flourshing

1. Human Flourishing in
Progress and de-
Development
Science, Technology and Society – Week 7

2. Learning Outcomes
1 Discuss Human flourishing in the context of progress in science and technology
2 Explain the de-development as progress and development framework
3 Differentiate between traditional frameworks of progress and development and Hickel’s concept of de-development
At the end of this lecture, the class should be able to:

3. What is Human Flourishing?
Compared to eastern civilizations, western culture appears to
be more individualistic.
As a result, it appears that eastern and western concepts of
society and pleasure diverge from one another, whilst
Eastern culture is more centered on the community. The
fact that human flourishing is still a priority must be
emphasized.
Flourishing is a state where people experience positive
emotions, positive functioning, positive psychological
functioning and positive social functioning.
Human flourishing is the ability to live a good life.

4. Aristotelian Flourishing
Flourishing suggested the
cultivation of virtue, a trademark in
Aristotle's philosophy, and was originally
used by him to characterize it as “ the way
we are intended to be as human beings."
He said that developing moral character is
what we should do for our souls to grow,
which is a condition that goes beyond
temporal bliss.

5. Aristotelian Flourishing
According to the theory, moral
behavior is what gives rise to character;
yet, it takes practice to develop the habit
of acting and feeling moral.
So, the decisions and ideas we have
each day add up to shape who we are
and develop the depth of our character.

6. According to Bandarlipe, et al. (2019), the following
are some characteristics of human flourishing:
1. All humans aim to flourish.
2. Human flourishing involves putting into action one’s capabilities
and virtues.
3. Human flourishing depends on free will.
4. Human flourishing is sustained over time.
5. Human flourishing involves doing well in broad domains of human
life.

8. Humans have made several advancements that we did not previously.
Mortality rates are lowered due to less death due to
diseases and childbirth.
Life spans increased due to better medical care and health
conditions.
Literacy rates increased through better accessible
education
Productivity increased, increased food supply and income
of families.
Communication is made easier, and more people can
share feedback.
The Positives!
“These virtues are formed in man by his doing the
actions… The Good of man is a working of the
soul in the way of excellence in a complete life”

9. Emotions are coped, space is
wide open.
Status is vague, thrive in
their environment.
Psychological
Functioning
Social
Functioning

10. Forget 'developing' poor countries, it's time to 'de-develop' rich countries
Growth has been the main object of
development for the past 70 years, although it’s not working.
According to orthodox economists, all that is
required is further growth. More progressive individuals tell
us that to somewhat balance things out, we need to
redistribute some of the growth yields from the wealthier
parts of the population to the poorer ones.
Neither approach is adequate. Why? Because
even at current levels of average global consumption, we’re
overshooting our planet’s bio-capacity by more than
50% each year.
“Instead of pushing poor countries to 'catch up
with rich ones, we should be getting rich countries to 'catch
down”
The Concept of de-Development by Jason
Hickel

11. Traditional Frameworks, Jason Hickel’s
Framework
Both frameworks are credible, but
one contains a contradiction in that it
requires materials from which it draws
resources, implying the development
of all.
Deducing the development
ideology contradicts its belief in
human flourishing for everyone; it
prioritizes personal wealth over the
benefit of the collective.
Hickel’s Theory does not require
resources, instead using the ideology
of trading off time for development as
rich countries reduce their
manufacturing to let poor countries
catch up.
New Trade Theory
(NTT) refers to modern economic theory
that explains international trade based on
economies of scale, network effects, and
first-mover advantage. It helps decipher
the main reason behind globalization and
intensive trading between similar
economies.
NTT by Paul Krugman
Traditional
Comparison
by Jason Hickel
De-Development
Theory

12. Difference Between Traditional Frameworks of Progress,
Development, and Hickel's Concept of De-development
• Traditional frameworks of progress and development are
based on the idea that economic growth and
industrialization are essential for improving people's well-
being and achieving prosperity.
• This approach has been dominant in mainstream
economics and international development for decades, and
it focuses on increasing GDP, promoting free trade, and
encouraging foreign investment. The traditional
framework assumes that all countries can achieve similar
levels of development by following the same path of
industrialization and modernization.

13. • In contrast, Hickel's concept of de-development
challenges the traditional framework by arguing that
economic growth and industrialization have not delivered
the promised benefits to many people, particularly in the
Global South. De-development is a deliberate process of
dismantling the existing structures of economic growth
and development in order to achieve a more sustainable
and equitable society.
• The de-development approach argues that economic
growth has led to ecological destruction, social inequality,
and cultural homogenization, and that it is necessary to
shift towards alternative models of development that
prioritize human needs and well-being over profit and
economic growth.

14. In summary, the main difference
between traditional frameworks of progress and
development and Hickel's concept of de-
development is that the former sees economic
growth and industrialization as essential for
achieving prosperity, while the latter argues that
these approaches have failed to deliver the
promised benefits and may even be detrimental
to society and the planet. De-development
seeks to challenge the existing structures of
economic growth and development and promote
more sustainable and equitable models of
development that prioritize human well-being
over economic growth.

15. We've discussed what is Human Flourishing,
now what do you want to improve in your life
to achieve this
state?(Psychological,Social,etc)
Type in the chat box!
Activity!