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Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

• STS explores the interactions between science and technology within social, cultural, political, and economic contexts.

• It aims to develop critical thinking and creativity in understanding various human conditions and social issues related to science.

• The course also investigates the role of science and technology in nation-building and the advancements that have been made in society through scientific innovations.

Course Objectives

• Critical Analysis: Analyze scientific concepts, theories, and historical developments across civilizations.

• Human Conditions: Discuss the interplay of science with human conditions through various philosophies, ideas, and policies.

• Social Issues: Examine societal issues linked to science and technology, acknowledging their inseparability.

Lesson 1: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

• Objective: Discuss contributions from figures like Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud to the scientific revolution and its global impact.

Development of Science and Scientific Ideas

• The evolution of science can be traced back to various ancient civilizations. It represents systematic observations and explanations of the natural world.

• Four Perspectives on Science:

  • As an Idea: Involves theories and systematic explanations of natural phenomena.

  • As an Intellectual Activity: Systematic study through observation and experimentation.

  • As a Body of Knowledge: The formal discipline taught in schools.

  • As a Personal and Social Activity: Science is intertwined with human life and aims to improve living conditions.

Historical Context of the Scientific Revolution

• Timeframe: Occurred primarily from the 16th to 18th centuries, primarily in Europe due to factors like the printing press and a rise in intellectualism.

• Key Developments: Transformations in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry that altered societal views on nature.

Impact of the Scientific Revolution

• Significant period for scholarly pursuits in science, but also a time of conflict for those opposing established views.

• Led to the formation of modern scientific ideas, fundamentally transforming society.

Influential Figures of the Scientific Revolution

Nicolaus Copernicus

• Revolutionary Ideas: Proposed a heliocentric model of the universe, placing the sun at the center with Earth and other planets in orbit.

• Major Work: "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" (1543), often marked as the start of the scientific revolution.

• Faced condemnation for ideas deemed heretical at the time.

Charles Darwin

• Theory of Evolution: Proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection in "The Descent of Man."

• Known for observational skills that informed his understanding of species and their development over time.

Sigmund Freud

• Psychoanalysis: Established methods in psychology that influenced numerous fields beyond traditional psychology.

• Authored works that raised global consciousness regarding psychological matters.

  • Psychosexual Development Stages:

    • Oral (0-2 years): Focus on oral gratification.

    • Anal (2-3 years): Learning societal demands regarding control.

    • Phallic (3-7 years): Awareness of gender differences and sexuality.

    • Latency (7-11 years): Sexual urges quiet down.

    • Genital (11-Adult): Mature relationships develop.

Development of Science in Mesoamerica

• Civilizations: Rich cultural heritage predating European contact, significant contributions in astronomy and arts.

• Maya Civilization: Known for their advanced understanding of astronomy and construction of observation temples, e.g., the pyramid at Chichén Itzá.

• Inca Contributions: Innovations in infrastructure, irrigation, and sizable contributions to mathematics and textiles.

• Aztec Achievements: Notable for mandatory education, medicinal advancements, and the Aztec calendar.

Development of Science in Asia

• Ancient Civilizations: Contributions of India, China, and Middle Eastern countries were pivotal in various fields.

India

• Noted for metallurgy, astronomy, and mathematics, including the invention of zero and advancements in mathematics through scholars like Aryabhata.

China

• Contributions include traditional medicines (e.g., acupuncture), and technological innovations (e.g., compass, printing).

• Impact on neighboring regions through cultural exchange.

Middle East

• The Golden Age of Islam contributed significantly to optics (Al-Haytham) and medicine (Al-Razi).

Development of Science in Africa

• Ancient Egypt made notable contributions to astronomy, medicine, and mathematics.

• Development of geometry aided in structural engineering, while alchemy lay the groundwork for chemistry.

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)

• Revolutionary Ideas: Proposed the heliocentric model of the universe, placing the sun at the center with Earth and other planets orbiting around it.

• Major Work: Authored "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" (1543), a seminal work that marked the beginning of the scientific revolution.

• Impact: His heliocentric theory challenged the long-held geocentric model endorsed by the Church and transformed the understanding of the cosmos, laying groundwork for modern astronomy.

• Controversy: Faced significant opposition and condemnation from the Church for ideas considered heretical during his time.

Charles Darwin

• Theory of Evolution: Proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection, advocating that species evolve over time based on their ability to adapt to their environments.

• Major Work: Best known for his book "The Descent of Man," where he outlines his ideas on evolution and challenges traditional views of creation.

• Observational Skills: Renowned for his extensive observations during the voyage on the HMS Beagle, which informed his understanding of species diversity and adaptation.

• Impact: His work laid the foundation for modern biology and drastically changed the scientific view of life on Earth.

Sigmund Freud

• Psychoanalysis: Established methods in psychology that greatly influenced various fields beyond traditional psychology.

• Major Works: Authored influential texts that raised global consciousness regarding psychological matters, including theories on human behavior and psychoanalysis.

• Psychosexual Development Stages:

  • Oral (0-2 years): Focus on oral gratification.

  • Anal (2-3 years): Learning societal demands regarding control.

  • Phallic (3-7 years): Awareness of gender differences and sexuality.

  • Latency (7-11 years): Sexual urges quiet down.

  • Genital (11-Adult): Development of mature relationships.

Maya Civilization and Its Evolution

• Cultural Heritage: The Maya civilization, flourishing in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BC to the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, is known for its rich cultural heritage, advanced knowledge in various fields, and significant contributions in astronomy, mathematics, and the arts.

• Astronomy: The Maya developed sophisticated astronomical systems, including calendar systems based on their observations of celestial bodies, which greatly influenced agricultural practices and religious ceremonies.

• Architecture: Renowned for their monumental architecture, such as pyramids and observatories, the Maya showcased advanced engineering skills and artistic expression through intricate carvings and murals.

• Writing System: They developed a complex writing system known as hieroglyphics, allowing for the documentation of their history, astronomical knowledge, and rituals.

• Societal Structure: The Maya society was organized into city-states, each ruled by a king, with a hierarchy that included nobles, priests, artisans, and farmers, facilitating political structure and social order.

• Legacy: The achievements of the Maya continue to influence modern understanding of ancient civilizations and their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and cultural practices.

Inca Civilization and Its Evolution

• Cultural Heritage: The Inca civilization, emerging in the Andean region of South America, is known for its remarkable achievements in architecture, engineering, and agriculture from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

• Innovations: They developed extensive road networks, advanced agricultural techniques like terrace farming, and sophisticated irrigation systems to maximize crop yields.

• Architecture: Renowned for monumental architecture such as Machu Picchu and the Sacsayhuamán fortress, showcasing their engineering prowess and religious significance.

• Social Structure: The Inca society was highly organized, centered around the Sapa Inca (emperor), with a well-defined hierarchy including nobles, priests, and commoners.

• Influence and Legacy: The Inca Empire's influence extended across vast territories, impacting language, culture, and agricultural practices in regions that remain significant in Andean culture today.

Quipu

• Definition: Quipu (or khipu) is a recording device used by the Incas and other ancient Andean civilizations, consisting of colored, spun, and plied threads or strings.

• Function: Primarily utilized for accounting and record-keeping, quipu was employed to convey numerical data and information related to administrative and economic functions.

• Structure: It featured a main cord from which several subsidiary strings hung, each with knots and colors representing different values or categories.

• Cultural Significance: Quipu served as a vital tool for communication and inventory management in an empire that lacked a written language, showcasing the sophistication of Inca civilization in information management.

Aztec Civilization

• Cultural Heritage: The Aztec civilization thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century. Known for their rich culture, thriving economy, and innovative societal structures.

• Societal Structure: The Aztec society was organized into a strict hierarchical structure, with an emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and farmers.

• Achievements:

  • Mandatory Education: The Aztec Empire established a system of compulsory education for children, regardless of gender or social class, which was a significant advancement for that era.

  • Architectural Wonders: The Aztecs constructed impressive cities, notable for their temples, pyramids, and urban planning, with Tenochtitlan as the capital.

  • Agriculture: They developed sophisticated farming techniques, including chinampas (floating gardens), to maximize agricultural production.

  • Medicine: The Aztecs made significant advancements in medicine, using herbs and natural remedies for treatment.

• Religion: The Aztecs practiced polytheism, worshiping numerous gods and engaging in elaborate religious ceremonies, including human sacrifices, to appease the deities.

• Legacy: The Aztec civilization left a lasting impact on Mexican culture, contributing to language, cuisine, and agricultural practices.

Contributions of the Aztec Civilization

• Cultural Development: The Aztecs created a rich tapestry of art, music, and literature that laid the foundation for Mexican cultural identity.

• Architectural Achievements: They constructed monumental structures, including temples, pyramids, and cities like Tenochtitlan, showcasing advanced urban planning and engineering skills.

• Agricultural Innovations: Developed chinampas (floating gardens), which maximized agricultural output and enabled farming in swampy areas, contributing to food sustainability.

• Mandatory Education: Established a system of compulsory education for children, promoting literacy and cultural knowledge across social classes.

• Advancements in Medicine: The Aztecs used various herbs and natural remedies for healing, significantly contributing to early medical practices.

• Religious Practices: Their polytheistic belief system and elaborate rituals influenced subsequent cultural and social dynamics in the region.

• Trade and Economy: Developed a complex trade network that integrated various regions of Mesoamerica, enhancing economic prosperity and cultural exchange.