Generation Gap- is attributed to the changes brought about by technology
Science and Technology played significant roles in the apparent changes in the concept of
human flourishing and the actual human condition.
The Human Condition Before the Common Era
One cannot pinpoint the particular period where technology began, but at the very least, the
motivation to make things easier has been around since humans are.
Technological inventions before the Common Era
Fire was discovered by Homo Erectus
During the Stone age (homo sapiens), tools from stone and flints were invented (e.g a
simple machine called wedge
Fur clothing from animal skin are used for comfort against harsh weather
Minerals and metal work discovered
During the Paleolithic period carving was prominent (e.g the so-called Venus figure)
Excavations on the latter half of the Stone Age include several figures thought to be
ceremonial.
Different tribes may have different gods (objects they encountered on their day-to-day
lives).
Historically, religion remains as the strongest contender to science mainly because it is
easier to grasp
What do these reveals about their human condition? 1) People utilized technology for
survival and response to basic needs 2) The more they become accustomed to
innovations, the more they aim for something more.
The period from the birth of Jesus Christ, when the Christian calendar starts counting years
as A.D. (anno Domini), which means “in the year of the Lord” in Latin
The Human Condition in the Common Era
Formation of communities caused humans to expand in territory and more people to
feed, paved way for civilizations.
Earliest case of man-made extinction occurred over 12, 000 years ago. The Holocene
extinction (sixth extinction or Anthropocene extinction) occurred from as early as
between 100,000-200,000 years up to the present.
3 Domains of Good Life:
1) The Moral Life
2) The Fulfilled Life
3) The Life of Pleasure
Moral Life= possession and practice of the significant virtues such as kindness, courage,
loyalty; and generosity.
Plato- man must seek to understand himself.
Things remain and they retain their ultimate “whatness”.
Reality is full of seemingly contrasting manifestations of change and permanence
PLATO
World of matter: In this concept, things are changing and impermanent.
World of forms: In this concept, the entities are only copies of the ideal and the models, and
the “forms” are the only “real entities”.
Entities=only copies of the ideal
Forms= only “real entities”
ARISTOTLE:
Practical Science= aims for the good (ethics; politics)
Theoretical Science= aims for the truth(logic; biology; physics; metaphysics)
We start as potentialities and move toward actualities
Every action of a human person is a function of the purpose(telos) that the person has.
There is no reality over and above what the sense can perceive
HAPPINESS
The Life of Pleasure= Epicurus
3 Aspects of Good Life:
1) Self-mastery
2) Contemplation and learning
3) Servitude to society
Human Flourishing
It is a kind of contentment in knowing that one is getting the best out of life.
John Stuart Mill
He declare the Greatest Happiness Principle by saying that an action is right as fast as it
maximizes the attainment of happiness for the greatest number of people.
He said that the individual happiness of each individual should be prioritized and collectively
dictates the kind of action that should be endorsed.
1) Materialism
founded by Leucippus and Democritus
believes that the world is made up and controlled by the tiny invisible units in the
world called atomos or seeds.
Matter is what make us attain happiness.
2) Hedonism
Founded by Epicurus
See the end goal of life in acquiring pleasure
Life is about obtaining and indulging in pleasure because life is limited.
Mantra: Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die
Epicurus also believed that one should not lose himself/ herself to pleasure because:
(1) This will diminish one’s pleasure in the long run
(2) There are other more important pleasures to consider such as friendship and
education; and
(3) Everyone should live a virtuous life.
3) Stoicism
Founded by Epicurus
To generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself and be apathetic.
The original term apatheia precisely means to be indifferent.
Adopts the fact that some things are not within control
Ex: Setbacks are there to test me
4) Theism
Founded by Ralph Cudworth – representative of the 17th century movement known
as the Cambridge Platonists.
The term theism derives from the Greek word for God, theos.
God is the fulcrum of human existence.
The ultimate basis of happiness for theist is the communion with God.
5) Humanism
Francesco Petrarch: traditionally called as the “Father of Humanism”
Espouses the freedom of man to carve his own destiny and to legislate his own
laws.
Affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment.
