STS

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN S&T

  • Interdisciplinary Examination: Reflects on the impact of science and technology on society.

  • Key Contributors: Dr. Rafael Guerrero focuses on Tilapia Sex Reversal Technology; Kevin Ashton discusses tags on lipstick packaging.

  • Comparative Analysis: Opportunity to appreciate the contribution of science and technology to modern knowledge.

KEY INVENTIONS BY PERIOD

ANCIENT PERIOD

  • Cuneiform (Sumerians):

    • First writing system utilizing triangular symbols for record-keeping and communication.

  • Wheel (Sumerians):

    • Transformed transportation, pottery, and agriculture.

  • Hieroglyphics (Egyptians):

    • Symbolic writing preserved on pyramid structures for record-keeping.

  • Papyrus (Egyptians):

    • Early paper made from papyrus plants for documentation, originating in the Nile river.

  • Watermills (Greeks):

    • Harnessed flowing water for agricultural processes.

  • Antikythera Mechanism (Greeks):

    • Early device for predicting celestial events.

  • Aeolipile (Greeks):

    • First example of a steam engine.

  • Shadoof (Egyptians):

    • Hand-operated mechanism for irrigation.

  • Newspaper (Romans):

    • Introduced written news communication, termed gazettes.

MIDDLE AGES

  • Printing Press (Johann Gutenberg):

    • Revolutionized knowledge dissemination through movable type.

  • Heavy Plough:

    • Enhanced agricultural efficiency.

  • Microscope (Zacharias Janssen):

    • First microspore facilitating magnification in scientific study.

  • Telescope:

    • Allowed for navigation and celestial observations.

  • Gunpowder (Chinese, 850 A.D):

    • Changed the landscape of warfare with cannons and firearms.

  • Mechanical Clock:

    • Improved accuracy in timekeeping.

  • Jiaozi (Chinese):

    • Originated paper money, transforming trade.

MODERN AGE

  • Demands of Nineteenth Century: Focused on communication, food processing, medicine, and health.

  • Pasteurization (Louis Pasteur):

    • Method to kill harmful bacteria in dairy products.

  • Handwashing (Ignaz Semmelweis):

    • Significant in reducing infections in health settings.

  • Vaccination (Edward Jenner):

    • Introduced smallpox immunization using cowpox.

  • Petroleum Refinery:

    • Addressed increased energy demands.

  • Telephone (Alexander Graham Bell):

    • Marked a revolution in global communications.

  • Engine Powered Airplane (Wright Brothers):

    • Initiated the era of modern aviation.

  • Calculator:

    • Simplified computational tasks.

HISTORY OF S&T IN THE PHILIPPINES

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

  • Indigenous Knowledge Systems:

    • Use of medicinal plants by babaylans and albularyos.

    • Timekeeping through lunar phases and daily cycles (Ifugao Manomnoman tribe).

  • Agricultural Innovations:

    • Advanced rice farming techniques exemplified by Banaue Rice Terraces.

  • Tools and Crafts:

    • Development of weaving, pottery, and metalworking.

    • Maritime technology with vessels like Balangay for trade.

  • Writing Systems:

    • Utilized Baybayin and Hanuno’o scripts for record-keeping.

SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

  • Educational Institutions:

    • Parish schools and universities like UST enhanced education.

  • Scientific Establishments:

    • Manila Observatory conducted significant weather and earthquake studies.

  • Technological Contributions:

    • Galleon Trade brought new technologies.

AMERICAN PERIOD

  • Public Education System:

    • Introduction of Thomasite teachers and establishment of educational institutions.

  • Scientific Agencies:

    • Bureau of Laboratories evolved into Bureau of Science and Institute of Science and Technology.

  • National Research Council of the Philippines:

    • Supported scientific innovations and research.

POST-COMMONWEALTH ERA

  • Policy Innovations:

    • 1993 STAND: Focused on economic growth.

  • Legislation:

    • Republic Act 8439 (Dost Magna Carta) and 7687 (Science and Technology Scholarship Law).

  • Establishment of DOST:

    • Department evolution post-1987.

FILIPINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO S&T

  • Dr. Fe Del Mundo:

    • Developed bamboo incubator, first woman at Harvard Medical School.

  • Maria Orosa:

    • Innovations in food products like banana ketchup.

  • Gregorio Zara:

    • Pioneered two-way videophone and alcohol-fueled engines.

  • Germinal de Ocampo:

    • Father of modern ophthalmology; established Philippine Eye Bank.

  • Luz Oliveros-Belardo:

    • Researched essential oils and anti-cancer properties.

PARADIGM SHIFTS & SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION

Definition of Paradigm

  • Paradigm: Standards guiding scientific inquiry.

  • Paradigm Shift: Fundamental changes in natural world understanding, causing scientific revolutions.

Examples of Paradigm Shifts

  1. Ptolemaic to Copernican Theory:

  • Transition from Geocentric to Heliocentric model.

  1. Aristotelian to Newtonian Physics:

  • Shift to laws of motion and universal gravitation.

  1. Creationism to Darwinian Evolution:

  • Introduction of natural selection as a biological mechanism.

KUHNIAN CYCLE OF SCIENTIFIC CHANGE

  1. Normal Science: Established theories in use.

  2. Model Drift: Minor inconsistencies arise in data.

  3. Model Crisis: Anomalies challenge the established model.

  4. Model Revolution: Introduction of new theories.

  5. Paradigm Shift: Replacement of old theories.

  6. Return to Normal Science: Refinement within new frameworks.

SYSTEMS THINKING

Definition

  • Holistic approach to understanding system interactions and influences.

  • Focus on relationships within the system.

Components of a System

  1. Elements: Individual parts.

  2. Interconnections: Relationships among elements.

  3. Purpose: Goals of the system.

Characteristics

  1. Big Picture Thinking: Analyzing the system as a whole.

  2. Interconnectedness: Understanding how parts affect each other.

  3. Dynamic Analysis: Observing change trends over time.

Tools of Systems Thinking

Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs)

  • Visual tools illustrating relationships and feedback loops.

Examples of CLDs

  1. Coffee and Sleep: Reinforcing and balancing variables.

  2. Hunger and Food: Necessary feedback mechanisms.

  3. Road Construction and Traffic: Balancing impacts of construction on traffic patterns.

Behavior Over Time Graphs (BOTGs)

  • Plots variable changes over time.

Applications of Systems Thinking

Real-Life Example: Trash to Cash Program

  • Illustrates reinforcing loops from production incentives.

The Cobra Effect

  • Example of unintended consequences exacerbating issues.