Human Condition Lesson 1 - Human Flourishing PDF

STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION EDZER ROGER D. ANTOLIN [email protected]  The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Human Flourishing MMSU  Lesson Objectives Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect 1 and express phil...

STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION EDZER ROGER D. ANTOLIN [email protected]  The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Human Flourishing MMSU  Lesson Objectives Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect 1 and express philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of society. Define and explain what is the concept of human 2 flourishing 3 Conceptualized own views on human flourishing. Outline The Human Person flourishing in terms of science and technology as a Way of Revealing The Human Being Selected views on Technology Human Flourishing (Based on Ancient Greek Philosophers’ Perspective) Human Flourishing (A Modern World Concept) Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Technology as a Way of Revealing MMSU  HUMAN BEING MMSU Human Being What does it mean to be a human? ▪ Biologists describe human as having the attributes of living organisms-including plants and animals ▪ Human is complex matter capable of performing life-sustaining process ▪ Human, being the highest form of these living organisms, is said to have characteristics which cannot be substantiated through mere science MMSU Human Being David Livingstone Smith ▪ We can’t turn to Science for an answer because in the first place, science identified human with varied opinion and limited evidence. ▪ Stressed that “Biologists aren’t equipped to tell us whether an organism, is a human organism because “human” is a folk-category rather than a scientific one. MMSU MMSU Human Being Blakemore and Greenfield ▪ The possession of intellect distinguishes a human being from another creature. ▪ This intellect supports self-consciousness and awareness sufficient for the achievement of human’s function, discovery of truth, and development of mankind. MMSU Human Being Martin Heidegger ▪ Argued that asking for the meaning of the term “being” is associated with the concept of existence, which means that the “inquirer” already has idea on the term “however vague or incomplete” ▪ The “inquirer” obviously refers to “man” as “being”, focuses to the “what” of human existence ▪ Used the term “Dasein” which means “being there” focuses on the “modes of existence” or the “who” of “Dasein” MMSU  Selected views on Science and Technology MMSU  SELECTED VIEWS ON TECHNOLOGY a) Aristotelianism b) Technological Pessimism c) Technological Optimism d) Existentialism MMSU a) Aristotelianism Technology is a means to an end ▪ something done only to produce a desired result ▪ Technology is the organizing of techniques in order to meet the demand that is being posed by humans ▪ Technology is primarily concerned with the product. Technology will be judged as either good or bad based on the value given to the product based on its use and effect to the society. MMSU b) Technological Pessimism Technology is progressive and beneficial in many ways, it is also doubtful in many ways Technology has become a way of life With all of the revolutions, technology has also made our lives easier, faster, better, and more fun. Jacques Ellul’s Pessimistic Arguments 1. Technological progress has a price 2. Technological progress creates more problems 3. Technological progress creates damaging effects 4. Technological progress creates unpredictable devastating effects MMSU c) Technological Optimism Technology can alleviate all the difficulties and provide solutions for problems that may come. ▪ Technology can help to reduce poverty by creating more jobs and allowing those in developing countries to reach a wider market. Having access to the internet, combined with digital literacy, can open up more opportunities for more people to economically support themselves ▪ Technology affects almost every aspect of 21st century life, from transport efficiency and safety, to access to food and healthcare, socialization and productivity. The power of the internet has enabled global communities to form and ideas and resources to be shared more easily. MMSU  TECHONOLOGICAL OPTIMISTS ARE EXPECTED TO: IMPROVE THE ALTERNATIVES MMSU  In transportation A HORSE DRAWN WAGON A BULLET TRAIN MMSU  Information and communication AN ACTUAL TELEGRAM SOCIAL MEDIA MMSU  The education system THE OLD AND OUTDATED EDUCATION THE NEW AND HIGH-TECH EDUCATION SYSTEM SYSTEM MMSU  In Agriculture ANCIENT FARMING TECHNIQUES MODERN ERA FARMING TECHNIQUES MMSU d) Existentialism We might say that technology encourages excessive materialism; It draws us away from real interactions with other human beings; It promotes a life consisting of a series of entertaining moments rather than meaningful interactions; and It squelches independence, creativity, and moral focus. MMSU  Human Flourishing MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 1. Happiness and Life Satisfaction A. My overall satisfaction with life is: Not satisfied Completely Satisfied B. My overall state of happiness is: Extremely Unhappy Extremely Happy MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 2. Mental and Physical Health A. In general, I would rate my physical health as: Poor Excellent B. In general, I would rate my mental health as: Poor Excellent MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 3. Meaning and Purpose A. Overall, I feel the things I do in life are: Not at all worthwhile Completely worthwhile B. I understand the purpose of my life: Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 4. Character and Virtue A. I always act to promote good in all circumstances: Not True of Me Completely true of Me B. I can give up some happiness now for greater happiness later: Not true of Me Completely true of Me MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 5. Close Social Relationship A. I am content with my friendships and relationships: Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree B. My relationships are satisfying as I would want them to be: Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’?: Activity Evaluate yourselves based on the following criteria: Domain 6. Financial and Material Stability A. I worry about having enough money for my monthly living expenses: Worry all the time Do not ever worry B. I worry about my safety, food, or housing: Worry all the time Do not ever worry MMSU  What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Self reflection: 1. Identify the aspects of your life where you got the highest scores. Reflect on these. You are doing something right! CONTINUE with it and perhaps ask yourself how you can further improve it. 2. Identify the aspects of your life where you got the lowest scores. Reflect on these. Perhaps you need to START doing something so that you won't continue to be in such a low state. MMSU  Human Flourishing Based on Ancient Greek Philosophers’ Perspective MMSU Question What can humans live a flourishing life? MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? How to live a flourishing life? Ancient Greek philosopher were some of the first thinkers who tried to answer the question. Two of the most prominent ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? The Greek philosophers called a flourishing life eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is usually equated with happiness. For Plato and Aristotle, happiness Eudaimonia is the result of eudemonia or or Human Happiness Flourishing human flourishing. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Plato All human beings naturally desire eudaimonia or human flourishing. He also believed that in order to flourish, one must have moral thought and virtuous action. In this case, virtue is refereed to as ‘excellence.’ MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Plato The well being of a human individual must NOT depend on external goods (such as fame, wealth and appearance). To live just for the sake of fame, wealth, good appearance and the other external goods will not lead to flourishing Human Flourishing MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? If having virtue is needed in order to flourish, how does one develop virtue? MMSU  What is ‘Human Flourishing’? According to Plato, human being can develop virtue by: 1. By examining things and thinking more He believed that a human being who does not examine his or her life and surroundings will not flourish. He said that humans can reason and must use it to become wiser in order to flourish. MMSU  What is ‘Human Flourishing’? According to Plato, human being can develop virtue by: 2. By masterly using reason He believed that a human is good if he or she uses his or her reason over his ideas. Limiting one’s reason may result to negative consequences. Reasoning allows the control of one’s self. MMSU  What is ‘Human Flourishing’? According to Plato, human being can develop virtue by: 3. By living the four cardinal virtues ▪ Wisdom or Prudence ▪ Courage or Fortitude ▪ Temperance or moderation ▪ Justice MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Aristotle Aristotle argued that eudaimonia or human flourishing is the highest good of human beings. Human nature, according to Aristotle, has four aspects physical, emotional, social, and rational. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Four aspects of Human Nature 1. Humans are physical beings. As physical beings, humans need air, water, food, rest, and exercise to keep the body functioning. 2. Humans are emotional beings. Like other animals, humans have urges, wants, desires and reactions. Humans have emotional needs too. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Four aspects of Human Nature 3. Humans are social beings. As social beings, it is inherent that humans need friendship, cooperation, and a sense of belongingness in society. 4. Humans are rational beings. Rationality allows human to express, be creative, or obey reason. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? How does on become more virtuous? For Aristotle, a virtue is a character trait that enables a person to flourish. Aristotle, like Plato, believed that humans through reason seek knowledge about the world. He believed that by gaining knowledge, humans will flourish. He called this “intellectual virtues” MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Aristotle made an important distinction about knowledge and human flourishing. There are two types of knowledge: ▪ Theoretical knowledge or the knowledge about the nature of principles. ▪ Practical knowledge or the knowledge of applying these principles. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Aside from intellectual virtue, the other virtue in life is the virtue of character. Aristotle believed that in order to flourish, one must posses the 11 virtuous traits. Courage Magnificence Truthfulness Justice Temperance Magnanimity Wittiness Shame Liberality Patience Friendliness MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? According to Aristotle, all virtues are connected by phronesis or “practical wisdom.” It enables an individual to apply the appropriate virtue in a particular situation. A virtuous life can be attained through education and habit. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? In summary, when an individual possesses intellectual virtues and virtues of character, then, he will attain eudaimonia or human flourishing. Intellectual Virtues of Eudaimonia or Character Human Virtues flourishing MMSU  Human Flourishing A Modern World Concept MMSU What is ‘Human Happiness Flourishing’? and Life Satisfactio n Financial Mental and and Physical Material Health Stability Human Modern Concept Flourishin g of Human Close Flourishing Meaning Social and Relations Purpose hips Character and virtue MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Modern Concept of Human Flourishing 1. Flourishing is intrinsically worthwhile Flourishing is an intrinsic good, and that flourishing is worth striving for. This is different from the Greek Philosopher’s point of view that human flourishing is a means to and end goal which is happiness. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Modern Concept of Human Flourishing 2. The actualization of the human potential Human flourishing is when an individual is optimally using his or her potentials and capabilities. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Criteria for Human Flourishing a. Life as a whole In considering an individuals flourishing, his or her whole life must be considered. ‘Whole life must be considered. “Whole life” , in this case, means the totality of human life, not just some parts. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Criteria for Human Flourishing b. Human flourishing is a dynamic state Human flourishing is dynamic. It requires an on-going development process to actualize the human potential. In other words, one must continuously develop to become a flourishing human being. MMSU What is ‘Human Flourishing’? Criteria for Human Flourishing c. Objective Goods There are things that are good for everybody, such as good social relationships. These good things or objective goods, if developed will contribute to human flourishing. MMSU  Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology MMSU Role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing Question Now that we have a good perspective about human flourishing, what do you think is the role of science and technology in human flourishing? MMSU Role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing Recall ▪Aristotle said that humans flourish by gaining new knowledge. He called this “intellectual virtue” ▪Aristotle also distinguished theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge. ▪Science is a systematic body of knowledge that seeks to explain and understand life and the world. MMSU Role of Science and Technology in Human Flourishing Recall SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY Comparable to the Comparable to theoretical knowledge practical knowledge Explains the nature or Applies the principles behind an theoretical knowledge object, event or in order to have an phenomenon output MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Scientific and Technological discoveries enable humanity to gain intellectual virtues Through science, the antibiotic nature of Penicillum notatum was discovered. Through technology, the penicillin medicine was developed and provided cure to many diseases. MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Progress in Science and Technology had many positive impact to human life such as the following: ❑ made word easier, efficient or practical ❑ made us happy or entertained ❑ kept us healthy and safe ❑ helped to address social issues and concerns ❑ helped in the development of human talent and abilities MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Social Media The development of social media made it easier to communicate with people. MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Medicine The development of medicines helped in combatting diseases, hence in prolonging life. MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Question Can you cite more examples of positive impact of science and technology? MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology However, science and technology can be exploited which can result to serious negative impact. Technological developments made possible industrialization. In some cases, industrialization made humans become ‘machine-like’ workers ,deriving them of the full actualization of their potential. MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Technological developments also caused pollution. Pollution in turn caused diseases that causes lives. Technologies such as nuclear weapons also caused the extermination of humans. MMSU The human person Flourishing in terms of Science and Technology Question Can you cite more examples when science and technology were exploited and had negative impact to society? MMSU  Video Watching The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the Case Against Scientism’ MMSU MMSU  Video Watching The Village of Watermills MMSU MMSU  Technology as a Way of Revealing MMSU Technology as a Way of Revealing Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) Martin Heidegger is one of the most original and important philosophers in the 20th century, while remaining to be the most controversial. In the essay , ‘The Question Concerning Technology’, he suggested how we can establish a ‘free relationship’ with technology. In this essay he focused on our orientation to technology, not on the form or function. MMSU Technology as a Way of Revealing Martin Heidegger examined the two definitions of how we generally think about technology. 1. technology is a means to an end (instrumental- aimed at getting things done) 2. technology is a human activity (anthropological- a human activity) “This may not be a false definition, but it is a misleading one because this limits our thinking” MMSU Technology as a Way of Revealing The Instrumental Definition of Technology “Everything depends on our manipulating technology in the proper manner as a means. We will, as we say, “get” technology “spiritually in hand.” We will master it. The will to mastery becomes all the more urgent the more technology threatens to slip from human control.” MMSU Technology as a Way of Revealing The Instrumental Definition of Technology This correct definition of technology is insufficient as it does not bring out its real essence. “In order that we may arrive at this, or at least come close to it, we must seek the true by way of the correct. We must ask: What is the instrumental itself? Within what do such things as means and end belong?” MMSU Technology as a Way of Revealing The instrumental Definition of Technology “means to an end” according to Heidegger, this does not show the true essence of technology. “technology is by no means technological” the problem begins when humans see it only as a means to an end and disregard the fact that there is a good technology and a bad technology MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The Question Concerning Technology To understand fully what is meant by “technology as means to an end”, Heidegger discussed concept of causality. 1. Causa Materialis 2. Causa Efficiens 3. Causa Formalis 4. Causa Finalis MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The Question Concerning Technology Causa materialis Causa formalis -material out of which -form or shape Ex. Silver Causa effieciens -which brings about the effect Ex. Silversmith Causa finalis -end MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The Latin word ‘causa’ means “that which bring it about” However, Heidegger prefers the Greek word, ‘aition’ which means “that which is responsible for something else” Thus, Heidegger used the terms hyle, eidos, telos and logos as replacement to the four causes. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The Question Concerning Technology hyle eidos -material -form or shape Ex. Silver logos telos -”to reveal” -drawing of the clear Ex. Silversmith boundaries Ex. It is used for Catholic ceremony of MMSU communion Technology as Way of Revealing Heidegger introduced the word ‘poesis’, which literally means “bring forth”. It is basically the way of making something that was not present be present. Poesis, in a way, is a kind of revealing. Heidegger also introduces the word: ‘aletheia’, which literally means “unveiling” or “revealing”. It is also the Greek word for “truth.” MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Heidegger argued that technology is a kind of poeisis, a way of bringing forth or revealing – and, as such , is ‘the realm of truth’ MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The word technology was derived from the Greek ‘technikon’, which is related to the word ‘techne’. Heidegger makes two points about techne: Techne refers to both manufacturing (e.g. the techniques of shoemakers and printers) and to the arts (e.g. the techniques of poets and fashion designers). Techne is part of poiesis. Techne is a kind of knowing. It may refer to “expertise,” or “know-how.” MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing So, if technology is derived from the concept of techne, then its essence lies not in the instrumental production of goods or manipulation of materials, but in “revealing.” MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Heidegger explained the difference between older forms of technology and modern technology. He said that modern technology has different kind of ‘revealing’, it is ‘challenging’ Old windmills draw energy from the wind but “does not extract and store that energy” Unlike modern technology which ‘challenges’ our nature. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Again, modern technology is revealing but in a different way. To understand this, Heidegger introduced the idea of ‘standing reserve’ For Heidegger, technology transforms the world into “standing reserve” It can be said that for technology, nothing in the world is “good” in and of itself, but only “good for” something. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing The airplane, for example, has no “good” or value in and of itself but it is “good for” humanity as a mode of transportation. If it is “not good for” humanity anymore, then it can be disposed, leaving it with no value. So, its disposal by humanity depends on its “goodness” MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Also, human can become ‘standing reserves’ of technology. Provides logs Forester Paper industry Provides paper Get profits Reading public Print industry Sell prints MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Example of nature and nature’s mode of revealing will never completely become under human control Humans cannot directly control the formation of coal deposits or the accumulation of nitrogen in the soil. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Humans tend to think of technology as an instrument, a means of getting things done. This definition, however, misses the actual essence of technology, and tends to make us think that by making the technology better, we will master technology and solve the problems that accompany it. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Heidegger suggested that the human impulse is to enclose all experiences of the world within the categories of understanding that are controllable such as: ▪ mathematical equations, ▪ physical laws , ▪ sets of classifications. Heidegger introduced the concept of ‘enframing’, which stems from the human drive for a “precise” and “scientific” knowledge of the world. MMSU Technology as Way of Revealing Enframing is the essence of technology. It may result to two possibilities: ▪ It may set man on a destructive and self- destructive courses. ▪ It may be a “saving power” by showing clearly the responsibility of human beings to the world. Enframing will help us understand that we are part of the world, but that the world “needs” us to care for it. MMSU The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Human Flourishing and the Progress of Science and Technology Group Presentation 1. Each of you will create a visual representation regarding the philosophy of Heidegger (painting, dance, song, etc.) 2. Make sure that presentation conveys clearly Heidegger’s concepts about Technology as a Way of Revealing MMSU The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Conclusion/ Summary ❑ Ancient philosopher claim that human flourishing or eudamonia is the end-goal of one’s activities, emotions and virtues. ❑ However, the modern-day concept is that human flourishing by itself is worth striving for. MMSU The Human Person Flourishing in Terms of Science and Technology Conclusion/ Summary ❑ Science and Technology impacts human flourishing. Some impact are positive while some are negative. ❑ Heidegger argued that technology is a kind of poeisis, a way of bringing forth or revealing—and as such, is “the realm of truth” ❑ Sometimes, modern technology challenges or exploits nature, but we humans must understand that we are part of the world, and the world needs us to care for it. MMSU  Video Watching Martin Heidegger— the Question Concerning Technology MMSU MMSU Activity The Human Person in the Face of Modern Technology Choose and present an artwork that helps reveal who the human person is in the face of modern technology MMSU MMSU Do you have any questions or clarifications? Thank you for listening! Get in Touch With Us Send us a message or visit us City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines (63) 77-600-0459 [email protected] Follow us for updates facebook.com/MMSUofficial www.mmsu.edu.ph