Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

College: ENGINEERING
Campus : BAMBANG

DEGREE PROGRAM BSCpE COURSE NO. GESTAS

SPECIALIZATION COURSE TITLE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
YEAR LEVEL FIRST YEAR TIME FRAME 3 hrs WK NO. 7 IM NO. 7

I. UNIT TITLE/CHAPTER TITLE

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

II. LESSON TITLE

HUMAN FLOURISHING

III. LESSON OVERVIEW

This lesson will discuss the concept of human flourishing in a global perspective and as a man in the
world.

IV. DESIRED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Identify different conception of human flourishing
2. Determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science
3. Critic human flourishing vis-à-vis progress of science and technology to be able to define for
themselves the meaning of a good life

V. LESSON CONTENT

Aristotle (385 – 323 BC) describe the pinnacle of success that is attainable by humans as Eudaimonia or
literally “good spirited”. In literature, the word often translated into “human flourishing” likening human
into a flower achieving their full bloom. Nicomedian Ethics, on the other hand, state that Aristotle’s human
flourishing arises as a result of the four different components: Phronesis, Friendship, Wealth and Power.
The ancient Greek society believes that acquiring these four different components will surely bring the
seekers happiness which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the Good.
However, as time changes, those elements comprising human flourishing changes. Humans found
means to live comfortably, explore more places, develop more products and make more money,
repeating in full circle. The developments made by humans make grander and sophisticated machines
that makes them explore the space, innovate medicines and ventures on life after death. Human today
are expected to become a “man of the world”, opposite from what Aristotle perceived. Competition as a
means of survival become past, coordination is the new trend.

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NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

Conception of Society and Human Flourishing

Eastern Western
 Community centric  Focused on the individual
 Individual should sacrifice himself for  Greek Aristotelian aims for eudemonia
the sake of society as ultimate good
 Chinese Confucian System / Japanese  Human flourishing as an end
Bushido  Aristolean view
 Encourage studies of literature,
sciences, and art for a greater cause

Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our pool of human knowledge. One of the
powerful subject is human’s perpetual need to locate himself in the world by finding proofs to trace
evolution, uncovering the secrets of the universe, answer the questions of our existence and provide as
something to look forward to. This elicits our idea of self-importance.

As Heidegger’s statement, technology is a human activity we excel in as a result of achieving science. It

is only suffice that the end goals of both science and technology and human flourishing are related, that
the good is inherently related to truth

Science as Method and Results

Science stems from objectivity brought about by a rigid methodology in which its sole claim is to reason
and empiricism.
The scientific method below present a general idea of how to do science.
1. Observe. Determine unexplainable occurrences that needs unfolding

2. Determine the Problem. Identify also the factors involved

3. Formulate Hypothesis. These are past knowledge of similar instance that could explain the said
phenomenon

4. Conduct Experiment. Set up dependent and independent variable and try to see how independent
ones affect dependent ones

5. Gather and Analyze. Examine the gathered data if significant enough to conclude results

6. Formulate Conclusion and Provide Recommendation.

Verification Theory
The theory propose that discipline is science if it can be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an
alternative hypothesis being accepted. It takes premium in empiricism and only takes account to those
results that are measurable and experiments that are repeatable.

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

The theory was supported by the Vienna Circle, a group of scholars who believe that only those which
can be observed should be regarded as meaningful and reject those which cannot be directly accessed
as meaningless.
Below is a short story illustrating this point:
Suppose, for instance, a girl named, Lea has a theory that her classmate, Ian likes her.
“Good” she thought
“I like him too. But how do I know that he likes me?”
But Ian is just generally happy to meet people he knew. He had known Lea since they were in first
year and regards her as a generally okay person. It is no surprise then that upon learning that Ian
basically does this to everyone, Lea was crushed. She vowed to herself that she would never assume
again
Based from the above story, is it justified for Lea to think that Ian does not like her? Not quite.

Falsification Theory
The theory asserts that as long as an ideology is not proven to be false and can be best explain a
phenomenon over alternative theories, we should accept the said ideology. This theory allowed
emergence of theories otherwise rejected by verification theory. It encourages research in order to
determine which among the theories can stand the test of falsification.
To illustrate, previous story is restated:
Ian is generally everybody’s friend. He likes to be with people and generally aspires to become
everybody’s friend. However, there is one girl, Lea, who seemed to not like him when he is around.
Every time he waves at her, she turns away, and when they are in the same room, she avoid his
glances. Through this, he concluded that Lea does not like him and does his best to show her
that he is a threat.
When they are able to talk to each other, he found out that Lea is just really shy and is not
accustomed to people greeting her. He then was able to conclude that his initial impression of her
not liking him (as a person) is wrong and thus said proposition is rejected.
Although there is no happy ending for Ian and Lea yet, falsification method is prone to the same
generalizations committed by the verification method. There is no known rule as to the number of instance
that a theory is rejected or falsified in order for it to be set aside. There is no assurance that observable
event or “evidences” are indeed manifestations of a certain concept or “theories”.

Science
1. Social Endeavor  Presented an alternative distinction that explores the social
dimension of science and effectively, technology
 Science terminates the idea that it belong solely to gown-
wearing, bespectacled scientist at laboratories
 The new view perpetuates a dimension which generally
benefits the society
 Presents an alternative notion that goes beyond the cold,
hard facts of science is the manifestation of shared
experience forging solidarity over communities

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 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

2. Results  Science is not the only discipline which to produce results

 Science is not entirely foolproof, such that it is correct 100%
of the time
 Science does not monopolize the claim for definite result
3. Education  There is no such thing as singular scientific method, instead
variety of procedures are offered for the scientist to get results
and call them science
 Science also appeared to debunked the idea of objectivity in
reality, subscribing to the idea called intersubjectivity
 A result of unjustified science – preference of science-inclined
students over those which are less adept

If one is really in pursuit of human flourishing, it would make sense for them to pursue it holistically.
Simply mastering science and technology would be inadequate if we are, say, socialize with people or
ruminate on our inner self. Aristotle’s eudaimonic person is required to be knowledgeable about science,
among other things of equal importance. They are supposed to possess intellectual virtues that will
enable them to determine truth from falsehood or good reasoning from poor reasoning. A true eudaimon
recognizes that flourishing requires one to excel in various dimensions. Thus, he understands that he
should not focus on one aspect of life.

How Much is Too Much?

Economists believe that growth is the primary indicator of development, as both go hand in hand, and
has put forth their resources in trying to achieve such. Technology has been a primary instrument
enabling them to pursue the said goal, utilizing resources, machineries, and labor. What is missing in the
equation is that growth presents an illusory notion of sustainability – the world’s resources can only
provide so much, it cannot be expected to stretch out for everybody’s consumption over a long period of
time. Moreover, growth is not infinite – there is no preordained ceiling once the ball starts rolling.
The rapid pace of technological growth allows no room for nature to recuperate, resulting in the
exploitation and irreversible damages to nature. Right now, we are experiencing repercussions of said
exploits in the hands of man – made climate change, which would snowball and affect the majority of
flora and fauna, driving half of the latter extinct in less than a hundred year from now. If it continues in its
current alarming rate, we might bring about our own extinction.

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“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic
Act 8293 the copyrighted works included in this material may be reproduced
for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution”
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220)
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1. Is our reverence of science justified? Explain

2. Were we successful so far in trying to tie down technology with what we conceive as human
flourishing?

3. What do you think constitutes human flourishing?

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“In accordance with Section 185, Fair Use of Copyrighted Work of Republic
Act 8293 the copyrighted works included in this material may be reproduced
for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution”
NVSU-FR-ICD-05-00 (081220)
 Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No. 7: GESTAS-1STSEM-2020-2021

VIII. ASSIGNMENT

1. Try to determine the possible alternatives to growth and development. List down several ways to
promote sustainable living and start a mini – campaign advocating the method of your choice. (Be
creative)

IX. REFERENCES

Serafica, J. J., Pawilen, G. T., Caslib, B. N., & Alata, E. P. (2018). Science, Technology and Society.
Quezon City: Rex Printing Company, Inc.

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Act 8293 the copyrighted works included in this material may be reproduced
for educational purposes only and not for commercial distribution”
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