Human Flourishing | Science, Technology and Society | NGEC 7 | Errol Karl Gumagay

Summary

This video explores the human condition in relation to science, technology, and society. It introduces the concept of 'ikigai', the Japanese term for reason for being, which aligns with achieving happiness or 'eudaimonia'. The script discusses the scientific method, empiricism, and experimentation, contrasting them with verification and falsification theories. It also addresses the impact of science and technology on society, questioning the sustainability of growth and the potential crises caused by technological advancement, ending with a call to rethink our perception of a good life.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The video discusses the intersection of human condition, science, technology, and society, emphasizing how they relate and impact each other.
• 🔍 It introduces the concept of 'ikigai', a Japanese term for finding one's reason for being, which is the intersection of what one is good at, loves, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for.
• 🧐 The video explores the human quest for truth in science and how it aligns with personal and societal motivations, referencing historical figures like Copernicus and Einstein.
• 🌱 The script touches on the idea of 'eudaimonia' or human flourishing, suggesting that achieving a balance and contributing to society is key to happiness.
• 🔬 It explains the scientific method and its steps, highlighting the importance of empiricism and experimentation in the pursuit of knowledge.
• 📊 The video contrasts two philosophies of science: verification theory, which demands measurable and repeatable results, and falsification theory, which focuses on non-disproof of theories.
• 🏛️ It discusses the social dimension of science, suggesting that science's value is not only in its knowledge but also in its contribution to societal progress.
• 💰 The script presents a scenario to illustrate the appeal of results in science, questioning whether the outcome justifies the method, even if it's not strictly scientific.
• 🌳 The video addresses the unsustainable nature of economic growth and its impact on the environment, suggesting a need for a more sustainable approach to development.
• 🌿 It introduces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for global progress that considers social, economic, and environmental aspects.
• 🤔 The video concludes by encouraging a reevaluation of what constitutes a 'good life', suggesting that the current technological and economic paradigms may not align with true human flourishing.

Q & A

What does the term 'ikigai' signify in the context of the video?

In the video, 'ikigai' is a Japanese term that refers to one's reason for being, which is achieved when what one is good at, what one can be paid for, what the world needs, and what one loves intersect.

How does the video relate the concept of human flourishing to science and technology?

The video connects human flourishing to science and technology by discussing how individuals seek eudaimonia or the peak of happiness through their engagement with science, which is a methodical way of gaining knowledge, and technology, which are tools emerging from scientific knowledge.

What are the four circles in the Venn diagram discussed in the video, and what do they represent?

The four circles in the Venn diagram represent: 1) What we are good at, 2) What we love, 3) What the world needs, and 4) What we can be paid for. Their intersections symbolize different aspects of human fulfillment: passion, mission, vocation, and profession.

What is the significance of the scientific method in the video's discussion?

The scientific method is significant as it outlines a systematic approach to gaining knowledge, which is essential for scientists in their pursuit of truth and contributing to the body of knowledge that benefits society.

How does the video address the debate between verification theory and falsification theory in the philosophy of science?

The video addresses the debate by presenting verification theory as a criterion that requires measurable and repeatable results, while falsification theory suggests that a theory should be accepted unless proven false. It also points out the limitations of both theories in definitively categorizing a discipline as scientific.

What is the role of empiricism and experimentation in the scientific method as discussed in the video?

Empiricism and experimentation play a crucial role in the scientific method as they involve direct observation and testing of theories to verify their truthfulness and applicability, which are key to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

How does the video suggest that the pursuit of scientific knowledge can lead to a sense of uselessness or emptiness?

The video suggests that the pursuit of scientific knowledge can lead to a sense of uselessness or emptiness when the intersection of what one is good at, what one loves, and what one is paid for does not align with what the world needs or what one is passionate about.

What is the video's perspective on the relationship between science, technology, and societal needs?

The video posits that while science and technology are often seen as means to achieve societal needs and personal fulfillment, there is a need to consider their impact on the environment and the sustainability of growth, suggesting a reevaluation of what constitutes a good life.

How does the video critique the concept of 'growth for all' in the context of sustainable development?

The video critiques the concept of 'growth for all' by highlighting its unsustainable nature, given the finite resources of the Earth, and suggests that rapid technological growth can lead to environmental degradation and exploitation.

What is the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mentioned in the video?

The SDGs are significant as they represent a global commitment to addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner, aiming to 'leave no one behind,' which contrasts with the previous focus on developing countries alone.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Human Condition and Ikigai

The paragraph introduces the concept of the human condition in relation to science, technology, and society. It discusses how individuals find satisfaction, delight, and a sense of purpose through the intersection of their skills, passions, societal needs, and financial rewards. The term 'ikigai' is introduced as the Japanese concept of reason for being, which is the intersection of these four elements. The paragraph also links the human condition to the pursuit of truth in science, as exemplified by historical figures like Copernicus and Einstein, and how their inquiries into the truth align with the concept of 'the good' in Aristotelian philosophy.

05:01

🔬 The Scientific Method and Empiricism

This section delves into the scientific method, which is portrayed as a systematic approach to knowledge acquisition. It outlines the steps involved, from observation to experimentation, emphasizing objectivity and the avoidance of bias. The paragraph introduces empiricism, which posits that all knowledge is derived from experience, and experimentation, which tests the validity of scientific theories. It contrasts two schools of thought regarding what qualifies as science: the verification theory, which requires measurable and repeatable results, and the falsification theory, which is more lenient and focuses on non-disproven theories that best explain phenomena.

10:02

📈 Science, Philosophy, and Social Impact

The paragraph explores the blurred lines between science and philosophy and the criteria that distinguish them. It discusses the verification and falsification theories' limitations and how they can prematurely dismiss or accept scientific theories. The introduction of a new perspective on science is highlighted, which focuses on its social dimension and its role in benefiting society. The paragraph also touches on the public's perception of science based on results and how other disciplines can produce similar outcomes, questioning the uniqueness of science in delivering definitive results.

15:02

🌳 Sustainability and the Human-Technology Relationship

This section addresses the impact of technological growth on sustainability and the environment. It critiques the concept of 'growth for all' as unsustainable and discusses the rapid pace of technological advancement that outstrips nature's recovery. The paragraph presents a scenario of environmental disaster and the potential for human extinction due to overconsumption and exploitation of resources. It calls for a shift in perspective towards a sustainable world and highlights the role of leadership and collective action in addressing these crises.

20:02

🚀 Reevaluating Success and the Role of Science and Technology

The final paragraph questions the traditional measures of success, particularly in the context of science and technology. It challenges the notion that technological advancement and economic growth are inherently positive, suggesting that they may lead to negative consequences. The paragraph introduces the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a new framework for global progress that aims to 'leave no one behind.' It concludes by emphasizing the need to redefine what it means to flourish in the face of technological advancement and environmental challenges.

Keywords

💡Ikigai

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to finding one's reason for being. It is the intersection of what one is good at, what one loves, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for. In the video, ikigai is discussed as the ultimate goal for human beings, representing a state of happiness and fulfillment. It is used to illustrate how individuals can find satisfaction by aligning their passions, skills, societal needs, and vocations.

💡Eudaimonia

Eudaimonia, derived from the Greek, is a term used by Aristotle to describe the highest level of happiness, often translated as 'human flourishing' or 'the good life'. In the context of the video, eudaimonia is connected to the idea of achieving a balanced and fulfilling life, not just through material success but also through personal growth and contribution to society.

💡Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to gaining knowledge through observation, experimentation, and the formulation of theories. The video outlines the steps of the scientific method, emphasizing its role in objectivity and the pursuit of truth. It is portrayed as a tool used by scientists to achieve eudaimonia by testing hypotheses and contributing to the body of knowledge.

💡Empiricism

Empiricism is a philosophical theory that knowledge is acquired primarily through experience and observation. In the video, empiricism is discussed as a foundational aspect of the scientific method, where empirical evidence is derived from direct observations and is used to validate scientific theories.

💡Experimentation

Experimentation is the process of conducting tests or trials to discover cause-and-effect relationships or to validate scientific theories. The video highlights experimentation as a crucial part of the scientific method, allowing scientists to test ideas, eliminate alternative explanations, and engineer solutions to practical problems.

💡Verification Theory

Verification theory is a concept in the philosophy of science that suggests a statement is scientific if it is empirically verifiable. The video discusses how this theory was supported by the Vienna Circle, emphasizing the importance of measurable and repeatable results in defining a discipline as scientific.

💡Falsification Theory

Falsification theory, proposed by Karl Popper, is a criterion for demarcating science from non-science. It suggests that a theory should be considered scientific if it is open to being proven false through empirical testing. The video contrasts this with verification theory and discusses its implications for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

💡Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. The video mentions SDGs as a framework for global progress that goes beyond economic growth, aiming to 'leave no one behind' and promote a more sustainable and equitable world.

💡Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Gross Domestic Product is an economic measure that represents the total value of goods and services produced within a country over a specific period. The video critiques the focus on GDP as a sole indicator of progress, suggesting that it may not accurately reflect the well-being of a society or the sustainability of economic growth.

💡Human Flourishing

Human flourishing is a term used to describe a state of optimal well-being and development for individuals and societies. The video discusses how the concept of human flourishing has evolved with the advent of science and technology, often being associated with technological advancements that improve life quality, but also questioning whether this is the only or the best path to achieving a fulfilling life.

Highlights

Exploration of the human condition through a Venn diagram representing skills, passions, societal needs, and financial rewards.

Definition and significance of 'ikigai', the Japanese concept of finding one's reason for being.

The relationship between human flourishing (eudaimonia) and the pursuit of truth in science.

Introduction to the scientific method and its role in objectivity and knowledge acquisition.

Explanation of empiricism and its focus on experience as the source of all knowledge.

Discussion on experimentation as a means to test the validity of scientific theories.

Critique of the verification theory and its limitations in scientific progress.

Falsification theory presented as an alternative to verification, allowing for provisional acceptance of theories.

The social dimension of science, emphasizing its role in benefiting society.

The paradox of science not always guaranteeing definitive results compared to other disciplines.

The influence of science and technology education on career choices and societal expectations.

Analysis of the unsustainable nature of 'growth for all' and its environmental implications.

The role of technology in accelerating environmental decline and the need for a sustainable approach.

The challenge of aligning economic growth with social progress and environmental sustainability.

Introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework for global development.

The need to redefine human flourishing in the context of science, technology, and environmental stewardship.

Call to action for the current generation to lead in creating a sustainable world through science and technology.

Transcripts

good day nexters and welcome to episode

2 of this series

on science technology and society

in the previous video we have discussed

how science and technology

evolve from something out of nothing

in today's session we will discuss how

human beings condition

relates to science technology

and society

[Music]

to start our discussion of the human

condition we explore this

venn diagram it is composed of four

circles

indicating what we are good at what we

love

what the world needs and what we can be

paid for we also see here the

intersection

between what we are good at and what we

love

refers to our passion what we love

and what the world needs is our mission

what the world needs and what we can be

paid for

is our vocation and what we can be paid

for

and what we are good at is our

profession

okay when what we are good at what we

love

and what we are paid for intersect

we experience satisfaction but also a

feeling of uselessness

for what we are doing is not what the

world needs

when what we are good at what we love

and what the world needs intersect we

experience

delight and fullness but no wealth

when what we love what the world needs

and what we are paid for intersect

we experience excitement and complacency

but also a sense of uncertainty for it

is not

what we are good at when what the world

needs

what we can be paid for and what we are

good at

intersect we experience comfort

but also a feeling of emptiness because

it is not

what we love only when these four

intersect what we are good at

what we can be paid for what the world

needs

and what we love does we find

our ikigai ikigai is a japanese term

which means our reason for being

now we started with the discussion on

ikigai since each human being

has his or her own idea of what success

is

for some it is finding their profession

for others their passion still for

others

their mission well for others it is

their vocation others will be the

intersection of the three circles

and lastly for others their ikigai

as we may have observed finding one's

ikigai may be associated with achieving

the pinnacle of happiness the summit

or the peak of happiness for which

aristotel

calls eudaimonia being good spirited or

otherwise known as

human flourishing now

how is this condition of human beings

connected

to science technology and society

let's find out in case of base from our

previous discussions in chapter one we

may recall that

human beings specifically scientists

are in search for what is true

and in their search they are actually

using science

nicolas copernicus may have asked

himself is the sun really at the center

of the universe

our very own areas may have inquired

will einstein's theory be correct when

applied in a cosmological scale

ramon cabanas barba may have questions

domingos have to be available only from

march to june

these simple and yet intriguing

questions may have popped

from the minds of these scientists

prompting them

to seek the truth and as a consequence

find what is

good thus the phrase

the good is inherently related to the

truth

good in this sense may it be for him or

her as a self-centric motivation

for example being known for that

particular discovery

or for the society as a community

centric

motivation being able to help the

society and add

to the body of knowledge in aristotle's

eyes

self-centered eudaimonia was the

objective

as time passes by particularly in

today's setting

finding balance is key achieving human

flourishing

or yodaimonya or the summit of happiness

in a global perspective while also being

a man of the world now

let's talk about science which is

basically the stepping stone

used by scientists in their endeavors to

achieve

eudaimonia in the previous video we

discussed that science is a methodical

way

of gaining knowledge now shown here

is the scientific method it involves the

following series of steps

from top to bottom okay

so by following these steps science for

the most part

has the reputation of being objective

absolving it from any accusation of

prejudice or

bias now the following procedure or

steps

introduces the students of science to

empiricism and

experimentation okay now these are

probably very alien words so let's let's

dig deeper

and evict an empiricism at

especially particularly on the view of

science so empiricism

is the view that all concepts originate

in experience that all concepts are

about

or applicable to things that can be

experienced

or that all rationally acceptable

beliefs or propositions

are justifiable or knowable only

through experience as such

empirical evidence is associated

with the record of one's direct

observations

or experiences

experimentation on the other hand is the

best known way

to test the veracity or truthfulness

of scientific theories eliminate

alternative explanations engineer novel

solutions

to practical problems and provide clues

to the cause or causes of an effect

otherwise known as causal inference

so when you say experimental it refers

to an idea

which has not been tested and proven to

work

it takes a significant amount of time to

collect enough data

to determine if a particular product

being tested

meets the desired standards on the other

hand

empirical refers to studies

based solely on available data

evidence and performance of the product

being studied

to determine if it meets the expected

standards

enough on the subject of empiricism and

experimentation

now there are two school of thoughts

which arose because of the thin

line between what science is what

philosophy is

and what should the science is

meaning being false pretended

or not real science as we have discussed

science is directly related to knowledge

well philosophy is the love of

wisdom now the first school of thought

considers a discipline is science

if its results are measurable and

experiments are repeatable

in a sense there must be available data

and this may directly refer to a

scientific law

since results are true every time

now this criterion that distinguishes

philosophy and science

is what is called the verification

theory okay and this has been supported

by an elite group of scientists

known as the vienna circle in other

words for verification theory

it is it to see is to believe to observe

is to believe

to experience is to believe school of

thought

now the downside to this theory is its

ability to shut down several budding

theories prematurely

for example einstein's theory of gravity

einstein conceived the theory through

his thought experiments

because probably the technology during

that time and the lack of available data

may result to this fury being dismissed

now it would have been to the greatest

regret if the theory was not adopted

as scientific since as we have discussed

in chapter 1

there is significant evidence to show

that the theory stands

within a given margin of error now to

explain the school of thought that

prevails nowadays

let's listen to this

in science we want to test the theories

we know because even if they're great

just like newton's theory was great no

and einstein's theory is

great we know that there can be another

theory

that will be discovered in the future

that will supersede

the current theory that's how science

progresses

[Music]

now this second school of thought

asserts that as long as an

ideology is not proven to be false

and can best explain a phenomenon over

alternative theories

we should accept said ideology

in a sense we could say that

falsification theory

stresses matera matiba

theory now karl popper

is the proponent of this view okay so

note that even though theoretically

falsification method is more accepted

nowadays

probably because of its degree of

leniency

to what is accepted a science or not

scientists are not convinced that it

should be regarded

as what makes a discipline scientific

this was actually a risk since there are

disciplines considered to be science

which are not falsifiable

for example sigmund freud's

psychoanalysis

this method falsification method also

presents certain dangers

by interpreting an otherwise independent

evidence

in light of a scientist

pet fury now this begs the question

if a discipline which passed through the

filters of verification and

falsification

are still not a hundred percent regarded

as scientific

then what is

okay so due to the inconclusiveness of

verification theory and falsification

theory

in identifying whether a discipline can

be considered science or not

a new school of thought emerged on

science

now not relying on results but on its

social dimension so a view in which

science and technology is for society

in other words a view in which the body

of knowledge science

and the tools technology that came forth

or emerged

as a result of those knowledge are used

for the benefit

of society as a result it presents an

alternative notion of science

that goes beyond what must be accepted

or not accepted as knowledge

or which theory is better than the other

it projects science in a different light

as a manifestation of shared experience

forging solidarity among communities

now having discussed what makes a

discipline scientific

through the rigors of verification

falsification and in consideration of

its social dimension

we now come to a point of considering

science and results

the science results to something that

the ordinary

one feels that even an ordinary

one can appreciate okay

so let's have a scenario imagine an

imaginary character

let's call him joe joe has 800 pesos

he invested this amount and in two weeks

he was able to make this

800 pesos to a whopping 350 million

pesos okay so 800 pesos

in two weeks snagging 350 million pesos

now joe comes to you asking if you want

to invest

will you allow to manage your money so

probably there is great

possibility that you will okay you have

seen his results from 89350 million

okay now this imagined scenario is

actually true to life

and it is not in pesos it is in dollars

andrew carlson was able to pull this off

as he claims to have time traveled from

the year

2256 now bearing this scenario in mind

people who do not understand science are

won over in a particular discipline is

able to produce results

i mean who makes 350 million dollars in

two weeks from 800

right disciplines such as religion luck

human randomness superstitious beliefs

also produce results that win its

followers

and supporters over to conclude

science does not monopolize the claim

for definite results if science doesn't

claim unanimity

of being the source of truth where are

societies

drawn or magnetized to it why do most of

our learners

take science degree courses we hear

bachelor of science

in marine transportation bachelor of

science

in marine engineering and all other

bachelor of sciences

okay so perhaps one might infer or

predict

that there are more demand for

professionals in the science and

technology field

making students and parents

pre-conditioned

that the field would later land them

high-paying jobs

and lucrative career after graduation

here we take a look at a familiar slide

on chapter one

science as education

connecting the dots a true diamond or a

person seeking the pinnacle of happiness

must excel in various dimensions

in other words must be holistic

the problem is as man seeks and finds

the state of becoming a you diamond

as human beings amass knowledge

and were able to create technologies

that would benefit society

somehow a looming threat or crisis

is approaching which shows itself in the

guise

of development an example of this

is during the year 2000 the new

millennium

where leaders acted on good faith to

promote

growth for all well the idea of growth

for all

is positive to the ears okay it actually

sounds good

to the ears it actually presents an

illusion

that clouds are vision since our world

the earth particularly its resources

can only provide so much and cannot be

expected to stretch out

for everybody's consumption for a long

period of time

in other words growth for all growth for

all developing countries

is unsustainable

it cannot be sustained the rapid pace of

technological growth allows no room for

nature to recover

you may think about the trees that take

years to grow and only takes a day

or two to be cut okay as such this

growth that we are talking about

may actually be fatal resulting in

exploitation and irreversible damages

to nature to illustrate this scenario

let's watch this clip

the weather and the climate are making

news in more than one reach severe

flooding has killed at least 72 people

under siege in the grip of unmitigated

catastrophe

the evidence is now clear

industrial civilization has caused

irreparable damage

our political and corporate leaders have

consistently ignored the overwhelming

scientific evidence

not only is it the 11th hour it's 11 59.

what we saw with katrina is just

prologued worse is yet to come

the u.n estimates that by the middle of

the century there may be 150 million

environmental refugees

there are too many of us using too many

resources too fast

the problem is that every living system

is in decline

and the rate of decline is accelerated

the tragedy

is the potential extinction of humankind

we face a convergence of crises

all of which are concerned for life

[Music]

will our pivotal generation create a

sustainable world in time

people need to realize there are things

they can do in their everyday lives

everybody making a change

adds up to something meaningful our

project today

is the welfare of all of life as a

practical objective

with existing technologies we could

literally reduce the human footprint on

planet earth by 90

we have to imagine what it would be like

to redesign design itself

these are not technical issues nearly as

much

as their leadership issues there was a

time when republicans and democrats

joined to pass

major environmental laws 500 years out

people look back at this time that this

was our finest hour

what a great time to be born what a

great time to be alive

because this generation gets to

completely change

this world

so today we are seeing increased gross

domestic product

or gdp among countries but does it

translate to the betterment of the lives

of its citizens

what's their social progress

this is why in the previous chapter we

actually stressed

that we will arrive to a point in our

discussion

that we will begin to question whether

science and technology

is advantageous or disadvantageous

to society moving forward

so in year 2016 another set of goals was

made

well the mdgs or the millennium

development goals are produced by a

group of experts

the new set of goals is a result of a

consortium

of 193 member states to the united

nations

civil society and other stakeholders

while mdg is focused on developing

countries

the new set of goals on the sdg are

applicable to all countries

we now welcome

the sustainable development goals with

their motto

leave no one behind and only time will

tell

whether these goals will have a better

and felt effect

by the society in our case the ordinary

one that we are talking about a while

ago

okay so as assamari human flourishing is

defined as being good-spirited in the

classical aristotelian notion

human beings have their own biases as to

what it means

to flourish or succeed although in the

advent of science and technology

majority associate human flourishing to

technology

and its results since it makes life

faster more comfortable and convenient

science and its results on the other

hand are questioned

in comparison to technology since there

are other disciplines

that could provide the same knowledge or

explanation

finally economic perception of growth is

flawed

as it is heavily fueled by technology

and should be impeded or stopped there

is a challenge to rethink our perception

of a good life as we may have to let go

of our own perceptions

of what is good as it may turn out to be

bad

and that ends this video and our next

episode will be

about technology as a way of

revealing again thank you for watching

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you