Group No:

FT 1102 – Technology and Historical

Transformation
Assignment – 01

Name: Wanasinghe W. M. D. A
Reg No: 2022t01364
Course Unit: FT 1102
Date: 15/03/2024
 Q1. Contributions of schools and universities to Science and Technology
The prevailing narrative in many educational institutions worldwide often highlights the contributions of
European nations to science and technology while overlooking significant advancements made by other
civilizations. This Eurocentric view of history tends to overshadow the rich and diverse innovations from
cultures across the globe. Let's explore why this perspective is heavily distorted, using examples to
illustrate the point.

Chinese Contributions
 China's inventions of printing, gunpowder, and the magnetic compass significantly transformed
global societies. These innovations had far-reaching impacts on communication, warfare, and
navigation, yet their origins are often overlooked.
 The Chinese approach to science and technology differed from the Western model. Instead of
seeking dominion over nature, Chinese scholars aimed to understand and harmonize with natural
processes, reflecting a different worldview.
 Other Chinese inventions, such as paper money, umbrella and modern agricultural techniques,
further demonstrate the breadth of their technological advancements, challenging the notion of
European superiority.

Sri Lankan Technological Heritage

 Sri Lanka's ancient irrigation systems stand as a testament to sophisticated engineering and
environmental management practices. These systems, which include intricate networks of
reservoirs and canals, showcase the ingenuity of ancient civilizations in harnessing water
resources.
 The destruction of small village tanks in Sri Lanka due to misinterpretations by later engineers
underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving indigenous technological knowledge.
Disregarding such contributions perpetuates a skewed narrative of technological progress.

Eurocentric Bias
 Eurocentrism often stems from historical power dynamics and colonial legacies, where European
nations controlled narratives of progress and development.
 By focusing solely on European achievements, educational curricula perpetuate a distorted view
of history, marginalizing the contributions of non-Western cultures and reinforcing notions of
Western superiority.
 Diverse perspectives and contributions to science and technology enrich our understanding of
human ingenuity and innovation, challenging the notion of a singular, Eurocentric narrative.
 Q2.
a) The approach of Francis Bacon towards nature in extracting the secrets of nature.
Francis Bacon's approach towards nature was characterized by a desire to extract its secrets for the benefit
of humanity. He viewed nature almost as an adversary to be conquered, dissected, and manipulated to
reveal its hidden truths. Bacon believed that knowledge is power, and he advocated for the organized
pursuit of knowledge by those in positions of temporal power, such as rulers or kings. His method,
outlined in works like "Novum Organum," aimed to simplify the process of discovery and lead to a better
understanding of nature's laws. In Bacon's worldview, the mastery of nature through scientific inquiry was
essential for human progress and the advancement of society.

b) Bacon’s views on the relation between knowledge, power and the King
Francis Bacon believed in a close relationship between knowledge, power, and the authority of the King.
He argued that knowledge is a source of power, and therefore, it should be harnessed and organized by
those in positions of temporal authority, particularly the monarch. Bacon advised rulers, such as King
James I, to take control of knowledge and use it for the benefit of their reigns. He saw the King as the
central figure responsible for organising knowledge and directing its application towards the betterment
of society. Bacon's vision was instrumental in the establishment of institutions like the Royal Society,
which aimed to advance scientific inquiry under the guidance of political leadership. In Bacon's
worldview, the union of knowledge and power, facilitated by the authority of the King, was essential for
societal progress and the mastery of nature.

c) Critique of Bacon regarding the Scholars and Craftsmen of his era

Francis Bacon offered a critique of both scholars and craftsmen of his era, highlighting what he saw as
deficiencies in their approaches to knowledge and innovation.

Regarding scholars, typically associated with universities and esteemed classes, Bacon criticized their
reliance on traditional methods based on revelation, authority, and logic. He believed that scholars were
often dogmatic and stagnant, failing to make significant progress in acquiring new knowledge.

In contrast, Bacon praised craftsmen for their practical approach to innovation. Craftsmen, driven by
empirical observation and experimentation, were able to produce tangible and useful inventions. Bacon
likened scholars to spiders, who spin intricate webs of their own theories, while craftsmen were compared
to ants, diligently accumulating and applying practical knowledge.

Bacon's critique underscores his belief in the importance of empirical inquiry and practical application of
knowledge. He advocated for a synthesis of the empirical methods of craftsmen with the theoretical
rigour of scholars, aiming for a more dynamic and fruitful pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
 Q3. D
a) How land and water were utilized in the dry zone by the ancient Sinhalese in Paddy
and Chena cultivation.
In the dry zone, the ancient Sinhalese employed strategic management of land and water resources for
paddy and chena cultivation.

For paddy cultivation, land ownership was diverse, including monastic, monarchic, and private
ownership. Collective ownership and rotation of plots among the community were common practices.
Irrigation water was rationed, with fields closer to the water source receiving more water. Different types
of tanks, such as forest tanks and mountain tanks, were built to provide irrigation water and control
erosion.

Chena cultivation, a form of shifting agriculture, involved cultivating land for a few years before leaving
it fallow. This practice regulated chena plots' extent and distance from the village. Chena fields were
collectively owned and rotated among families, promoting equitable land use.

Overall, the ancient Sinhalese employed a combination of collective ownership, rotation systems, and
strategic water management to maximize land and water utilization in both paddy and chena cultivation in
the dry zone.

b) Types of ancient tanks

The ancient Sinhalese utilized four types of tanks. Those are,

1. Forest Tanks
These tanks were constructed in jungles above villages to provide drinking water for wild animals. By
offering water sources outside villages, they deterred animals from encroaching on human settlements.

2. Mountain Tanks
Built in mountainous regions, these tanks were designed to supply irrigation water for chena cultivation.
They played a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in challenging terrains.

3. Erosion Control Tanks

These tanks were strategically positioned to intercept silt and sediment, preventing their entry into main
reservoirs. By reducing soil erosion, they helped maintain the longevity and effectiveness of irrigation
systems.

4. Backup Tanks
Constructed to facilitate the desilting process of main tanks, backup tanks retained water while allowing
sediment to settle. This ensured the efficient maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, sustaining
agricultural productivity over time.
 c) The unfortunate misinterpretation made by R. L. Brohier
R.L. Brohier's unfortunate misinterpretation regarding small village tanks stemmed from his belief that
they represented an initial stage in the evolution of larger reservoirs. He proposed a four-stage theory of
ancient irrigation system development, suggesting that small village tanks were eventually replaced by
larger reservoirs, which submerged groups of smaller tanks. This misinterpretation led to the destruction
of many small village tanks by later irrigation engineers, who implemented policies based on Brohier's
theory.

d) How the R.L. Brohier's unfortunate misinterpretation resurfaced

During the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Project (1978 – 1984), the misinterpretation of R.L.
Brohier's theory resurfaced, leading to the destruction of numerous small village tanks. Engineers,
influenced by Brohier's misconception, viewed these tanks as primitive structures to be replaced by larger
reservoirs, resulting in the loss of valuable water management infrastructure.

To address this issue, Dr. Colvin R. De Silva raised concerns in parliament, prompting President J.R.
Jayawardane to appoint Senior Engineer Manamperi to investigate. Eng. Manamperi conducted a
thorough study, consulting both village farmers and project engineers. Realising the importance of small
village tanks, he recommended halting their destruction.

This resolution was crucial in preserving these tanks, acknowledging their significance in Sri Lanka's
ancient irrigation systems. Eng. Manamperi's intervention highlighted the importance of incorporating
local knowledge and understanding into development projects, ultimately ensuring the protection of vital
water management infrastructure.
 Q4.
a)
The transmission of three significant inventions from China to Europe profoundly transformed the global
landscape.

Printing
The invention of printing with movable type and the widespread use of paper revolutionized
communication and knowledge dissemination. Books, pamphlets, and other printed materials became
more accessible, leading to an explosion of literacy and the spread of ideas. This facilitated the exchange
of information and accelerated advancements in various fields, including science, literature, and politics.

Gunpowder
The discovery of gunpowder revolutionized warfare, leading to the development of powerful firearms,
cannons, and explosives. This transformed military tactics and strategies, reshaping the balance of power
between nations and empires. The use of gunpowder weapons had profound geopolitical implications,
contributing to the rise and fall of empires and the spread of colonialism.

Magnetic Compass
The introduction of the magnetic compass revolutionized navigation and exploration. Mariners could now
accurately determine direction, allowing for safer and more efficient sea voyages. This facilitated the Age
of Exploration, leading to the discovery of new lands, trade routes, and cultures. The magnetic compass
played a pivotal role in the expansion of European empires and the establishment of global trade
networks.

Overall, the transmission of these inventions from China to Europe had far-reaching impacts, catalyzing
transformative changes in technology, warfare, navigation, and global interconnectedness. They laid the
foundation for the modern world and significantly influenced the course of human history.

b)
Several factors contributed to the invention of printing by the ancient Chinese before any other nation:

Complexity of Chinese Script

The Chinese writing system, characterized by ideographic script, consisted of numerous distinct
characters with complex forms. This complexity made the manual process of writing time-consuming and
challenging. Consequently, there was a demand for a mechanical method of reproducing characters
efficiently.
Large Population and Administrative Needs
China's large population necessitated the mass production of written materials, such as government
documents, administrative records, and educational texts. The need to disseminate information to a vast
populace prompted the development of printing technology to meet the demand for multiple copies of
documents.

Cultural and Religious Practices

Buddhism, a dominant religion in China, emphasized the dissemination of sacred texts, such as sutras, to
the public. The belief in the merit gained from distributing religious texts incentivized the creation of
methods to produce copies more quickly and efficiently.

Innovative Spirit and Technological Advancements

The ancient Chinese were innovative and technologically advanced, contributing inventions in various
fields. This inventive spirit, coupled with advancements in materials and craftsmanship, facilitated the
development of printing technology.

Overall, the combination of a complex writing system, administrative needs, cultural practices, and
technological prowess propelled the ancient Chinese to invent printing before any other nation.

c)
Aspect European World View Chinese World View
Nature's Viewed as governed by external Seen as self-governed, operating
Governance divine laws or authority. according to internal harmony.
Human Aimed to conquer, dominate, and Emphasized harmony, alignment, and
Interaction exploit nature for benefit. respect for natural rhythms.
Relationship with Nature was perceived as a realm to be Nature was seen as a source of inspiration
Nature conquered and exploited. and spiritual nourishment.
Philosophical Led to scientific inquiry and Guided by concepts of Tao, emphasizing
Influence technological innovation. alignment with nature.
Environmental Often resulted in the exploitation and Encouraged practices of sustainability and
Impact degradation of nature. environmental stewardship.
 Q5.
a)
Bacon preferred to call his 'Scientific Method' a new machine for the mind because it directs the mind
along the correct path, leaving no room for the free exploration of ideas. He likened it to a mechanical aid
that perpetually guides the mind from the beginning to achieve its end.

b)
According to the passage, the aspects of the human condition that act as important constraints in the
process of acquiring knowledge include:

 The nature of the mind itself, which tends to shape perceptions of the world.
 The idiosyncrasies of individuals, which influence their understanding.
 Interactions with others, which impact one's worldview.
 Philosophical dogmas prevalent at the time, which shape thought patterns and beliefs.

c)
Bacon sought to avoid the extremes of Empiricism and Sophism:

 Empiricists focus solely on limited observations without generalizing beyond them, potentially
limiting the scope of understanding.
 Sophists, on the other hand, disregard or minimally engage with experimentation, which can lead
to superficial or misleading conclusions.
 Bacon's method aimed to strike a balance between these extremes, advocating for systematic
observation, experimentation, and generalization to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the
world.