Unit 1 - Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology PDF

Unit 1: General Concepts and STS Historical Development Learning Outcomes At the end of this unit, students will be able to: Discuss the interactions between S&T and society throughout history; Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment; Dis...

Unit 1: General Concepts and STS Historical Development Learning Outcomes At the end of this unit, students will be able to: Discuss the interactions between S&T and society throughout history; Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment; Discuss the paradigm shifts through history; Explain how intellectual revolution change the way how humans see the world; Describe the technological advancements that happened in the information age;  Explain the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building; Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to nation building; and Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation. Topic 1: Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and Technology Science and Technology in Ancient Times Science and Technology in Middle Ages Science and Technology in Modern Times Science and Technology in the Philippines Science and Technology in 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. Due to the constant innovation introduced by Science and Technology, which has the end goal of improving lives and making the work easier, faster and efficient, our society respond by changing as well. Ancient Civilization Technology Sumerian - first writing system called as cuneiform. Figure 1.1 Sumerian Cuneiform  Babylonian - the hanging garden of Babylon which one of the seven wonders of the world. Figure 1.2 Hanging Garden of Babylon  Ancient Egyptians - known for its renowned archeological artifact like the death mask of Tutankhamen and Pyramid of Giza Figure 1.4 Pyramid of Giza Figure 1.3 Death Mask  Also, ancient Egyptians are known for their earlier contributions like water clock or clypsedra, paper or papyrus, ink and a system of writing known as hieroglyphics. They have also invented cosmetics for aesthetic reason. Meanwhile, during this time, wigs were worn by wealthy Egyptians to protect the shave of the heads from the harmful rays of the sun. Figure 1.6 Hieroglyphics Figure 1.5 Papyrus  Apart from being the birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of Greeks include in-depth works on Philosophy and Mathematics. They are also celebrated for their contribution to the world like coliseum, Olympics, alarm clock and water mill. Figure 1.6 Greek Coliseum Figure 1.7 Olympics  Roman Empire was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance. Other civilizations looked up to it as a model in terms of codified laws and legislation. In terms of architecture and Figure 1.8 Roman numeral system engineering, Romans are known for building elaborate churches, basilicas, aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters and residential houses. They have also devised their own number system which is the Roman Numeral System Figure 1.9 Roman aqueduct  Considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, China is known for the silk trade, tea production, gun powder and the living legend great wall of China. Figure 1.10 The Great Wall of China Science and Technology in Middle Ages The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars are prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of weaponry, navigation, food and farm production and health. The wars have resulted to population decline. However, in the later part of this period, there was significant increase in population. To facilitate record keeping, woodlock printing developed by Chinese was improved by the time of Johann Gutenberg with a cast type printing press. This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press which was eventually used all over the world. Figure 1.11 Johann Gutenberg Printing Press  Growing populations caused massive migration and urbanization during the period. More people transferred to polluted and populated urban areas which resulted in more people getting sick. With this, experts needed to a device to study microorganisms in order to develop proper medicines for illnesses. Guided by Figure 1.13 Zacharias Janssen’s Microscope the principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope  Middle Age was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical inventions was high. 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. Great development in the weaponry technology also occurred in this era. This include cross bows and long bows. Additionally, 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 limits the movements of the soldiers, chainmail was invented to solve the problem. Science and Technology in Modern Times The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that more goods be produced at faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Faster and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to establish connections between and among nations. All these needs resulted in the development of industries. However, due to massive industrialization, the modern times faced more complicated problems. Food processing and medicine posed some of the bigger challenges since health was of great concern.  As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs of the population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist and chemist found a way to solve the problem. He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. Other contributions of Pasteur to Science and Technology and Medicine included his works on molecular asymmetry, fermentation and vaccination.  The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they needed a way to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each other in real time. Governments likewise needed some kind of communication system which would allow them to administer their states well. Important dayto-day decisions must be discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible. Thus, the invention of telephone by Alexander Figure 1.14 Alexander Graham Bell’s Graham Bell was one of the most Telephone important inventions at that time.  Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed, circumstances in the modern times required a faster way to compute more complicated equations. Computing devices must also be easy to carry since they would be utilized on a day-to-day basis. The creation of modern calculators did not only pave the way for easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the development of more complex processing machines like computer. Science and Technology in the Philippines Philippines during precolonial times up to modern times, the advancement of Science and Technology has been equated to socio-economic progress and political sovereignty and security. Precolonial Science and Technology in the Philippines There had been activities linked to technology during this period that included use of fire, pottery-making and use of herbal medicines. Early Filipino settlers had their own methods of farming in fact Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of engineering feat during pre-colonial era. They also utilize stones for recording purposes, extract iron from ore and practice smelting and refining. It has also been noted that they had learned to build boats for coastal trade and barter system in trading goods and resources with the neighboring countries.  Generally, Filipinos during this period are highly superstitious. Though they can already read and write using their own system of writing, no trace of record has been found yet to prove that they had written literary tradition during this time. Figure 1.15 Banaue Rice Terraces, Manunggul jar and caracoa (ship) (from left to right) Colonial Science and Technology in the Philippines Spanish Regime Introduced formal education and founded scientific institution. Parish schools were established where religion, reading, writing and music was taught. Sanitation and more advanced methods of agriculture were imparted. The study of pharmacy and medicine, engineering in the islands constructing government buildings, churches, roads, bridges and forts were given priority during this era.  Meteorological studies were promoted by Jesuits who have established the Manila Observatory. The first public typhoon warning was issued by Fr, Federico Faura in 1897. Figure 1.16 Manila Observatory  At the end of the Spanish regime, Philippines had shifted from agricultural to exporting economy. The lack of support and interest from the government for industries like weaving had led to the failure of surviving the competition with foreign imports. American Regime There was a rapid advancement of Science and Technology The Government grants scholarships for higher education in Science and Engineering and extension public education system especially free primary education. Introduction of science, industry and vocational courses and public health programs in the system and establishment of science research agencies. University of the Philippines Los Baños was established for the promotion of higher education in the sciences and government research institutions and agencies performing technical functions.  The educational and scientific engagement of Filipinos in the country was put to halt when the second world war broke in the Pacific region. The center for of all educational and scientific activities which Manila were utterly razed to the ground destroying the infrastructures and facilities. Post-Colonial Science and Technology in the Philippines In 1957, shortly after the world war II, the then President Ferdinand E. Marcos received a report on the deterioration of Science and Technology in the country. The Congress enacted the Science Act of 1958. The Science Act created the National Science Development Board (NSDB) to formulate policies for the development of science and coordinate the work of science agencies. The Act also created the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) that explored the use of atomic energy for economic development.  National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Philippine Coconut Research Institute was added to NSDB to modernize coconut industry, as well as Textile Research Institute In 1972, the National Grains Authority was created to provide for the development of the rice and corn industry. Philippine Council for Agricultural Research to support the progressive development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries for the country. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) under the Department of National Defense was established to provide environmental protection and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure safety of the people.  During President Corazon Aquino’s administration, the National Science and Technology Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving science and technology a representation in the cabinet. The Presidential Task Force for Science and Technology which came up with the first Science and Technology Master Plan (STMP) was created. Its goal is for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status by the year 2000. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!