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UNIT 2: Science, Technology, and Society and the Human Condition
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes
a. Discuss human flourishing vis-à-vis the progress of science and technology so
that the student can define for himself/herself the meaning of the good life;
b. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life to come up with sound and
innovative solutions to contemporary issues;
c. Evaluate the human condition in order to reflect and enlighten the human
functioning in society.
2.1 Introduction
This unit introduces students to a number of relevant advances and trends in Science and
Technology and its functions, roles, and impacts in society. This also provide with
comprehensive knowledge on the human person flourishing in terms of science and
technology – what does it really mean to live a good life. Finally, this discusses the effects of
the interplay between technology and humanity through the dilemma/s they face.
2.2 Human Flourishing
Human flourishing is defined as an effort to achieve self-
actualization and fulfillment within the context of a larger
community of individuals, each with the right to pursue his
or her own such efforts. According to the Greek philosopher
Aristotle, eudaimonia, flourishing, or happiness is the
highest good of human endeavors and that toward which all
actions aim.
As times change, the elements that comprise human
flourishing also changed. People found means to live more
comfortably and sustain their perceived happiness.
2.3 The Good Life
In Ancient Greece, long before the word “science” has been coined, the need to understand
the world and reality was bound with the need to understand the self and the good life. It
was Aristotle who gave a definitive distinction between the theoretical and practical
sciences. Whereas “truth” is the aim of the theoretical sciences, the “good” is the end goal
of the practical ones.
Aristotle and How We All Aspire for a Good Life
It is interesting to note that the first philosopher who approached the problem of reality
from a “scientific” lens as we know now, is also the first thinker who dabbed into the
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complex problematization of the end goal of life: happiness.
For Aristotle, morality is the study of the good life. And the good life includes good choices,
good actions, good habits and good character. But what is ‘The Good Life”.
TIME TO THINK:
What does it really mean to live a good life?
Share your thoughts in the space provided here.
You may also use a separate sheet, if needed.
2.4 Happiness as the Goal of a Good Life
Aristotle claims that happiness is the be all and end all of everything we do. He does not
necessarily mean the everyday happiness but what he actually means is human flourishing,
a kind of contentment in knowing that one is getting the best out of life. What then is
happiness?
The ethical is, of course, meant to lead us to the good and happy life. Thorough the ages, man
has constantly struggled with the external world in order to reach human flourishing.
History has given birth to the different schools of thought, all of which aim for the good and
happy life.
1. Materialism
• The first materialists were the atomists in Ancient Greece –
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Democritus and Leucippus who believe that the world is made up of
and is controlled by the tiny indivisible units in the world called
atomos or seed.
• In terms of human flourishing, matter is what makes us attain happiness.
• Material wealth as the primary source of the meaning of their existence.
2. Hedonism
• The Hedonists for their part see the end goal of life in acquiring pleasure.
• Pleasure has always been the priority of hedonists, for them, life is
about obtaining and indulging in pleasure because life is limited.
• The mantra of this school of thought is the famous, “Eat, drink, and be
merry for tomorrow we die”
3. Stoicism
• School of thought led by Epicurus, that according to the stoics, that to
generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and be
apathetic. (apatheia) – to be indifferent.
• According to them, happiness can only be attained by a careful
practice of apathy.
4. Theism
• Most people find the meaning of their lives using God as a fulcrum of
their existence.
• The ultimate basis of happiness for theists is the communion with God.
•The world where we are in is only just a temporary reality where we
have to maneuver around while waiting for the ultimate return to the
hands ofGod.
5. Humanism
• Espouses freedom of man to carve his own destiny and to legislate his
own laws, free from the shackles of a God that monitors and controls.
• For humanists, man is literally the captain of the ship.
• Scientists eventually turned to technology in order to ease the
difficulty of life.
The Internet and smart phones made real-time communication possible not just between
two people, but even with multiple people simultaneously. Technology allowed us to
tinker with our sexuality. Biologically male individuals can now undergo medical
operation if the wish for sexual reassignment. Breast implants are now available and can
be done with relative convenience if anyone wishes to have one. Hormones may also be
injected in order to alter the sexual chemicals in the body.
Whether or not we agree with these technological advancements, these are all
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undertaken in the hopes of attaining good life. The balance, however, between the good
life, ethics, and technology has to be attained.
2.5 Technology as a Way of Revealing
Science and technology have impacted people’s way of life. People create ways to make life
easier and more comfortable. Advancements in medicine, technology, health and education
ushered in humanity’s best yet, and show no sign of stopping. Thus, it can be said that humans
of today are much better off compared to humans several centuries ago. Some of the notable
comparisons then and now are as follows:
1. Mortality Rate. Due to technology, lesser women and children die during birth, assuring
robust population and strong workforce.
2. Average Lifespan. Science can prolong lives by enhancing living status and discovering
different remedies to most disease.
3. Literacy Rate. Access to education provided to more individuals general creates a more
informed public.
4. Gross Domestic Product. Used to determine the value of the country’s goods and services
produced within the territory given a certain period.
2.5.1 The Essence of Technology
Technology proves to be goal-oriented. It assumes that it is instrumental in
achieving a goal in mind that is a purposeful, deliberate craft humans steer in order
to reach some greater good.
Activity 1:
What do you think will happen if things such as gadgets, light bulbs, internet, and
other technology innovations were not invented? What would happen to
humankind if technology did not exist?
Record a 1-2 minute video that would illustrate life without technology. Please
do the video recording at your respective homes only. You may send your outputs
in our shared drive or in our group chat.
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2.6 Recent Advances and Trends in Science and Technology and its Impact in
Society
Science Trends 2021
With the work of scientists firmly in the public spotlight — perhaps more than any time
before — 2021 is set to be a pivotal year for research and development, scientific
innovation, and technological progress (Lofts, 2021).
Action against Climate Catastrophe
The growing clamor among the public for sustainable products and services means we will
likely see increases in and priority placed on recycling, reduction of carbon footprint,
“green” technology, diversification from hydrocarbons, and a reduction of in-excess
packaging. In the private sector, we can also expect to see a major increase in research
spend.
As companies turn increasingly towards biodegradable plastics, biopolymers, recycled
plastics, bio-based chemicals, plant-based chemicals, and reduced solvent, the green
economy is poised to be a huge area of innovation — not just in 2021 but throughout the
rest of the decade and beyond. Indeed, in the next five years, the bio-based chemicals sector
is expected to achieve double- digit compound annual growth.
Vaccine Development and Rollout
The quest to find an effective COVID-19 vaccine was arguably the biggest trend to
punctuate science in 2020. In 2021, this will be no different, though the angle has shifted
from one of development to one of effective rollout.
Further Covid Recovery
Just as governments and public institutions have fully mobilized towards containing the
spread of the virus, life science institutions will continue to be under pressure to deliver
favorable outcomes. This will involve maintaining, replacing, and strengthening the supply
chain, as well as rebuilding a workforce that has been impacted by various lockdown
measures.
Space Exploration
Our knowledge of deep space will also broaden in scope in 2021. Mars will be the nexus for
space exploration for this year.
Nature and Conservation
While many experts believe a figure of 30% and upwards will help slow extinction rates
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and save the planet from ecological collapse by 2030, whether this target is enough
remains up for debate.
In other conservation-related news, the UN is set to outline the first treaty to preserve and
protect marine biodiversity in the high seas (international waters that do not fall under any
country’s jurisdiction). The treaty will outline a way to designate marine protected areas
(MPAs) and close the “biodiversity governance gap” through sustainable use of these open
waters, which account for two-thirds of the Earth’s ocean.
Technology Trends 2021
Technology today is evolving at such a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress,
causing an acceleration of the rate of change, until eventually it will become exponential.
Here are some of the latest trending technologies that are sure to dominate the IT industry
in 2021 and the upcoming years:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is the technology used for equipping computer systems
with the ability to make decisions like humans. Being one of the trending technologies,
when AI programs are fed to systems, the aim is to mimic human intelligence for
performing complex tasks such as pattern recognition, speech recognition, weather
forecast and medical diagnosis.
AI is used in navigation based applications like Uber, voice assistants like Siri, video
streaming services like Netflix, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and in search engines
like Google and Bing. AI helps in automating tasks such as traffic, scheduling trains,
making business predictions and designing driverless cars.
By 2030, AI automation is expected to create more than 70 million jobs. The sad fact is
that AI might wipe out more than 23 million jobs by the same time frame. AI will create
jobs in areas such as testing, support, maintenance, programming and data science.
2. Data Science. Data Science is the technology that helps to make sense of complicated
data. You know that data is produced in a humungous amount every day by companies.
This includes business data, sales data, customer profile information, server data, and
financial figures.
Most of this data is in the form of huge data sets that are unstructured. The role of data
scientists is to convert these unstructured data sets into structured datasets. Then,
these data sets can be analyzed to identify patterns and trends. These patterns are
useful for understanding the company’s business performance, customer retention, and
how these areas can be improved.
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3. Internet of Things. The IoT (Internet of Things) is a network of devices that are
connected to each other. Their devices caninteract and share data with each other.
These devices may be connected via WiFi, and they share data about their environments
and how they are being used. These devices have a computer chip that facilitates this
exchange.
It is predicted that more than 41 billion devices powered by IoT will be used by 2025.
IoT not only enables the connection between different devices but also their remote
access. For example, you lock doors of your car remotely, preheat your ovens and
geysers. IoT chips embedded on machines help businesses to assess the performance
of those machines and assist in their maintenance.
4. Blockchain. Blockchain is the foundational technology that powers electronic
currencies such as Cryptocurrencies. In simple terms, a Blockchain is an electronic
ledger that can be shared among different users. This helps in creating a record of
transactions that cannot be altered. Each of these records is time-stamped and linked to
the previous one.
So every time a new transaction is added to the ledger, it is stored as another block in
the chain of transactions – hence the name. Blockchain is updated after the different
parties contributing to the ledger agree. After new data is fed into a block, it cannot be
erased. This makes technology verifiable and secure.
This validation of transactions helps companies reduce their costs as no third party has
to be paid. The system is very secure and there is no need for paying for centralized
entities, as the technology is decentralized. Transactions are easier to track using
Blockchain.
5. Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a
technology used for automating daily tasks, similar to artificial intelligence. Here, the
software is used for automating repetitive tasks such as handling and replying to emails,
processing transactions, and handling business data.
This technology is used for automating tasks for low-level employees to higher-ranking
officials. RPA can automate more than 40% of daily tasks. According to McKinsey, more
than 60% of all repetitive tasks can be partially automated using RPA. So, this
technology is going to threaten a lot of jobs.
On the other hand, this latest technology will also create many job opportunities in the
automation sector.
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6. Virtual Reality. VR is the technology by which you can immerse yourself in an
environment that seems astonishingly realistic. It is the use of computer technology for
creating a simulated environment. It is very popularly used for playing computer games.
Unlike traditional games where you experience the gaming environment by viewing it
on the screen, you are directly placed in the environment.
Senses such as touch, hearing, smell, and vision are simulated in these environments.
Using VR gear such as headsets, you can walk around and play the game in that 3D
world. Augmented Reality (AR) is the technology used for improving this virtual
environment.
The major players in this field are Facebook’s Oculus Rift, Sony’s PlayStation VR (PSVR),
and the HTC Vive.The VR technology is not only used for entertainment, but it is also
used by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard for training staff. They use a VR game called
VirtualShip. AR and VR are used by doctors while performing surgery. Visitors in an
amusement park or a museum can also use the technology to enhance their experience.
7. Intelligent Apps. Intelligent apps are software applications that make use of AI
components such as machine learning, deep learning, data analytics, robotics, and
natural language processing. They help you in making decisions based on real-time data
or historical data.
Examples of Intelligent apps are voice assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, and
Alexa. As companies such as Google, Apple, and Oracle continue investing in these
applications, it is bound to create a lot of jobs in the future.
2.6.1 When Technology and Humanity Cross
The ever-growing society has made people see technology as form of necessity. The word
technology comes from two Greek words techne and logos. Techne means art, skill, craft, or
the way, manner, or means by which a thing is gained. Logos means word, the utterance by
which inward thought is expressed, a saying, or an expression. So, literally, technology
means words or discourse about the way things are gained - a discourse on art. (Buchanan,
2010). Concepts like machines and tools were also attached to the word “technology”.
At present, people work very hard in order to save money to buy these “necessities” while in
the past, people only used their money for the things that would help them survive like food,
housing and clothing. In effect, anything outside these categories was considered a luxury.
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Television sets, Mobile Phones, Computers and Humanity
Television. According to Kantar Media, in the Philippines, 92 percent of urban homes
and 70 percent of rural homes own at least one television set. The television is the
ultimate medium for advertisement placements. Almost all use this particular type of
device. It plays a great role in the lives of the people.
The television was a product of different experiments by various people.
• Paul Gottlieb Nipkow – a German student was
successful in his attempt to send images through
wires with the aid of a rotating metal disk – this
invention was called “electric telescope”
• Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton – an
English scientist and Boris Rosing ; who was a
Russian scientist – created a new system of
television by using the cathode ray tube in
addition to the mechanical scanner system.
Mobile Phones. Filipinos love to use their mobile phones anywhere, anytime. More than
half of the Filipino population own at least one mobile phone regardless of type. 2010,
Synovate declared 67% product ownership in the country. Mobile phones are
considered a must-have among young Filipinos (ABS-CBN News, 2010). 1 out of 3
Filipinos cannot live without a mobile phone – Ipsos Media Atlas Philippines Nationwide
Urban 2011-2012 survey. The first call ever made on a cell phone, was from an engineer
named Martin Cooper calling a rival engineer to brag about his accomplishment. The
mobile phone used by Cooper weighed 1.1kg and measured 228.6 x 127 x 44.4mm. It is
capable of 30-minute talk time and takes 10 hours to charge.
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Computer and Laptops. In the Philippines, it not possible for all Filipino families to own
at least one computer or laptop. Most profits gained by computer and laptop
manufacturers come from offices, businesses, or schools where such devices have
become part of their necessities.
Facts about Filipinos and their use of gadgets and the internet:
• Mobile phone subscription is at 119M
• 3.2 hours on mobile and 5.2 hours on desktop daily
• Philippines has one of the highest digital populations in the world
• 47M active FB accounts
• Fastest-growing application market in Southeast Asia (SEA)
https://www.storyblocks.com/images/stock/flat-vector-illustration-of-evolution-of-devices-
from-typewriter-to-laptop-and-tablet-hgruf6ovclizr7e6vl
Roles played by these Technological Advancements
• Mainly used as a platform for advertisements and information
dissemination.
• Serves as a recreational activities & good stress reliever to most families,
specially to Filipino families.
• Good platform for different propagandas & advocacies.
• Can also be a good way to bond with one’s family members.
• Primarily used for communication
• Use to surf the Internet and communicate.
• A lot of people prefer to do their job using either a personal computer or a
laptop.
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Ethical Dilemma
• Most parents would argue that these devices make their children lazy and unhealthy.
• People are freely exposed to different things on televisions, mobile phones, laptops
or computers.
Robotics and Humanity
Robot. A robot is 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.
Service Robot. A robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment excluding
industrial application. A robot may be classified according to its intended application as
an industrial robot or a service robot.
Personal Service Robot. Used for a noncommercial task, usually by laypersons such as
domestic servant robot, automated wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot and pet
exercising robot.
Professional Service Robot. A service robot for professional use. This is used for a
commercial task, usually operated by a properly trained operator. Some examples:
cleaning robot for public places, delivery robot, firefighting robot, rehabilitation robot
and surgery robot.
Roles played by Robotics
©https://www.britannica.com/biography/
• Ease the workload of mankind
• Make life more efficient and less stressful
• Perform complicated activities
• Pleasure, entertainment in parks or exhibits
• Toys, child-friendly
• Used in movies
Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov was an American professor of biochemistry at Boston University and a
writer of science fiction and of science books for the layperson. He wrote or edited about
500 volumes, of which the most famous are those in the Foundation and robot series. He
formulated the laws of robotics.
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Isaac Asimov “Three Laws of Robotics”
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come
to harm. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being
to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would
conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with
the First or Second Law.
Ethical Dilemma/s Faced by Robotics
1. Safety
Who should be held accountable if someone’s safety is compromised by a robot?
Who should be blamed, the robot, the agent using the robot, or the maker/inventor of the
robot?
2. Emotional Component
It is not completely impossible for robots to develop
emotions. What if robots become sentient?
Should they be granted robot rights?
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ASSESSMENT
Name: Instructor:
Course/ Year & Sec.: Date:
Note: Kindly submit your answers to our shared google drive upon completion of tasks.
TASK 1: MATCH IT!
Direction: Match column A with the correct answer in column B.
A B
1. Replaces manual labor a. Virtual Reality
2. Usually designed like human beings and b. Unemployment
created to perform complex, repetitive or c. Internet of Things
dangerous tasks d. Technology
3. With the development of this, robots may also e. Blockchain
eventually act and decide like humans f. Business Analytics
4. This enables the growth of Business Process g.Artificial Intelligence
Outsourcing but it seems like it is also the one h. Machinery
that will kill the industry i. Robots
5.In the possibility that machines adopt the nature j.Ethical Problems
of humans, there is a need to reflect on these, posed k.Robotic Process
by such development Automation
6. This is a means by which consumer and industry
data are used to come up with better decision-
making
7. This is only one of the many ethical
consideration in the widespread of AI
8. It allows digital information to be
recorded and distributed, but not edited.
9. A network of connected smart devices
providing rich data
10. A computer technology which create a
simulated environment
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TASK 2:
Answer the following questions. Write your answers in the space provided. You may
also use a separate sheet of paper, if needed.
1. When is your life considered “good”?
2. What do you want to be in this life?
3. Will you be happy if your life span here on earth reaches 150 years? Why or why not?
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2.7 References
Serafica, Janice Patricia J. et.al., (2018). Science, Technology, and Society. First Edition.
Quezon City: Rex Printing Company, Inc.
Lofts. J. (January 2021). Science Trends 2021: What you need to look out for this
year. https://www.srgtalent.com/blog/science-trends
Sharma, R. (January 2021). Top 8 Trending Technologies in 2021 You Need To
Learn. https://www.upgrad.com/blog/trending-technologies-in-2020/
Spear, E. (n.d.) 5 Big Benefits of Big Data Analytics in Education.
https://precision campus.com/blog/benefits-big-data-education/
Sas. (n.d.) Big Data: What it is and why it matters.
https://www.sas.com/en_ph/insights/ big-data/what-is-big-data.html
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY STUDIES. (n.d.). STS 101: Data and Society. https://sts.
ucdavis.edu/courses/featured-courses/sts-101-data-and-society
Britannica. (n.d.). Isaac Asimov. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Asimov
https://www.scientificworldinfo.com/2019/09/big-data-types-and-characteristics-
applications-of-big-data.html
2.8 Acknowledgment
The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were
taken from the references cited above.
