Science, Technology and Society

• Science is the systematic study of the natural world using observation, experimentation, and analysis
• Science aims to understand the universe's governing principles through logical reasoning to explain natural phenomena
• Technology applies scientific knowledge, tools, and techniques to solve problems and improve human life
• Society is a group of individuals sharing a common culture, institutions, and way of life
• Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field studying the interactions between scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and social structures

Aristotle

• Aristotle (384–322 BCE) is known as the "Father of Science"
• He made key contributions to logic, observation, and systematic study of nature
• Aristotle laid the foundation for fields like biology, physics, and astronomy
• He is considered the father of biology and zoology
• Aristotle developed a classification system based on shared characteristics
• He distinguished animals with and without blood, similar to vertebrates and invertebrates
• Aristotle observed animal behavior, reproduction, and anatomy, and documented findings in works like Historia Animalium

Relationship of Science and Technology

• Scientific discoveries often provide the basis for technological advancements
  • Example: The Discovery of electricity led to the development of electric power and appliances
• New technologies help scientists conduct experiments and make discoveries
  • Example: The invention of the microscope enabled biologists to study cells, leading to breakthroughs in medicine
• Science's progress provides new knowledge for engineers to create better technology
• New technology enables more precise and advanced scientific research
• Scientific principles are applied in technological solutions
  • Example: Physics in car engines and chemistry in drug development
• Technologies developed for one purpose often find unexpected applications
  • Example: AI in medical research
• Science seeks to understand natural phenomena
• Technology applies scientific understanding to solve practical problems
  • Example: Climate science studies global warming, leading to technological innovations in renewable energy

Main Concepts of Science, Technology, and Society

• Science and technology are shaped by societal needs, values, and politics
• Social, ethical, and political factors influence the direction of scientific research and technological development

Ethical and Social Implications of Technology

• Technological advancements bring ethical dilemmas and social consequences
• Issues like privacy, surveillance, AI, and genetic engineering raise moral and ethical concerns

Risk, Uncertainty, and Innovation

• Scientific and technological advances involve risks like environmental issues, health concerns, and cybersecurity threats
• Society must balance innovation with precautionary measures to avoid unintended consequences

Science and Technology in Policy and Governance

• Governments fund, regulate, and promote scientific research and technological advancements
• Public policies influence technological adoption, research priorities, and ethical considerations

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

• The impact of science and technology on the environment is a key concern (climate change, renewable energy, waste management)
• Sustainable technology and green innovations are critical for long-term societal progress

Digital Revolution and the Information Society

• The rise of the internet, AI, and big data has transformed communication, work, and education
• Issues like the digital divide, data privacy, and misinformation are major challenges

Equity, Inclusion, and Access to Technology

• Scientific and technological developments should be accessible to all, reducing disparities between different social groups
• Ethical concerns include who benefits from technology and who is left behind

Public Perception and Communication of Science

• How science is communicated and perceived affects public trust and decision-making
• Misinformation, pseudoscience, and skepticism impact the effectiveness of science in society

Overview About The Fathers of Science

• Thales of Miletus (c. 624–546 BCE) is considered to be the first philosopher-scientist; He focused on natural explanations
• Aristotle (384-322 BCE) is considered the father of natural science, biology, and early scientific thought
• Roger Bacon (c. 1219–1292) advocated for experimental science
• Francis Bacon (1561–1626) is the father of the modern scientific method

Physics

• Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) is the father of modern physics, observational astronomy, and kinematics
• Isaac Newton (1643–1727) is the father of classical mechanics and gravitation
• Albert Einstein (1879–1955) is the father of modern physics, specifically the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics

Chemistry

• Antoine Lavoisier (1743–1794) is considered the father of modern chemistry and discovered the role of oxygen in combustion
• Robert Boyle (1627–1691) is the father of modern experimental chemistry

Earth Sciences

• James Hutton (1726–1797) is the father of modern geology
• Alfred Wegener (1880–1930) is considered the father of the continental drift theory

Astronomy & Cosmology

• Claudius Ptolemy (c. 100–170) is the father of geocentric astronomy
• Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) is the father of heliocentrism (sun-centered model of the solar system)
• Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) is known as the father of planetary motion

Biology & Life Sciences

• Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) is the father of taxonomy and classification
• Charles Darwin (1809–1882) is responsible for the theory of evolution by natural selection
• Gregor Mendel (1822–1884) is the father of genetics

Medicine & Human Science

• Hippocrates (c. 460–370 BCE) is the father of medicine
• Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564) is the father of modern human anatomy
• Louis Pasteur (1822–1895) is the father of microbiology and germ theory

Modern & Applied Sciences

• Alan Turing (1912–1954) is the father of computer science and artificial intelligence
• Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) is the father of electrical engineering and AC power
• John von Neumann (1903–1957) is the father of modern computing and game theory

Science & Technology in the Philippines

• Science and technology (S&T) is crucial in the Philippines' development, especially in agriculture, industry, health, and disaster preparedness
• The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) leads research and innovations to improve various sectors

Areas of Science and Technology in the Philippines

• Agriculture and Food Security
  • The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is based in Laguna and develops high-yield, climate-resistant rice varieties
  • The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) innovates rice farming, mechanization, and sustainable farming practices
  • Biotechnology in Farming
  • Development of Golden Rice (Vitamin A-enriched) and other genetically modified crops for improved food security
• Health and Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical Research: The Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) promotes herbal medicine research
  • Locally made diagnostic kits like GenAmplify, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test kit, were developed by Filipino scientists
  • Filipino scientists are involved in the research and monitoring of vaccines for tropical diseases
• Disaster Preparedness and Climate Science
  • Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) is a disaster management program using real-time data and satellite imaging to predict floods and typhoons
  • DOST-PAGASA develops weather forecasting models and early warning systems
  • GeoRisk PH maps earthquake and disaster-prone areas to enhance disaster preparedness
• Space Science and Technology
  • Diwata and Maya Satellites
  • The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has launched satellites for environmental monitoring and disaster response
  • Satellites are used for real-time data on natural disasters, agricultural planning, and resource management
• Information Technology and Digital Transformation
  • Initiatives like DigiGov and online services for passports, licenses, and transactions are improving government efficiency (E-Government)
  • Growth in fintech, e-commerce, and AI startups supported by DOST and DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology).
  • Laws like the Data Privacy Act of 2012 protect citizens’ digital information. (Cybersecurity and Data Privacy)
• Renewable Energy and Sustainability
  • Investments in solar farms and wind energy projects, especially in Ilocos Norte and Rizal (Solar and Wind Power)
  • The Philippines is one of the world's top producers of geothermal power (Geothermal Energy)
  • Initiatives that convert biodegradable waste into biofuels and other energy sources (Waste-to-Energy Projects)
• Manufacturing and Industry
  • The Philippines is a global hub for semiconductor assembly and testing (Semiconductor and Electronics)
  • Used in manufacturing, healthcare, and prototyping (3D Printing and Robotics)
  • The Balik Scientist Program encourages Filipino scientists abroad to return and contribute to local research and industry

Challenges in Science and Technology

• The country allocates a small percentage of its GDP to R&D, lagging behind other ASEAN nations
• Many researchers and institutions struggle with inadequate financial support for projects (Limited Funding for Research and Development)
• Many Filipino scientists and engineers seek better opportunities abroad due to higher salaries and better research facilities (Brain Drain and Lack of Skilled Workforce)
• There is a shortage of highly skilled professionals in specialized fields like AI, biotechnology, and advanced engineering
• Collaboration between universities and industries is not strong enough to commercialize innovations (Weak Industry-Academic Linkages)
• Many research outputs remain theoretical and are not translated into practical applications
• Industries and government agencies are slow in integrating modern technologies like AI, automation, and renewable energy (Slow Adoption of Emerging Technologies)
• There is a digital divide, with many rural areas lacking access to high-speed internet and modern digital infrastructure
• Many research institutions lack state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment (Infrastructure and Technological Gaps)
• Limited technology transfer from developed nations hinders growth in innovation
• Complex government regulations and slow processing times discourage technological startups and foreign investors (Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles)
• Innovation policies need to be more streamlined and supportive of entrepreneurship
• The Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate change, requiring advanced science-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability (Climate Change and Environmental Concerns)
• There is a need for stronger investments in green technologies, renewable energy, and climate-resilient infrastructure
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education needs improvement, with outdated curricula and a lack of qualified teachers (Low Public Awareness and STEM Education Issues)
• Many students are not encouraged to pursue careers in S&T, limiting the future talent pool

Possible Solutions

• Increase government and private sector investment in R&D
• Strengthen incentives to retain local scientists and attract Filipino experts abroad
• Enhance industry-academic partnerships to commercialize research
• Improve STEM education and digital literacy programs
• Modernize infrastructure and facilitate easier startup incubation