Science, Technology and Society GEC007 PDF

Science, Technology and Society GEC007 ILO: Define science, technology and society Definition of Science, Technology and Society Science ▪ comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge’. ▪ It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and ▪...

Science, Technology and Society GEC007 ILO: Define science, technology and society Definition of Science, Technology and Society Science ▪ comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge’. ▪ It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and ▪ organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. ILO: Define science, technology and society Definition of Science, Technology and Society Technology ▪ is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real world problems. ▪ It comes from the Greek root word techne, meaning 'art, skill, or cunning of hand. ILO: Define science, technology and society Definition of Science, Technology and Society Society is the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society Science, Technology and Society (STS) is a relatively young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as the history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society As an academic field, STS, according to Harvard University's Kennedy School, traces its roots from the interwar period and the start of the Cold War. It was during the period when historians and scientists found interest in the interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society The rise of STS as an academic field resulted from the recognition that many schools today do not really prepare students to respond critically, reflectively, and proactively to the challenges posed by science and technology in the contemporary world. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society In general STS applies methods drawn from history, philosophy, and sociology to study the nature of science and technology and ultimately judge their value and place in society. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society As an interdisciplinary field, the emergence of STS was a result of questions about science and technology's dynamic interaction with various aspects of society and was thus viewed as a socially embedded enterprise. ILO: Discuss the interaction between Science and Technology in society throughout history Nature of the Study of Science, Technology and Society Thus, as the Kennedy School effectively encapsulates, STS seeks to bridge the gap between two traditionally exclusive cultures - humanities (interpretive) and natural sciences (rational) - so that humans will be able to better confront the moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas brought by the continued developments in science and technology. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology The developments in this field are not just products of people's imagination or a one-time thought process; they are also brought about by gradual improvements to earlier works from different time periods. The driving force behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the quality of life of the people. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES People were concerned with transportation and navigation, communication and record-keeping, mass production, security and protection, as well as health, aesthetics, and architecture. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES Transportation was significant during that time because people were trying to go places and discover new horizons. They travelled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new places. They needed a way to communicate with the natives of the areas they visited so as to facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES Record keeping was also important since they needed to remember the places they had been to and document the trades they made with each other. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES Moreover, in order to integrate their needs - for better transportation, establishment of structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction of bigger and stronger infrastructures - people ventured into what is now known as the field of engineering. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture. During the ancient times, elaborate architectural designs were signs of technological advancement of particular civilization. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES Thus, it can be concluded that developments in science and technology were the results of prior antecedents. Out of necessity, people in ancient times were able to discover and invent things that would impact the lives of the modern people. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire for great things. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization CUNEIFORM One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing system known as cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical value or their everyday life. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Uruk City There were no building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, making the construction of a big challenge. The Sumerians were able to build the city using only mud or clay from the river, which they mixed with reeds, producing sun- baked bricks - a true engineering feat. They used the bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals and to build a wall around the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization The Great Ziggurat of Ur The ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was built in the same manner that they constructed the City of Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure was constructed using sunbaked bricks. The ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only their priests were allowed to enter. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Irrigation and Dikes The Sumerians were challenged to mass produce food items but the elements in the environment seemed uncooperative. It was difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could not maintain farmlands. As a solution to this dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same time control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as on of the world's most beneficial engineering works. Through the dikes and canals, the Sumerians were able to enjoy year-long farming and harvesting, which increased their food production. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Sailboats Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that time, the wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of transportation was through waterways such as rivers and seas. Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and were able to cover large distances. Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture, information and technology. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Wheel In the latter part of their history, the Sumerians were able to invent the wheel since the specialized tools needed to create it were already available. The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work and food processes. With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier. Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization The Plow Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the plow. Humans evolved from being food gatherers to farm cultivators. However, farmers needed to a technology which would enable them to dig the ground where seeds would be planted. As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would already be done. With this tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling them to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Sumerian Civilization Roads In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads. With this work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized. They made the roads with the same technology they used in making the sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Babylonian Civilization Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians were great builders, engineers, and architects. One of their major contributions is the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonder of the ancient world. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Babylonian Civilization Hanging Gardens It is said to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Egyptian civilization developed along the Nile River in large part because the river’s annual flooding ensured reliable, rich soil for growing crops. Repeated struggles for political control of Egypt showed the importance of the region in terms of its agricultural production and the economic resources that its highly complex social organization produced. Egyptian rulers used the idea of divine kingship and constructed monumental architecture to demonstrate and maintain power. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Papyrus The papyrus plant is now often used as a pool ornamental in warm areas or in conservatories. The dwarf papyrus (C. isocladus, also given as C. papyrus ‘Nanus’), up to 60 cm tall, is sometimes potted and grown indoors. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Papyrus The ancient Egyptians used the stem of the papyrus plant to make sails, cloth, mats, cords, and, above all, paper. Paper made from papyrus was the chief writing material in ancient Egypt was adopted by the Greeks, and was used extensively in the Roman Empire. It was used not only for the production of books (in roll or scroll form) but also for correspondence and legal documents. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Ink When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving ceased to be used in writing. As a result, the Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of different colors. The ink must withstand the elements of nature since it was used to record history, culture, and codified laws. It must also be tamper-proof so that people could not simply tinker with those written down by authorities. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Hieroglyphics Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols, known as hieroglyphics. Although some say that hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing system established in Mesopotamia believed that this writing can still be seen today and remains to be as famous as the pyramids where they were found. Hieroglyphics was the language that tells the modern world of the history and culture of the ancient Egyptians. Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of pyramids and other important Egyptian structures. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Cosmetics The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics. Although cosmetics in the modern times are used to improve and highlight the facial features of a person, their function in ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to prevent and even cure eye diseases. Kohl was created by mixing soot or malachite with mineral galena. Egyptians also believed that a person wearing make-up was protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Wig Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians is the wig. It is used to enhance the appearance of people who are balding or those who want to try new hair trends. Wigs were worn for health and wellness rather than for aesthetics purposes. The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Egyptian Civilization Water Clock/Clepsydra Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from one vessel to the other. The amount of water (or its height, depending on the method used) remaining in the device determines how much time has elapsed since it is full. In the process, time is measured. The water clock was widely used as a timekeeping device during the ancient times. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Greek Civilization Greece is an archipelago in the southerneastern part of Europe. Known as the birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works on philosophy and mathematics. More than coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek civilization has contributed much to the world especially in the fields of science and technology. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Greek Civilization Alarm Clock One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient Greeks is the alarm clock. They made use of water (or sometimes small stones or sand) that dropped into drums which sounded the alarm. The upper vessel supplied the water which dropped to the vessel supplied the water which dropped to the vessel below it, which was set to be filled in a given time. After it was full, water was siphoned off at a faster rate into the third vessel which would cause the expulsion of contained air, creating a whistling noise. Afterwards, this vessel would empty towards the bottom vessel for storage and reuse. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Greek Civilization Water Mill Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions of the Greek civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural processes like milling of grains which was a necessary form of food processing during that time. It was considered better than mills powered by farm animals because they required less effort and time to operate since the farmer did not have to raise animals. They only required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a large wheel with small buckets of water attached to it could be installed. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Roman Civilization The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during that period. Because the Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified laws. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Roman Civilization Newspaper One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper. The first newspapers, known as gazettes, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to the people. Made before the invention of paper, these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets and then publicly displayed. When paper was invented, it became easier for the Romans to publish matters that needed the attention of the Roman citizens. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Roman Civilization Bound Books or Codex With the invention of paper, it became easier for the civilizations to write down everything that happened in their time. Record-keeping was much easier since paper did not easily break, was lightweight, and did not occupy much space. As a result, civilizations became fond of record-keeping, especially documenting historical events and newly legislated laws. Aside from Roman writing down information about history and politics, literature also changed form from clay tablets to parchments of paper. The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced by animal skin which proved to be stronger and longer-lasting. With papyrus pages bound together and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the first books or codex. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Roman Civilization Roman Architecture Roman architecture was considered a continuation of Greek architecture, hence, the resemblance. However, Roman architecture was still regarded as pioneering since the Romans were able to adapt new building and engineering technology on architectural designs established in the past. They were able to preserve great and elaborate architectural designs because they could produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. The Roman were able to creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt to the new trends at that time. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Roman Civilization Roman Numerals Although other number systems had already been established before the Romans numeral, these old systems could not keep up with high calculation requirements due to the increasing rate of communication and trade among natons. Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had to deal with many nations to maintain its power. For this reason, the Romans devised their own number system specifically to address the need for a standard counting method that would meet their increasing communication and trade concerns. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Chinese Civilization The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, if not the world. Also known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It was famous among other ancient civilizations because of its silk trade. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Chinese Civilization Silk One of the things that connected Far East China to the world is silk. Although silk is naturally produced by silk worms, the Chinese were the ones who developed the technology to harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing. Silk production resulted in the creation of a product for trade. The silk trade opened China to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic and scientific exchanges. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Chinese Civilization Tea Production Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded dried tea leaves. It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese emperor. Tea production was developed when an unknown Chinese inventor created a machine that was able to shred tea leaves into strips. This machine was done using a wheel-based mechanism with sharp edges attached to a wooden or ceramic pot. Because of this invention, the Chinese were able to increase their production of tea exports aside from its silk products. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Chinese Civilization Great Wall of China It was constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control the borders of China. Made with stone, brick, wood, earth, and other materials, it showcased the extent of Chinese engineering technology at that time. The wall's construction put the nation among the powerful civilizations during the ancient times. It was the pride of their land and their crowning glory. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 1.ANCIENT TIMES ❖Chinese Civilization Gunpowder It was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generate large amounts of heat and gas in an instant. Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from guns and cannons which cause countless deaths. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 2. Medieval Period The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in their fields of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have resulted in population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was significant rise in population. Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for transportation technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 2. Medieval Period Printing Press After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. He utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper, which then made an exact impression on paper. The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would spread information to many people at a faster rate. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 2. Medieval Period Telescope Since the Middle Ages was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to avoid dangers at sea. The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the observation of remote objects, was a great help for navigators during this time. ILO: Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history Historical Antecedent in the Course of Science and Technology 2. Medieval Period War Weapons All sides must develop weaponries not only as offensive tools but also as defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people developed cross bows and long bows so that they could attack the enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the protection of walls and fortresses. Additionally, in in close-range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors. However, body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.