Science Overview Quiz

Science

• A structured collection of knowledge acquired through experimentation
• A practice involving investigation of the natural world
• Follows the Scientific Method: Observation, Problem Identification, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Conclusion

Major Fields of Science

• Social Science: Studies human societies and behavior
  • History: Investigates past events using historical records and evidence
  • Psychology: Examines human thought and behavior, both individually and in groups
  • Sociology: Analyzes social life, change, and the impact of actions on human behavior
  • Demography: Analyzes population statistics (birth and death rates)
• Abstract Science: Focuses on theoretical models and concepts rather than direct observation
  • Computer Science
  • Geometry
  • Logistics
  • Mathematics
  • Logic: The science and art of reasoning correctly
  • Philosophy: Examines theoretical foundations
    • Ethics: Determines what is of value
    • Metaphysics: Explores what exists
    • Aesthetics: Investigates beauty
    • Epistemology: Examines how we gain knowledge
    • Logic: Analyzes how we reason
    • Political Philosophy: Explores the best way to govern societies
• Natural Science: Focuses on physical matter, energy, and their interactions
  • Physics/Physical: Studies matter, energy, and their interactions
  • Biology: Studies living organisms

Technology

• Applied Science: Encompasses intangible techniques and know-how processes, influenced by historical and cultural contexts.
• Widely present in various geographical locations
• The use of scientific knowledge to produce, improve, distribute goods and services, and fulfill material needs
• Technological innovation is its core activity

Society

• Utilizes scientific advancements to create better technologies for meeting its needs
• Dynamic relationship with science and technology:
  • Science relies on technological infrastructure for research and development.
  • Technology advancements require scientific inputs for research and development.
  • Experience and practical application contribute to technological progress.

Importance of Science and Technology

• Increases national economic strength and productivity
• Improves the efficacy and scope of medical care

Science and Technology Historical Antecedents

• Ancient Times (3800 B.C.– A.D. 1200)
  • Sumerian Civilization: Earliest form of civilization, developed cuneiform writing and metallurgy.
  • Babylonian Civilization (3500 B.C.– 500 B.C.): Popularized the Bronze Age, known for architecture, and calculated pi as 3 (modern approximation is 22/7 or 3.142).
  • Egyptian Civilization: Constructed the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the seven ancient wonders, in honor of King Khu Fu.
  • Cretan (Minoan) Civilization
  • Greek Civilization (1100 B.C.– 1300 B.C.): Built the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Goddess Athena.
  • Persian Civilization
  • Roman Civilization
  • Arabic/Islam Civilization: Constructed the Peruvian Canal, recognized as a World Heritage Site.
• 1st Industrial Revolution (1760-1840):
  • Used water and steam to mechanize production.
  • Bessemer Steel Processing: Employed metal and steam machines to build industries (1801-1899).
• 2nd Industrial Revolution (1870):
  • Introduced new technologies, including electricity, gas, and oil as energy sources.
  • Enabled mass production using electricity.
  • Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler created cars (1885) under the name Mercedes-Benz.
  • The Sirius Ship completed a 19-day voyage through the English Channel and across the Atlantic Ocean (1838).
• 3rd Industrial Revolution (1969):
  • Utilized nuclear energy as a new energy source, leading to the rise of electronics.
  • Employed electronics and information technology to automate production.
• Industry 4.0 (Present):
  • Characterized by the rise of the internet.
  • Combines technologies that blur the lines between physical, digital, and biological spheres, transforming industries globally.
• Apple Computer Design Evolution: Popularized by Steve Jobs
• Dalton’s Atomic Theory:
  • John Dalton (1766-1844) proposed that atoms are the smallest particles of an element.
• Periodic Table of Elements:
  • Dmitri Mendeleev (1884-1907), a Russian inventor, developed the periodic table.
• The Discovery of Radium and Pollonium:
  • Marie Curie (1902):
    • First scientist to win two Nobel Prizes.
    • Discovered that these elements are radioactive and can be used for cancer treatment (radiation therapy).
    • First woman to obtain a degree in Physics.
    • First woman to graduate in France.
    • First woman to win a Nobel Prize.
    • First woman to hold a chair at the Sorbonne.
• Information Age (1970s-present):
  • Also known as the Computer Age, Digital Age, or New Media Age.
  • Characterized by easy access to information and knowledge.
  • Steve Jobs introduced the MAC/Macintosh Computer (1984), a significant contribution to the Information Age.

Module 2: Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

• Acknowledges the paramount influence of science and technology on society
• The 1987 Philippine Constitution states the government’s commitment to:
  • Prioritization of research and development (R&D), inventions, innovations, and their applications.
  • Support for indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities.
  • Incentives for private participation in scientific research, as mentioned in Article XIV Section 11 .
  • Scholarships and grants for deserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and highly skilled individuals.
  • Regulation of technology transfer to benefit the nation, as outlined in Article XIV Section 12 .
  • Encouragement of private groups, local governments, and community organizations to contribute to science and technology.
  • Protection of intellectual property rights for scientists, inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens, as stated in Article XIV Section 13.
• DOST (Department of Science and Technology) formulated the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) 2017-2022 to direct scientific and technological efforts towards maximizing economic and social benefits for the people.
• AmBisyon Natin 2040: Focuses on three key aspects:
  • Malasakit (Compassion)
  • Pagbabago (Change)
  • Kaunlaran (Prosperity)

Module 4: Human Flourishing in Terms of Science & Technology

• Human Flourishing: Refers to human potential achieved through innate abilities and characteristics, enabling survival and fulfilling functions in the environment, guided by values and virtues.

Technological Determinism

• Asserts that technology shapes human society and behavior.
• This view believes that technology controls human actions.
• Haag: Technology poses issues, such as high cost, generates new problems, creates harmful effects and unpredictable damage.

Technological Optimism

• Believes that technology can solve societal problems and improve human lives.
• Technocrats: Advocate for technology as the highest authority.

Existentialism

• Martin Heidegger (1896-1996):
  • Father of Existentialism
  • Examined the dual definitions of technology:
    • It is a means to an end.
    • It is a human activity.
• Emphasizes the importance of choices made in technological advancement.
• Heidegger explored causality by identifying four causes for existence:

Aristotle’s 4 Causes

• Causa Materialis/Efficient Cause: "What is it made of?"
• Causa Formalis/Formal Cause: "What shape or design defines it?"
• Causa Finalis/Final Cause: "What is the purpose of the object?"
• Causa Effeciens/Efficient Cause: "Who made it?"

The Mode of Revealing in Modern Technology

• Unlock and expose: Nature only reveals itself when challenged.
• Stock piles for future use: Technology, as a means to an end, is aimed towards fulfilling future demands.

Module 5: When technology and humanity cross

• Humanity: Derives from the Latin word "humanistas," meaning "human nature, kindness."
• Encompasses all human beings and refers to feelings humans typically express toward one another.

Advantages, Disadvantages, and Limitations of Technology

• Importance of Technology to Humanity: Highlights the impact of technology on various aspects of human life.
• Advantages of Technology to Humanity:
  • Simplifies life (vehicles, stoves).
  • Speeds up travel.
  • Makes communication easier, faster, and cheaper.
  • Improves living standards.
  • Advances human capabilities (artificial technology).
  • Enables achievements previously considered impossible (medicines).