Unit 3: Special Topics in Science,

Technology, and Society

Chapter 8
Information Society
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and SOCIETY
 Lesson Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the students
should be able to:

1 2 3
Determine the human and Discuss the evolution Illustrate how
social impacts of the of technology from social media have
developments in the the ancient times up affected their lives.
information age; to the present; and
 Introduction:
Humans are surrounded on all sides by
technology claiming to supply information:
Television, smart phones, and internet
devices, among others.
However, do they all provide information
or just noise? More voices are trying to get
our attention but how can we be sure that
they share knowledge and the truth?
 Prove by historical
backgrounder: Before the printed
word, the written word was
prevalent. Yet, the intent to carry
information has always been
present.
 Information
Here are some key ideas and definitions:

A word is a combination of sounds that represents something which

makes words distinct from just any kind of vocal utterance.

Words are made up of sounds and yet they transmit something more
significant--they transmit messages.

Words are informed with meaning given by the speaker and intended
for the listener. In simply put, they communicate meaning.
 The role of language
In the human quest for understanding the natural world, the
ability to name and classify objects found in nature was seen as a
first step in knowing. Thus, the scientific search for truth early
on recognized the usefulness of language and the ability it gave
to make sense of nature.
For the ancient greeks, language was an object worthy of admiration. Words
have power.

The greek fascination with language and communication, pondering how ideas
can be shared between individuals through words.

Science, derived from the Latin word “scire” meaning “to know”, is presented
as one form of knowledge that the Greeks sought to comprehend.
Greeks aimed to understand language beyond mere
sounds, seeking principles of everyday
communication.

Meaningful messages formed through ordinary

sounds, retaining significance despite repetition.

Words possess the ability to transcend space and

time, maintaining their meaning when
communicated to multiple individuals
simultaneously or separately.
Early philosophers sought a unifying principle in nature, such as fire or
water believing in commonality among seemingly different things.

Plato’s “One and the Many” principle highlights the intrinsic unity among
diverse objects in the natural world, determining their true essence .

Biologists utilize a system distinguishing between genus and species to

demonstrate this principle, where many species belong to one genus.

In the 21st century, technology has heightened awareness of the rich

diversity in nature.
 Mathematics as the language of nature
Technology in the modern world is the fruit of science
because the scientific method helped people discover how
nature behaves, they were able to control nature with
technology.

People have discovered the laws and language of

nature, they can develop technology that uses these laws
and language for their benefit. Nature can be
understood because it speaks in the language of
mathematics and the human brain., this fact is not
always appreciated.
 Technological World
The ability to think and conceptually comprehend
nature and the principles it follows eventually leads to
science. Lost in antiquity is the first sailing vessel that
worked through the power of the wind. It was never
recorded when the early people realized that fire has its
own power and energy.

Not all early inventions are lost in time. Hero of

Alexandria, for instance, would invent a primitive
steam engine in the first century.
The printing press and beyond
The power of the eidos, or idea, would be
witnessed in the succeeding centuries of
development in the west. The ancient fascination of
the words of earlier people at the same time when
the West weakened itself due to internecine
warfare and conflicts. Throughout this dark period,
the importance of the word--the power to be
informed as a human being--led to the
transmission of ideas through hand-copying. From
this manual action would arise the technology that
would transform cultures--the printing press.
The development of printing press, which may be regarded as
the beginning of a true revolution.

Using the printing press, people on different sides of the

world could share their thoughts and ideas with each other,
forming communities of thinkers across space and time
(Connell, 1958)

In the age of information, the transmission of ideas has

undergone changes. Meaning and depth are no longer
conveyed strictly by rhetoric but rather by its electronic
replacement, the digital signal or digit. Such a digital world is
a direct offspring of the progressing world of technology built
upon many advances in science (Toffler, 1984)
 World Wide Web
The world Wide Web, often
abbreviated as WWW or simply the
web, is a system of interlinked
hypertext documents accessed via
the internet.
Allows users to view and navigate
through various types of content,
including text, images, videos and other
multimedia by using web browsers. The
web is crucial part of the internet and
has revolutionize the way people access
and share information, communicate,
and conduct business online.
 Summary
The information age has brought about a revolution in communication, connectivity , and access
to information through digital technologies, facilitating global connectivity while also raising
concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the digital divide. Ethical considerations ,particularly
regarding data privacy and security are paramount in navigating this era.

The evolution of technology from ancient times to the present has seen remarkable
advancements driven by humanity’s quest for innovation. These advancements from
rudimentary tools to sophisticated digital technologies have transformed society and improved
the quality of life for many.

Social media has emerged as a dominant force, influencing human behavior , relationships, and
self-presentation. While offering unprecedented opportunities for communication and
connection, social media also presents challenges such as online harassment , misinformation,
and privacy concerns, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and responsible use of
technology.
QUIZ TIME!