A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In
GE 4

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND

SOCIETY
 
 
 
 

 
College of Arts and Sciences
 
 
 Module No. 3

Science, Technology, and Society

and the Human Condition

1st Semester 2020-2021

Harmann Rey D. Golez

Instructor 1

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Table of Contents

Introduction to the User.....................................................................................4

Introduction........................................................................................................5
Chapter 2: Science, Technology, and Society and the
Human Condition.............................................................................6
Lesson 1: Human Flourishing..........................................................................8
Science, Technology, and Human Flourishing..........................................10
Science as Methods and Results................................................................10
Verification Theory.....................................................................................11
Falsification Theory....................................................................................12
Science as a Social Endeavor......................................................................13
Science and Results....................................................................................14
Science as Education..................................................................................14
How Much is Too Much.............................................................................15
References...........................................................................................................19

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 INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about Human Flourishing.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning
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STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

INTRODUCTION

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 This module serves as an alternative learning material for usual way of
classroom teaching and learning (face-to-face). The instructor will explain and
details this module to the students to achieve its expected learning outcomes. This
module also has activities and exercises that will assess the students’ learning in this
time of pandemic.

This module will give students the idea on human flourishing. Students will
also learn that humans generally have a notion on what it means to flourish; albeit in
the advent of science and technology. In this module, students will also learn that
science and technology has been part of human activity since the beginning of our
species. It has aided human in survival and helped us outsmart human adversaries,
provided humans comfortable living, allowed humans to explore the world, and
assisted humans in discovering more about themselves. This module will also give
the students’ idea that every person has his perspective when it comes to what
comprises the good life. This module also teaches students the different technological
advancements in all forms of sizes may it be inside the home, the workplace, the
learning place, or simply on the streets.

On the other hand, this kind of learning delivery could only be effective upon
the edge of your whole-hearted support and understanding in all lessons and
enthusiastically and honestly answering all exercises and activities.

Chapter 2: Science, Technology, and Society and the Human Condition

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 Overview

This module will give students the idea on human flourishing. Students
will also learn that humans generally have a notion on what it means to
flourish; albeit in the advent of science and technology. In this module,
students will also learn that science and technology has been part of human
activity since the beginning of our species. It has aided human in survival and
helped us outsmart human adversaries, provided humans comfortable living,
allowed humans to explore the world, and assisted humans in discovering
more about themselves. This module will also give the students’ idea that
every person has his perspective when it comes to what comprises the good
life. This module also teaches students the different technological
advancements in all forms of sizes may it be inside the home, the workplace,
the learning place, or simply on the streets.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Identify different conceptions 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 good life;
4. Explain the concept of human condition before science technology;
5. Identify the change that happened in human condition after science
and technology;
6. Name ways on how technology aided in revealing the truth about the
human being;
7. Examine what is meant by a good life;
8. Identify how humans attempt to attain what is deemed to be a good
life;
9. Recognize possibilities available to human being to attain good life;
10. Know different technological advancements in society;
11. Discuss the development of science and technology in the Philippines;
12. Discuss the effects of the interplay between technology and humanity
through the dilemma(s) they face.

Pre-test

Note! Pre-test will be on google forms and will be uploaded on the group
chat or you can answer it directly to the google classroom.

LESSON 1: HUMAN FLOURISHING

A. Learning Outcomes
1. identify different conceptions of human flourishing;

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 2. determine the development of the scientific method and validity of
science; and
3. critic human flourishing vas-a-vis progress of science and technology to
be able to define for themselves the meaning of a good life.

B. Time Allotment
3 hrs.

C. Discussion

Eudaimonia, literally “good spirited,” is a

term coined by renowned Greek philosopher
Aristotle (385-323 BC) to describe the pinnacle
of happiness that is attainable by humans. This has
often been translated into “human flourishing” in
literature, arguably likening humans to flowers
achieving their full bloom. As discussed in the Aristotle. This Photo by Unknown
Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Nocomachean Ethics, Aristotle’s human flourishing
arises as a result of different components such a phronesis, friendship,
wealth, and power. In the 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 call the
Good.

As times change, elements that comprise human flourishing

changed, which are subject to the 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 the
process in full circle. In the beginning, early people relied on simple
machines to make hunting and gathering easier. This development allowed
them to make grander and more sophisticated machines to aid them in
their endeavors that eventually led to space explorations, medicine
innovations and ventures of life air death. Our concept of human
flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle originally
perceived then—humans of today are expected to become a "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. Competition as a means of survival, has become
passé; coordination is the new trend.

Interestingly, there exists a discrepancy between eastern and

western conception regarding society and human flourishing. It has been
observed that western civilization tends to be more focused on the
individual, while those from the east are more community-centric. Human
flourishing as an end then is primarily more of a concern for western
civilizations over eastern ones. This is not to discredit our kinsfolk from
the east; perhaps in their view, community takes the highest regard that
the individual should sacrifice himself for the sake of the society. This is
apparent in the Chinese Confucian System or the Japanese Bushido, both
of which view the whole as greater than their components. The Chinese

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and the Japanese encourage studies of literature, sciences, and art, not -
entirely for oneself but in service of a greater cause.

The Greek Aristotelian view, on the other hand, aims for

eudaimonia as the ultimate good; there is no indication whatsoever that
Aristotle entailed it instrumental to achieve some other goals. Perhaps, a
person who has achieved such state would want to serve the community;
but that is brought upon through deliberation based on his values rather
than his belief that the state is greater than him, and thus is only
appropriate that he should recognize it as a higher entity worthy of service.

Nevertheless, such stereotypes cannot be said to be true given

current stance of globalization, Flourishing borders allowed people full
access to cultures that as a result, very few are able to maintain their
original philosophies. It is in this regard that we would tackle human
flourishing—in a global perspective and as a man of the world.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

In the previous chapters, contributions of science and technology

laid down thoroughly. Every discovery, innovation, and success contribute
to our pool of human knowledge. Perhaps, one of the most prevalent
themes is human's perpetual need to locate himself in the world by finding
proofs to trace evolution.

The business of uncovering the secrets of the universe answers the

question of our existence and provides us something to look forward to.
Having a particular role, which is uniquely ours, elicits our idea of self-
importance. It is in this regard that human flourishing is deeply
intertwined with goal setting relevant to science and technology. In this
case, the latter is relevant as a tool in achieving the former or echoing
Heidegger's statement, technology is a human activity that we excel in as a
result of achieving science. Suffice to say that the end goals of both science
and technology and human flourishing are related, in that the good is
inherently related to the truth. The following are two concepts about
science which ventures its claim on truth.

SCIENCE AS METHOD AND RESULTS

For the most part, science’s reputation stems from the objectivity
brought upon by an arbitrary, rigid methodology whose very character
absolves it from any accusation of prejudice. Such infamy effectively raised
science in a pedestal untouchable by other institutions—its sole claim to
reason and empiricism—garnering supporters who want to defend it and
its ways.

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 In school, the scientific method is introduced in the earlier part dl
discussions. Even though the number of steps varies, it presents a general
idea of how to do science:

1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained occurrences

unfolding.

2. Determine the problem and identify factors involved.

3. Through past knowledge of similar instance, formulate

hypothesis that could explain the said phenomenon. Ideally,
the goal is to reject the null hypothesis and accept the
alternative hypothesis for the study "to count as significant" (can
also be separated into additional steps such as “to generate
prediction” or “to infer from past experiments).

4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and

independent variables, and trying to see how independent ones
affect dependent ones.

5. Gather and analyze results throughout and upon culmination

of the experiment. Examine if the data gathered are significant
enough to conclude results.

6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation in

case others would want to broaden the study.

At least in the students' formative years, the above routine is basic

methodology when introducing them to experimentation and empiricism—
two distinct features that give science edge over other schools of thought.
Throughout the course of history, however, there exists heavy objections
on the scientific procedure; the line separating science and the so-called
pseudoscience becomes more muddled.

VERIFICATION THEORY

The earliest criterion that distinguishes philosophy and science is

verification theory. The idea proposes that a discipline is science if it can
be confirmed or interpreted in the event of an alternative hypothesis being
accepted. In that regard, said theory gives premium to empiricism
and only takes into account those results which are measurable
and experiments which are repeatable. This was espoused by a movement
in the early twentieth century called the Vienna Circle, a group of
scholars who believed that only those which can be observed should be
regarded as meaningful and reject those which cannot be directly
accessed as meaningless.

Initially, this proved to be attractive due to general consensus from

people, which happened to see for themselves how the experiment
occurred, solidifying its validity and garnering supporters from esteemed
figures. Its shortcomings, however, proved to be a somewhat too risky—

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several budding theories that lack empirical results might be shot down
prematurely, causing slower innovation and punishing ingenuity of newer,
novel thoughts. Celebrated discoveries in physics, for instance, are initially
theorized without acknowledgment of their being. Einstein's theory on the
existence of gravitational waves would, following this thought, be
dismissed due to lack of evidence almost hundred years ago. Quantum
mechanics would not have prospered if the scientific society during the
time of Edwin Schrodinger did not entertain his outrageous thought that
the cat in the box is both dead and alive, which can only be determined
once you look in the box yourself.

Aside from the above critique, this theory

completely fails to weed out bogus arguments that
explain things coincidentally. A classic example is
astrology, whose followers are able to employ the
verification method in asserting its reliability. The
idea is that since one already has some sort of
expectations on what to find, they will interpret
events in line with said expectations. American
philosopher Thomas Kuhn warned us against
bridging the gap between evidence and theory by
attempting to interpret the former according to
our own biases, that is, whether or not we
subscribe to the theory. Below is a short story illustrating this point:

Suppose, for instance, this girl, Lea has a (not-so-scientific) theory

that her classmate Ian likes her. Good, she thought, I like him too. But how
do I know that he likes me?

She began by observing him and his interactions with her. Several
gestures she noted include his always exchanging pleasantries with her
whenever they bump into each other, his big smile when he sees her, and
him going out of his way to greet her even when riding a jeepney. Through
these observations, she was then able to conclude that Ian does like her
because, she thought, why would anyone do something like that for a
person he does not like.

As it turns out, however, 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 above story, is it justified for Lea to think that Ian does
not like her? Not quite. The next criterion also warns us about the danger
of this view.

FALSIFICATION THEORY

Perhaps the current prevalent methodology in science,

falsification theory asserts that as long as an ideology is not proven to

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be false and can best explain a phenomenon, over alternative theories, we
should accept the said ideology.

Due to its hospitable character, the

shift to this theory allowed emergence of
theories otherwise rejected by
verification theory. It does not promote
ultimate adoption of one theory but
instead encourages research in order to
determine winch among the theories can
stand the test of falsification. The
strongest one is that which is able to
remain upheld amidst various tests, while
being able to make particularly risky
predictions about the world. Karl Popper is the known proponent of this
view. He was notorious for stating that up-and-coming theories of the
time, such as Marx's Theory of Social History and Sigmund Freud's
Psychoanalysis, are not testable and thus not falsifiable, and subsequently
questioning their status as scientific. Albeit majority of scientists.
nowadays are more inclined to be Popperian in their beliefs, this theory,
similar to the theory above presents certain dangers by interpreting an
otherwise independent evidence in light of their pet theory.

To illustrate, previous story is restated:

Ian is generally everybody's friend. He likes to be around people and

generally aspires to become everybody's friend. However, there is this 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
avoids his glances. Through this, he concluded that Lea does not like him
and does his best to show her that he is not a threat. He began greeting her
whenever they pass by each other at the corridor, even going so far as
calling her attention when he was in the jeepney and saw her walking past.
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 yet for Lea and Ian, we can thus
see how in this case, 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 for
it to be set aside. Similarly, there is no assurance that observable event or
"evidences" are indeed manifestations of a certain concept or “theories.”
Thus, even though, theoretically, falsification method is more accepted,
scientists are still not convinced that it should be regarded as what makes a
discipline scientific.

SCIENCE AS A SOCIAL ENDEAVOR

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 Due to inconclusiveness of the methodologies previously cited, a
new school of thought on the p demarcation criterion of science emerged.
Several philosophers such Paul Thagard, Imre Lakatos, Helen Longino,
David Bloor, and Richard Rorty, among others, presented an alternative
demarcation that explores the social dimension of science and effectively,
technology. Sciences cease to belong solely to gown-wearing, bespectacled
scientists at laboratories. The new view perpetuates a dimension which
generally benefits the society. For instance, far-off places in South America
where many of the tribes remain uncontacted do not regard western
science as their science. Whatever their science is, it can be ascertained
that it is in no way inferior to that of globalized peoples' science. Thus, it
presents an alternative notion that goes beyond the boundaries of cold,
hard facts of science and instead projects it in a different light, such as a
manifestation of shared experience forging solidarity over communities.

(Left to right: Paul Thagard, Imre Lakatos, Helen Longino, David Bloor, and Richard Rorty)

SCIENCE AND RESULTS

For the most part, people who do not understand science are won
over when the discipline is able to produce results. Similar to when Jesus
performed miracles and garnered followers, people are sold over the
capacity of science to do stuff they cannot fully comprehend. In this
particular argument, however, science is not the only discipline which is
able to produce results—religion, luck, and human randomness are some
of its contemporaries in the field. For some communities without access to
science, they can turn to divination and superstition and still get the same
results. Science is not entirely foolproof, such that it is correct 100% of the
time. Weather reports, for one, illustrate fallibility and limitations of their
scope, as well as their inability to predict disasters. The best that can be
done during an upcoming disaster is to reinforce materials to be more
calamity proof and restore the area upon impact. It can be then concluded
that science does not monopolize the claim for definite results.

SCIENCE AS EDUCATION

Aforementioned discussion notes that there is no such thing as a

singular scientific method, offering instead variety of procedures that
scientists can experiment with to get results and call them science.
Discoveries in physics, specifically in quantum mechanics, appeared to
have debunked the idea of objectivity in reality, subscribing instead to

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alternative idea called intersubjectivity. With objectivity gone, it has lost its
number one credence. Nevertheless, there still exists a repressing concept
that comes about as a result of unjustified irreverence of science—our
preference of science-inclined students over those which are less adept.

There are distinct portions in entrance exams in the secondary and

tertiary levels that are dedicated to science and mathematics. In the
Philippines, a large distribution. of science high schools can be found all
over the country, forging competition for aspiring students to secure a slot
and undergo rigorous science and mathematics training based on
specialized curricula. Although arguable as these schools also take great
consideration in providing holistic education by assuring that other non-
science courses are covered, adeptness in science and mathematics are the
primary condition to be admitted. This preference is also reflects on the
amount of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
offering schools accommodating Grades 11 and 12. Among all the clusters
being offered, STEM trumps the remaining clusters in terms of popularity
and distribution, with Accounting and Business coming in as a close
second. One might prefer that there is more demand in this field as
students are preconditioned that the field would latter land them high-
paying jobs and a profitable career after graduation.

How is science perceived by those who graduated from this field?

A couple of years ago, a student entered a class all curious and

excited. When he was made to report on Paul Feyerabend's work How to
Defend Society Against Science one day, he looked nonconforming,
steadfastly refusing to consider the author's ideas on science and critiquing
him instead. When asked why, he reasoned out that he had come from a
science high school and was trained to regard science in a distinct accord.
As isolated a case as it may seem, it somewhat suggests that the
aforementioned kind of academic environment has made students
unwelcoming of objections against science. Reminiscent of Paul
Feyerabend's sentiment above, he thinks how the educational system can
hone and preserve students' capacity to entertain other options and decide
for themselves the best among all presented. It will thus reinforce their
imagination and allow some level of unorthodoxy, bringing forth novel
discoveries that otherwise would not be considered had they stuck to the
default methodology. Innovations are brought forth by visionaries, not the
prude legalists, and several notable figures in science even consider
themselves as outsiders.

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 to, say, socialize with people or ponder 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

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dimensions, such as linguistic, kinetic, artistic, and socio-civic. Thus, he
understands that he should not focus on one aspect alone.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

In 2000, world leaders signed the Millennium Development

Goals (MDG) that targets eight concerns, one of which states that they
should be able to forge a global partnership for development. In as much
as the institutes imposing them do so in good faith, the primary goal to
achieve growth for all might prove to be fatal in the long run.

Economists believed 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 in
enabling them to pursue said goal, utilizing resources, machineries, and

labor. What is missing in this 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.
Figure 1. Millennium Development Goals (MDG) goals.

If the MDG convention's intent was to get everyone in the growth

ship, that ship will surely sink before leaving the port. The same analogy
applies to the capacity of nature to accommodate us, which Joseph Hickel
contemplated on, suggesting that developed countries should not push
forth more growth but instead adopt "de-development" policies or else,
everybody loses. The rapid pace of technological growth allows no room for
nature to recover, resulting in exploitation and irreversible damages to
nature. Right now, we experiencing consequences of the said exploits in
the hands of man-made climate change, which would snowball and affect
majority of flora and fauna, driving half of the latter extinct in less than a
hundred year from now. If this continues in its currently alarming rate, we
might bring about our own extinction.

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D. Activities/Exercises

Activity 1. Directions: State a brief history or discovery that brought

about the invention or discovery of the things stated below. State their
contribution in our scientific development. Do this in a PowerPoint
presentation and also include pictures/images of the said items as well as
their inventors/discoverers. (20 pts.)

1. Gravity
2. Telescope
3. Microscope
4. Processed food
5. Radio
6. Benzene Ring
7. Large Hadron Collider
8. Guns
9. Internet
10. Cell phones

Refer to the following criteria for grading:

 Photos/images – 5 pts.
 History – 10 pts.
 Contribution to science – 5 pts.

Activity 2. Directions: Determine the possible alternatives to growth

and development. List down at least five (5) ways to promote sustainable
living. (15 pts.)

E. Evaluation/Post-test

Note! Pre-test will be on google forms and will be uploaded on the group
chat or you can answer it directly to the google classroom.

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References

Bloor, D. (1981). The Strengths of the Strong Programme." Philosophy of the Social
Sciences, 11 (2):199.

Dayrit, F.M. (2011). "Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm for the 21st
Century." Stellar Origins Human Ways. Ed. Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng. 231-
57.

Ferngren„ G. (Ed). (2000). Encyclopedia of the History of Science and Religion in

the Western Tradition. New York: Garland.

Feyerabend, P. (1975). "How to Defend Society Against Science.” Radical Philosophy

11 (1):3-9.

Hempel, C.G. (1966). Philosophy of Natural Science. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice
Hall.

Hickel, J. (2015). “Forget ‘Developing’ Rich Countries, Its Time to 'De-Develop' Rich
Countries." Accessed February 10, 2017.
https://www.theguardian.com/global-clevelopment-professionals-network/
2015/sep/23/developing-poor-countries-de-dev rich-countries-sdgs.

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Congratulations for completing this module!

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 Vision 2020
WPU: the leading knowledge center for sustainable
development of West Philippines and beyond.

Mission
WPU commits to develop quality human resource and green
technologies for a dynamic economy and sustainable
development through relevant instruction,
research and extension services.

Core Values (3CT)

Culture of Excellence
Commitment
Creativity
Teamwork

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