Module 10: History of Science and Technology in the Philippines
Summary
Cues (Key Concepts)
Importance of S&T for National Development
Precolonial Science: Agham
Spanish Colonial Influence on S&T
Role of the Illustrados
Advancements in Public Health and Education
The Jesuit Observatory and Typhoon Forecasting
Impact of S&T on National Identity
Notes (Detailed Information)
Importance of S&T for National Development
S&T is crucial for a nation’s growth; weak infrastructure hinders development.
Understanding historical evolution of S&T helps shape future policies.
Precolonial Science: Agham
Precolonial Filipinos had a form of science called "Agham," meaning knowledge of nature.
Knowledge was intertwined with cultural beliefs and practices.
Early technologies included metal extraction and agriculture based on celestial observations.
Spanish Colonial Influence on S&T
Spanish friars documented precolonial science and established educational institutions.
The first universities (e.g., San Ignacio, Santo Tomas) included faculties of science.
The "Sociedad de los Amigos de Pais" promoted agricultural and industrial innovation.
Role of the Illustrados
The Illustrados were educated Filipinos advocating for reforms and equality.
Key figures included José Rizal and Antonio Luna, who studied abroad and contributed to S&T.
They emphasized the importance of science in achieving national identity and independence.
Advancements in Public Health and Education
The Moret Decree of 1871 established medical and pharmacy faculties at UST.
Filipino students began to be trained as physicians, contributing to public health.
The Jesuit Observatory and Typhoon Forecasting
Established in 1865, it became a leading research institute for meteorology.
Father Federico Faura invented the Faura Barometer, enabling accurate typhoon predictions.
Impact of S&T on National Identity
S&T served as a tool for freedom and societal advancement.
The interplay between societal needs and scientific advancement shaped Filipino identity.
Summary (Key Takeaways)
The evolution of S&T in the Philippines reflects a complex interplay of indigenous knowledge, colonial influences, and the advocacy of educated Filipinos (Illustrados).
S&T has been integral to national development and identity, with significant contributions from religious institutions and reformist thinkers.
Understanding this history is essential for leveraging S&T in future national development efforts.
Science in the Philippines before European Colonization
Notes:
Definition of Science
Science is present in all cultures; it involves utilizing resources through technology.
Intuition about nature is developed through observation and validated in daily life.
In precolonial Philippines, this knowledge is referred to as "Agham."
Meaning of "Agham"
"Agham" comes from Sanskrit "agama," meaning "approaching the truth."
In Hinduism, "agama" refers to tradition and sacred texts, including cosmology and astronomy.
In Malay, "agama" means religion, indicating a religious understanding of science among precolonial Filipinos.
Contrast with Modern Science
Old meaning of "agham" differs from contemporary science taught in universities.
Modern science follows systematic methodology based on evidence, rooted in Western philosophical traditions.
This systematic approach is now globally recognized, not confined to Western contexts.
Documentation by Spanish Friars
Spanish friars were the first Europeans to document precolonial Filipino science.
Precolonial Filipinos developed technologies for extracting and refining metals, documented in archaeology.
They had standards for classifying gold and measuring weight.
Understanding of Astronomy
Precolonial Filipinos named constellations and understood celestial movements.
Knowledge of star rising/setting was used to create calendars for agriculture and fishing.
This worldview was influenced by the Spanish colonial experience.
Observations by Early Chroniclers
Chroniclers like Pigafetta noted technologies for processing coconuts but didn't confirm systematic approaches.
Spanish friars documented plant biodiversity and natural history, including observations of unique species like leaf insects.
Summary:
Precolonial Filipinos possessed a rich understanding of science, termed "Agham," which intertwined with their cultural and religious beliefs. Their knowledge encompassed metallurgy and astronomy, documented by early Spanish friars, though differing from contemporary scientific methodologies. This historical perspective highlights the complexity of indigenous science prior to European colonization.
Science in Spanish Philippines
Notes:
Cultural Understanding of Science
All cultures engage with science through technology and resource utilization.
Knowledge of nature is gained through observation and everyday life experiences.
In precolonial Philippines, this knowledge is termed "Agham."
Origin of "Agham"
"Agham" is derived from Sanskrit "agama," meaning "approaching the truth."
In Hinduism, it denotes tradition and sacred texts related to cosmology and astronomy.
The Malay interpretation of "agama" refers to religion, indicating a religious dimension to Filipino scientific understanding.
Differences with Modern Science
The original concept of "Agham" significantly differs from contemporary scientific methodologies taught today.
Modern science relies on systematic methodologies and evidence, evolving from Western philosophical traditions.
This systematic approach is now recognized globally, beyond its Western origins.
Documentation by Spanish Friars
The first European documentation of precolonial Filipino science was done by Spanish friars in the 16th century.
Precolonial Filipinos had advanced techniques for extracting and refining metals, as noted in archaeological findings.
They implemented standards for gold classification and measurement.
Astronomical Knowledge
Precolonial Filipinos recognized constellations and tracked celestial movements.
Knowledge of the stars informed agricultural calendars, including planting and harvesting times, and fishing seasonalities.
Their understanding of nature was influenced by a worldview that changed with Spanish colonization.
Observations of Early Chroniclers
Chroniclers like Antonio Pigafetta noted local technologies (e.g., coconut processing) but lacked insight into systematic scientific methods.
Spanish writings focused on natural history, documenting local biodiversity and specific species like leaf insects.
Summary:
Precolonial Filipinos had a holistic approach to science known as "Agham," rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. Their knowledge encompassed metallurgy and astronomy, which was carefully documented by Spanish friars. However, this understanding differed significantly from modern scientific practices, highlighting the complexity and evolution of scientific thought in the Philippines prior to European colonization.
Science in the last four decades of Spanish Rule
Science in the last four decades of Spanish Rule
Science in the last four decades of Spanish Rule
3.1 The Jesuit Observatory
Jesuit Expulsion and Return
Expelled in 1768; returned in 1859.
Established Ateneo de Manila and tasked with evangelizing Mindanao and Sulu.
Founded the Observatorio de Manila in 1865.
Contributions to Meteorology
Francisco Colina: First Jesuit meteorologist; used improvised equipment.
Focused on studying typhoons, critical to navigation and economy.
Father Federico Faura's Leadership
Headed the Observatorio; received advanced meteorological equipment in 1879.
Invented the Faura Barometer, enabling accurate typhoon forecasts.
Successfully predicted typhoons in July and November 1879, aiding in disaster prevention.
Impact and Legacy
The Observatorio became the national weather bureau until WWII, influencing weather forecasting in Asia.
3.2 Science at the Birth of the Filipino Nation
Opening of World Trade (1834)
Introduction of new ideas from Europe and the Americas.
Rise of Insulares and mestizo classes demanding representation in the Cortes.
Economic Growth and Education
Prosperous merchant Indio class involved in cash crop trade (sugar, coffee, tobacco).
Increased wealth allowed families to send children abroad to study; Suez Canal (1869) facilitated travel.
Ilustrados
Educated Filipinos known as “Ilustrados,” symbolizing enlightenment and reform.
3.3 The Ilustrado as Scientist
Moret Decree of 1871
Established medical and pharmacy faculties at the University of Santo Tomas (UST).
Secularization of UST faced resistance but led to modernized education.
Notable Figures
Fr. Casto de Elera: Zoology professor; cataloged Philippine marine biodiversity.
Jose Rizal, Antonio Luna, Anacleto del Rosario, and Francisco Liongson: Key Ilustrados in science.
Education and Contributions
Rizal: Second batch of medical students; continued studies in Madrid.
Luna: First Filipino on a government scholarship for a doctorate in pharmacy; published significant research.
Liongson and del Rosario: Advanced studies in microbiology and biochemistry in Paris.
Advocacy for Reform
Rizal and fellow Ilustrados advocated for equality and representation in the Spanish Cortes.
Critiqued friars' influence on education and promoted enlightenment ideas.
Revolutionary Involvement
All became involved in the 1896 revolution; Rizal martyred, Luna became a general, Liongson a politician, and del Rosario a dean in pharmacy.
Summary:
During the last four decades of Spanish rule, significant scientific advancements occurred in the Philippines, particularly through the Jesuit Observatory's meteorological contributions and the establishment of medical faculties at UST. The emergence of the Ilustrados, educated Filipinos advocating for reform, played a crucial role in the development of science and medicine, ultimately contributing to the country's preparation for independence. Their efforts laid the foundation for public health and scientific research in the nascent Philippine Republic.
Module Sumarry
As you have learned from Vallejos’ presentation of the history of science and technology in the Philippines, S&T has been a tool to freedom. The role of Illustrados as scientists in the development of S&T is considerable. The presence of religious academic institutions in the country has also played significantly in the development of S&T in the country. Here, we see the interplay of society in S&T advancement and S&T in societal development.