Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology PDF

LESSON 2: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OBJECTIVES:  DISCUSS THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY;  DISCUSS HOW HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS CHANGE THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD AND IN THE PHILIPPINES “THOSE WHO DO NOT LEARN HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT...

LESSON 2: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OBJECTIVES:  DISCUSS THE HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY;  DISCUSS HOW HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS CHANGE THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD AND IN THE PHILIPPINES “THOSE WHO DO NOT LEARN HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT” - SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL We can use the historical developments of science and technology to come up with proper decisions and applications of science and technology to daily life. LESSON 2: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  ANCIENT PERIOD  MIDDLE AGES  MODERN AGES ANCIENT PERIOD No one exactly knows where and when science and technology began. However, the earliest known technology are the stone tools used by human during the Stone Age The Ancient Times were divided into three periods: 1.Stone Age (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic) 2.Bronze Age 3.Iron Age 1.STONE AGE The Stone Age began about 2.6 million years ago, when researchers found the earliest evidence of humans using stone tools. Early human ancestors painting a bison inside a cave during Prisma/Universal Images Group/Getty Images PALEOLITHIC (or Old Stone Age) the Paleolithic Age - They used basic stone and bone tools, as well as crude stone axes, for hunting birds and wild animals. - They also carved small figurines from stones, clay, bones and antlers. Mesolithic (or Middle Stone Age) - Humans used small stone tools, now also polished and sometimes crafted with points and attached to antlers, bone or wood to serve as spears and arrows. - Agriculture was introduced during this time, which led to more permanent Early human ancestors painting a bison inside a cave during settlements in villages. Prisma/Universal Images the Paleolithic Group/Getty Images Age Neolithic (or New Stone Age) - Ancient humans switched from hunter mode to agriculture and food production. - Advancements were made not only in tools but also in farming, home construction and art, including pottery, sewing and weaving. 2. BRONZE AGE (about 3,000 B.C. to 1,300 B.C.) - Metalworking advances were made, as bronze, a copper and tin alloy, were discovered. - This time period also brought advances in architecture and art, including the invention of the potter’s wheel, and textiles —clothing consisted of mostly wool items such as skirts, kilts, tunics and cloaks. - Organized government, law and warfare, as well as beginnings of religion, also came into play during the Bronze Age Village life in Grimspound, a late Bronze Age settlement situated on Dartmoor in Devon, England. English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images  3. Iron Age (roughly about 1,300 B.C. to 900 B.C.) - The discovery of ways to heat and forge iron kicked off the Iron Age - At the time, the metal was seen as more precious than gold, and wrought iron was easier to manufacture than bronze. Home life during the Iron Age. English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images ANCIENT PERIOD - The rise of ancient civilization paved the way for advances in science and technology. - These advances during the ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by looking for better ways to communicate, transport, self- organize, and enhance their way of life, in general. Some Technologies or inventions from the Ancient Period include: ANCIENT WHEELS - People from ancient civilization used animals as means of transportation - The invention of ancient wheel is credited to the Sumerians PAPER - Around 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians began writing on a papyrus - -It is made up from a pith of plant called cyperus papyrus - - Before the inventions of papyrus, writing and record- keeping is done on stones and tablets SHADOOF - A tool invented and used by the ancient Egyptians to irrigate land - It is a hand-operated device used for lifting - This invention introduced the idea of lifting things using counterweights. ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM - Discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the waters of Antikythera, Greece - The world’s oldest known Mechanical Computer created by Greek - -It is a mechanism similar to a clock for it has circular face and rotation hands - This is used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses AEOLIPILE - It is also known as Heron’s engine - It is the world’s first steam engine which spins as the water container at its center is heated - At first, it doesn’t served any practical purpose MIDDLE AGES - Around 530 AD, the development of Science and technology declined as it was affected by wars, famine, diseases, piracy and poverty which were rampant at the time - The rise of Christianity in Europe was also considered as a factor in the decline of science. The Church questioned many teachings and ideas of early philosophers and scientists. Also, the Roman Empire from 530 AD to 10000 AD seemed less interested with theoretical sciences - As science seemed to decline, the field of medicine remained and grew due to an important need. The “Bubonic Plague or “Black Death” ravaged Europe and Christians felt the need to further their knowledge in medicine in order to develop a cure (Bubonic plague is caused by the bite of infected rodent flea carrying - From Europe, the center of science and technology shifted to China and other nearby countries - In India, mathematics, medicine and astronomy were well- advanced. One of their greatest discovery is the importance of zero in mathematics which prior to that time is not well- understood - The science of Islamic Civilization was also well- developed. They developed astronomical tables, new chemicals such as borax, and new techniques. - In medicine, they led the development of new instruments and humane treatments. However, they failed to advanced further their study on Anatomy as Islam prohibits body autopsy at that time - Science was revived in Europe by Emperor Charlemagne. He ordered the establishment of schools which became the centers of knowledge and discovery. - The Middle ages brought many advancements such as the utilization of water and wind as source of energy and the developments of moving objects and clocks MIDDLE AGES - Major advances in scientific and technological development took place in this period. These advancements include the constant increase of new inventions, introduction of innovations in traditional production, and the emergence scientific thinking and the scientific method. Some Technologies or inventions from the Middle Ages include: HEAVY PLOUGH GUNPOWDER - Around 850 AD, Chinese alchemists accidentally invented the gunpowder - Prior to the invention of gunpowder, swords and spears were used in the battles and wars - The invention of gunpowder has allowed advanced warfare such as fiery arrows, guns, cannons and grenades PAPER MONEY - Paper money was first used by the Chinese in the 17th century - Before the introduction of paper money, merchants and traders used precious metals such as gold and silver - They realized that using paper money brought advantages because it is easier to keep and transport MECHANICAL CLOCK - The development of mechanical clock helped the people in accurately keeping the track of time - drastically changed the way of spending the day and work pattern were established. SPINNING WHEEL - A machine used to transform fiber thread or yarn and eventually woven into cloth - It is theorized that the Indians are the one invented the spinning wheel between the 6th and 11th century Modern Ages / Industrial Revolution As the world population steadily increased, people of the Modern Ages realized the utmost importance of increasing the efficiency of transportation, communication and production. The states in Europe encouraged technological advancements, primarily for defense and trade. Technology was taught in universities. Many artists became scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci. This period is known as Renaissance. Renaissance is a cultural movement that is based on humanism, a system of thought that gives more importance to humans than supernatural powers In the latter part of Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution emerged which paved the way for more organized scientific community Sir Isaac Newton and Benjamin Franklin are the two notable members of the Royal society At the beginning of the Revolution, the invention of telescope advanced the field of Astronomy. Among the astronomers, Nicolaus Copernicus became the center of controversy due to his heliocentric view of the Universe, an idea that was opposed by the Church, This marked the so-called Copernican Revolution which was a shift from the geocentric view of the Universe Another technology that significantly advanced science during the scientific revolution is the microscope. This invention paved the way for the understanding of microorganisms and the many types of diseases associated with them. Another leading figure of the Scientific Revolution is Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) He introduced experimentation using scientific method. He also developed many mathematical explanations to natural concepts. He invented many equipment and devices. His works led to the development of modern science From 17th century to 18th century, science and technology further developed. This period is known as “Enlightenment” which emphasized logic and reasoning The leading figure of this period is Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) His work, Principia, established the foundation of modern day Physics Due to society’s demand to make things more efficient and faster, machines were developed. The most revolutionary of them is steam engine which was invented by James Watt (1736-1819) in 1765. The steam engine made industrial processes possible which led to Industrial Revolution While the Industrial Revolution led to progress. It also marked the beginning of the rapid destruction of the environment. Many forests were destroyed to obtain wood, minerals and other resources. Rivers and other bodies of water were being polluted by the industrial wastes. During this period, the science community and the society had some conflicts and controversies. One specific controversial theory was the Theory of Evolution proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace. It was opposed by the Church and the general public. However, this theory is considered a milestone in the field of Biology From 19th century, science advanced at a much rapid rate than any other period before. More inventions and discoveries happed in this century Scientific and technological advancements paved the way for the inventions of atomic bombs, dynamites and other explosives and weapons. In Germany, laboratories were dedicated to the development of weapons in preparation for the World war. Plastics were invented in the 1940s and 1950s which led to the development of materials, appliances and products. However, these plastics pose a problem to the environment due to its low rate of decomposition. It is now one of the main environmental pollutants Deoxyribonucleic Acid - The structure of the DNA was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick. - This discovery further advanced the field of genetics and molecular biology  - The development of computers, internet, software and other digital technologies paved the way of the “Digital Revolution” or “Information Age”. These technologies also paved the way for e- commerce, cyber warfare, distance learning and crowdsourcing. - The Digital Revolution has greatly affected the society. Nowadays, many people are hooked to electronic gadgets, online games, social media, Tiktok and selfies