Part 1: Foundations of Science & Technology

Science

Humanity's systematic quest to understand the natural world through observation and experimentation. Answers the question "Why?"

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and improve life. Answers the question "How?"

Main Goal of Science

To understand natural phenomena and discover underlying principles.

Main Goal of Technology

To create tools, techniques, and systems that solve human problems.

Origin of the Word Technology

From the Greek word "technē," meaning art and craft.

Relationship Between Science and Technology

They are mutually reinforcing; science drives technology, and technology enables scientific discoveries.

Science Drives Technology

Scientific discoveries lead to practical inventions and innovations.

Technology Enables Science

Technological tools help scientists make new discoveries.

Example of Science Driving Technology

Understanding electromagnetic principles led to electric power systems.

Example of Technology Enabling Science

The microscope allowed the development of microbiology.

Penicillin and Science-Technology Relationship

Fleming's discovery of penicillin was a practical application, while later scientific research explained how it worked.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used to investigate and understand natural phenomena through evidence and logic.

Step 1 of the Scientific Method

Observation

Step 2 of the Scientific Method

Hypothesis Formation

Step 3 of the Scientific Method

Experimentation

Step 4 of the Scientific Method

Analysis

Step 5 of the Scientific Method

Conclusion

Observation

Noticing phenomena in the natural world that raise questions.

Hypothesis Formation

Developing a testable prediction or explanation based on observations.

Experimentation

Conducting controlled tests to gather evidence.

Control Group

A group used as a standard for comparison in an experiment.

Replication

Repeating experiments to ensure results are reliable and not due to chance.

Analysis

Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data.

Conclusion

Drawing evidence-based judgments that support, modify, or reject a hypothesis.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction about a relationship between variables.

Requirement of a Hypothesis

It must be falsifiable.

Falsifiable

Capable of being proven wrong through testing.

Scientific Theory

A well-supported explanation for a broad range of observations based on extensive evidence.

Example of a Scientific Theory

Theory of Evolution.

Scientific Law

A statement describing consistent patterns in nature without explaining why they occur.

Example of a Scientific Law

Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.

Difference Between Theory and Law

Theories explain why phenomena occur; laws describe what happens.

Self-Correcting Nature of Science

Scientific ideas are continuously tested, challenged, and revised based on new evidence.

Why Is Science Self-Correcting?

Because new evidence can modify or replace existing explanations.

Scientific Consensus

The general agreement among scientists based on available evidence.

Can Scientific Consensus Change?

Yes, when new evidence emerges.

Pseudoscience

Claims presented as scientific but lacking scientific evidence and proper methodology.

Evidence Base in True Science

Relies on empirical, repeatable, controlled experiments.

Evidence Base in Pseudoscience

Relies on anecdotes, testimonials, and isolated cases.

Falsifiability in True Science

Claims can be tested and potentially disproven.

Falsifiability in Pseudoscience

Claims are often vague or impossible to disprove.

Peer Review

Evaluation of scientific research by experts before publication.

Peer Review in Pseudoscience

Often avoided or replaced with fake review processes.

Self-Correction in True Science

Actively identifies and corrects errors.

Self-Correction in Pseudoscience

Resists change and ignores contradictory evidence.

Methodology in True Science

Uses controlled experiments and systematic observation.

Methodology in Pseudoscience

Uses subjective interpretation and cherry-picked data.

Reproducibility

The ability of independent researchers to obtain the same results.

Language in True Science

Precise and clearly defined.

Language in Pseudoscience

Vague and scientific-sounding without clear meaning.

Astrology

A pseudoscience claiming celestial bodies influence personality and fate.

Homeopathy

A pseudoscience claiming extremely diluted substances become more potent.

Crystal Healing

A pseudoscience claiming crystals affect a person's life energy.

Anti-Vaccine Movements

Reject scientific evidence supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Why Does Pseudoscience Persist?

It provides simple answers, confirms biases, offers hope, and uses scientific-sounding language.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to favor information that supports existing beliefs.

Pattern-Seeking

The tendency to find meaningful connections where none may exist.

Dogma

Beliefs accepted as unquestionably true without evidence or criticism.

Science vs. Dogma

Science welcomes questioning and revision; dogma discourages it.

Usog/Bati

A Filipino belief that illness can be caused by a greeting or compliment.

Common Phrases Against Usog

"Pwera usog" or "Purya buyag."

Kulam

A Filipino belief in witchcraft or hexes causing illness or misfortune.

Aswang

A shapeshifting supernatural being in Filipino folklore.

Scientific Explanation Linked to the Aswang Myth

Some researchers suggest X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP) may have contributed to the myth.

X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP)

A neurodegenerative disorder causing involuntary movements and tremors.

Importance of Distinguishing Science from Pseudoscience

To make informed decisions, especially regarding health and well-being.

Traditional Filipino Beliefs and Science

Traditional beliefs are part of culture, but they should be distinguished from scientifically proven methods.

Science Answers What Question?

Why?

Technology Answers What Question?

How?

Theories Explain

Why something happens.

Laws Describe

What happens.

Hypothesis

Testable prediction.

Science

Is self-correcting.

Pseudoscience

Is not evidence-based.

Dogma

Is accepted without question.