Science, Technology and Society

- an essential course in the General Education curriculum for tertiary education

- it was conceptualized to develop deep appreciation and critical understanding of the role of science and
technology in the development of people and society it deals with the interactions between science and
technology in social, cultural, political and economic contexts
- it is an interdisciplinary whereby students are engaged in learning scientific issues and technological
developments
- Seeks to instill reflective knowledge in the students so that they are able to live the good life and display
ethical decision-making in both social and scientific dilemmas
- Discusses how science has influenced human society and vice-versa
- appraise the impact of science and technology on their personal decision-making and on living the good life
- appreciate the contributions of science and technology to the world in general, and the Philippine society in
particular
- It examines the interaction between the human quest to understand the natural world and how this
understanding has fashioned society and its development
- make intelligent and ethical decisions that will affect society for the good of humanity

I. Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology

- They make difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do more with so little effort and time
- In ancient times, people were concerned with:
1. Navigation 2. Health 3. Record keeping
4. Communication 5. Mass production 6. Security and Protection
7. Transportation 8. Aesthetics 9. Architecture

II. Technological Advancement During the Ancient Times

A. Sumerian Civilization
- Located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia
- They are not contented with the basic things that life can offer
- Sumerians are known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire
for great things
- One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the
development of the first writing system known as cuneiform
- It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols
which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left
to dry
- Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical value or
their everyday life
Uruk City:
- Great wonder not only because it is considered to be the first
city in the world but also for the way it was created
- build the city using only
- mud or clay from the river, which they mixed with reeds,
producing sun-baked bricks a true engineering feat
- They used the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to
build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from
entering
The Great Ziggurat of Ur:
- Also called the mountain of God
- Was built in the same manner that they constructed the City of Uruk
- Without much building materials, the structure was constructed using sun-baked bricks
- served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only their priests were allowed to enter
 - The temple showcases not only the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture but also
the remarkable technology used to build it
Irrigation and Dikes:
- As the population increased, so did the demand for food
- It was difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could
not maintain farmlands
- Some groups had scarce water supply, while others had
problems with flooding caused by the river
- As a solution to this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes
and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same time control the flooding
of the rivers
- This method was considered one of the world's most beneficial engineering work
Sailboat:
- Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and
were able to cover large distances
- The main mode of transportation was through waterways
such as rivers and seas
- Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as
well as fostering culture, information and technology
Wheel:
- The Sumerians were able to invent the wheel since the specialized tools needed to create it
were already available
- First wheels were not made for transportation, but for farm work and food processes
- Mass production was made easier
The Plow:
- was invented to dig in a faster pace
- The farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done
- farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling them to mass produce food
without taking so much effort and time
Roads:
- In order to facilitate faster and easier travel
- They made the road with the same technology they used in making the sun-baked bricks
that they laid down the ground
- With this work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized
- They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to smoothen the
roads
B. BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
- Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
- Babylonians were great builders, engineers and architects
- One of their major contributions is the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven
wonders of the ancient world
- A structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens that contained several species of
plants, trees and vines
- King Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens for his wife, Queen Amytis
C. EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
PAPER/PAPYRUS
- major accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and communications
INK
- used to record history, culture and codified laws
- tamper-proof so that people could not simply tinker with those written down by authorities

Hieroglyphics

- a system of writing using symbols

 - the language that tells the modern world of history and culture of the ancient Egyptians
- records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of pyramids and other
important Egyptian structures

Cosmetics

- Cosmetics in modern times are used to improve and highlight the facial features of a person,
their function in ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic reasons
- Egyptians believed that a person wearing make-up was protected from evil and that beauty
was a sign of holiness

Wig

- wigs were worn for health and wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes
- wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the harmful rays
of the sun

Water Clock/Clepsydra

- The amount of water remaining in the device determines how

much time has elapsed since it is full
- Widely used as a timekeeping device during the ancient times

D. Greek Civilization
Alarm Clock
- To tell an individual when to stop or when to start
- They made use of water that dropped into drums which sounded the
alarm
- Plato was believed to have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start
of his lecture
- His version used four water vessels lined up vertically
- The upper vessel supplied the water which dropped to the vessel
below it, which was set to be filled in a given time

Water Mill

- They were commonly

- used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was a
necessary form of food processing during that time
- Because milling was made possible by the use of watermills, the mass
production of rice, cereals, flours and the like became common

E. Roman Civilization
- The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the west
- It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during that period
- Because the Roman empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as their model in
terms of legislation and codified laws

Newspaper

- The first newspaper, known as gazettes, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to
the people
- Made before the invention of paper, these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets
and then publicly displayed
- When the paper was invented, it became easier for the Romans to "publish" matters that
needed the attention of the Roman citizens
 Bound Books or Codex

- Julius Caesar started the tradition of stacking up papyrus to form pages of a book
- The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced by animal skin which proved
to be stronger and longer-lasting
- With the papyrus pages bound together and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman
Empire was able to produce the first books or codex

Roman Architecture

- One of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to the world
- Roman architecture was considered a continuation of Greek architecture, hence, the
resemblance

Roman Numerals

- Although other number systems had already been established before Roman numerals,
these old systems could not keep up with high calculation requirements due to the
increasing rate of communication and trade among nations
F. Chinese Civilization
- Oldest civilization

Silk

- Although silk is naturally produced by silkworms, the Chinese were the ones who developed
the technology to harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing
- The silk trade opened China to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic and
scientific exchanges
- It bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom

Tea Production

- It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese emperor
- Tea production was developed when an unknown Chinese inventor created a machine that
was able to shred tea leaves into strips

Great Wall of China

- Once considered the only man-made structure that could be seen from outer space
- the largest and most expensive infrastructure that the nation built
- It was constructed to keep foreign invaders and control the borders of China

Gunpowder

- One of the most interesting inventions in China

- It was developed by the Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality
- They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life,
they accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generate large amounts of
heat and gas in an instant
G. Medieval/Middle Age
- The start of the Middle Ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations
- Wars were prevalent during this time
- Great technology was needed in the fields of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm
production, and health
- The wars resulted in a population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was
a significant rise in population
- Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for
transportation technology
- Some of the most innovative minds came from this period
 Printing Press

- Invented by Johann Gutenberg

- He utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to them a metal
impression of the letters and pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper, which then
made an exact impression on paper
- The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would spread
information to many people at a faster rate

Microscope

- To develop the proper medicines for illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through
an investigation
- Guided by the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias
Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope

Telescope

- The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps on the observation of
remote objects, was a great help for navigators during this time

War Weapons

-people developed crossbows and longbows so that they could attack enemies at long
ranges, keeping themselves safe with the protection of walls
- In close-range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear something to protect themselves,
a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors
H. Modern Times
Pasteurization
- people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs of the
population, food preservation and food safety
- Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist and chemist, found way to solve the
problem

Petroleum Refinery

- Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum

- Kerosene was later on referred to as the "illuminating oil" because it was used at first to
provide lighting to homes
- widely used in powering automobiles, factories, and power plants, among others

Telephone

- the development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most important
inventions at that time
- The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they needed a way to
easily maintain these connections and communicate with each other in real-time

Calculator

- a faster way to compute more complicated equations

I. Philippine Inventions
Salamander Amphibious Tricycle
- Victor Llave and his team at H2O Technologies were able to invent the Salamander, an
amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded streets but also rivers and lakes
- may also be utilized to travel from island to island
 Salt Lamp

- a young Filipina inventor named Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes
a material abundant in the Philippines---saltwater
- She invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an environment friendly light
source that runs on saltwater

Medical Incubator

- Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into Harvard
Medical School, devised a medical incubator made from indigenous and cheap materials
which did not run-on electricity
- Dr. Del Mundo's incubator was made by placing a native laundry basket inside a bigger one
- Hot water bottles were inserted between the baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift
hood to allow oxygen circulation
- Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn, usually a pre-term baby

Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System

- In 2010, the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development

Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System,
also known as OL Trap
- This trap system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitos but safe for
humans and the environment

Jeepney

- This iconic public utility vehicle was built using the military jeeps left by the Americans after
World War II
- This modern type of transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel

Topic 2: Intellectual Revolution

- pertains to the period of paradigm shifts or changes in the scientific beliefs that have been widely embraced
and accepted by the people (Hintay, 2018)
- it has been established that most, if not all, of the discoveries and invention in science technology during
each time period were due to human needs and wants
- brilliant minds responded to the call of the times created things that could make life easier for the people
- there have also been instances when the advancements in science and technology changed people’s
perception and beliefs
- the development as during the intellectual revolution showed how the society was transformed by science
and technology

Science Revolution

- Science is old as the world itself. It was originally called “Philosophy of the natural world” since stemmed
from the ancient Greeks; desire to know about the nature

Science be defined…

• Science as an idea- theories and all available systematic explanations and observations about the natural and
physical world
• Science as an intellectual activity- encompasses a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical
world. This process of study involves systematic observation and experimentation
• Science as a body of knowledge- subject of discipline, field of study, body of knowledge that deals with the
process of learning about the natural and physical world. This is what we refer to as School Science

Science as a personal and social activity

 - Science is both knowledge and activities that develops better understanding of the world and the society.

Scientific Revolution

- Refers to a period of time roughly from 1500 to 1700 which witnessed fundamental transformations in
people’s attitudes towards the natural world
A. Nicole Oresme- argued Heliocentrism
B. Nicolaus Copernicus- proposed the model of the universe
C. Aristarchus- Pioneer of Heliocentrism

Scientists like Nicolaus Copernicus, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud are driven by their curiosity, critical thinking and
creativity to explore the physical and natural world.

I. Copernican Revolution
• Made by the Polish Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th Century
• New concept known as heliocentrism
• Was being perceived as heretic due to his teachings that were against by the religious beliefs
• Was known as the scientific revolution which resulted in the transformation of society’s
thoughts and beliefs
• Birth of modern astronomy
• Rejected at first by the public

II. Darwinian Revolution

• Was considered to be the one of the most controversial intellectual revolutions of its time
• In 1859, Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, biologist and geologist, published his book, On
the Origin of the Species
III. Freudian Revolution
• Sigmund Freud is an Austrian neurologist and the founding father of psychoanalysis, a
method for treating mental illness and a theory explaining human behavior
• In the past, psychology was considered an art rather than a science and it was always
classified under philosophy
• During the late 19th century, Sigmund Freud revolutionized the field with his psychoanalysis
theory, which explains human behavior
• Freud argued that personality is a product of three conflicting elements: the id, ego, and
superego.
a. Id- is the unconscious psychic energy that satisfy basic urges, needs and desires,
operating based on the pleasure principle.
b. Ego- it represents the outer world to the id, enforcing the reality-principle. The ego
is associated with reason and sanity.
c. Superego- is the component of personality composed of internalized ideals acquired
from parents and society. It works to suppress the urges of the id and make the ego
behave morally.

Topic 3: Science, Technology and Nation Building

I. Pre-Colonial Period
a. Early Filipino Settlers
• early Filipino settlers were already using certain plants and herbs as medicines
• systems of farming and animal-raising were also implemented
• also developed different modes of transportation, whether terrestrial or maritime
• a complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras when they
built rice terraces by hand
• through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on the mountainsides in cold
temperatures
 • they incorporated an irrigation system that uses water from the forest and mountain tops to
achieve an elaborate farming system
• still functional, show the innovative and ingenious way of the natives to survive in an
otherwise unfriendly environment

b. Science in Early Filipino Settlers

• Is embedded in the way of life of the people
• Scientific knowledge is observed in the way they plant their crops that provide them food, in
taking care of animals to help them in their daily tasks and for food production
• Is observed in the way they interpret the movements of heavenly bodies to predict the
seasons and climates and in organizing days into months and years
• Use science in preparing the soil for agricultural purposes and like any other ancient
cultures, they discovered the medicinal uses of plants

c. Technology in Early Filipino Settlers

• Is used by people in building houses, irrigations and in developing tools that they can use in
everyday life
• They developed tools for planting, hunting, cooking and fishing; for fighting their enemies
during war or tribal conflicts; and for transportation, both on land and on waterways
• They developed technologies in creating musical instruments
• The different archeological artifacts discovered in different parts of the country also prove
that the Metal Age also had a significant influence on the lives of early Filipinos
• The sophisticated designs of gold and silver jewelry, ceramics and metal tools helped in the
development of different tools
II. Colonial Period
a. Spanish Colonial Period
Introduction of Formal Education and focus on Science and Technology
• Spaniards established schools for both boys and girls
• Concepts of subjects and disciplines were introduced
• Science education emphasized understanding of human anatomy, plants, animals, and
celestial bodies
• Indigenous materials were utilized to replicate imported technology

Galleon Trade’s Impact and Contributions of Filipino Students

• Galleon trade brought additional technology, ideas, crops, tools, and cultural practices.
• However, benefits primarily favored the Spaniards
• Filipino students who studied in Europe played a crucial role in advancing various fields like
medicine, engineering, arts, music, and literature

Superstitions, Catholic Doctrines and Modern Construction Techniques and Infrastructure

• Despite technological advancements, superstitious beliefs and Catholic doctrines hindered

the growth of science.
• Spanish introduced modern means of construction, including walls, roads, bridges, and large
infrastructures.
b. American Colonial Period
Influence of Americans in the Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines
• Modernized almost all aspects of life
• Established a government agency, the Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing
developments in the field of science and technology
• Established the public education system, improved the engineering works and the health
conditions of the people
 • Established a modern research university. The University of the Philippines and created
more public hospitals than the former colonial master
• The mineral resources of the country were also explored and exploited
• Transportation and communication systems were improved, though not accessible
throughout the country
• Reorganized the learning of science and introduced it in public and private schools
• The teaching of science in higher education also greatly improved and modernized
• Researches were done to control malaria, cholera and tuberculosis and other tropical
diseases

Development of human resources of the Philippines during the Americans is beneficial:

• These allowed American scholars to introduce new knowledge and technology in the
country
• The Protestant church missions in different places in the country also brought hospitals
and schools for far flung areas

During the World War II has destabilized the development of the country in many ways

• Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were burned, and many lives
were destroyed
• The country had a difficult time to rebuild itself from the ruins of the war
c. During World War II
• The reparation funds focused on building some institutions and public facilities like schools,
hospitals and transportation systems
• The reparation money from Japan was also concentrated on building highways and in
providing technological training and human resource developments in the country
• Since the establishment of the new republic, the whole nation has been focusing on using its
limited resources in improving its science and technological capability
• It has explored the use of ODA or Overseas Development Allocations from different
countries to help the country improve its scientific productivity and technological capability
Human resource
• The development of science and technology in the Philippines, based on its brief history is,
shaped by several factors and influences
• History of science in other countries, it is always shaped by human and social activities, both
internal and external
• Improving the quality of science education still remains as a big challenge in the country
• School science from basic education to graduate education is improving slowly and there are
only few students enrolling in Science and Technology courses
III. Post-Colonial Period
a. Main Factors of Post-Colonial Period
• The number of state universities and college has been increasing since 1946
• The rise of professional organizations of scientist and engineers
• The National Science Development Board (NDSB) was established 1958
b. Contributions of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In the Development of Science, Technology and
Nation Building in the Philippines
• He revitalized science courses in public high school
• Philippine Coconut Research Institute and Philippine Textile Research Institute was
established by NDSB
• Philippine Atomic Energy Commission of NDSB
• National Grains Authority (1972)
• Established Philippine Council for Agricultural Research
• Established Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA)
 • Created Philippine National Oil Company (1973)- established National Academy of Science
and Technology (1976)
• Constituted the Health Sciences center (1979)
• Created National Committee on Geological Science (1980)
• Established Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science Highschool
c. Special Mention:
• President Corazon Aquino- created the Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology
• President Fidel Ramos- Science and Technology Agenda for National Development (STAND)
was established
• President Joseph Estrada- Philippine Clean Air act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749)
-Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (republic Act No. 8792)
• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo- R. a 9367 or the “Biofuels” act
-imposes Republic Act 10601 “Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law”

A. Human Flourishing in Science, Technology and Society

Science and Technology (Ayush Raj)
• The goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake
• The goal of technology is to create products that solve problems and improve human life
• Technology is the practical application of science
• Technology become part of us already
• Technology is relative
• Our schedule is relative to the technology we are using
• Consume most of our time

Technology as a Product of Human Reason and freedom

• Man is a rational and with his rationally comes also his creativity
• This creativity means man has the capacity to innovate whatever are those available and create new
things which other animals cannot

Eudaimonia

• literally “good spirited”

• term coined by renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle
• to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable by humans
• often been translated to “human flourishing” (likening humans to flowers achieving their full bloom)
• result of different components such as phronesis, friendship, wealth and power
• in Ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring these qualities will surely bring the seekers
happiness, which in effect allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we called the Good
• as time change, elements that comprises human flourishing changed, which are subject to dynamic
social history as written by humans
• people found means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more products, and
make more money, and then repeating the process in full circle
• the progress of human civilizations throughout history mirrors the development of science and
technology
• the human person, as both the bearer and beneficiary of science and technology, flourishes and
finds meaning in the world that he/she builds
• in the person’s pursuit of the good life, he/she may unconsciously acquire, consume, or destroy
what the world has to offer
• It is thus necessary to reflect on the things that truly matters
• Science and technology must be taken as part of human life that merits reflective and as the German
philosopher Martin Heidegger says meditative thinking
 • Science and technology, despite its methodical and technical nature, gives meaning to the life of a
person making his/her way in the world
• To be able to appreciate the fruits of science and technology, they must be examined not only for
their function and instrumentality but also for their greater impact on humanity as a whole
• The various gadgets, machines, appliances and vehicles are all tools that make human lives easier
because they serve as a means to an end
• Their utility lies on providing people with a certain good, convenience or knowledge
• Medical research employs the best scientific and technological principles to come up with cures for
diseases and ways to prevent illnesses to ensure a good quality of life

B. Technology as Mode of Revealing

• Martin Heidegger urges to question technology and see beyond people’s common understanding of
it
• According to ancient doctrine, the essence of a thing is considered to be what the thing is
• We ask question concerning technology when we ask what it is
• Everyone knows that two statements that answer our question
• One says: Technology is a means to an end
• The other says: Technology is a human activity
• The two definitions of technology belong together
• This definition is correct but not necessarily true
• The “true” entails so much more meaning and significance
• Heidegger, however, asserted that the true can be pursued through correct
• In other words, the experience and understanding of what is correct lead us to what is true
• Heidegger urged people to envision technology as mode of revealing as it shows so much more
about human person and the world
• Technology is a way of bringing forth, a making something
• By considering technology as a mode of revealing, then the truth is brought forth
• Heidegger put forward to ancient Greek concepts of Aletheia, poiesis, and techne
• Aletheia means unhiddenness or disclosure
• Poeisis is defined as bringing forth. For Aristotle, it means making or producing something for a
purpose
• Techne (root word for technology) means skills, art or craft. It means bringing forth something
• Thus, in Heidegger’s work, technology is a poeisis that discloses or reveals the truth

Technology as Poeisis: Applicable to Modern Technology?

• Does the idea that technology is poeisis apply to modern technology?

• Heidegger characterizes modern technology as a challenging forth since it is very aggressive in its
activity
• Modern technology may also be a model of revealing but not as the harmonious bringing forth
• Modern technology challenges nature and demands of its resources that are forcibly extracted for
human consumption and storage
• With modern technology, revealing never comes to an end
• Revealing always happens on our own terms as everything is on demand
• Information at our fingertips, food harvested even out of season, etc.
• We no loner need to work with the rhythms of nature because we have learned to control it
• We order nature and extract, process, make ready for consumption and store what we have forced
it to reveal
• Heidegger described modern technology as the age of switches, standing reserve and stockpiling for
its own sake. This observation is manifested in the mechanization and digitization of many aspects of
our lives-----from agriculture to communications and transportation, among many others

Questioning as the Piety of Thought

 • In this stepping back and taking stock of things, we begin to wonder and question
• One may admire the intricacy of mechanisms and the sophistication of mobile applications
• There is so much wealth of insights that can be gathered when people stop, think, and question
• Normally, piety is associated with being religious but for Heidegger, piety means obedience and
submission

Enframing: Way of Revealing in Modern Technology

• The way of revealing in modern technology is an enframing

• This enframing that challenges forth and sets upon nature is a way of looking at reality
• In simpler terms, it is as if nature is put in a box or in a frame so that it can be better understood and
controlled according to people’s desires
• Poeisis is concealed in enframing as nature viewed as an orderable and calculable system of
information
• According to Heidegger, in calculative thinking one orders and puts system to nature so it can be
understood better and controlled
• In meditative thinking, one lets nature reveal itself to him/her without forcing it. One kind of
thinking is not in itself better than the other
• The human person has the faculty for both and would do well to use them in synergy. However,
people also want to control and are afraid of unpredictability, so calculative thinking is more often
used
• Enframing is done because people want security, even if the ordering that happens enframing is
violent and even if the Earth is made as a big gasoline station from which we extract, stockpile and
put in standing---reserve, ready to be used as we see fit
• However, enframing as the mode of revealing in modern technology tends to block poeisis. The
poetry that is found in nature can no longer be easily appreciated when nature is enframed.

Human Person Swallowed by Technology

• Though it is true that individual takes part in the revealing of nature, limits must still be recognized
• If we allow ourselves to get swallowed by modern technology, we lose the essence of who we are as
beings in this world
• If we are constantly plugged online and no longer have the capacity for authentic personal
encounters, then we are truly swallowed by technology
• If we cannot let go of the conveniences and profits brought about by processes and industries that
pollute the environment and cause climate change, then technology has consumed our humanity

The Good Life

• Everyone is in pursuit of the good life

• We do certain things because we want to achieve a life which will make us happy and content

Topic 5

A. The Good Life

• Everyone is in pursuit of the good life
• We do certain things because we want to achieve a life which will make us happy and content
• By studying and working hard, we try to attain this goal not only for ourselves but also for our loved
ones and the rest of humanity
• People’s definition of the good life may vary and differ in particulars
• Everyone is moving towards the good. Thus, completing one’s studies, training for sport, or taking a
rest is a good.
• The good is expressed and manifested in many various ways for different persons and circumstances
 • The good life, however, is more than these countless expressions of what is good. It is characterized
by happiness that springs from living and doing well. The ancient Greeks called this concept of “living
well and doing well” as eudaimonia
• The word came from the Greek word eu meaning “good” and daimon meaning “spirit”. Taken
together, it generally refers to the good life, which is marked by happiness and excellence
• It is a flourishing life filled with meaningful endeavors that empower the human person to be the
best version of himself/herself
• According to Aristotle. Happiness is the ultimate end of human action. It is that which people pursue
for its own sake.
• Happiness defines a good life. This happiness, however, is not the kind that comes from sensate
pleasure. It is that which comes from living a life of virtue, a life of excellence, manifested from the
personal to the global scale
• Thus, disregard for virtuous actions, especially for the sake of convenience and gratification, does
not contribute to happiness
• The good life is marked by happiness brought about by virtuous human actions and decisions that
affect the individual self and the greater community
• It is characterized by a life of flourishing of oneself and others. The good life does not happen in a
bubble where only one person is flourishing; others have to be in it, too
• Virtue plays a significant role in the living and attainment of the good life
• It is the constant practice of the good no matter how difficult the circumstances may be
• Virtue is the excellence of character that empowers one to do and be good. Such virtue is cultivated
with habit and discipline as it is not a one-time deed, but a constant and consistent series of actions
• Everyone has the capacity within himself/herself to be good, but he/she also has to be disciplined to
make a habit of exercising the good
• The onward progress of science and technology is also the movement towards the good life
• Science and technology are one of the highest expressions of human faculties. They allow us to
thrive and flourish in life if we so deserve it
• Science and technology may also corrupt a person, but grounding oneself in virtue will help him/her
steer clear of danger

B. When Technology and Human Cross

• The good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens have the freedom to
flourish
• The human person has the autonomy to make choices which may enable the flourishing of his/her
self and society
• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
on December 10, 1948 as the global standard of fundamental human rights for universal recognition
and protection
• The UDHR begins, “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable
rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the
world” (UDHR Preamble)
• As implied, everyone has absolute moral worth by virtue of being human
• Human dignity is an ultimate core value of our existence. When we full recognize and appreciate this
truth in ourselves and in all the persons around us, regardless of their status in life, then we pave the
way for a just and progressive society.
• It is in this kind of society that we are able to become fully human—more free, more rational and
more loving
• Human beings become more free when we are empowered to make choices for our flourishing
• We become more rational when we are able to value and apply the principles of logic and science in
our lives. We become more loving when we ensure that human dignity lies at the foundation of our
endeavors, whether scientific or not.
 • It entails knowing one’s fundamental human rights that must always be protected in the face of
changing conditions

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• The UDHR explicates the fundamental human rights in 30 articles

• It outlines inalienable human rights that are vital and necessary in the pursuit of the good life. These are the
freedoms everyone is entitled to and guaranteed by virtue of being human
• The first seven articles of the UDHR encapsulated the spirit of this so-called “milestone document in the
history of human rights”. They are as follows

UDHR Articles

I. Article 1
• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights
• They are endowered with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a
spirit of brotherhood
II. Article 2
• Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedom set forth in the Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status
• Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political jurisdictional or
intentional status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be
independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty
III. Article 3
• Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of persons
IV. Article 4
• No one shall be held in slavery or servitude, slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in
all their forms
V. Article 5
• No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment
VI. Article 6
• Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law
VII. Article 7
• All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection
of the law
• All are entitled to equal protection against discrimination in violation of this Declaration and
against any incitement to such discrimination

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has a long, bloody, history

• Crafted in 1948, after World War II, the UDHR now serves as a common understanding of what each
person’s fundamental rights are
• These rights apply to everyone, everywhere
• It is imperative that we all know and live these rights to prevent injustice and oppression

Human VS Robots
• The rise of the machines accompanying the progress in science and technology may render humans
useless
• Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machinery. Computers become more and more
sophisticated. Robots, usually designed like human beings, are created to perform complex,
repetitive or dangerous tasks.
• With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), robots may also eventually act and decide like
humans
• In the possibility that machines adopt the nature of humans, there is a need to reflect on the ethical
problems posed by such development
• In the future, when machines and robots become more human-like, with all the attendant feelings
and thoughts, people may also have to consider the ethical treatment for AI
• It is also interesting to note that as machines and Robot approach having a human-like nature,
humans may also have the tendency to become machine-like
• Since many of the things people need, from convenience to information, are available with just the
touch and swipe of the fingertips, humans begin to function more like automations
• The internet has become an instant go-to tool for answers to questions
• More often than not, people accept what the search engine, like google, spews out in byte sizes and
forget how to process, read, think further, or put things in context
• As the internet gets more intelligent, we are in danger of becoming less
• In the article, “Is google making us stupid?” Nicolas Carr (2008) asserted that “as we come to rely on
computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into
artificial intelligence”
• The development of society along with science and technology gives fise to more and more complex
issues
• What is vital is that, at the very least, we are able to protect and exercise huma rights for everyone
in our pursuit of the good life
• It is important that amid these developments, human beings become more free, more rational and
more loving in our practice of science and technology
• As we examine contemporary issues in science and technology—information, genetically modified
organisms, nanotechnology and climate change—we keep in mind that the building of a just and
progressive society entails the constant practice of the good
• It may be exhibited in exceptional scientific methodologies, personal virtue, social responsibility and
global concern