Science, Technology and Society - Lesson 2 (Intellectual Revolution)

What is science as an idea?

Science as an idea includes the ideas, theories, and all available systematic explanations and observations about the natural and physical world.

What is science as an intellectual activity?

Science as an intellectual activity encompasses a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical world, involving systematic observation and experimentation.

What is science as a body of knowledge?

Science as a body of knowledge is a branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.

What is science as a personal and social activity?

Science as a personal and social activity is humankind's way of understanding nature, society, and the self, leading to the development of new technologies and ideas that benefit society.

What is the Scientific Revolution?

The Scientific Revolution is the period of enlightenment when developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed society's views about nature.

How did the Scientific Revolution impact society?

The ideas generated during this period enabled people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their beliefs and way of life; it led to the creation of new research fields in science and established a strong foundation for modern science.

Who was Nicolaus Copernicus?

Nicolaus Copernicus was an astronomer whose idea and model of the universe placed the Sun as the centerpiece (heliocentric model).

What were the two kinds of planetary motion outlined by Copernicus?

(1) The orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside Earth's orbit, thus closer to the Sun; (2) The orbits of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter lay outside Earth's orbit, thus farther from the Sun.

How did Copernicus's model contribute to understanding planetary orbits?

From his model, Copernicus worked on the length of time it takes for each planet to orbit once around the Sun.

Who was Charles Darwin?

Charles Darwin was a naturalist famous for his theory of evolution.

What book did Darwin publish in 1859?

Darwin published "The Origin of Species" in 1859, presenting evidence on how species evolved over time and traits/adaptations that differentiate species.

What idea did Darwin introduce in "The Descent of Man"?

In "The Descent of Man," Darwin introduced the idea of all organic life, including humans, under the realm of evolutionary thinking.

How did Darwin's approach to science emphasize evidence?

Darwin's unorthodox way of pursuing science gave more value to evidence-based science, marked by observation and experiment.

Who was Sigmund Freud?

Sigmund Freud was a famous figure in psychology who made significant contributions through the development of psychoanalysis.

What was Freud's method of psychoanalysis?

Freud's method of psychoanalysis was an observational method focusing on human sexuality and the evil nature of man.

How effective was Freud's psychoanalysis according to Weiner (2016)?

Freud's method of psychoanalysis was proven effective in understanding some neurological conditions that were not understood by medicine at the time.

What is the Maya civilization known for in science?

The Maya civilization lasted approximately 2,000 years and incorporated advanced astronomy into temples and religious structures; they predicted eclipses, used astrological cycles for planting/harvesting, and measured time with two complicated calendar systems.

What technologies did the Maya develop?

The Maya developed technology for growing crops, building elaborate cities with ordinary tools, looms for weaving cloth, glittery paints from mica, rubber products (3,000 years before Goodyear's 1844 patent), a writing system (Mayan hieroglyphics), a number system based on 20, and the concept of zero/positional value before the Romans.

What scientific contributions did the Inca civilization make?

The Inca developed roads paved with stones, earthquake-resistant stone buildings, irrigation systems and water storage techniques, a 12-month calendar for festivals and planting, the first suspension bridge, quipu (knotted ropes for records), and prized Inca textiles.

What contributions did the Aztec civilization make to science and society?

The Aztec mandated education for all children (early universal education), developed chocolate from cacao beans (used as tribute to gods), created antispasmodic medication to prevent muscle spasms/relax muscles for surgery, invented chinampa (rectangular canal-surrounded farming areas), used the Aztec calendar for activities/rituals/planting, and invented the canoe for water travel.

What scientific advancements did ancient India contribute?

Ancient India produced high-quality iron steel prized in the Roman Empire, developed Ayurveda (traditional medicine still used today), discovered medicinal plant properties for cures, described surgical/medical procedures in the Susruta Samhita, theorized the universe's configuration (spherical self-supporting Earth, 360-day year with 12 equal parts), standardized measurements with the Mohenjodaro ruler, introduced trigonometric functions/algebra algorithms by Aryabhata, suggested gravity as a force of attraction and explained zero by Brahmagupta, and founded mathematical analysis by Madhava of Sangamagrama.

What were key Chinese contributions to science and technology?

China developed traditional medicines from centuries of experience, discovered medical uses of plants/animals (e.g., acupuncture), invented the compass, papermaking, gunpowder, printing tools, iron plough, wheelbarrow, propeller, bridge models, the first seismological detector, dry dock facilities, and recorded supernovas/eclipses/comets to understand heavenly bodies and weather/seasons using lunar calendars.

What was the Golden Age of Islam in the Middle East?

With the spread of Islam in the 7th-8th centuries, the Golden Age of Islam (lasting until the 13th century) emphasized science experiments over thought experiments.

Who was Ibn al-Haytham and what did he contribute?

Ibn al-Haytham, regarded as the Father of Optics, provided empirical proof of the intromission theory of light.

What mathematical contributions came from the Middle East?

Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi contributed to algorithms (his name's origin) and algebra (from "al-jabr"); refinements to the number system included decimal point notation.

Who is considered the Father of Chemistry in the Middle East?

Jābir ibn Hayyān is considered by some as the Father of Chemistry.

What did Ibn Sina contribute to medicine?

Ibn Sina pioneered experimental medicine, conducted the first clinical trials, and wrote "The Book of Healing" and "The Canon of Medicine," used as standard texts in the Muslim world and Europe until the 17th century.

What early scientific developments occurred in Africa?

Africa, rich in natural/mineral resources, emerged science long before European colonization, including astronomy (lunar/solar/stellar calendars or combinations), imported iron technology from the Near East for Bronze/Iron Age benefits, and prominent mathematics.

What is the Lebombo Bone?

The Lebombo Bone, dated to ~35,000 BCE, is the oldest known mathematical artifact, possibly used for multiplication/division/simple calculations or as a six-month lunar calendar.

What were ancient Egyptian contributions to science?

Ancient Egyptians advanced astronomy, mathematics (four fundamental operations, algebra/geometry basics), and medicine; they used geometry for rectilinear structures/post-lintel architecture (e.g., pyramids, dams on the Nile); Egypt was a center of alchemy (medieval forerunner of chemistry); they studied human anatomy/pharmacology with examination/diagnosis/treatment/prognosis methods.