sts

Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the general concepts of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) and their interactions throughout history.

• Identify inventions and discoveries that significantly changed the world and how they transformed over time.

• Discuss scientific and technological developments in the Philippines.

• Trace the historical antecedents in which social considerations changed the course of science and technology in early civilizations.

Key Concepts:

• Science: The investigation of the physical world and its nature, including people and the things we make.

• Technology: The application of scientific knowledge to create services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems.

• Society: The sum total of human interactions, including those involved in understanding and creating things.

Interconnectedness of STS:

• Science, technology, and society are deeply interconnected and influence each other.

Disadvantages and Ethical Dilemmas of Science and Technology:

• Threats to Human Survival: The invention of nuclear weapons, chemical and biological warfare, and toxic waste production pose threats to human survival and environmental stability.

• Ethical Dilemmas: The exploitation of advanced scientific knowledge and technology can create situations where progress seems to turn against its beneficiaries, leading to ethical dilemmas.

• Disparities in Human Well-being: Advanced countries enjoy the benefits of science and technology, while millions in less developed countries lack access to these advancements.

• Social and Cultural Conflicts: Military power, fueled by advanced weaponry, can influence the outcomes of wars and create social and cultural conflicts.

• Negative Consequences of Innovation: New technologies can have unintended negative consequences, such as pollution, unemployment, land conversion, and psychological and emotional effects on humans.

Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology:

• Ancient Period: Early civilizations, like the Egyptians, Sumerians, Chinese, and Maya, made significant advancements in mathematics, medicine, engineering, and astronomy.

• Stone Age: The development of stone tools marked the beginning of technology.

• Bronze Age: The emergence of writing and metal tools, including the potter's wheel.

• Iron Age: Advancements in geometry, astronomy, and medicine, including the invention of hieroglyphics, papyrus, and the shadoof.

• Middle Ages: Significant inventions and innovations in traditional production, including the heavy plough, gunpowder, paper money, the mechanical clock, and the spinning wheel.

• Modern Ages: Increased efficiency in transportation, communication, and production, leading to industrialization.

• Key Inventions: The compound microscope, telescope, Jacquard loom, engine-powered airplane, and television.

Inventions of Filipino Scientists:

• E-Jeepney: An environmentally friendly alternative to traditional jeepneys, reducing noise and air pollution.

• Erythromycin: A well-known antibiotic invented by Abelardo Aguilar.

• Bamboo Incubator: A device invented by Dr. Fe Del Mundo to regulate the body temperature of newborn babies.

• Mole Remover: An invention by Rolando dela Cruz using cashew nut extracts.

• Banana Ketchup: An alternative to tomato ketchup developed by Maria Orosa during World War II.

Notable Human Successes in Science and Technology:

• The Wheel: Revolutionized transportation, agriculture, and commerce.

• The Compass: Enabled safe navigation far from land, contributing to the Age of Discovery.

• The Printing Press: Rapidly disseminated knowledge, leading to the spread of literacy and education.

• The Internal Combustion Engine: Powered the Industrial Age, leading to the invention of numerous machines.

• The Telephone: Revolutionized global business and communication.

• Penicillin: A life-saving antibiotic that fights bacterial infections.

• The Internet: A global system of interconnected computer networks that has transformed communication and information access.

Eco-Friendly Technologies:

• Solar Energy: Harnessing energy from the sun.

• Geothermal Energy: Utilizing heat from the Earth's interior.

• Wind Power: Generating energy from windmills.

Intellectual Revolutions

• Copernican Revolution:

• Nicolaus Copernicus challenged the geocentric model (Earth-centered) with his heliocentric model (Sun-centered).

• His book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium, published in 1543, sparked a paradigm shift in astronomy.

• This revolution challenged the established views of the universe and faced resistance from the Catholic Church.

• Darwinian Revolution:

• Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859) introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection.

• This theory explained the diversity of life on Earth through a process of adaptation and survival of the fittest.

• Darwin's ideas challenged creationism and sparked debate about the origins of life.

• Freudian Revolution:

• Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, developed psychoanalysis, a method for understanding the human mind.

• He emphasized the role of the unconscious mind in shaping behavior and personality.

• Freud's ideas, particularly about sexuality, were controversial in his time but later gained acceptance in the field of psychology.

Other Scientific Revolutions

• Meso-American:

• Maya civilization: Advanced in astronomy, architecture, agriculture, and mathematics. They developed a calendar, hieroglyphics, and the concept of zero.

• Inca civilization: Known for their advanced road systems, earthquake-resistant buildings, and irrigation systems. They also developed a calendar and the quipu, a system of knotted ropes for record-keeping.

• Aztec civilization: Implemented mandatory education, introduced chocolate, and developed their own calendar. They also used chinampas, rectangular agricultural areas surrounded by canals.

• India:

• Developed advanced metallurgical works, including iron and steel production.

• Known for their contributions to medicine, including alternative medicine.

• Adhered to the belief that the Earth is spherical.

• Introduced the decimal digit and the Hindu-Arabic numeral system.

• Middle East (Golden Age of Islam):

• Valued the scientific method and made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and chemistry.

• Ibn al-Haytham, known as the Father of Optics, made important discoveries about light.

• The Arabic numeral system and decimal point notation originated in this civilization.

• Abu Musa Jabir Ibn Hayyan Al-Azdi is considered the father of Arab chemistry and one of the founders of modern pharmacy.

Science and Technology in the Philippines

• Pre-Colonial Period:

• Indigenous technologies for agriculture, handicrafts, and medicine.

• Knowledge of plants, astronomy, and measurement systems.

• Spanish Colonial Period:

• Introduction of formal education, focusing on religion, reading, writing, and arithmetic.

• Advancements in sanitation, agriculture, and medicine.

• Emphasis on meteorological studies.

• American Period and Post Common Era:

• Establishment of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) and the Bureau of Science (later the Institute of Science).

• Science Act of 1958 created the National Science Development Board (NSDB).

• Marcos Era and Martial Law:

• Emphasis on science and technology development.

• Establishment of research institutions, technical institutes, and agencies like PAGASA and PCAARRD.

• Fifth Republic (Corazon Aquino’s Presidency):

• NSTA replaced by DOST.

• Focus on science and technology for economic recovery.

• Formulation of the first Science & Technology Master Plan.

• President Fidel V. Ramos’ Term:

• Science and Technology Agenda for Development (STAND) launched.

• Emphasis on competitiveness and achieving New Industrialized Country (NIC) status.

• President Joseph Estrada’s Term:

• Focus on cost-effective irrigation technologies.

• Passage of the Philippine Clean Air Act and Electronic Commerce Act.

• President Gloria M. Arroyo’s Term:

• Dubbed as the “golden age” of science and technology.

• Development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) framework.

• Passage of the Biofuels Act and Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act.

• President Benigno S. Aquino Term:

• Focus on improving the Aquaculture and Fisheries Sector.

• Passage of the Organic Agricultural Act and the Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology.

• Pres. Rodrigo Duterte:

• Increased budget for DOST.

• Focus on technology transfer and commercialization.

• Philippine Space Technology Program (PSTP) launched.

• Balik Scientist Program institutionalized.

• Focus on weather forecasting and communication technology.

Notable Filipino Scientists:

• Ramon Cabanos Barba - Research on tissue culture

• Josefino Casas Comiso - Observations of Antarctica using satellite images

• Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. - Electrical engineering

• Lourdes Jansuy Cruz - Research on sea snail venom

• Fabian Millar Dayrit - Research on herbal medicine

• Rafael Dineros Guerrero III - Research on tilapia culture

• Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. - Invention of meconium drug testing

• Lilian Formalejo Patena - Research on plant biotechnology

• Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz - Education and graph theory

• Gregory Ligot Tangonan - Research in communications technology

Indigenous Science and Technology:

• Knowledge embedded in daily life experiences.

• Examples:

• Weather forecasting using animal behavior and celestial bodies.

• Herbal medicine.

• Food preservation.

• Classifying plants and animals.

• Irrigation systems.

• Soil classification.

• Production of wines and juices.

Human Flourishing and the Good Life

• Human Flourishing: The ability to live a good life.

• Rooted in Aristotelian ethics, it values health intrinsically and applies universally to all human lives.

• Embraces our shared humanity and serves everyone’s interest.

• People can use their values, talents, and abilities in pursuit of their own goals and health.

• Importance of Human Flourishing:

• Promotes the growth, development, and holistic wellbeing of individuals and populations.

• Serves as a moral basis for what it means to be a human being.

• Achieving Human Flourishing:

• Being committed to growing within, and developing, supportive and cultivating environments that form our capabilities.

• Believing in ourselves and our abilities.

• Knowing about our health and how to be healthy.

• Being self-motivated to achieve the goals that we and society value.

• The Good Life:

• Living well and doing well.

• Eudaimonia:

• From the Greek root "eu" (good) and "daimon" (spirit).

• Means happiness or welfare, human flourishing or prosperity.

• The ultimate end of human action.

• Defined as living a life of virtue (Aristotle).

• Arete:

• A Greek term defined as "excellence of any kind" and can also mean "virtue."

• Virtue:

• What makes one function well.

• Virtues of the soul can be divided into two groups: Intellectual and Moral.

• Intellectual Virtue:

• Achieved through education, time, and experience.

• Key virtues: Wisdom and Understanding.

• Moral Virtue:

• Achieved through habitual practice.

• Key moral virtues: Generosity, Temperance, and Courage.

• Both intellectual and moral virtues should be in accordance with reason to achieve eudaimonia.

• Schools of Thought:

• Materialism: Comfort, pleasure, and wealth are the only goals.

• Hedonism: Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.

• Stoicism: Virtue is happiness, and judgments should be based on behavior rather than words.

• Theism: Ultimate happiness is communion with God.

• Humanism: Human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape their own lives.

When Technology and Humanity Cross

• Television:

• Paul Gottlieb Nipkow's "electric telescope" (1800s) was a precursor to television.

• Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton and Boris Rosing introduced the cathode ray tube system in the early 20th century.

• Mobile Phones:

• Martin Cooper made the first mobile phone call in 1973.

• Early mobile phones were bulky and had limited functionality.

• The Motorola Dyna TAC 8000x was the first commercial mobile phone in 1983.

• Computers and Laptops:

• Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine in the 19th century, which laid the foundation for modern computers.

• The first portable computer, the Osborne 1, was released in 1981.

• Ethical Dilemmas of Technological Advancements:

• Concerns about the impact of technology on children's health and well-being.

• The potential for technology to become too dominant in our lives.

• Technology should improve our lives, not become our lives.

Robotics and Humanity

• Early Conceptions:

• 300 BC: Egyptians conceived of robots, like the water clock.

• 1950s: George Devol created the first robots as we know them.

• "Unimate": Devol's first invention, from "Universal Automation."

• Service Robots:

• Germany launched the DESIRE project in 2005, focusing on service robots.

• Service robots assist humans with everyday tasks.

• They can be used for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

• Laws of Robotics:

• Asimov's Laws:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

• Artificial Intelligence:

• AI is at the heart of technological change.

• Robotics can improve the world if it serves the common good.

• Technological progress should respect human dignity and Creation.

Why the Future Doesn't Need Us?

• Bill Joy (co-founder of Sun Microsystems) argued in 2000 that powerful technologies like robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology threaten to make humans an endangered species.

Overview of Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interrelationships between science, technology, and societal values.

  • Science: The systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation.

  • Technology: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, creating tools and systems to solve problems.

  • Society: The collective of individuals and communities, encompassing their interactions, cultures, and institutions.

Key Areas of Study

  • The historical developments of scientific and technological advancements.

  • The ethical dilemmas and social implications of technology.

  • The role of science and technology in addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health.

  • Innovations emerging from marginalized communities and their contributions to society.

Importance of STS

Understanding STS is crucial for making informed decisions about technology and its impact on our lives, promoting responsible innovation, and ensuring equitable access to advancements in science and technology.