning nature into a resource for efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential danger of technology highlighted in the content?

Reduction of critical thinking skills in individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which view aligns with the criticism of technology's impact on humanity?

Technology as a double-edged sword Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'autonomy' refer to in the context of robotics?

The ability to perform intended tasks based on the current state and sensing without human intervention. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical concern arises from the increasing autonomy of robots?

Who is accountable when a robot compromises safety? Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a key ethical issue in advanced technology?

Elderly care robots. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding artificial intelligence?

The possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence and control. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical dilemma is associated with the use of in vitro fertilization?

Opposition from certain religious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can advanced robotics impact human flourishing?

Through enhancing efficiency in daily tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What moral concern might arise if robots develop emotions?

Should robots be granted rights if they become sentient? Signup and view all the answers

What is a major ethical implication of sharing and manipulating private information in technology?

Potential violations of individual privacy rights. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

STS 01: Science, Technology, and Society

Course instructor: Camille Rafal
Course: STS 01
Institution: Marcos State University (MMSU)
Department: Department of Physical Sciences
College: College of Arts and Sciences

Unit II: STS and the Human Condition

A. The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology and Technology as a Way of Revealing
- Learning Objectives:
  - Analyze the human condition to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications meaningful to students as part of society.
B. Human Flourishing
- Learning Objectives:
  - Define and explain the concept of human flourishing.
  - Analyze the human condition to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications meaningful to students as part of society.
  - Conceptualize one's own views on human flourishing.
- Human Flourishing:
  - An effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment.
  - Occurs within the context of a larger community enabling individual personal growth.
  - A lifelong journey that encompasses hopes, achievements, regrets, losses, illness, suffering, and coping.
- Aristotle's View on Human Flourishing: - "There is an end to all the actions that we perform which we desire for ourselves." -Aristotle. - Eudaimonia is the highest good, encompassing happiness, flourishing, and fulfillment. - Life is a balance of spiritual and physical realms, achieved through rational choices.
  - Martin Seligman's Well-Being theory:
    - Moves beyond happiness to focus on psychological well-being.
    - Positive Emotion: Hope, joy, gratitude.
    - Engagement: Being "one with the music," finding flow.
    - Relationships: Feeling supported, loved, and valued.
    - Meaning: Serving something greater than oneself.
    - Accomplishment: Mastering skills, and achieving goals.

C. The Good Life

Learning Objectives:
- Examine shared concerns that make up the good life, coming up with innovative, creative solutions to contemporary issues, guided by ethical standards.

D. When Technology and Humanity Cross

Technology:
- "techne" and "logos" together as discourse on art (Buchanan, 2010).
- Concepts like machines and tools are also attached to the word "technology".
Television:
- Primarily a platform for advertisements and information dissemination.
- In the Philippines, 92% of urban and 70% of rural homes own at least one television set (Noda, 2012).
Mobile Phones:
- Primarily for communication, offering services like texting and calling.
Computers and Laptops:
- Used for internet surfing and communication.

E. Why Does the Future Not Need Us?

Experience of Humans in Technology

Healthcare: AI in medical diagnosis
Education: Online learning platforms
Social Interaction

Human and Society

Technology shapes societies by driving advancements in various fields like medicine, education, and communication.
Societies evolve; human roles and connections may become increasingly influenced—or replaced—by technological systems.
Challenge: Maintaining humanity's moral fabric amid rapid technological changes.

Evolution of Societies

Hunter-Gatherer → Agrarian Societies → Industrial Society → Global Information Society
Debate on Progress: Progress Optimists vs. Progress Pessimists.

Technology and Humanity: A Positive Side

Technological Change contributes significantly to:
- World population growth
- Life expectancy
- Education levels
- Material standards of living
Technology influences: governance, entertainment, relationships, and human nature

The Positive View of Technological Development

Material Standard of living: Modern technology improves living standards allowing ordinary people to enjoy luxuries.
Reduction in untimely deaths: Advances in medicine and safety reduce deaths
Evolutionary view: Societies are progressively evolving toward improvement with technological advancement improving human conditions.

The Negative View of Technological Development

Problems and Potentials: Technology has both opportunities and challenges.
Human Dependency: Society loses critical thinking and impatience rises.
Human Greed and Abuse: Misuse of technology for selfish purposes.
Contemporary social problems
Social Conflicts: Influence of technology on labor disputes, ethnic tensions, etc
Social Isolation: Technology reduces face-to-face interaction.
Bill Joy's view: Technological advancement like robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology could lead humanity to an irreversible point of no return threatening both survival and being human.
Modern Challenges
- Risk of AI surpassing human intelligence and control.
- Ethical questions about strong AI's behavior and societal impact.

Relation of Technology with Humanity

The relationship between technology and humanity involves interactions with science, society, and universal systems of rights.
Technology shapes entire social structures and global dynamics.
Powerful Energy Sources: Coal, petroleum, and electricity powered technological innovations.
Fast Transportation and Globalization: Technological advancements in transportation connect people and economies.

The Future of Humanity

Technologies of the 21st Century: Genetics, Nanotechnology, and Robotics (GNR).
Possibility of KMD (Knowledge-enabled Mass Destruction): self-replication in GNR technologies bring risks.
Static View vs. Possible Paths: the world might remain stable or undergo significant transformations due to technology.

Possible Paths for the Future

Technological Advancements: Virtual Reality, biotechnology, nanotechnology, machine intelligence.
The Path to Singularity: Machines surpassing human intelligence.

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Technology and Science Fiction: Sci-fi predicted inventions now becoming reality.
Examples of Advanced Technology: Hearing Colors/Hearing at Arm's Length, Eye Camera/Smart Contact Lens, Human Compass, Password Pill, Electronic Throat Tattoo, Robot Arm/Controlling Wheelchair, Bionic Limb, and Artificial Vision System.

The New Pandora's Boxes

Genetic, Nanotechnology, and Robotics are powerful forces likely to redefine humanity.

POSTHUMANITY THEORY

Posthuman condition: Radical transformation of humanity.
Key features: population exceeding 1 trillion, 500+ years life expectancy, enhanced cognitive abilities, etc.

Nick Bostrom's Four Scenarios for the Future of Humanity and Technology

Extinction, recurrent collapse, plateau, the longer-term view.

Message to Humanity

Technology is a double-edged sword.
It's up to the present generation to ensure responsible use for the betterment of humanity.

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Description

This quiz explores the relationship between science, technology, and the concept of human flourishing. Students will analyze how these elements impact the human condition and reflect on their personal views regarding self-actualization and fulfillment. Engage in philosophical discussions that highlight the significance of technology in society.