Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic University
Province of Laguna
College of Engineering
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN Electrical Engineering
GEC 107: Science, Technology in Society
Name: Soriano, Jeron E. Date: October 3, 2024
Year & section: BSEE-2B Instructor: Mr. Mark Jhon B. Abela, LPT
ACTIVITY # 3
THE GOOD LIFE: P E R C E I V E D B Y D I F F E R E N T S C H O O L S O F T H O U G H T
Objective: To analyze and compare different philosophical perspectives on the meaning of a "good life,"
fostering critical thinking about personal values, societal norms, and the pursuit of happiness.
SCHOOL OF THOUGHT/S DEFINITION, PHILOSOPHER INVOLVED, & EXAMPLES
MATERIALISM What's it all about?
Materialism is the view that the only things that truly exist are matter and physical objects,
and that human beings, their minds, and experiences are entirely the result of physical processes.
In terms of the "good life," materialists often focus on the idea that well-being is tied to
material wealth and possessions, emphasizing that happiness is closely linked to physical
comfort and tangible resources. However, philosophical materialism also denies the existence
of immaterial things like the soul or divine entities.
Who are the key philosophers?
Democritus: Ancient Greek philosopher who posited that everything is composed of atoms,
influencing later materialist thought.
Epicurus: Though often associated with hedonism, his philosophy suggests a moderate form of
material pleasure.
Karl Marx: Marx took materialism further by proposing that the material conditions of life
(economic structures) shape human consciousness and society.
Can you give me some examples?
❖ The belief that owning a large house or expensive gadgets is essential for a good life
aligns with materialist thinking.
❖ In a consumer-driven society, materialism is reflected in the pursuit of wealth, luxury
goods, and financial success as the key to happiness.
HUMANISM What's it all about?
Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes human values, capacities, and reason.
It advocates for a life centered on human welfare, ethical living, and self-determination without
relying on supernatural or divine explanations. Humanism encourages the development of
individual potential and the improvement of society through rational thought and
human-centered ethics.
Who are the key philosophers?
Protagoras: Ancient Greek philosopher who argued that "Man is the measure of all things,"
emphasizing the human experience.
Pico della Mirandola: Renaissance philosopher who articulated the potential for human
achievement and free will in his "Oration on the Dignity of Man."
John Dewey: A modern proponent of humanism, advocating for education and democratic
society to enhance human flourishing.
Can you give me some examples?
❖ Secular humanist movements today promote education, social justice, and human rights
as the path to a good life.
❖ Focusing on self-improvement and helping others through humanitarian efforts reflects
humanist values.
HEDONISM What's it all about?
Hedonism holds that the highest good is pleasure and the avoidance of pain. There are
different branches of hedonism: Cyrenaic hedonism, which emphasizes immediate physical
pleasures, and Epicurean hedonism, which promotes long-term mental pleasures and a
moderate lifestyle. The key idea is that pleasure, whether physical or intellectual, is the ultimate
aim in life.
Who are the key philosophers?
Aristippus of Cyrene: Founder of the Cyrenaic school, he advocated for indulgence in
immediate pleasures, including physical gratification.
Epicurus: Focused on achieving long-term pleasure by avoiding excess and pain, suggesting
that mental tranquility and simple pleasures lead to a good life.
Can you give me some examples?
❖ Living a life focused on personal enjoyment, such as travel, fine dining, or leisure,
often reflects hedonistic values.
❖ The modern pursuit of “happiness” through individual freedom, entertainment, and the
pleasure industry echoes the hedonistic approach to the good life.
STOICISM What's it all about?
Stoicism teaches that the good life is found in living according to reason and virtue,
accepting the natural order, and maintaining emotional resilience in the face of external
events. It holds that true happiness (eudaimonia) is achieved by mastering one's emotions and
focusing on things within one's control while calmly accepting what cannot be changed. Stoics
aim to align their will with nature and develop inner peace.
Who are the key philosophers?
Zeno of Citium: Founder of Stoicism, he taught that virtue is the only good and that we should
live in harmony with nature.
Epictetus: A former slave, he emphasized that while we cannot control external events, we can
control our responses to them.
Marcus Aurelius: Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, his "Meditations" emphasize
self-discipline, virtue, and calm acceptance of life’s challenges.
Can you give me some examples?
❖ Practicing mindfulness and focusing on inner tranquility in the face of adversity
reflects Stoic ideals.
❖ Adopting a mindset that separates what is in your control (your actions, thoughts) from
what is not (external events, other people’s behavior) mirrors Stoic practices.
THEISM What's it all about?
Theism is the belief in one or more deities who are actively involved in the world and
human affairs. Theists often believe that the good life is achieved by living in accordance with
the will of God, following religious doctrines, and cultivating a relationship with the divine.
Fulfillment, morality, and happiness come from obedience to God’s will and living a virtuous
life as defined by religious principles.
Who are the key philosophers?
Thomas Aquinas: A Christian philosopher and theologian, Aquinas argued that the ultimate
purpose of life is to know and love God, and that true happiness comes from union with the
divine.
Saint Augustine: His philosophy centered on the belief that the human soul finds peace and
happiness in God alone, not in worldly pursuits.
Al-Ghazali: A prominent Islamic philosopher and theologian, Al-Ghazali emphasized the
integration of faith and reason, teaching that the good life is a life of devotion and adherence to
Islamic law (Sharia).
Can you give me some examples?
❖ Christians, Muslims, and other theists might believe that a good life is one of faith,
prayer, and following divine commandments.
❖ Practices like charity, worship, and ethical living according to religious teachings are
central to many theistic beliefs about the good life.
