Chapter 8 – Good Life

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. discuss what good life is; and
2. examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with innovative, creative
solutions to contemporary issues.

Learning Activities
Processing and Formation

Introduction

Everyone is in pursuit of the good life. We do certain things because we want to

achieve a life which will make us happy and content. By studying and working hard,
we try to attain this goal not only for ourselves but also for our love ones and the
rest of humanity. People’s definition of the good life may vary and differ in the
particulars. In general, however, we recognize universal truths that cut across our
differences.

“What do you want out of your life?” is an interesting question posed by Mark
Manson that everyone could probably answer in the simplest common way: “I want
to be happy and have a great family and a job I like”. Achieving happiness and
man’s own desire and needs have authenticity, mental health, self-fulfillment and
meaningfulness describe it.

On the other hand, the concept of how good life would depend in the personal
decision of man. It is evident in our modern society that man’s personal decision
and ideas – idea of progress, happiness, beliefs, expectations, attitudes and feelings
– are directly affected by convenience and benefits brought about by science and
technology. Every human being aspires to live a good life. Conversely, man’s idea of
“good life” differs in many dimensions.

The Concept of Being Good

The term “good” is commonly used interchangeably with the term “right”. Traer
(2007) explained that the adjectives good and right are related in meaning but are
not synonyms. It makes no sense to speak of a “right person” when we mean a
“good person”; or the right action as a meaning for good action. How can we
differentiate the two terms then?

Being good involves having the character and personal qualities that were justified
by reason as having moral worth. Morals refer to an individual’s own principles
regarding right and wrong.
 In Aristotelean view, “the understandability of the good is based on the idea
of what is good for the specific entity under consideration”.

RELATIONSHIP

Acting rightly means doing the right thing based on the voice of conscience;
otherwise, feeling of guilt, self-reproach, and remorse will be felt. It follows that a
person, as a human being, has his own consciousness of function, survival, and
means of having the life he envisioned. Thus, considering the aspect of human
nature, the term “good” denotes a more objective meaning of “a state or way of
being”.

The Good Life

The meaning of this term up to present times remains vague. Wise men of the past
argued with the nature and prerequisites of the good life. Similarly, questions such
as, “Is a meaningful life also a happy one?” and “Is living with happiness means
living a good life?” are still part of the debates even of the philosophers.

Everyone is moving towards the good. Thus, completing one’s studies, training for
a sport, or taking a rest is good. The good is expressed and manifested in many
various ways for different persons and circumstances. The good life, however, is
more than these countless expressions of what is good. It is characterized by
happiness that springs from living and doing well.

Did You Know?

Aristotle, an important ancient Greek philosopher whose work spans

from natural philosophy to logic and political theory, attempted to
explain what the good is. His definition may be useful in our pursuit
of the truth.

The ancient Greeks called this concept of “living well and doing well” as
eudaimonia. The word came from the Greek word eu meaning “good” and daimon
meaning “spirit”. Taken together, it generally refers to the good life, which is
marked by happiness and excellence. It is a flourishing life filled with meaningful
endeavors that empower the human person to be the best version of him. If one is a
student, then he/she acts to be the best version of a student by studying well and
fulfilling the demands of school. If one is an athlete, then he/she strives to be the
best version of an athlete by training hard as well as joining and winning in sports
competitions.

Furthermore, according to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate end of human

action. It is that which people pursue for its own sake. Financial stability for one’s
family, the power achieved from winning the elections, or the harmony and peace
as a reward for taking care of the environment – all these and more as pursued for
the sake of happiness.

Happiness defines a good life. This happiness, however, is not the kind that comes
from sensate pleasures. It is that which comes from living a life of virtue, a life of
excellence, manifested from the personal to the global scale. Virtue plays a
significant role in the living and attainment of the good life. It is the constant
practice of the good no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Virtue is the
excellence of character that empowers one to do and be good. Such virtue is
cultivated with habit and discipline as it is not a one-time deed, but a constant and
consistent series of actions. Everyone has the capacity within himself/herself to be
good, but he/she also has to be disciplined to make a habit of exercising the good.

The onward progress of science and technology is also the movement towards the
good life. Science and technology are one of the highest expressions of human
faculties. They allow us to thrive and flourish in life if we so desire it. Science and
technology may also corrupt a person, but grounding oneself in virtue will help
him/her steer clear of danger.
Process Questions

1. What constitutes the good life for you?

2. To what extent does scientific advancements impact your idea of good life?

3. How can you achieve the good life?

Synthesis

No one can deny the fact that science and technology have a profound impact on
how modern man thinks and appreciates matter. It can be concretely seen in the
present conditions of man in the society. The desire to feel satisfaction of research
and development opened endless doors for skeptics.

The unending desire for perfection of altering human condition and productivity
continues to flourish. In addition, the introduction of cybernetics and
nanotechnology which are considered to be the pillars for the success of
harmonizing the function of machines and living organisms exposed the idea of
achieving precise and accurate function through it. Also, the promotion of wireless
technology revolutionized the way how humans communicate and interact. These
are just some of the conditions which suggested material things and continues path
towards achieving indefinite level of happiness and good living.

On the other hand, man’s varied ethical foundations may also differentiate the idea
of good life. Some may define it through attaining pleasures (hedonism); others
may relate it to peace of mind through minimizing desires and passions (stoicism)
and some views are based on professing moderate pleasure, which for them,
“anything that is taken in excess is bad” (epicureanism).

Thus, it is up to the various intellectual traditions, perspective or ethical preferences

on what the so called good life is. And the question, “What good life is?” remains a
question for everyone
Reflection Guides

1. What have I LEARNED this day that has helped me do all aspects of this better?

2. What have I DONE this week that has made me better at doing all aspects of
this?

3. How can I IMPROVE at doing all aspects of this is?

 Paulinian Affirmation
“As a Christ-centered Paulinian, I am a Christ-centered, Ethical, Paulinian leader
and professional, consciously expressing my faith.”

Topic 9: When Technology and Humanity Cross

Learning Outcomes
During the learning engagement, you should be able to

● rationalize the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of applying

technology to humanity,

● examine international/local government policies and human rights that

protect the well-being of the person in the face of new technologies, and

● discuss some examples of ethical dilemmas and conflicts wherein technology

affects humanity in terms of moral issues and social conflicts.

Learning Activities
Processing and Formation
 Remember
“It has become appallingly obvious that technology has exceeded
our humanity”

- Albert Einstein

Introduction

What is technology? What is humanity? Our world is truly entering a period of

transformative modification that most people will be surprised by the measure and
unavoidable step of developments that we merely had not expected. There are so
many inquiries regarding the positive and negative effects, limitations of
developments and the ethical dilemmas that we will face in the future.

In order to find answers to these questions, we have to be able to understand and

rationalize what is humanity, the human nature and its condition, the ethics that will
and should govern each application of technology to humanity. It also requires an
understanding that these technological advances offer tremendous potential, and
with these opportunities come tremendous new responsibilities.

Technology, a word with Greek roots, is defined as, “the practical application of
knowledge especially in a particular area" (Merriam-Webster). It is a word used to
define or portray the progressions, abilities, creations, happenings, interpretations,
and knowledge of a singular group of persons and as humans we execute certain
functions for man and society.
Technology is the external part of science and to understanding technology;
academic or internal science shall be treated like a black box. The inner workings
are of no importance at the moment for as long as they are responding to the needs
of technology.

In this topic, we will enumerate multiple advancements in technology and an

assessment of its potential impacts and its implications to humanity. Also, this will
serve as an assessment guide in our decision making that will change, shape, and
transform the future’s human nature in adapting ever changing evolution of
technological advances.

Advantages, Disadvantages, and Limitation of Technology

To learn the importance of technology in our everyday lives, it shows that

technology has profound impact on every aspect of lives. The way we live,
communicate, and interact changes through technology in the different fields of
education, medicine, transportation, economy, communication, and politics. This
will provide a clear picture of this impact and highlight the positive and negative
aspects as well as its limitations.

Advantages of Technology

1. Life has become easy through science and technology.

2. Travelling has become faster than before.
3. Communication becomes easier, faster and cheaper.
4. Innovations in technology increased the standard of living.
5. Using various technologies, man becomes advanced.
6. The impossible have become possible due to the progress in science and
technology
 7. Science and technology made a lot of things easy to do and comfortable for
man.

Disadvantages of Technology

1. Human had misused the technology and used in damaging purpose.

2. By the use of technology, man is doing illegal things.
3. New technology like mobile phones is generating bad consequences on
children.
4. By means of modern technology, terrorists use it for destructive purpose.
5. Many illnesses were created due to the development of atomic energy and
atomic bomb.
6. Modern technology like nuclear energy have not only affected man but it also
affected plants and other creatures.
7. Natural beauty is decreasing due to the development of modern technology.

Limitations of Technology to Humanity

Technology has many advantages to humanity. One cannot live without these
advancements but there are certain limitations as to what humanity can apply it to
almost everything they do. Technology is the application of the laws of the theory in
science, to discuss its limitations, one need to answer these questions: Is there a
specific limitation in these Technological Advancements? Or can Humanity limit the
use of these technologies? These are the factors that define the limits of
technology:

1. The laws of physics

2. The laws of software
3. The challenge of algorithms
4. The difficulty of distribution
5. The problems of design
6. The problems of functionality
7. The importance of organization
8. The impact of economics
9. The influence of politics
Humanity

Humanity is the human race, which includes everybody on earth. It is also a term
for the qualities that make us human, such as the capacity to love, to sympathize,
to be creative, and not to be a robot or alien.

Humanity is from the Latin word “humanitas” which means “human nature,
kindness”. It comprises all the humans and the kind of emotions humans frequently
feel for each other. But when people talk about humanity, it is talking about people
as a whole. When people do wrong things, it challenges your faith in humanity.
When people request for money to help feed hungry children, they are appealing to
the sense of humanity.

Ethical Dilemmas

The control over nature and the control of other people by the use of technology is
completely another story. Science and technology as well as research and
development enjoy and must continue to enjoy autonomy from the state and
society. They may draw inspiration from them, but they are not necessarily
determined and directed by them. However, the application, use and distribution of
technology require ethical standards and even legal provisions set by the local and
international government.

Technology permeates every aspect of human life and activity. Inevitably, ethics
will also evolve into a burning issue for every individual and organization. At
present, there has no common global ethics to technological advancement to
discuss different issues, agreements or accepted legal rights and responsibilities.
Process Questions

1. What are the positive and negative effects of technology to society?

2. What are the impacts of technological advancement on education today?

3. Utilizing the technological advancements, what are the new challenges in the
promotion and protection of human rights?
Synthesis

The development of society along with science and technology gives rise to more
and more complex issues. What is vital is that, at the very least, we are able to
protect and exercise human rights for everyone in our pursuit of the good life. It is
important that amid these developments, human beings become more open, more
rational, and more loving in our practice of science and technology.

As we examine contemporary issues in science and technology – information,

genetically modified organisms, nanotechnology, and climate change – we keep in
mind that the building of a just and progressive society entails the constant practice
of the good. It may be exhibited in exceptional scientific methodologies, personal
virtue, social responsibility, and global concern.

Assessments
Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer and write your answer on the space
provided before the number.
 _____1. The following are advantages brought about by technology EXCEPT:

a. Man has become advanced by using various new technology

b. Due to the development of science and technology, the impossible
have become possible
c. Difficult thing and work have become easy and comfort to man due to
science and technology
d. Life has become confusingly easy and unstable
_____2. Which of the following is not an example of evidences of scientific
knowledge applications?

a. The rise of information technology has made global communications

possible.
b. The introduction of gene therapy, stem cells and cloning had improved
the medical and health sectors.
c. Economic growth and global standing were achieved through
innovations.
d. All of the above.
_____3. Which of the following is NOT a negative view for technology?

a. Society had become more dependent on technology.

b. Lack of willingness to think before we act.
c. Humans become patient.
d. Technology is making as so bust that can’t even find time to spend
with our closed ones.

Reflection Guide

1. What have I LEARNED this day that has helped me do all aspects of this better?
2. What have I DONE this week that has made me better at doing all aspects of
this?

3. How can I IMPROVE at doing all aspects of this is?