STS 101: Historical Antecedents in Science and Technology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of technology in relation to science?

To create hypotheses for scientific experiments

To apply knowledge in solving practical problems (correct)

To document scientific discoveries

To replace scientific methods with artistic approaches

Which of the following best describes science?

An artistic interpretation of natural phenomena

A systematic body of knowledge gained through observation and experimentation (correct)

A set of fixed beliefs about the natural world

A static collection of knowledge

How does Science, Technology, and Society (STS) primarily influence scientific research?

By isolating technology from societal changes

By addressing how cultural values affect innovation (correct)

By establishing a foundation of absolute truths

By prioritizing technological advancements over scientific integrity

Which of the following is NOT a role of technology mentioned?

Development of artistic expressions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is known for developing a writing system called cuneiform?

Sumerian (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Greek word 'technologia' mean?

Systematic treatment of art (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which category does the study of natural phenomena fall under?

Natural sciences (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key contributions of the ancient Egyptian civilization?

Papyrus (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization thrived between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and became the center of ancient Mesopotamia?

Babylonian (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of knowledge does science primarily consist of?

Dynamic observations leading to theories (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a mathematical contribution of the ancient Sumerians?

Metallurgy (B) Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which is considered a cradle of early science?

Sumerian civilization (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main advantage of the canals developed by the Babylonian civilization?

Increase in agricultural yield (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which writing system was primarily used by the ancient Egyptians?

Hieroglyphics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What material was predominantly used by ancient Egyptians for writing?

Papyrus (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which technological advancement is attributed to the Sumerians?

Early chariots (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is associated with the invention of gunpowder?

Chinese (D) Signup and view all the answers

What period is traditionally known as the Middle Ages?

5th century to late 15th century (D) Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement was NOT made during the Medieval period?

Flywheel engines (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inventions is associated with the Roman Empire?

Water mill (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who served as the foundation of western civilization in ancient Greece?

Philosophers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural technique was improved during the Medieval period?

Crop rotation (C) Signup and view all the answers

The civilization that thrived along the Nile River is known as?

Egyptian (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which ancient civilization is credited with the first widespread use of codex books?

Roman (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact did Johannes Gutenberg's invention have on society?

It allowed for rapid reproduction of books. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist is known for the basic law of falling bodies?

Galileo Galilei (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was Alexander Fleming's key discovery that led to the formation of modern-day antibiotics?

The mold in his petri-dish. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was Louis Pasteur's significant contribution to biology?

Disproving the Theory of Spontaneous Generation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following inventions is Alexander Graham Bell credited with?

The first electric telephone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What practical application did Samuel M. Kier's invention of kerosene initially serve?

Illuminating homes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Zacharias Janssen known for inventing?

The first optical telescope and compound microscope. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What time period was associated with the rise of modern society and industry?

19th Century (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Science, Technology, and Society

Science refers to a systematic body of knowledge gained through observation and experimentation, leading to theories, laws, and concepts that explain natural phenomena.
Divided into three main branches: formal sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Technology, derived from the Greek 'technologia,' focuses on applying knowledge to solve practical problems and improve human life.
Technology encompasses a complex system involving knowledge, skills, methods, and tools for developing products and services.

Roles of Technology

Aids in discovering and producing medicine.
Helps preserve food and develop new energy sources.

Historical Antecedents of Science

Ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Chinese made significant contributions to early science and technology.

Sumerian Contributions

Located in Mesopotamia, known for innovations like mass-produced pottery, the wheel, early chariots, cuneiform writing, metallurgy, and mathematics.

Babylonian Achievements

Established the center of Mesopotamian civilization, contributing to advancements in irrigation (canals) and astrology (star catalogs).

Egyptian Innovations

Flourished along the Nile River from 5,000 - 3,100 BC, known for the development of the calendar, mathematics, papyrus, hieroglyphics, and mummification.

Greek Civilization

Emerged around 1,100 BC; crucial philosophers laid the foundation for Western thought, contributing inventions like the water mill and water clock.

Roman Empire Contributions

Known for military and administrative prowess; innovations include Roman numerals, the Acta Diurna (gazette), and the codex/book binding.

Chinese Civilization

The oldest civilization in Asia; notable inventions include gunpowder, silk, acupuncture, and tea.

Medieval Period Advances

Spanning roughly from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire to the late 15th century; characterized by significant technological innovations including windmills, spectacles, mechanical clocks, and Gothic architecture.

Key Figures in Technological Advancements

Johannes Gutenberg: Invented the movable type printing press, revolutionizing book production and promoting literacy.
Zacharias Janssen: Credited with inventing the optical telescope and compound microscope.
Galileo Galilei: Known for formulating the laws of falling bodies and constructing advanced telescopes for astronomical observations.

Rise of Modern Society

The 19th century saw the emergence of modern society and industry, leading to breakthroughs in communication, transportation, and medicine.
Louis Pasteur: Disproved the Theory of Spontaneous Generation and pioneered pasteurization through his Swan Flask experiment.
Alexander Graham Bell: Received the first patent for the electric telephone in 1876.
Alexander Fleming: Discovered penicillin from mold, marking a key milestone in antibiotic development.
Samuel M. Kier: Innovated kerosene by refining petroleum, initially known as illuminating oil for lighting homes.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of science and technology in this quiz covering the historical antecedents that shaped the fields. Understand how systematic knowledge and experimentation inform our understanding of nature. Ideal for students diving into the interplay between science and society.