Group 1 STS

LESSON 1 CHAPTER 3
HUMAN FLOURISHING
Group 1
Lesson Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you are expected
to: .
articulate one's vision, justification, and
criteria of human flourishing;
recognize the different dynamics of
Buddhist
02 economics compared to
materialist
03
perspectives; and
compare
04
this understanding from similar
concepts of human flourishing.
06
07
Introduction
The concept of human flourishing, rooted in
Greek and Western ideals, faces
misrepresentation in technologically advanced
societies. This lesson questions whether
unbridled industrialization and wealth define a
well-lived life, exploring alternative perspectives,
particularly from an Asian viewpoint.
Abstract:
Essay entitled "Buddhist Economics," E.F. Schumacher uses
religious and moral principles to the question of human flourishing.
"Right Livelihood" is one of the requirements of the Buddha's

Noble Eightfold Path. It is clear, therefore, that there must be such
a thing as Buddhist economics.... Spiritual health and material
well-being are not enemies: they are natural allies" (Schumacher
STRENGTHS
2014, p. 421).
Schumacher criticizes Western economics prioritizing goods, utility,

and self-righteousness over people and creativity. He questions if our
vision often human flourishing values materialism or emphasizes
people and creativity, urging a more holistic social science approach.
Perspective on Labor
Schumacher contends that viewing human flourishing as an objective
reality undermines its complexity beyond mere physical actions.
Describing it as mechanical reduces individuals to robots, hindering
fulfilling work aligned with purpose. He asserts that wealth's source
STRENGTHS
is human labor, highlighting opposing perspectives in modern
economies—employers view it as a cost to be “automated”, while the
workforce sees it as a "disutility," involving sacrifices compensated
by wages, revealing conflicting visions of an ideal economic
relationship.
Buddhist Perspective on Labor
In the Buddhist perspective, labor is understood as:
"to give a man a chance to utilize and develop his
faculties; to enable him to overcome his ego-
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centeredness by joining
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common task; and to bring forth the goods and
services needed for a becoming existence" (Supra, p.
422).
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Automation and Mechanization
The first enhances the skill and power of humanity, and the
second reduces human work to a mechanical slave. The former
constitutes the Buddhist vision for human flourishing, whereas
the latter leaves humanity to the position of serving the slave.
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Positive vs. negativeExpertise
impact on human flourishing.
Alignment with Buddhist vision for sustainable progress.

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Ethical considerationsStory
in technological advancements.
Buddhist Economics / ModernMaterialism
Schumacher further distinguishes Buddhist economics with the economics of
modern materialism. The distinction is based on the perspective that
civilization is not about the duplication of wants and desires as it is "the
purification of human character."The Buddhist perspective is all about a type
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of liberation that is not against physical well-being”.
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Schumacher's claim in Buddhist economics- nonviolence and simplicity. From
his economist perspective, the beauty of this way of life lies in its utter
rationality. Human flourishing, then, cannot be understood vis-à-vis
consumption. This is not the mark of what it means to be human. However,
Tell Your
economics looks at consumption as the "sole end and purpose of all economic
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activity" and considers the many factors of production only as a means.
Conclusion
Distinguishing Buddhist economics from modern materialism.
Importance of studying for a balanced and sustainable future.

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Encouragement to findYour
the "Middle Way" for human flourishing.
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Closing remarks on the relevance of "Right Livelihood" in a
global context.
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THANKYou
Group Members:
Abdao
Abubakar
Afif
Akaraman
Alpha
Arcillas
Buttongah
Enriquez

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LESSON 1 CHAPTER 3

"Right Livelihood" is one of the requirements of the Buddha's

Schumacher criticizes Western economics prioritizing goods, utility,

Alignment with Buddhist vision for sustainable progress.

Importance of studying for a balanced and sustainable future.

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