Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society (STS): Key Concepts and Historical Developments

Science and Technology

___________ improve quality of life, influence individuals, and provide products that affect daily living.

To solve interface problems between technology and society involving

human values,

organization,

environment,

economy,

politics.

Importance of studying STS

SP B T S

TECHNOLOGY

From techne (skill, craftsmanship) and logos (discourse, reason).

Technology as a human activity

It involves making and using material artifacts, comparable to art, politics, and economics.

From scientia (knowledge)

Origin of the word 'science'

SCIENCE

The study of the natural world, systematic knowledge, and a system based on the scientific method.

Steps of the scientific method (AOCTAC)

• Ask a question

• Observation

• Construct a hypothesis

• Test with experiment

• Analyze data

• Communicate results.

Sumerian Civilization

Earliest known civilization in Mesopotamia (c. 3500 BCE).

Use of the wheel in Sumerian society

To transport heavy goods, improve farming, and trade.

Sexagesimal (base 60), basis for 360° circle and 60 minutes in an hour.

Sumerian number system

Cuneiform.

First writing system developed by Sumerians

The plow.

Agricultural tool invented by Sumerians

Location of Babylon

Between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (modern Iraq).

Canals and dikes for irrigation.

Farming system used by Babylonians

The Code of Hammurabi ('eye for an eye').

Law code established by Hammurabi

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Wonder of the ancient world built under Nebuchadnezzar II

Northeast Africa, along the Nile River.

Location of Ancient Egypt

A 365-day solar calendar with 12 months and 3 seasons.

Type of calendar invented by Egyptians

Hieroglyphics.

Egyptian writing system

Great Pyramid of Giza.

Egyptian Wonder of the Ancient World

As an early form of paper.

Use of papyrus

Philosophy and rational inquiry into nature.

Greece's greatest contribution to science

Thales of Miletus

First known philosopher, said 'Know thyself.'

Socrates

A philosopher considered the father of Western moral philosophy.

Hippocrates

Father of Medicine, taught diseases have natural causes. Hippocratic Oath

Aristotle

Philosopher and scientist who studied classification, ethics, politics, physics, and biology.

Archimedes

Mathematician who discovered buoyancy and invented pulleys/screw pump.

Pythagoras

Mathematician known for the Pythagorean theorem.

Ptolemy

Astronomer who wrote The Almagest.

The Gazette

The first newspaper.

Codex

First bound book created by Romans.

Roman numerals

Number system established by Romans.

China in trade

Known for silk.

Acupuncture

A medical practice that originated in China.
using needles to treat diseases.

Shang Dynasty

The dynasty that developed silk production (sericulture by Lady Hsi-Ling-Shih).

Ch'in Dynasty

The dynasty that built the Great Wall of China.

Han Dynasty

The dynasty known for inventions such as the seismograph, papermaking, and printing.

Gunpowder

An explosive invented by Chinese alchemists. Tang Dynasty

Sung Dynasty

The dynasty that first used paper money.

The Catholic Church

The institution that was central to Europe during the Middle Ages.

Monasteries

Institutions that preserved manuscripts and cared for the sick during the Middle Ages.

Arabs during the Middle Ages

They preserved Greco-Roman science and advanced astronomy, medicine, and math.

Printing press with movable type

An invention known for being developed by Johann Gutenberg.

Compound microscope

An invention credited to Zacharias Janssen.

Telescope

An optical instrument improved by Galileo Galilei.

Pasteurization

A discovery made by Louis Pasteur. heating dairy products

Telephone

An invention by Alexander Graham Bell.

Penicillin

A discovery made by Alexander Fleming.

Kerosene refining

A process discovered by Samuel Kier.

Copernican Revolution

Refers to Copernicus' heliocentric theory.

Darwinian Revolution

Refers to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.

Freudian Revolution

Refers to Freud's theory of the unconscious mind (id, ego, superego).

PRE SPANISH ERA

(FASPC)

• Filos have own beliefs

• Astronomy by looking at sky

• Science in agriculture

• Plants for healing; tools for planting

• Created musical instruments

Metal Age materials

Gold, silver, ceramics, and metal tools were used.

SPANISH ERA

(FBF)

• Formal schools

• Brought subjects and disciplines

• Filipinos replicated Spanish tech

AMERICAN ERA

• University of the Philippines

• Public Educ

• Improved Engineering, Hospitals, Transport

• WW2 Detroyed/slowed progress

• after american, science is being rebuilt

Public health and engineering

Sectors advanced by Americans.

NRCP

National Research Council of the Philippines.

DOST projects

Includes scholarships and Balik Scientist Program.

ESEP

The goal is to train more PhDs in engineering and science.

PICARI

Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes project.

Indigenous STS examples

·        Predicting weather and seasons through animal behavior and stars.

·        Using herbal medicine.

·        Preserving food.

·        Classifying plants and animals by cultural traits.

·        Seed selection for planting.

·        Building irrigation systems.

·        Classifying soil types for farming.

·        Making wines and juices from fruits.

·        Practicing backyard farming.