Science, Technology, and Society: General Concepts

General Concepts and STS Historical Developments

• Social considerations have altered science and technology throughout history.

Learning Outcomes

• Interactions between Science & Technology (S&T) and society are discussed throughout history.
• Scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment.
• Historical paradigm shifts are identified.
• The importance and contributions of science and technology to society are presented creatively.

Introduction to Science and Technology

• Science is a body of knowledge that seeks to understand the natural world.
• Science is an intellectual activity, involving systematic and objective investigation.
• Observation and experimentation are key components of science.
• Science is a personal and social activity through which humans understand themselves and their world.
• Science connects to everyone's life and society.

Technology as Artifacts

• Technology encompasses products, inventions, and outputs.
• Examples of technology as artifacts include microscopes, solar panels, and light bulbs.

Technology as Techniques

• Technology refers to practices, methods, or steps such as genetic engineering.
• Rice planting and welding are also techniques.
• Technology is a tool for humans to improve themselves and their everyday lives.
• Technology is connected with society and everyone's life.

Science and Technology Interaction

• Science and technology have a dual interaction, influencing each other.
• Science is required for developing technologies.
• Technology is needed to advance science.

Science, Technology, and Society

• Science and technology are social activities.
• They have dual interactions with society
• Technology, science and society are interconnected.

History of Science and Technology: Ancient World

• The exact origins of science and technology are unknown.
• The earliest known technology includes stone tools like scrapers and hammers used during the Stone Age.
• Early hunters, gatherers, and foragers developed skills.
• They used techniques to use tools, make weapons, use fire, and identify edible plants and animals.
• These skills and knowledge spread as they migrated.
• About 10,000 years ago, humans began domesticating plants and animals due to population growth and declining food sources.
• This led to the Agricultural Revolution, which began in the Middle East.

Post-Agricultural Revolution Developments

• The Agricultural Revolution led to the development of towns.
• People cultivated new plants and animals for consumption.
• Humans began to develop sun-dried bricks, ceramics, mortars, and even metal products.
• The first known metal used was copper (6500 BCE).
• Many products made from copper, bronze, and iron have been developed by the end of the Agricultural Revolution.
• Writing was invented
• Development of ceramics also prospered.
• Wheels were developed for transportation.
• Scientific knowledge and technological advancements led to the rise of civilizations.
• Evidences of these are irrigations, roads and bridges.

History of Science and Technology: Classical Antiquity

• The period of Classical Antiquity was dominated by Greek and Roman civilizations.
• The current concept of science began during this era, starting with the Ionian School of philosophy.
• The Ionian school introduced the earliest form of the scientific method based on reasoning and observation.
• Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are notable Greek philosophers who laid the foundation of modern-day science.
• They initiated the discipline of understanding the universe and the natural world.
• Socrates (470-399 BC) is known for his method of inquiry called elenchus.
• Elenchus involves breaking down a problem into a series of questions that need to be answered.
• This is the basis for making hypotheses in research.
• Plato (427-347 BC), a student of Socrates, believed all substances are made of earth, air, water, and fire.
• Plato emphasized the concept of 'proof' and insisted on concrete and clear hypotheses to understand nature.
• Aristotle (384-322 BC), a student of Plato, is known for his deductive method of scientific inquiry.
• Aristotle believed natural principles can be identified through careful observation.
• Alexandria, Egypt became a center of scientific knowledge.
• In Egypt, the city of Alexandria became a center of scientific knowledge.
• The Edwin Smith Papyrus, a medical text about ancient surgery methods, is one of the first important scientific texts from Africa.
• Knowledge on chemistry was applied in ancient cloth tanning, indigenous distillation, and fermentation.
• Compass, ships, ceramics, and metal products were developed in China
• The Great Wall was the biggest construction achievement of China at the time (220-206 BC).

History of Science and Technology: Middle Ages

• Around 530 AD, the development of science and technology declined.
• It was affected by wars, famine, diseases, piracy, and poverty.
• The rise of Christianity in Europe contributed to the decline of science.
• The Church questioned teachings and ideas of early philosophers and scientists
• The Roman Empire seemed less interested in theoretical science from 530 AD to 1000 AD.
• The field of medicine remained and grew due to the deadly plague ravaging Europe.
• It was an important need
• Christians felt the need to further their knowledge in medicine in order to develop a cure.
• The center of science and technology shifted from Europe to China and nearby areas.
• Mathematics, medicine, and astronomy were well-advanced in India.
• One of their greatest discovery is the importance of zero in mathematics.
• Islamic civilization had well-developed science.
• New chemicals such as borax, astronomical tables, and new techniques were created.
• New instruments and humane treatments were developed in medicine.
• Study of anatomy did not advance
• Body autopsy was prohibited by Islam.
• Science was revived in Europe by Emperor Charlemagne.
• Schools were established, becoming centers of knowledge and discovery.
• The Middle Ages brought advancements like utilizing water and wind for energy and developing clocks and moving objects.

History of Science and Technology: Modern Age

• The Age of Discovery and Exploration started towards the end of the Middle Ages.
• Advancements in science and technology enabled explorations.
• Key developments ships that could withstand long voyages and the compass.
• Geography and cartography also advanced significantly.
• The societies in Europe became much smaller and disarrayed after the Black Death.
• The need to find new ways to live led to new tools, techniques, and discoveries.
• Revived Europe became more conducive for science and technology.
• Renaissance is a cultural movement that is based on humanism.
• Humanism involves a system of thought that gives more importance to humans than supernatural powers.
• The states in Europe encouraged technological advancements, primarily for defense and trade.
• Technology was taught in universities.
• Many artists also became scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci.
• The Scientific Revolution emerged in the latter part of the Renaissance, coinciding with the Royal Society in England.
• England's Royal Society paved the way for a more organized scientific community.
• Sir Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin were notable members of the Society.
• Astronomers, Nicolaus Copernicus was a subject of debate around a heliocentric view of the Universe (1473-1543).
• Heliocentric Theory opposed by the Church.
• His work marked the Copernican revolution, which shifted away from the geocentric view of the universe.
• Inventing the telescope advanced the field of astronomy.
• The microscope significantly advanced science during the Renaissance.
• Microorganisms and diseases became known.
• A leading figure of the Scientific Revolution was Galileo Galilei (1564-1642).
• He introduced experimentation using the scientific method and developed many mathematical explanations.
• Many equipment and devices were invented by him.
• His work led to the development of modern science.
• Science and technology further developed from the 17th to 18th century.
• The Enlightenment: A shift from Renaissance was dominated by the teachings of the Church.
• Publication of biological classification works by Carolus Linnaeus marked emergence of this period.
• Empahasis on logic and reason.
• Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was the leading figure of the ‘Enlightenment'.
• Newton's work, Principia, established modern-day physics.
• The scientific method was also used.
• Theories were developed from observations and experiments and used them to predict other phenomena.
• The steam engine was the most revolutionary invention and was invented by James Watt (1736-1819) in 1765.
• Many industrial processes were implemented because of this.
• Steam invention is considered part of the Industrial Revolution.
• The Industrial Revolution paved the way for many technologies.
• The telephone and lightbulb was invented.
• Motor cars were invented.
• The Industrial Revolution led to progress, it also marked the beginning of rapid environmental destruction.
• Wood to obtain wood and resources made forests to depleting.
• Industrial waste caused polluted rivers and other bodies of water.
• The Theory of Evolution was one specific controversy proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace.
• The Church and the general public opposed.
• Milestones in the field of biology was recognized.
• Science advanced at a rapid rate from the 19th century, and became a communal effort and an increased number of collaborations.
• Many new habits, lifestyles, and activities emerged as a result of scientific and technological advancements in clothes, communication, etc.
• More people migrated due to demand for more technologies.
• More skilled and knowledgeable workers emerged.
• Scientific and technological advancements paved the way for inventions of new deadly wepons.
• Atomic bombs was invented .
• In Germany, weapons were heavily researched to prepare for World War.
• Plastics were invented in the 1940s and 1950s leading to appliances etc.
• Plastics have become a main pollutant.
• The structure of DNA was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 with the aid of other scientists such as Rosalind Franklin.
• Development of many others advanced the field of molecular biology.
• Development of the pesticide Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT, hybrid seeds and from equipment, led to increased food production.
• Environmentalism was response to concerns about pesticides negative effects on biodiversity.
• The 'Digital Revolution' or 'Information Age' development of computers, the internet.
• The Digital Revolution has greatly affected society, e-commerce, cyber warfare, distance learning and crowdsourcing were enabled
• More people are hooked to electronic games, social media "selfies".

History of Science and Technology: In the Philippines

• The history of science and technology in the Philippines has no clear beginning.
• Simple stone and metal tools were used by prehistoric Filipinos.
• Compared to neighboring countries China and Japan, it was a simpler technology.
• They later developed potteries, ceramics, and etc.
• Filipinos had good shipbuilding technology by 1000 AD.
• Ships were used by people living near the water to trade, fish and travel.
• By the 16th century, Filipino communities knew artillery and had good weapons.
• Agricultural practices included rice farming, livestock raising, and fishing also existed.
• Spaniards helped bring modern science and technology.
• They established institutions like the University of Sto. Thomas.
• Benefit of technologies, research and colonial government was given to Spain and not Filipinos
• Due to few science courses, Filipinos went to Europe to study.
• Anacleto del Rosario, Leon Ma. Guerrero and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera were some Filipiono scientist.
• It did not grow well
• The government promoted Spanish instead of Filipino scientist.
• Medicine and pharmacy was created by the Spanish.
• The Philippines became predominantly, agricultural
• Foreign technology was more modernized, and weaving declined.
• Public schools were built by the Americans with many technological advancement and scientific knowledge.
• Universities such as University of the Philippines, and Philippine Normal University were established.
• The Bureau of Science was established in 1905 but was the most research in WW2.
• Diseases such as leprosy, cholera, dengue and malaria was in research.
• The Philippine Journal of Science was established in 1906.
• An Act was passed by the Philippine Legislature establishing the "National Research Council of the Philippines.”
• Many Filipino increased studies, during WW3 scientific development.
• After the War, institutions established Science
• Science foundation of the Philippines was established in 1952.
• A report in 1957, stated four key reasons in the decline of Philippine science
  • Lack of government support
  • Absent Excellent scientist
  • Lack of morale among local scientist -Public is unaware of science
• Science and technology advanced and developed from increased government and public awareness.
• Philippines still lagged
• Performance amongst were poor.

History of Science and Technology: Conclusion/Summary

• Science, technology, society, and influence interact towards each other.
• The society develop with new inventions to make their lives easier.
• Scientific and technological developments affected the environment challenged by resources activities.