Science, Technology, and Society: General Concepts and Historical Developments

Flashcards covering the concept of science, historical civilizations (Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese), Middle Age inventions, Modern era developments, Filipino inventions, and the Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian Intellectual Revolutions.

Science

Derived from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge', it is a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems, from the Greek root word techne, meaning 'art, skill, or cunning of hand.'

Society

A complex web of relationships, cultures, institutions, and systems in which individuals and groups coexist and interact, encompassing collective behavior, norms, and values.

Scientific Revolution

Taking place from the early $16^{th}$ century to the $18^{th}$ century in Europe, this era was a dramatic acceleration of scientific inquiry, experimentation, and documentation.

Cuneiform

The Sumerian system of writing using word pictures and triangular symbols carved on clay to record history, culture, and daily life.

Uruk City

Recognized as the first true city in the world, built by Sumerians using sun-baked bricks made from mud and clay.

The Great Ziggurat of Ur

Also known as the 'mountain of God', this Sumerian architectural and engineering marvel served as a sacred place for their chief god.

Irrigation and Dikes

Sumerian innovations developed to manage water supply, prevent flooding, and support mass food production.

Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, these were reportedly terraced gardens with various plant species, though no physical evidence confirms their existence.

Papyrus

A lightweight and durable writing material developed by Egyptians to replace heavy clay tablets.

Hieroglyphics

A symbolic writing system developed by Egyptians, believed to be a divine gift, often carved into the walls of pyramids.

Clepsydra

Also known as a water clock, this Egyptian timekeeping device used the flow of water to measure time and influenced modern clock development.

Water Mill

A Greek contribution essential for agricultural processes like grain milling, influencing modern energy conversion technologies like turbines.

Acta Diurna

The first form of a newspaper, created by the Romans, containing public announcements engraved on metal or stone tablets.

Codex

The Roman innovation of bound books made of stacked papyrus pages protected by animal skin covers.

Silk

A major Chinese export and technology involving the harvesting and processing of silk for clothing and paper, opening global trade routes.

Gunpowder

Accidentally created by Chinese alchemists seeking immortality, this substance was later used in weapons and fireworks.

Johann Gutenberg

The inventor of the printing press in the Middle Ages, which utilized cast type to facilitate the rapid production and dissemination of books.

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

Known as the Father of the Microscope, he developed magnification technology to help study microscopic organisms and address diseases.

Pasteurization

A process invented by Louis Pasteur involving heating dairy products to kill harmful bacteria, extending shelf life and ensuring food safety.

Samuel M. Kier

The individual who refined petroleum into kerosene, establishing the petroleum refinery industry and providing more efficient lighting.

Alexander Graham Bell

The inventor of the telephone, which revolutionized long-distance communication.

Blaise Pascal

The inventor of a calculator that facilitated complex arithmetic calculations, paving the way for modern computing devices.

Salamander Amphibious Tricycle

A Filipino invention developed by Dominic N. Chung, Lamberto Armada, and Victor 'Atoy' Llave that can navigate both flooded streets and water.

SALt Lamp

The Sustainable Alternative Lighting lamp invented by Aisa Mijeno, which uses saltwater as a power source.

Dr. Fe del Mundo

The Filipino scientist who created a non-electric medical incubator using a laundry basket and hot water bottles to aid newborns in rural areas.

Mosquito OL Trap

A system developed by DOST-ITDI that uses natural ingredients to target mosquito larvae to control dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Geocentrism

The model formalized by Claudius Ptolemy stating that Earth is the center of the universe and all celestial bodies revolve around it.

Heliocentrism

The theory proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus stating that the Sun is the center of the universe and all planets revolve around it.

Natural Selection

The principle proposed by Charles Darwin where individuals with favorable, heritable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, summarized as 'survival of the fittest.'

Id

The part of Freud’s personality theory that operates on the Pleasure Principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic instincts and desires.

Ego

The part of Freud’s personality theory that operates on the Reality Principle, making decisions based on consequences and social norms.

Superego

The part of Freud’s personality theory that operates on the Morality Principle, representing internalized ethics, values, and ideals.