Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1. Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically Philippine society
2. Explain how science and technology affect society and the environment and its role in
nation-building
3. Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical
ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of society
4. Define and demonstrate the impact of social media on the students’ life and Philippine
society in general
Values
1. Imbibe the importance of science and technology in the preservation of the environment
and the development of the Filipino nation
2. Critique human flourishing vis-á-vis the progress of science and technology such that the
student may be able to define for himself/herself the meaning of the good life
3. Foster the value of a healthy lifestyle toward the holistic and sustainable development of
society and the environment
Skills
1. Creatively present the importance and contributions of science and technology to society
2. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with the innovative
and creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by the ethical standards
3. Illustrate how the social media and information age impact their lives and their
understanding of climate change
Module 1. Week 7-8
I. General Topic: STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
a. Sub Topic: The Human Person flourishing in terms of science and technology) (Week 7-8)
II. Learning Outcomes
a. Knowledge
i. Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express
philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part of
society
b. Values
i. Critique human flourishing vis-á-vis the progress of science and technology such
that the student may be able to define for himself/herself the meaning of the
good life
c. Skills
i. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with
the innovative and creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by the
ethical standards
III. Learning Objectives
a. Analyze the Relationship Between Science, Technology, and Human Flourishing
b. Evaluate Human Flourishing in the Context of Ethical and Reflective Thinking.
c. Relate Human Flourishing to Personal and Social Development in the Digital Age
IV. Learning Activities (per learning objectives)
a. Activity: Case Study Analysis
Assign students to research and present a case in which a scientific or
technological advancement significantly impacted society (e.g., the discovery of
antibiotics, the invention of the internet, or the development of renewable energy
sources). Students should identify both positive contributions and challenges, then
discuss how these affected human well-being and flourishing.
b. Activity: Structured Debate or Ethical Dilemma Role-Play
Present the class with an ethical scenario (e.g., artificial intelligence replacing
human workers, genetic editing, data privacy concerns). Divide the students into groups
with different stakeholder perspectives. Conduct a debate or a role-playing activity to
help students reflect on differing ethical considerations, articulate their viewpoints, and
evaluate possible solutions.
c. Activity: Reflective Journal and Digital Literacy Workshop
Ask students to keep a weekly journal reflecting on how technology affects their
personal growth, relationships, and well-being. In addition, hold a workshop on digital
citizenship—covering responsible media use, online safety, and positive community
participation. Afterward, students can share insights on how balancing technology use
helps their own flourishing.
V. Concept
The Human Person flourishing in terms of science and technology
Human flourishing is a concept that generally refers to a state of thriving, fulfillment, and
living well across multiple dimensions of human life. Philosophically rooted in Aristotelian
ethics, it is often described as the full actualization of human capacities to live a good life,
characterized by positive emotions, psychological well-being, social functioning, and
meaningful engagement with the world.
Key elements of human flourishing include:
● Experiencing ongoing positive emotions and psychological functioning, including
resilience and growth.
● Engaging in activities that actualize one’s potential and virtues, thus contributing to both
individual and communal good.
● Having a sense of purpose, autonomy, and personal growth in life.
● Balancing material well-being with ethical reflection and social relationships.
● Being supported by and contributing to a social environment that fosters health, trust,
cooperation, and opportunity for development.
The relationship between science, technology, and human flourishing is deeply interconnected, where
science and technology act as both enablers and contexts for human well-being and development.
Science and technology contribute to human flourishing by improving health, increasing productivity,
expanding communication, and enhancing overall quality of life. They provide tools and knowledge that
help humans meet basic needs and pursue higher goals related to meaning, purpose, and social
connection.
However, this relationship is complex and requires ethical reflection and responsible use. While scientific
and technological advances bring many benefits—such as curing diseases, producing abundant food and
clean water, and enabling global communication—they also pose challenges, including potential social
isolation, environmental harm, and ethical dilemmas regarding the control and modification of human
life and nature.
Philosophically, technology is not just instrumental but also a mode of revealing reality, meaning humans
must engage with it thoughtfully to ensure it supports flourishing rather than detracts from it.
Flourishing involves balancing the instrumental benefits of technology with its anthropological and
ethical dimensions, fostering not only individual growth but also community well-being and sustainable
development.
Digital technologies, including AI, are reshaping how we live, work, and relate, offering new
opportunities for flourishing but also risks that require mindful adaptation. The flourishing human uses
scientific knowledge and technological tools ethically to enhance physical, psychological, and social
well-being, enabling a meaningful life within a supportive community and environment.
Human flourishing in the context of ethical and reflective thinking involves an ongoing process of
critically evaluating how science and technology impact human well-being, values, and social
relationships while aligning actions with moral principles that promote the common good.
Key aspects include:
Moral Reflection as Central to Flourishing: Ethical reflection helps individuals and
societies assess whether technological advancements and scientific practices truly contribute to
a good, meaningful life rather than merely material gains or efficiency. This reflection grounds
moral norms as guidelines for flourishing, encouraging responsibility and integrity even when
facing complex dilemmas or uncertain outcomes.
Ethics as Cooperation and Accountability: Human flourishing is seen as a cooperative
effort in which individuals are accountable to themselves, society, and, for some perspectives, to
a transcendent source of moral order (such as God). This accountability strengthens moral
motivation and commitment, fostering actions that not only benefit oneself but also others in
the community.
Balancing Benefits and Risks of Technology: Reflective ethical thinking involves weighing
the positive impacts of science and technology—like health improvements and expanded
knowledge—against potential harms such as social isolation, privacy concerns, environmental
degradation, and loss of human dignity. This balance is crucial to ensure that technological
progress supports holistic well-being.
Cultivating Virtue and Integrity: Flourishing requires the cultivation of virtues such as
honesty, compassion, and justice in relation to technology use and scientific inquiry. Ethical
reflection encourages individuals to resist compromising their integrity for short-term gains and
to pursue long-term human goods.
Reflective Practice and Adaptation: Ethical reflection is not a one-time act but a
continuous, practical engagement that adapts to new challenges posed by emerging
technologies, encouraging mindful integration and fostering human agency in shaping the
future.
Inclusive and Relational Dimension: Reflecting ethically on human flourishing recognizes
its inherently social nature, where individual well-being is interconnected with community
health, equity, and justice. Practices like compassion, cooperation, and mutual respect are
central.
Philosophically, this approach aligns with views that see technology not only as tools but as modes of
revealing reality, demanding responsible stewardship and thoughtful engagement to preserve
human freedom and dignity.
VI. Assessment
Assessment Activity: Digital Storytelling Project
Objective:
Evaluate students’ ability to creatively synthesize concepts of human flourishing, science, and technology
through reflective application and effective communication.
Instructions:
1. Project Planning (Individual or Small Group):
Choose a real-world scenario, historical event, or personal story where science or technology has
influenced human flourishing. This could range from medical breakthroughs and environmental
technology to the impact of social media on mental health.
2. Digital Story Creation:
Using a digital tool (such as video, podcast, infographic, digital poster, or multimedia slide show),
students will create a digital story that:
● Explains the chosen science or technology and its relevance.
● Illustrates the positive and negative effects on human well-being, personal or social
development, and ethical considerations.
● Connects the scenario to key concepts like digital literacy, ethical reflection, and holistic
flourishing.
● Provides a personal or community-oriented recommendation for promoting human
flourishing in similar contexts.
3. Presentation and Peer Review:
Students present their digital stories to the class. Peers provide feedback focused on conceptual
understanding, ethical analysis, creativity, and communication.
Assessment Criteria:
● Creativity and Innovation: Effective use of digital media to communicate ideas.
● Conceptual Understanding: Demonstrates a sound grasp of human flourishing and its
relationship to science and technology.
● Ethical and Reflective Thinking: Clearly considers the moral and societal implications.
● Personal/Social Connection: Makes a compelling link to personal experience or community
impact.
● Communication Skills: Engages the audience with clear, organized, and impactful storytelling.
● Peer Engagement: Participates meaningfully in feedback/discussion.
