PRELIM COVERAGE (12 hours)

GENERAL CONCEPTS AND STS HISTORICAL

DEVELOPMENTS

Chapter 1

Lesson 1: Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Course

of Science and Technology in the World (5 Hours)

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
 define Science and Technology operationally;
 discuss the importance of Science advancement to your everyday’s life;
 determine your roles and responsibilities in using technology;
 discuss the developments and innovations in the field of Science and Technology and
Society throughout history of the world and the Philippines; and
 identify the paradigm shifts in history of the world.

Key Terms:
Science Technology Scientific Revolution
Historical Records Discoveries Science Evolution
Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages Intellectual Personalities

A. Introduction to Science and Technology

Introduction

Imagine yourself walking for more than a kilometer going to school, or doing your
assignments in the dark room with a candle; having no communication with someone you love
who is working far away, and that you need to cook your food from a fire you make out of two
rubbing stones. Those were the days experienced by the older generations which probably you
won’t do ever in your life. Having all the things around you now, you just don’t want to think
about going back to the past. All of these started from a kin observation and human desires to
know and to build.

Science has been defined as a systematized body of knowledge covering general truths
or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method
(Merriam Webster Dictionary). From the word “scire”, it means to know or to cut off something.
Thus Science is both a body of knowledge and a process. All claims can only be called science
once approved and validated by an experiment.

The quest of finding something towards a better life paved its way to great discoveries
giving birth to what we call technology- the practical application of knowledge (Merriam
Webster Dictionary). The advancement of science greatly innovated the kind of life you are
living in right now. And since new things may occur, Science is dynamic in nature- that is, it
change along with changes and that it may vary from one person to another.

The evolution of science is like a boon to the world, as human beings come to know a lot about
the world they are living in including the activities they indulge into. Furthermore, the
development of technology along with the advancement in Science helps to bring in a
revolution in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, education, information and
technology, and many more.

In the present world, if we think of any sort of development, then the presence of science and
technology cannot be ignored.

What is Science?

Science fundamentally is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural and
physical world through observations and experiments.
Study of science evolved with the civilization of human beings.
What is Technology?

Technology (which is basically derived from the Greek word ‘technologia’) is an art, skill or
ability, which is used to create and develop products and acquire knowledge.
Scientists used their knowledge to develop technology and then used technology to develop
Science; so, because of this reason science and technology are an integrated term in today’s
world.

Consider the following points to understand the relationship between Science and Technology –
- Contribution of Science to Technology
- Contribution of Technology to Science
Let us discuss these points in brief.

Contribution of Science to Technology

 Science as a direct source of new technological ideas

For example, innovation and development medical instruments; nuclear technology, radar
system, etc.

Science as a source of engineering

Most of the technical knowledge used in the designing and development of tools and techniques
is actually an outcome of ‘engineering science’.

Science has also helped in the development of human skills. This is one of the fundamental
contributions of Science.