SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
LESSON 1: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Historical Antecedents in which social considerations
changed the course of Science and Technology
SCIENCE - ‘’scienta’’ which means knowledge.
-acquiring knowledge based on scientific method
-a process used to solve problems or develop an
understanding of nature that involves testing possible
answers.
- an organized, systematic, and methodical activity
through observation, experimental or both.
-a discovery of regularity in nature to be described by
principles ad laws.
-discover facts and relationships and tries to create
theories of these facts and relationships.
TECHNOLOGY- ‘’techne’’ meaning art, skills or cunning
of hand
-application of scientific knowledge, laws and
principles to produce services, materials, tools and
machine aimed at solving real world problems.
-methods, systems and devices which are the result of
scientific knowledge used for practical purposes.
-human attempt to change the world by creating
products that make our life easier.
SOCIETY - ‘’societas’’ which means a friendly
association with other
-large group of people who live together in an
organized way.
-group of individuals, characterized by common
interest.
TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCING SCIENCE
-without technology some science experiment would
not be possible.
*HANS LIPPERSHEY - he invented the first telescope
SCIENCE INFLUENCING SOCIETY
-determination or prevailing problems and seeking
solutions to those problems.
SOCIETY INFLUENCING SCIENCE
-challenges and issues in the society often serve as
inspiration in formulating questions for scientific
research.
SOCIETY INFLUENCING TECHNOLOGY
-the technological advancements in a society is
primarily affected by the needs of the people.
SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
- History of science, philosophy of science and
sociology of science
- study the nature of science and technology
-bridge the gap between culture-humanities and
natural sciences.
HISTSORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ANCIENT WORLD
Stone Tools - earliest known technology used by
humans during stone age.
Ex. Scrapers, hammers
Cuneiform - the earliest writing system in the world
-early hunters, gathers and foragers developed skills
and techniques to use tools and make weapons, to
use fire and to identify edible plants and animals.
Agricultural Revolution - started somewhere in the
middle east nearly 10,000 years ago. Led to the
development of towns. In this period, humans started
to develop sun-dried bricks, ceramics, mortars and
even metal products.
Copper - first known metal used by man
Development of ceramics also prospered. Wheels
were developed for transportation. Writing was
invented
EARLY BABYLONIAN PLOUGH
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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
LESSON 1: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
After the Agricultural Revolution, scientific knowledge
and technological advancements led to the rise of
civilizations.
CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
- which was dominated by the Greek and Roman
civilization. Specifically, it started with the Ionian
School of Philosophy.
*The most notable Greek Philosophers of this period
are Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
Socrates (470-399 BC) - known for his method of
inquiry called elenchus (Question and Answer).
Plato (427-347 BC) - student of Socrates.
He always emphasized the concept of proof and
insisted on having concrete and clear hypothesis in
understanding nature.
Aristotle (384-322 BC) - student of Plato.
He is also known for his deductive method of
scientific inquiry.
City of Alexandria - became a center of scientific
knowledge in Egypt.
Edwin Smith Papyrus - one of the first important
scientific text from Africa.
Great Wall - the greatest construction achievement of
China at the time.
MIDDLE AGES
- the development of science technology declined.
Rise of Christianity in Europe - also considered a
factor in the decline of science.
The Deadly Plague- ravaged Europe and Christians felt
the need to further their knowledge in medicine in
order to develop a cure.
*From Europe, the center of science and technology
shifted to China and nearby areas.
*In India, mathematics, medicine and astronomy
were well-advanced.
*The Science of Islamic Civilization was also
developed.
Science was reviewed in Europe by Emperor
Charlemagne.
MODERN AGE
-the Age of Discovery and Exploration started.
Voyages and the Invention of the compass - two
most important were the development of ships that
can withstand long.
Technology was taught in universities; many artists
also became scientists such as Leonardo Da Vinci
Renaissance - is a cultural movement that is based on
humanism, a system of thought that gives more
importance to humans than supernatural powers.
*In the latter part of Renaissance, the Scientific
Revolution emerged.
*It started at the same time as the foundation of
England’s Royal Society which paved the way for a
more organized scientific community.
*Sir Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin are two
notable members of the society.
Nicolaus Copernicus - a astronomers, became the
center controversy due to his heliocentric view of the
Universe. This marked so-called Copernican
Revolution which was a shift from the geocentric view
of the universe.
Microscope - paved the way for the understanding of
microorganisms and the many types of diseases
associated with them.
* Zacharias Janssen - who invented the microscope
*Galileo Galilei - the leading of the Scientific
Revolution
-He introduced experimentation using the scientific
method.
*Fe Del Mundo - she invented the medical incubator
Another period is emerged starting from the
publication of Carolus Linnaeus works on biological
classification.
- This period is also known as the Enlightment, which
emphasized logic and reasoning.
Sir Isaac Newton - leading figure of the Enlightenment
-His work is principia, established the foundation of
modern-day physics.
Steam engine - most revolutionary
*James Watt - he invented steam engine
- the steam engine made many industrial processes
possible; it is also part of the Industrial Revolution.
*One specific controversial theory was the Theory of
Evolution proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred
Wallace.
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SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
LESSON 1: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
*In Germany, laboratories were dedicated to the
development of weapons in preparation for the World
War.
*Plastics were invented in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Led
to the development of new appliances, materials, and
products.
*The structure of the DNA was discovered in 1953 by
James Watson and Francis Crick with the aid from
studies of other scientists such as Rosalind Franklin.
In 140’s, the development of the pesticide
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), as well as the
invention of fertilizers, hybrid seeds and farm
equipment, led to a new agricultural revolution.
-However, when it was found that DDT has negative
effects on biodiversity and health, the movement of
environmentalism emerged as society’s response.
-The development of computers, internet, software,
and other digital technologies paved the way for the
Digital Revolution or Information Age.
IN THE PHILIPPINES
-They used simple stone and metal tools. Later they
developed potteries, ceramics, weavings, and other
tools.
-By 1000 AD, Filipinos have developed good
shipbuilding technology.
-By 16th century, Spaniards observed that some
Filipino communities know artillery. They have many
good weapons such as bows, spears, swords.
-Agricultural practices such as rice, farming, livestock
raising, and fishing was also existing.
University of Sto. Tomas - The beginning of modern
science and technology in the Philippines was brought
by the Spaniards.
Anacleto Del Rosario, Leon Ma. Guerrero and
Trinidad Pardo De Travera - Filipinos who became
scientists went to Europe for training and study.
*As the Spanish regime ended, only two science
professions were relatively more developed -
medicine and pharmacy.
-The Philippines became a predominantly agricultural
country.
-Due to the entry of foreign technology and
investments, some sectors such as the sugarcane and
tobacco industry, were modernized.
University of the Philippines and the Philippine
Normal College - secularized public schools.
-In 1905, the Bureau of Science was established. It
was the main research facility in the country until
World War 1.
-In 1906, the Philippines Journal of Science was
established to report scientific findings and
observations.
-In 1903, the Philippine Legislature passed an Act
establishing the National Research Council of the
Philippines.
-During the Commonwealth, more industries were
established with government support.
-After the War, scientific and technological
development was revived.
-In 1947, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the
Institute of Science.
- In 1952, the Science Foundation of the Philippines
was established to promote science among Filipinos.
-In 1957, a study was done to determine the sudden
decline of science and technology in the Philippines.
CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
The development of science and technology was
bome out of the needs of society. For instance, the
development of machines was driven by society’s
desire to make things easier and faster.
On the other hand, science technology also influenced
the society. Today, in the age of information
technology, new habits, lifestyles, and activities such
as social networking has developed.
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