PDF Emilio Aguinaldo College Midterm Lesson 6: Human Flourishing

MIDTERM LESSON LESSON 6 Human Flourishing and the Scientific Method JERICO O. ENRIQUEZ, LPT, MAT Faculty – General Education Department Definition of Happiness  Happiness defined: Dictionary: Contentm...

MIDTERM LESSON LESSON 6 Human Flourishing and the Scientific Method JERICO O. ENRIQUEZ, LPT, MAT Faculty – General Education Department Definition of Happiness  Happiness defined: Dictionary: Contentment, imply an active or passive state of pleasure or pleasurable satisfaction.  Happiness defined: Psychology: Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by, among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.  Happiness defined: Behaviorist: Happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good or positive.  Happiness defined: Neurologists: Happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a reward for behavior that prolongs survival.  Happiness defined: Hedonist: Happiness is the polar opposite of suffering; the presence of happiness indicates the absence of pain. Hedonists believe that the purpose of life is to maximize happiness, which minimizes misery.  Is Happiness that simple? For Aristotle: Happiness is NOT pleasure, nor is it honor and recognition. It’s not the aroma of coffee in the morning or the sweet ice cream that we eat. Happiness defined by Aristotle: EUDAIMONIA  Happiness defined by ARISTOTLE Aristotle said that EUDAIMONIA is the pinnacle of happiness attainable by humans. It is a term that combines the Greek words for "good" and "spirit" to describe the ideology.  Happiness defined by ARISTOTLE Aristotle believed that EUDAIMONIA requires people to practice Arete (excellence, goodness, fulfillment, or virtue) Arete or virtues could lead a person toward his natural happiness. Eudaimonia defines happiness as the pursuit of becoming a better person through virtues.  How to Achieve Eudaimonia Practice Arete or Virtues: Develop Good Character: Cultivate virtues such as courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice. Use Your Talents: Focus on developing and using your unique skills and abilities Practice Kindness: Show kindness and compassion to others, fostering trust and mutual support.  How to Achieve Eudaimonia Practice Arete or Virtues: Continuous Improvement: Strive to improve yourself and grow as a person. Pursue Knowledge: Engage in continuous learning and intellectual activities. Meaningful Work: Engage in work that positively impacts others and society. Eudaimonia translates also to “Human Flourishing”  Happiness defined by ARISTOTLE Eudaimonia = Human Flourishing Aristotle believed that Eudaimonia is not simply a fleeting feeling of pleasure but rather a state of overall well-being that comes from living a virtuous life in accordance with reason. Human flourishing, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses overall well-being and fulfillment in various aspects of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.  Happiness defined by ARISTOTLE Eudaimonia = Human Flourishing In this sense, human flourishing can be seen as a modern interpretation or extension of the Aristotelian concept of Eudaimonia. Both concepts emphasize the importance of living a virtuous and meaningful life, of realizing one's potential, and of cultivating a sense of well-being and fulfillment. Human Flourishing  Human Flourishing From Nicomachean Ethics (The title derives from either Aristotle's father, Nicomachus, or his son, also named Nicomachus) – human flourishing arises as a result of different components such as: Wisdom Friendship Wealth Power  Human Flourishing As time changes, elements that comprise human flourishing changed. People in our modern society found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and make more money. This was possible because of Science and Technology.  Human Flourishing Because of the changing landscape of our society due to development of Science and Technology, humans are now expected to become “man of the world”. He is supposed to situate himself in a global neighborhood, working side by side among institutions and the government to be able to reach a common goal. Coordination became the new trend. Other Concepts of Human Flourishing  Human Flourishing Developments in our society gave rise to another interpretation of human flourishing. These interpretations come from the Eastern and Western philosophies. Eastern and Western philosophies began to understand human flourishing, but differ in their approaches. ON HOW HUMAN FLOURISHING CAN BE ACHIEVED  Western Concept of Human Flourishing Focused on the individual Rooted in Aristotle's eudaimonia, focus on virtue, reason, and individual achievement Westerners are more likely to focus on external aspects such as material possessions, success, or acquiring power.  Eastern Concept of Human Flourishing Focused on the community Human flourishing is seen as the result of living in harmony with others and with nature. This involves developing virtues such as compassion, kindness, and humility, and letting go of attachment to material possessions and desires. individuals should become selfless for the sake of family and society. Reasons why people are still UNHAPPY  Why Do People Remain Unhappy?  Why Do People Remain Unhappy?  Why Do People Remain Unhappy?  Why Do People Remain Unhappy?  Why Do People Remain Unhappy? Despite all the innovations and comfort given to us by our modern society, people still find themselves unhappy. According to Aristotle's concept of Eudaimonia (human flourishing), people in modern society may remain unhappy for several reasons.  Why Do People Remain Unhappy? Lack of Purpose: Many people do not have a clear sense of purpose or meaning in their lives. True happiness comes from fulfilling one's potential.  Why Do People Remain Unhappy? Isolation: Despite being more connected digitally, many people feel isolated and lonely. Human Flourishing emphasized the importance of strong, meaningful friendships, which are harder to build through screens.  Why Do People Remain Unhappy? Neglecting Virtues: Modern society often emphasizes material success, wealth, and status over personal growth and virtue. Aristotle argued that real happiness comes from inner virtues and character.  Finding Happiness Modern society enabled human beings to flourish, giving us means to have wisdom, power, wealth, and friends. Modern society provided us material possessions, comfort, and convenience through science and technology.  Finding Happiness Though we find “happiness” in the things we encounter in our modern society, what makes us “really happy” is becoming a virtuous person, achieving Eudaimonia through practicing Arete. Let us not forget to practice virtues in our modern scientific and technological society. Why is HUMAN FLOURISHING included in Science and Technology? Why is HUMAN FLOURISHING included in Science and Technology? Refer to the phrase: The GOOD is inherently related to the TRUTH! Human Flourishing and Science & Technology  Human Flourishing and Science & Technology Scientists are seeking Eudaimonia through the discovery of TRUTH. Example: Ramon Barba questioned if mangoes can only be available from March to June? Eventually, he discovered a way to have mangoes throughout the year.  Human Flourishing and Science & Technology The discovered TRUTH in this case has led to the GOOD. Example: Ramon Barba questioned if mangoes can only be available from March to June? Eventually, he discovered a way to have mangoes throughout the year.  Human Flourishing and Science & Technology Example: Ramon Barba questioned if mangoes can only be available from March to June? Eventually, he discovered a way to have mangoes throughout the year. TRUTH: Mangoes can be available all year. GOOD: Western view on Human Flourishing: Barba’s achievement gave him recognition. Eastern view on Human Flourishing : Barba helped the country produce mangoes all year.  Human Flourishing and Science & Technology Thus, we have the phrase: The GOOD is inherently related to the TRUTH! TRUTH: Mangoes can be available all year. GOOD: Western view on Human Flourishing: Barba’s achievement gave him recognition. Eastern view on Human Flourishing : Barba helped the country produce mangoes all year.  Seeking the TRUTH that is related to the GOOD When Barba discovered the TRUTH, he did not do it using magic or any simple means. He employed a series of steps that is used by Scientists to discover what is true. This series of steps is also known as the SCIENTIFIC METHOD.  Seeking the TRUTH that is related to the GOOD Employs a series of steps to Humans as find the TRUTH TRUTH is Scientists discovered, seeking leading to the EUDAIMONIA SCIENTIFIC METHOD GOOD. The Scientific Method  SCIENTIFIC METHOD The scientific method is the process of objectively establishing facts through observation and experimentation, as well as formation and testing of hypotheses and theories. It is used by scientists to discover and find the truth in the world we live in.  SCIENTIFIC METHOD Scientific Method introduces the Human person to the following: 1. Empiricism – All concepts originate in experience. All beliefs are knowable only through experience. (Direct Observation) 2. Experimentation – way to test the truthfulness of theories, eliminate alternative explanations, engineer solutions to problems, provide clues to the cause of an effect. (Testing)  STEPS IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1. Observe 2. Determine the problem (Questioning) 3. Formulate hypothesis 4. Conduct experiment 5. Gather and analyze data 6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation  FINDING THE TRUTH Results coming from the employment of scientific method needs to be evaluated to ensure that it is scientifically valid or not. In order for human beings to check if the resulting theory is meaningful or valid, two things are needed to be done: Verification Falsification Verification and Falsification Theory  VERIFICATION AND FALSIFICATION THEORY Verification and Falsification theories are used to test the validity of scientific hypotheses or theories. These ideas are closely linked to the work of two prominent philosophers of science, the Vienna Circle and Karl Popper.  VERIFICATION AND FALSIFICATION THEORY VIENNA CIRCLE: Group of scholars who believed that; proposed Verification Theory only those which can be observed should be regarded as meaningful Classify those which cannot be directly accessed as meaningless  VERIFICATION AND FALSIFICATION THEORY KARL POPPER: proposed Falsification Theory believed that scientific practice is characterized by its continual effort to test theories (experimentation) against experience and make revisions based on the outcomes of these tests.  VERIFICATION AND FALSIFICATION THEORY Verification Theory: A statement or theory is meaningful and true if it can be verified through direct observation or experience. You look for evidence that supports or confirms the statement.  VERIFICATION AND FALSIFICATION THEORY Falsification Theory: A statement or theory is scientific if it can be proven false, meaning there is a way to test it that could potentially show it to be wrong. You look for evidence that could disprove the statement.  Why did Verification and Falsification Theory existed? Both Verification and Falsification theories help us differentiate theories from REAL SCIENCE against PSEUDO SCIENCE. Both employ methods to discover a theory.  REAL Science VS. Pseudoscience  Using Verification Theory to Identify Pseudoscience Pseudoscience often relies on vague, untestable claims that can't be verified through observation or experiments. A pseudoscientific claim might be, "This crystal will improve your health." If you can't find clear, measurable evidence through testing and observation that consistently supports this claim, it can't be verified scientifically.  Using Verification Theory to Identify Pseudoscience Pseudoscience often avoids making predictions that can be tested and potentially proven false. It tends to explain away any contrary evidence. If someone claims that their astrology predictions are always correct but then makes vague or ambiguous predictions that can't be tested or proven wrong, that's a red flag. If predictions fail, they might say, "You misinterpreted it," instead of accepting the failure. MEANINGFUL SCIENTIFIC THEORY