Human

Flourishing and
Good Life
GERALD M. SALAS
Defining Human
Flourishing and Good
Life
• Human flourishing encompasses optimal well-
being, including physical health, mental stability,
and emotional and spiritual fulfillment. Rooted in
Aristotle's concept of "eudaimonia," it aims for a
virtuous and meaningful life.
• The good life is a subjective term often equated
with happiness but extends to include fulfillment,
achievement, and well-being. It varies from person
to person and involves meeting basic needs and
finding purpose.
Different Perspectives
and the Role of
Science and
Technology
• Various philosophical traditions offer differing
views on human flourishing. Stoicism focuses
on virtue and self-control, while Hedonism
emphasizes pleasure as the ultimate good.
• Science and technology play a dual role in
human flourishing. They offer advancements
like medical cures but also pose ethical
dilemmas, such as the misuse of technology
and ethical concerns in medical science.
Aristotle's Virtue (Arete)

Components
The cornerstone of eudaimonia, virtue encompasses
moral and social qualities like courage and justice. It
serves as a moral compass guiding actions and

of Human decisions.
• Example: A firefighter's courage in saving lives

Flourishing
contributes to individual and community well-
being.

Reason (Logos)
Essential for ethical decision-making, reason allows
individuals to discern right from wrong.
• Example: A scientist using ethical reasoning in
research contributes to human knowledge.
Aristotle's Pleasure (Hedone)
Components Necessary but not ultimate, pleasure should align

of Human with virtuous actions.

• Example: Pleasure from helping others is more

Flourishing
virtuous than pleasure from excessive eating.

Friendship (Philia)
A key element providing emotional support and
enriching lives.
• Example: A long-lasting friendship based on
mutual respect contributes to overall well-being.
Aristotle's Wealth and Resources

Components Necessary for engaging in virtuous activities, but not

of Human
the end goal.
• Example: Financial stability allows for charitable
donations and educational investments.

Flourishing

Intellectual Engagement
Involvement in political and social activities is crucial
for eudaimonia.
• Example: Community service or local governance
provides a sense of purpose.
Aristotle's
Components
of Human Practical Wisdom (Phronesis)
Flourishing The ability to make morally good decisions based on
rational thought.
• Example: A medical doctor's ethical discernment
in treatment contributes to patient well-being.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Materialism
Focuses on material wealth as the primary determinant of
happiness. Science and technology drive this by offering
advanced consumer goods. Raises ethical and environmental
concerns.
• Example: Advancements in nanotechnology leading to
luxurious products but also causing environmental
degradation.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Hedonism
Believes pleasure or happiness is the highest good. Science and
technology serve to maximize pleasure, such as medical
advancements for pain relief.
• Example: Streaming services designed to maximize pleasure
but may lead to addictive behaviors.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Stoicism
Advocates self-control and rationality. Technology should improve
but not control our lives.
• Example: A Stoic might use a smartphone for utility but won't
let notifications disrupt their peace of mind.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Stoicism
Advocates self-control and rationality. Technology should improve
but not control our lives.
• Example: A Stoic might use a smartphone for utility but won't
let notifications disrupt their peace of mind.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Theism
Defines life's purpose in terms of a relationship with a higher
power. Science and technology are seen through this ethical
lens.
• Example: Medical advancements as manifestations of divine
grace, leading to debates on ethical issues like genetic
engineering.
Schools of Thought
on Human
Flourishing
Humanism
Emphasizes human value, reason, ethics, and social justice.
Advocates for technology to address social issues.
• Example: Use of technology to combat poverty and
inequality, insisting on ethical considerations.
 Science and Technology in
Human Flourishing - Positive
Contributions
Water Advancemen
Autonomous
Purification ts in
Innovations like reverse osmosis and Genetically modified crops resistant Vehicles
Promises to revolutionize
UVTechnologies
water purification have improved Agriculture
to pests and harsh conditions can transportation by reducing accidents
access to clean water, reducing address food scarcity issues, caused by human error.
waterborne diseases and enhancing especially in developing countries.
well-being. • Ethical Consideration: Job loss
• Ethical Consideration: Debates on due to automation and moral
• Ethical Consideration: Ensuring long-term environmental impact algorithms in emergency
equitable access to these and patenting living organisms. situations.
technologies.
 Ethical Frameworks and Public
Policies

Science and
Necessary to guide the positive potential of science
and technology.
• Example: Ethical guidelines for water purification

Technology in technologies to ensure accessibility for those in

need.

Human Complex Interplay

Flourishing - The role of science and technology in human
flourishing involves a balance between benefits and

Balancing Act ethical considerations.

Balanced Approach
Integrating ethical reasoning with scientific
innovation is crucial for leveraging these tools
positively.
• Example: Public policies that consider both the
benefits and ethical implications of autonomous
vehicles.
Thank you for listening

GERALD M. SALAS
Assistant Professor IV