STS 01 Science, Technology, and Society Unit 2 PDF

STS 01 Science, Technology, and Society CAMILLE RAFAL Instructor I College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physical Sciences COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Unit II...

STS 01 Science, Technology, and Society CAMILLE RAFAL Instructor I College of Arts and Sciences Department of Physical Sciences COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical 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 At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. analyzed the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of society COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  What is Happiness? In 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. To behaviorists, happiness is a cocktail of emotions we experience when we do something good or positive. To neurologists, happiness is the experience of a flood of hormones released in the brain as a reward for behavior that prolongs survival. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Is Happiness a Destination or a Journey? Hedonistic View - Happiness is the absence of pain; the purpose of life is to maximize happiness and minimize misery. Eudaimonia - A pursuit of becoming a better person by engaging in activities that enrich us spiritually and intellectually. Happiness should be a Balance Between Destination and Journey COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Happiness Balance Balancing Hedonic Well-Being (enjoyment) and Eudaimonic Well-Being (achievement) Excessive pleasure → Sluggishness Overemphasis on achievement → Burnout COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Technology Reveals Paths to Happiness Technology enables advancements that cater to human needs and desires. Enabling Hedonic and Eudaimonic Happiness Hedonic Happiness (pleasure and enjoyment): Technology creates avenues for leisure and entertainment, such as movies, games, and travel, enhancing the quality of life. Eudaimonic Happiness (achievement and growth): Technology supports self-actualization through education, skill-building platforms, and intellectual challenges. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Selected Views on Technology OUTLINE: Selected Views on Technology Martin Heidegger on Science and Technology The Society in the Face of Science and Technology COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Aristotelianism Technology as a means to an end Organizing techniques to meet human demands 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 on society. Technological Pessimism Holds that technology is progressive and beneficial in many ways, it is also doubtful in many ways. Technologies have become a way of life. Technique has become a framework that humans cannot escape. It introduced ways to make things easy. Technological Pessimism According to Jacques Ellul’s pessimistic arguments are: 1. Technological progress has a price, 2. Technological progress creates more problems , 3. Technological progress creates damaging effects, 4. Technological progress creates the unpredictable devastating effect, The arguments are still found to be weak and not true at all times. Technological Optimism Technology as the solution to all problems Strongly supported by technologists and engineers Technocratism: extreme belief in technology's supreme authority Technology is beneficial in many ways but can also be harmful in many ways. Existentialism Existentialists view technology as a double-edged sword This view basically investigate the meaning of existence or being and is always faced with the selection must make with which the existent will commit himself to. Martin Heidegger, a philosopher is one of the most known supporters of this philosophy. Technology as a Way of Revealing Heidegger’s view: Technology as Poiesis - Bringing forth, a form of creation. Aletheia - Truth as unconcealedness. Primitive technology revealed nature, while modern technology challenges it: Challenging forth - Exploiting resources for efficiency. Enframing - Ordering nature for manipulation, turning it into a standing reserve. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Dangers of Technology Humans risk being consumed by technology. Critical thinking is needed to avoid reducing nature and humanity to mere instruments of technology. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences When one looks around him now, he will see that man tends to find his happiness in the works of modern technology.  Solutions According to Heidegger Reflect on the value of technology, not just its utility Understand technology beyond means, also in terms of its impact Avoid allowing technology to dominate human existence One has to understand that technology does not only concern the means but also the end as one proverb goes, “The end does not justify the means” Valuechange.eu  Activity: Deadline Dec 02, 2024 Choose and reflect to an artwork (digital artwork, pictures, or meme) that helps reveal who the human person is in the face of modern technology. To spread awareness about the dangers of technology while emphasizing responsible use, rather than condemning technology itself. Example of an Artwork Example of a Meme Open Format but in an A4 size document 1st page (Upper part): artwork (with name of student) | (Lower part): essay with own title Plagiarism is not tolerated | cite your sources | equivalent to zero point if found Unit II: STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION B. Human Flourishing  Learning Objectives At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. define and explain what is the concept of human flourishing, 2. analyzed the human condition to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of society, and, 3. conceptualized own views on human flourishing COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Human Being A human being is a member of the species Homo sapiens, distinguished from other animals by superior mental development, articulate speech, and upright stance. According to Aristotle, Man is… rational animal creature whose destiny is to live in the spiritual world and physical world made up of a material body “The way human beings do things is by making rational choices” - Aristotle COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Human Flourishing Human flourishing is an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment. It happens within the context of a larger community where every individual has the right to pursue personal growth. It is a lifelong journey encompassing hopes, achievements, regrets, losses, illness, suffering, and coping. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences 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. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences 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. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Science, Technology, and Flourishing Advancements: Increased lifespan, reduced mortality, improved education. Risks: Environmental degradation, ethical dilemmas, and social isolation. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Unit II: STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION C. The Good Life  Learning Objectives At the end of this topic, you should be able to: 1. examined shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with innovative, creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Aristotle’s view of the Good Life Happiness as the End of Life Aristotle explored happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate purpose of human existence. Reality and Observation Differed from Plato, who viewed the material world as imperfect copies of a higher reality. Aristotle grounded his philosophy in this world, claiming reality is what the senses can perceive. Understanding Reality True understanding comes from observing the external world. Change is inherent in all things; it moves entities from potentiality to actuality. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life: Materialism Ancient Greek atomists (Democritus and Leucippus) ---The world is made of atoms. All entities, including humans, are composed of matter. There’s no need for immaterial entities as sources of purpose. Perspective on Life Life is purely physical. Meaning arises from tangible, material entities. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life: Hedonism Core Idea - The end goal of life is to acquire pleasure. "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we will die.“ Lifestyle Focus: Prioritizing enjoyment and indulgence. Minimal consideration of long-term consequences. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life: Stoicism Happiness is achieved by distancing oneself from emotions. Apatheia - free from negative emotions and passions. Path to Fulfillment Focus on what one can control. Apathy and discipline are keys to enduring life’s challenges. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life: Theism Life’s meaning is centered on God and spiritual existence. Happiness is achieved through communion with God and faith. Cultural Example: In predominantly religious societies like the Philippines, life goals are often tied to beliefs in a supernatural reality, such as heaven. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life: Humanism Humans are free to carve their own destiny and create their own laws. Man is the "captain of his own ship.“ Science and Progress Focus on improving human life through innovation and technology. Altering the world for the benefit of humanity, even challenging time and space. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Philosophical Views of the Good Life Aristotle - Happiness through rational choices and observation of the world. Materialism - The world is made of matter; purpose arises from physical reality. Hedonism - Pleasure as life’s end goal—"Eat, drink, and be merry.“ Stoicism - Happiness through apathy and detachment. Theism - Fulfillment through communion with God. Humanism - Freedom to shape one’s destiny and control the external world. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Unit II: STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION D. When Technology and Humanity Cross  When Technology and Humanity Cross Technology ✓ “techne” and “logos” and a discourse on art (Buchanan, 2010). Concepts like machines and tools were also attached to the word “technology”. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  When Technology and Humanity Cross Television In television, used mainly as a platform for advertisements and information dissemination. According to Kantar Media, in the Philippines, 92 percent of urban homes and 70 percent of rural homes own at least one television set. Households with tv set reached 15.135M (Noda, 2012) COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Brief History of Television Paul Gottlieb Nipkow (1860-1940) Successful in his attempt to send images through wires with the aid of a rotating metal disk (Nipkow disk) “electric telescope” – 18 lines of resolution Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton and Boris Rosing New system of television by using the cathode ray tube in addition to the mechanical scanner system COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Mobile Phones In mobile phones, used primarily for communication. It offers services like texting and calling. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Computers and Laptop Computers and laptops, on the other hand, can be used to surf the Internet and communicate. Charles Babbage (1791-1971) English Mathematician and inventor who is credited with having conceived the first automatic digital computer. Released in June 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation, the Osborne 1 is considered to be the first true portable, full- featured computer. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Robotics and Humanity DESIRE (Deutsche Service Robotik Initiative-Germany Service Robotics Initiative Some of the expected work to be performed by DESIRE are the following: “Clear up the kitchen table” – all objects on top of the kitchen table will be moved to where they belong. “Fill the dishwasher” – the dirty dishes will be sorted correctly into the dishwasher. “Clear up this room” – all objects that are not in their proper places will be moved to where they belong. Robot an actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform intended tasks. Autonomy is the ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and sensing without human intervention COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Ethical Dilemma/s faced by Robotics Just like any other technological advancements, robotics also faces different problems and dilemmas. Safety Concerns – robots become more autonomous. Who is accountable when a robot compromises safety? Emotional Component - Advanced technology may lead robots to develop emotions. If robots become sentient, should they be granted rights? How would these rights be defined and protected? COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Moral and Ethical Issues in Advanced Technology Advancement in technology does not elicit ethical or moral issues, but it is the use of technological inventions that raises these issues. Ethical dilemmas arise from its use. Key Ethical Issues Privacy - Sharing and manipulation of private information in IT systems. Biotechnology Genetic Engineering: Improving quality of life or risking harm? In Vitro Fertilization: Opposed by some religious beliefs. Nuclear Technology Potential for mass destruction and environmental harm. Long-term health impacts, as seen in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences Moral and Ethical Issues in Advanced Technology Modern Challenges "Looking to the future, we face even greater dilemmas” Artificial Intelligence Risk of AI surpassing human intelligence and control. Ethical questions about strong AI’s behavior and societal impact. If AI becomes uncontrollable, what would that mean for humanity? Job Displacement - Machines replacing human workers, leading to economic and social stress. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Balancing Technology and Ethics Questions to ponder…. Should we pursue advancements just because we have the ability? Are we in danger of losing our humanity by becoming overly reliant on technology? COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Unit II: STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION E. Why does the Future not Need Us?  Experience of humans in technology: Where are we now? Healthcare? Education? Social Interaction? COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Human and Society Technology shapes societies by driving advancements in various fields like medicine, education, and communication. As societies evolve, human roles and connections may become increasingly influenced—or replaced—by technological systems. Challenge: Maintaining humanity’s moral fabric amidst rapid technological changes. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Human and Society Evolution of Societies Hunter-Gatherer → Agrarian Societies (5,000 years ago) → Industrial Society (Last 200 years) → Global Information Society(Now) Debate on Progress: Progress Optimists - We live better today than past generations, with advancements in healthcare, technology, and communication. Progress Pessimists - Issues like environmental degradation, social inequality, and over-reliance on technology question whether progress is truly improving life. Key Question Is societal progress truly a change for the better, or does it come with hidden costs? COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Technology and Humanity: A Positive Side “Necessity is the mother of invention” Technological Change has contributed significantly to: World Population Growth - Improvements in healthcare, agriculture, and sanitation. Life Expectancy - Medical advancements and healthier living conditions. Education Levels - The rise of online learning platforms, global access to knowledge. Material Standards of Living - Modern citizens live better than past royalty. Technology Influences: Governance, entertainment, relationships, and human nature. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences The Positive View of Technological Development Material Standard of Living Modern technology has drastically improved living standards, allowing ordinary people to enjoy luxuries once reserved for royalty. Reduction in Untimely Deaths Advances in medicine and safety reduce deaths from accidents, epidemics, and violence. Reduction of social evils such as poverty, inequality, ignorance, and oppression. Evolutionary View Society is progressively evolving toward betterment, with technological and social engineering improving human conditions. Modern institutions, such as welfare systems and development aid, are built on these ideals. Reduced Suffering Technological advancements allow for better living conditions, reducing human suffering and improving quality of life. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences The Negative View of Technological Development Problems and Potentials - Technology presents both opportunities and challenges, often with unintended negative consequences. Human Dependency - As technology becomes more integral to life, society loses critical thinking, impatience rises, and real-life interactions suffer. Human Greed and Abuse - Technological advancements are often misused for selfish purposes, leading to ethical concerns and unforeseen damage. Contemporary Social Problems - Deviant behavior - Criminality, drug use, and other issues are exacerbated by modern technology. Social Conflicts - Labor disputes, ethnic tensions, and political unrest are influenced by technological and societal shifts. Social Isolation - Despite increased connectivity, technology often isolates people, reducing face-to-face interaction and deepening social disconnection. Society Drifting Away from Human Nature: Technological advancements may push society toward lifestyles that don’t align with human nature. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences The Negative View of Technological Development Bill Joy’s view: He warns that technological advancements like robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology could lead humanity to an irreversible point of no return, threatening both survival and the essence of being human. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences RELATION OF TECHNOLOGY WITH HUMANITY Complex Interrelations The relationship between technology and humanity involves complex interactions with science, society, and universal systems of rights. Technology doesn’t just impact individuals but shapes entire social structures and global dynamics. Powerful Energy Sources The development and use of energy sources like coal, petroleum, and electricity have enabled humanity to overcome natural barriers, leading to discovery and advancement. These energy sources have powered technological innovations, fueling growth in various fields. Fast Transportation and Globalization Technological advancements in transportation have brought about significant changes, turning the world into a global village. Faster modes of transport have connected people and economies, enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures across the world. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  The Future of Humanity Technologies of the 21st Century Genetics, Nanotechnology, and Robotics (GNR) are shaping the future and can lead to new accidents and abuses. These technologies, unlike past weapons like Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical weapons, do not require rare materials—knowledge alone is enough for misuse. Possibility of KMD (Knowledge-enabled Mass Destruction): With the power of self-replication in GNR technologies, humanity faces unprecedented risks. Technologies such as genetic engineering, nanobots, and robotics may bring radical changes to human life, but they also hold the potential for destruction. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  The Future of Humanity Possible Paths for the Future Static View: The world remains at its current state despite advancements, but this is highly unlikely given the rapid technological changes. Technological Advancements: We can foresee: Virtual Reality transforming our experience of reality. Biotechnology allowing human life to be extended significantly. Nanotechnology revolutionizing manufacturing and medicine. Machine Intelligence potentially surpassing human intelligence. The Path to Singularity The Technological Singularity refers to a future where machines surpass human intelligence, making it the last invention humanity needs to make. Artificial Intelligence may lead to a future where human intelligence is left behind, ending the "human era. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE Technology and Science Fiction: Sci-fi has long imagined groundbreaking inventions, but reality now holds technologies that once seemed purely fictional. Examples of Advanced Technology: Hearing Colors/Hearing at Arm’s Length Eye-Camera/Smart Contact Lens/Eyeball Jewelry Implant Human Compass Password Pill Electronic Throat Tattoo Robot Arm/Controlling Wheelchair Bionic Limb Artificial Vision System Terminator Arm/Titan Arm USB Finger/Mind Uploading COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TRANSFORMING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE The New Pandora's Boxes Genetics, Nanotechnology, and Robotics are emerging as powerful forces that could redefine humanity. These technologies, once unleashed, cannot be contained— knowledge itself is now the most potent tool. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  POSTHUMANITY THEORY A posthuman condition refers to a future state where humanity undergoes a radical transformation biologically, cognitively, or technologically. This transformation could occur due to technological or economic developments, especially those involving biological enhancement or advancements in technology. Key Features of Post humanity: Population exceeding 1 trillion 500+ years life expectancy Enhanced Cognitive Abilities Control over Sensory Input Rarity of Psychological Suffering Profound Changes in Humanity COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Nick Bostrom's Four Scenarios for the Future of Humanity and Technology The Four Possible Futures for Humanity: Extinction - Human civilization might face extinction due to self-destructive technologies or other existential risks. Recurrent Collapse - Society experiences cycles of rise and fall, driven by unmanageable complexity or unforeseen crises. Plateau - Humanity reaches a stable state, where growth slows, and civilization becomes static. The Longer-Term View - The likelihood of technological civilization staying within the "human condition" decreases over time. As technology progresses, we will likely transcend the current human state, leading to the posthuman condition. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences  Message to Humanity Technology is a double-edged sword: It can be used for both great progress and destructive consequences. It is up to the present generation to ensure that technological advancements are used responsibly, for the betterment of humanity, while avoiding catastrophic outcomes. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Department of Physical Sciences 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