STS

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

  • Dr. Rafael Guerrero: Discusses Tilapia Sex Reversal Technology, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of science and technology and examining their impacts.

  • Kevin Ashton: Highlights tags on lipstick packaging, providing an opportunity to compare science, technology, and society, enhancing the understanding of their contributions to knowledge.

Key Inventions by Period

ANCIENT PERIOD

  • The start of early civilization marked major advancements in S&T.

    1. Cuneiform (Sumerians):

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

    2. Wheel (Sumerians):

      • Revolutionized transportation, pottery, and agriculture.

    3. Hieroglyphics (Egyptians):

      • Symbolic writing preserved on pyramid walls.

    4. Papyrus (Egyptians):

      • Early paper made from the papyrus plant of the Nile.

    5. Watermills (Greeks):

      • Used flowing water for agricultural processes.

    6. Antikythera Mechanism (Greeks):

      • Early device predicting celestial events.

    7. Aeolipile (Greeks):

      • Early steam engine.

    8. Shadoof (Egyptians):

      • Water-lifting device for irrigation.

    9. Newspaper (Romans):

      • First written news communication known as gazettes.

MIDDLE AGES

  • Marked by major inventions and societal migrations.

    1. Printing Press (Johann Gutenberg):

      • Enhanced dissemination of knowledge with movable type.

    2. Heavy Plough:

      • Improved farming efficiency by aerating soil.

    3. Microscope (Zacharias Janssen):

      • Allowed magnification aiding scientific discovery.

    4. Telescope:

      • Improved navigation and celestial observation.

    5. Gunpowder (850 A.D., Chinese Alchemists):

      • Revolutionized warfare.

    6. Mechanical Clock:

      • Provided accurate timekeeping.

    7. Jiaozi (Chinese):

      • First paper money transformed trade.

MODERN AGE

  • Driven by the demands of growing population from the 19th century onwards.

    1. Pasteurization (Louis Pasteur):

      • Heating process killing bacteria in dairy.

    2. Handwashing (Ignaz Semmelweis):

      • Reduced infections in medical settings.

    3. Vaccination (Edward Jenner):

      • Introduced immunity against smallpox.

    4. Petroleum Refinery:

      • Met the increasing energy demand.

    5. Telephone (Alexander Graham Bell):

      • Revolutionized global communication.

    6. Engine Powered Airplane (Wright Brothers):

      • Marked the beginning of modern aviation.

    7. Calculator:

      • Simplified arithmetic and computations.

HISTORY OF S&T IN THE PHILIPPINES

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

  • Key Developments in indigenous knowledge and agriculture:

    1. Indigenous Knowledge Systems:

      • Healing practices using medicinal plants.

      • Time marking by Buan and natural events.

    2. Agricultural Innovations:

      • Evidence of advanced farming techniques seen in Banaue Rice Terraces.

    3. Tools and Crafts:

      • Weaving, pottery, metalworking, and seafaring vessels (Balangay, Karakoa).

    4. Writing Systems:

      • Baybayin and Hanuno'o scripts used for communication.

SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD

  • Developments in education and technology:

    1. Educational Institutions:

      • Parish schools and universities (e.g., UST, Colegio de San Ignacio).

    2. Scientific Establishments:

      • Manila Observatory for weather studies.

    3. Technological Contributions:

      • Innovations from the Galleon Trade.

AMERICAN PERIOD

  • Advances in public education and scientific research:

    1. Public Education System:

      • Introduction of Thomasites for teaching.

    2. Scientific Agencies:

      • Bureau of Government Laboratories, later evolving into the Bureau of Science.

    3. National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP):

      • Supported scientific research and innovation.

POST-COMMONWEALTH ERA

  • Progress in policies and institutional development:

    1. Policy Innovations:

      • STAND 1993 focused on national development.

    2. Legislation:

      • DOST Magna Carta for Scientists and Scholarship Law.

    3. Establishment of DOST:

      • Formed from previous agencies.

FILIPINO CONTRIBUTIONS TO S&T

  1. Dr. Fe Del Mundo:

    • Invented bamboo incubator and first woman at Harvard Medical School.

  2. Maria Orosa:

    • Creator of banana ketchup and food innovations.

  3. Gregorio Zara:

    • Invented two-way videophone and alcohol-fueled engine.

  4. Germinal de Ocampo:

    • Established the ophthalmology field in the Philippines.

  5. Luz Oliveros-Belardo:

    • Researched essential oils with medicinal properties.

PARADIGM SHIFTS & SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION

Definition of Paradigm and Shift

  • Paradigm: Standards guiding scientific practice.

  • Paradigm Shift: Fundamental understanding change leading to scientific revolutions.

Examples of Paradigm Shifts

1. Ptolemaic to Copernican Theory

  • Transition from Geocentric to Heliocentric views of the universe.

2. Aristotelian to Newtonian Physics

  • Shift from ideas of motion requiring a push to concepts of inertia and gravity.

3. Creationism to Darwinian Evolution

  • Change from divine origins to natural selection in explaining species evolution.

KUHNIAN CYCLE OF SCIENTIFIC CHANGE

  1. Normal Science:

    • Established theories in use.

  2. Model Drift:

    • Minor inconsistencies appear.

  3. Model Crisis:

    • Growing unexplainable phenomena.

  4. Model Revolution:

    • New theory proposed.

  5. Paradigm Shift:

    • New theory supersedes the old.

  6. Return to Normal Science:

    • Refinement in the new paradigm.

SYSTEMS THINKING

Definition

  • Holistic understanding of how system components interact and influence each other.

Components of a System

  1. Elements: Individual parts of the system.

  2. Interconnections: Relationships between elements.

  3. Purpose: Function or goal of the system.

Characteristics

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

  2. Interconnectedness: Acknowledging how parts affect one another.

  3. Dynamic Analysis: Observing changes over time.

Tools of Systems Thinking

Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs)

  • Visual representation of relationships in a system.

    • Variables: Elements showing change over time.

    • Polarity: Types of relationships (direct/inverse).

    • Feedback: Reinforcing and balancing mechanisms in the system.

Behavior Over Time Graphs (BOTGs)

  • Visual representation of trends over time.

    • Behavior: Changes plotted on Y-axis.

    • Time: Units plotted on X-axis.

Applications of Systems Thinking

  • Trash to Cash Program: Program incentives leading to increased trash generation.

  • The Cobra Effect: Unforeseen consequences worsening original problems.