Study Notes on Science, Technology, and Society

GENERAL CONCEPT & Historical Development of Science, Technology, and Society

Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

  • The course focuses on understanding the interconnections between science, technology, and society.

What is Science?

  • Definition: A systematized body of knowledge based on facts, gained through careful study, unbiased observation, and/or experimentation.

  • Etymology: The term 'science' comes from Latin scientia, which means 'to know' or 'knowledge.'

What is Technology?

  • Definition: Application of science through invention, comprising tools, systems, and methods that can be utilized by society.

What is Society?

  • Definition: A group of people sharing a common territory and culture.

Interaction of Science and Technology with Society

  • The interrelationship emphasizes how advancements in science and technology influence societal development and vice versa.

Ancient Times: Key Historical Developments

Common Problems Addressed in Ancient Times

  1. Transportation and Navigation

    • Transportation was crucial because societies needed to explore new areas for resources and settlement.

    • Navigation allowed people to travel to unfamiliar areas and return home after trade.

  2. Communication

    • Essential for facilitating trade and preventing conflicts with native populations encountered during exploration.

  3. Security and Protection

    • Weapons and armors were developed for protection during exploration and to defend against conflicts over resources.

    • Stronger groups often invaded weaker ones for resources, leading to conflicts.

  4. Health

    • Conservation of life was a major focus as early people faced illnesses due to natural and man-made causes.

    • Science and technology contributed to the discovery of cures and prevention methods for illnesses.

  5. Architecture and Engineering

    • Architectural advancements reflected technological progress and cultural identity.

    • Structures demonstrated a civilization’s technology level and helped establish social order.

  6. Mass Production

    • Increased population required enhanced food and resource production methods without necessitating extra labor.

    • Societies developed technologies to boost efficiency in resource production.

  7. Record-Keeping

    • Vital for remembering trades, historical events, and cultural practices.

    • Keeping records helped establish identities as societies engaged with different cultures.

Historical Timeline of Science Development

Prehistory

  • 9000 B.C.: Domestication of plants and animals began.

  • 5000 B.C.: Cultivation of crops established.

  • 3500 B.C.: Knowledge of bronze production was acquired.

  • 2600 B.C.: Egyptians manufactured yeast for fermentation purposes.

  • 1000 B.C.: Steel production from iron ore was learned.

Greek Science (circa 585 B.C. - 300 B.C.)

  1. Thales (585 B.C.): Accurately predicted a solar eclipse.

  2. Anaximander (500 B.C.): Proposed the concept of a world governed by scientific principles.

  3. Pythagoras: Established the Earth as a round entity.

  4. Empedocles: Identified four fundamental elements: fire, earth, water, and air.

  5. Theophrastus (300 B.C.): Catalogued 500 plant species.

  6. Archimedes: Contributions to understanding buoyancy.

  7. Eratosthenes: Accurately measured the circumference of Earth.

Roman and Arab Contributions to Science

  1. Ptolemy: Developed the geocentric theory.

  2. Galen: Discovered blood is contained in arteries.

  3. Lucretius: Authored "On the Nature of Things."

  4. Pliny the Elder: Compiled "Historia Naturalis" comprising 37 books.

  5. Contributions in geometry, astronomy, and architecture.

Middle Ages (1000s - 1300s)

  1. 1100s: Establishment of the first European universities.

  2. 1200s: Theologians sought to harmonize Christian teachings with scientific discoveries.

  3. 1300s: The Black Death epidemic significantly reduced the European population.

Scientific Revolution (1500s - 1700s)

  1. Nicolaus Copernicus: Proposed the heliocentric theory.

  2. Galileo Galilei: Validated Copernicus’s theory and improved telescopic technology.

  3. Isaac Newton: Developed calculus and formulated laws of motion and gravity.

  4. JD Lambert: Authored a comprehensive 28-volume encyclopedia.

Modern Science and Technological Advances

Key Figures in Modern Science

  1. Charles Darwin: Known as the Father of Evolution.

  2. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Developed psychoanalysis.

  3. 1915 - Albert Einstein: Introduced the theory of relativity.

  4. Alan Turing: Innovated the ACE computer.

Industrial Revolution (18th Century)

  • Major advancements included:

    • Development of the steam engine.

    • Introduction of electricity in industries.

    • Advances in communication (telegraph and telephone).

    • Use of new materials (iron and steel) in manufacturing.

    • Establishment of factory systems that revolutionized production.

Remarkable Events

  • Significant milestones in energy sources, machinery innovation, and the application of scientific principles within industries.

Current Challenges and Future Directions in Science and Technology in the Philippines

Under-Development Factors in STI

  • The Philippine landscape of science and technology reflects various barriers to growth:

    1. Weak STI culture.

    2. Insufficient government and private funding.

    3. Low research and development human resources.

    4. Limited number of researchers and training in critical innovation fields.

    5. Poor linkages in the STI ecosystem.

    6. Restrictive government procurement processes.

    7. Low incentives for government research grants.

    8. Inadequate infrastructure for STI development.

    9. Concentration of research and development in specific regions (NCR, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon).

Major Projects of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

  1. Food Security Initiatives

  2. Tuklas Lunas: Drug discovery facilities.

  3. Project Noah: Disaster risk reduction and management.

  4. Advance Device & Materials Testing Laboratories

  5. Electronic Products Development Center

  6. Genome Center

  7. Nanotechnology Center

  8. Intelligent Operation Center Program

  9. Philippine Space Program

Indigenous Science and Technology

Indigenous Knowledge Value

  • Indigenous practices remain crucial for sustainability and reflect systematic knowledge that challenges the notion that “modern science” is the sole valid form of knowledge.

Questions for Reflection

  1. Obstacles in Recognizing Indigenous Science

    • Consider how historical neglect impacts contemporary understanding.

  2. Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Current Problems

    • Assess how these practices can influence solutions to issues like climate change.

  3. Responsibilities of Society

    • Discuss the roles of educational institutions, government, and the youth in preserving indigenous knowledge respectfully.

Conclusion

  • The evolution of science and technology is intertwined with societal development through history. Recognizing and integrating diverse forms of knowledge, including indigenous science, can drive future advancements and social progress.