Science, Technology, and Society: Scientific Revolution and Early Civilizations

Defining Science: Etymology and Foundational Concepts

  • Etymology: The word "Science" originates from the Latin term "scientia," which translates to "knowledge."
  • Methodological Definition: Science is defined as a systematic process of acquiring knowledge based on the Scientific Method.
  • Functional Definition: It serves as a process used to solve problems or develop an understanding of the natural world through the testing of potential answers.
  • The Scientific Method: A structured procedure consisting of six key steps:
    1. Observation
    2. Question
    3. Hypothesis
    4. Experiment
    5. Analysis
    6. Conclusion
  • Activity and Discovery:
    • Science is an organized, systematic, and methodical activity aimed at building and organizing knowledge regarding the behavior of the universe via observation, experimentation, or both.
    • It involves the discovery of regularity in nature, allowing natural phenomena to be described through established principles and laws.
    • It seeks to discover facts and relationships, subsequently creating theories to provide meaning to those facts and relationships.

Multi-Dimensional Perspectives of Science

  • Science as an Idea: This dimension includes theories, ideas, and all systematic observations and explanations available regarding the natural and physical world.
  • Science as an Intellectual Activity: This encompasses the practical and systematic study of the natural world involves systematic observation and experimentation.
  • Science as a Body of Knowledge: Refers to science as a discipline, a subject, or a field of study (often called "school science") that deals with the process of learning about the physical and natural world.
  • Science as a Personal and Social Activity: This views science as both knowledge and human-led activities used to develop a better understanding of the environment. It is considered a means to survive and improve life, deeply interwoven with the lives of people.

The Scientific Revolution

  • Definition: A period of enlightenment and a "golden age" for scholars where developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed societal views about nature.
  • Impact: It marked the emergence or birth of modern science through advancements in various disciplines.
  • Key Figures and Contributions:
    1. Nicolaus Copernicus:
      • Utilized thought experiments and held a deep interest in Astronomy.
      • Copernican Model: Hypothesized that everything moved around a single center at unvarying rates, placing the SUN as the centerpiece of the universe.
      • Orbital Observations: Determined the orbits of Venus and Mercury were inside Earth's orbit (closer to the sun), while Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter were outside (further from the sun).
    2. Charles Darwin:
      • Renowned for the Theory of Evolution.
      • Conducted a 55-year voyage on the HMS Beagle, specifically studying the Islands of Galapagos.
      • Authored the seminal book: The Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection.
      • Major contributions include Evolutionary Biology and the Philosophy of Science.
    3. Sigmund Freud:
      • Prominent in the field of Psychology and known as the "Father of Psychoanalysis."
      • Focused on the human mind and neurotic illnesses.
      • His method of psychoanalysis significantly impacted the scientific understanding of human nature.

Cradles of Early Science: Mesoamerica

  • Maya Civilization: A civilization that lasted approximately 2,0002,000 years in the area spanning Southern Mexico to the South American border.
    • Astronomy: Known for predicting eclipses and using astrological cycles for planting and harvesting.
    • Architecture: Built the Pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico.
    • Timekeeping: Utilized two complicated calendar systems.
    • Engineering: Developed hydraulic systems with sophisticated waterways and used ordinary tools to build elaborate cities.
    • Arts and Crafts: Devised glittery paints from the mineral mica and built looms for weaving cloth.
    • Innovations: One of the first civilizations to produce rubber; developed the Mayan hieroglyphics writing system.
    • Mathematics: Created a number system based on the numeral 2020 and independently developed the concept of 00 and positional value.
  • Inca Civilization:
    • Architecture: Created stone buildings capable of surmounting earthquakes.
    • Agriculture: Developed irrigation systems and water storage techniques.
    • Timekeeping: Observed a calendar of 1212 months.
    • Engineering: Built the first suspension bridge.
    • Record Keeping: Developed the Quipu, a system of knotted ropes that required experts for interpretation.
    • Textiles: Known for elaborate Incan textiles.
  • Aztec Civilization:
    • Education: Established mandatory education, representing an early form of inclusive/universal education.
    • Agriculture: Developed Chinampa technology, where land was divided into regular areas surrounded by irrigation canals.
    • Medicine: Used antispasmodic medication.
    • Culture: Highly valued Cacao beans to create chocolates, often used as tributes to gods.
    • Transportation/Time: Engineered the canoe and the Aztec Calendar.

Cradles of Early Science: Asia

  • India:
    • A massive peninsula fortified by mountains to the north.
    • Metallurgy: Renowned for iron manufacturing and metallurgical works.
    • Medicine: Developed Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine.
    • Astronomy: Calculated a year as 360360 days divided into 1212 equal parts of 3030 days; studied the configuration of the universe, moon phases, and eclipses.
    • Mathematics: Indus Valley Civilization provided the earliest traces of math; created the Mohenjodaro ruler; developed trigonometric functions and algorithms for Algebra.
  • China:
    • Medicine: Famous for traditional practices like acupuncture.
    • Inventions: Credited with the compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools.
    • Engineering: Invented the iron plough, wheelbarrow, propeller, and bridge models.
    • Science: Developed seismological detectors and dry dock facilities; observed heavenly bodies to understand seasons and weather.
  • Middle East:
    • Ibn al-Haytham: Known as the "Father of Optics" for the intromission theory of light.
    • Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi: Known as the "Father of Algebra."
    • Ibn Sina: The first physician to conduct clinical trials; discovered the contagious nature of infectious diseases and introduced clinical pharmacology.
    • Decline: The Golden Age of Islam began to decline in the 13th13\text{th} century following Mongol conquests.

Cradles of Early Science: Africa

  • Eygpt (Nile River): The Nile served as the cradle of Egyptian civilization.
  • Geometry and Engineering: Developed geometry; built the Great Pyramids and early dams to divert the Nile.
  • Chemistry: Egypt was considered a center for alchemy, the medieval precursor to chemistry.
  • Medicine and Industry: Studied human anatomy and advanced in the field of metallurgy.

Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines

  • Pre-Colonial/Early Eras:
    • Involved preparing soil for agriculture and discovering medicinal properties of plants.
    • Technology was applied to house building, irrigation, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and transportation.
    • Craftsmanship included jewelry, ceramics, and metal tools.
  • Colonial Influences:
    • Spanish: Introduction of the Galleon trade.
    • American: Introduction of the public education system.
  • Government Role:
    • DOST (Department of Science and Technology): Collaborates with the NRCP (National Research Council of the Philippines) to prepare for international goals like the ASEAN 2015 GOALS.

Philippine Government Policies on Science and Technology

  • Cluster 1: Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance:
    • Integration of ASEAN awareness into basic education (without curriculum expansion).
    • Emphasis on teaching using the mother tongue.
    • Development of school infrastructure and ICT broadband installation.
    • Focus on local food security.
  • Cluster 2: Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Mathematics:
    • Emphasis on degrees, professional licenses, and employment.
    • Provision of outright grants for peer monitoring.
    • Review of RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
    • Promoting S&T as an independent driver of development.
  • Cluster 3: Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences:
    • Ensuring drug manufacturing firms comply with ASEAN-harmonized standards through the FDA.
    • Allocating 2%2\% of GDP to research.
    • Legislation supporting human genome projects.
  • Cluster 4: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry:
    • Conservation of biodiversity through law enforcement.
    • Utilization of biosafety and standard models used by ASEAN neighbors.
  • Future Research Areas:
    • Alternative/safe energy, mineral resource harnessing, curing diseases, climate change/global warming, increasing food production, natural resource preservation, disaster coping, and infrastructure development.

Science Education in the Philippines

  • Concept: Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science, exploring pedagogical theories to help teachers deliver concepts effectively.
  • Basic Education: Focuses on a strong foundation to develop scientifically literate and cultured citizens.
  • Tertiary Education: Focuses on preparing professionals such as engineers, scientists, and science teachers.

Indigenous Science and Knowledge in the Philippines

  • Indigenous Knowledge System: Alternative ideas developed to explain phenomena and the world; it is the foundation of Indigenous Science.
  • Examples of Indigenous Knowledge:
    • Predicting weather and seasons by observing animal behavior and celestial bodies.
    • Use of herbal medicine and food preservation techniques.
    • Classifying flora and fauna based on cultural properties.
  • Framework of Indigenous Science:
    • It uses Science Process Skills.
    • It is guided by Community Culture and Values.
    • It is composed of Traditional Knowledge.
  • Significance: Indigenous science provided the birth of S&T as a discipline in the Philippines, helping people understand the environment and cope with daily life challenges.