SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY and SOCIETY

MODULES
 SHEPHERDVILLE COLLEGE
(FORMERLY JESUS THE LOVING SHEPHERD CHRISTIAN COLLEGE)
Talojongon, Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Philippines

COURSE GUIDE
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND
SOCIETY

Module 1 : INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL CONSIDERATION
Prelim Module 2 : CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Module 3 : INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS THAT DEFINED SOCIETY
Module 4 : SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION BUILDING
THE HUMAN PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND
Module 5 : TECHNOLOGY
Midterm Module 6 : THE GOOD LIFE
Module 7 : WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
Module 8 : THE INFORMATION AGE
Module 9 : BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
Module 10 : THE NANO WORLD
Finals Module 11 : GENE THERAPHY
Module 12 : CLIMATE CHANGE

Prepared by:

MARK CARMELO A.AZOR

Instructor, STS

Approved by:

SOLEDAD JUDITH ISAAC-AQUINO, RMT, MSPH

Dean, College of Health
 Module 1

Introduction to Science Technology and Society

(The Antecedents in social considerations changed the course of science and technology)

INTRODUCTION

This interdisciplinary course engages students to

confront the realities brought about by science and
technology in society. Such realities pervade the personal,
the public, and the global aspects of our living and are
integral to human development. Scientific knowledge and
technological development happen in the context of
society with all its socio-political, cultural, economic, and
philosophical underpinnings at play. This course seeks to
instill reflective knowledge in the students that they are
able to live the good life and display ethical decision
making in the face of scientific and technological
advancement.
The effects of science and technology on society
and culture; the politics of socio-technical systems; science policy in national and international
contexts; the social and environmental risks vs. benefits of technological and scientific advancement
and, more specifically, cover topics such as the political economy of pollution, the culture of the
scientific laboratory, theories of race and genetic engineering, social networking and the Internet, the
body and politics of health. This course includes mandatory topics on climate change and
environmental awareness.

COMPETENCY #1. Explain how science and technology affects society.

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

a. Identify one ethical/policy issue in science technology and society;
b. Recognize the general concepts and issues of STS; and
c. Demonstrate preparedness and acceptance on the study of Science, Technology and Society
 Definition of Terms

Science - is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of stable
explanations and predictions about the universe

Technology- the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.

Society- the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

CONTEXT

What is Science?
Science comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning „knowledge.‟ Science fundamentally is the
systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world through observations and
experiments. Study of science evolved with the civilization of human beings.

According to the famous American science historian, John Heilbron (2003), “Modern science is a
discovery as well as an invention.” He considered science as a discovery of regularity in nature, enough for
natural phenomenon to be described by principles and laws. Further, he explained that science required
invention to devise techniques, abstractions, apparatuses, and organizations to describe these natural
regularities and their law-like description.

What is Technology?
Technology (which is basically derived from the Greek word „technologia‟) is an art, skill or ability,
which is used to create and develop products and acquire knowledge. Technology is the application of
scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving
real-world problems.

Scientists used their knowledge to develop technology and then used technology to develop Science;
so, because of this reason science and technology are an integrated term in today‟s world.

Consider the following points to understand the relationship between Science and Technology −
a. Contribution of Science to Technology
b. Contribution of Technology to Science
What are the contributions of Science to Technology?
Let us now understand how Science has contributed to Technology − Science as a direct source of new
technological ideas. For example, innovation and development medical instruments; nuclear technology, radar
system, etc.
Science as a source of engineering.
Most of the technical knowledge used in the designing and development of tools and techniques is
actually an outcome of „engineering science‟.

Science has also helped in the development of human skills. This is one of the fundamental
contributions of Science.

What are the contributions of Technology to Science?

Consider the following points to understand the contribution of Technology to Science −Technology
as a source of scientific challenges
The development in the field of technology paves way for research and development in the field of Science.
For example, space science is one of them. Technological development likewise indirectly stimulates basic
research in the field of science.

Instrumentation and measurement techniques Development of advanced instruments facilitated

scientists to measure the distance between sun and earth, the intensity of sun‟s rays, the revolution of celestial
bodies, internal problems of human beings, life of a bridge, etc.

How does Science and Technology contributes to development?

In today‟s world, the role of science and technology is indispensable. We need Science and
Technology in every sphere of our life like to treat diseases such as cancer or even to book a cab or train/flight
ticket. In fact, without technology (integrated with science), we cannot imagine our life.
Advancements in science and technology have become pervasive. They are manifested in the activities
that humans pursue and the tools they use every day. The beauty of this is that advancement builds upon itself.
As such, humans today live more productive and more exciting lives than their predecessors. With the way
things go, it could be expected that this generation‟s children and the children of their children have the chance
to lead even better lives than this generation does.
One of the most important aspects of Science and Technology is that it has solution to the difficult of
the difficult problems, the problems which have the potential to become major bottlenecks to the overall
growth of the country. Some of these problems could be −

 Health aspects
  Standard of education

 Availability of healthy food and safe drinking water

 Infrastructure

On the other hand, once mitigating solutions are found for these problems, then the second major issue
is the under-development in the field of scientific research and technology that directly affects the
development of the country‟s economy, infrastructure, higher education, and a few other fields listed below −

 Development of nuclear technology

 Defense technology
 Development of satellites

 Biotechnology
 Meteorological science

 Space technology

 Nanotechnology

 Wireless communication, etc.

All these technologies, in turn, provide favorable conditions for the country‟s growth and increase
healthy competition nationally and also internationally.

In today‟s world, more often, we get to read or listen that developed countries, developing countries,
underdeveloped countries, or even third-world countries, all these designate the level of development of
Science and Technology in other countries, they have the influence on.

However, the dynamism and immensity of scientific and technological progress also pose challenges
and drawbacks to the way human live. The introduction of machines tremendously cut the need for human
workforce and gave rise to questions about whether machines will eventually replace humans. The invention of
drugs that cured the previously incurable diseases introduced new strains once fought them- take an antibiotic-
resistant strain of gonorrhea as an example. The rise of social media drastically changed the way humans
communicate, interact, and share information; however, this tends to put people‟s privacy at risk. Indeed,
science and technology have served a predominantly double-edged function.
How does Science, Technology and Society (STS) emerge as a New Field of Study?
As problems in science and technology continue to rise and become more observable, the need to pay
attention to their interactions with various aspects of human life, e.g., social, political, and economic, becomes
ever more necessary. How the different aspects of society shape and influence the progression and further
development of science and technology is the area of concern of a relatively new academic discipline called
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. As an academic field, STS, according to Harvard University‟s Kennedy School (2018), traces its roots
from the interwar period and the start of the cold war. It was during this period when historians and scientist
found interest in the interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society. The rise of
STS as an academic field resulted from the recognition that many schools today do not really prepare student‟s
to responds critically, reflectively, and proactively to the challenges posed by science and technology in the
contemporary world.
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. 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.

What does STS means as a new field of study?

STS does refer to the studies, work or course pursued by aspiring or practicing scientist, technologist
or engineers, rather, it refers to a study about science and technology in society rather than in science and
technology. This is a study of the laws and means in which science, technology and society influence each
other.
STS is relatively a young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as
history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. The rise of STS as an academic field
resulted from 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.
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. 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.

Why is the study of STS both necessary and worthwhile?

The study of STS believed, among other things to:
1. Help tomorrows‟ leaders and decision makers grasp more effectively the real-life issues in science,
technology and society that they will face in their future careers.
2. Show to the students how advances in science and technology would affect their lives as an individual
citizens in a society.
3. Educate students to become responsible citizens dedicated to issues involving science and technology
4. Help insure future leaders of a country to make responsible science-and-technology related decisions on
issues affecting the general welfare of the country in particular and the whole world in general.
How does STS helps in human development?
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 development in science and technology.
What are the recent Dilemmas in Science and Technology?
The John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values of the University of Notre Dame is
responsible for listing the ten emerging ethical dilemmas and policy issues in science and technology every
year. Below is the list for 2018:
1. Helix - a digital app store designed to read genomes
2. Bless U-2 and Pepper - first robot priest and monk
3. Emotion-Sensing Facial Recognition - a software being developed to assess
your reactions to anything such as shopping and playing games
4. Ransomware - a way of holding data hostage through hacking and requiring a ransom to be paid
5. Textalyzer - a device that analyzes whether a driver was using his or her phone during an accident
6. Social Credit System - a system of scoring citizens through their actions by placing them under
constant surveillance (which China plays to adopt)
7. Google Chips - a hands-free camera that lets the user capture every moment effortlessly
8. Sentencing Software - a mysterious algorithm designed to aid courts in
sentencing decision
9. Friendbot - an app that stores the deceased‟s digital footprint so one can
still “chat” with them
10. Citizen App - an app that notifies users of ongoing crimes or major events in
a specific area.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ( SAQ)

SAQ #1. How do you think STS helps in addressing issues and problems in Science and Technology?
(10%)
SAQ #2. How does STS emerge as an academic field? (10%)

SUMMARY
Even though several items in the list sound unfamiliar to many, it can be a useful springboard in the
study of science and technology. The list points to the ever growing challenges, questions, and issues that need
to addressed and resolved when science and technology and humanity intertwine.

EVALUATION

Answer the following questions.

1. What does Science and Technology means? (10%)
2. Why study Science Technology and Society? (10%)
3. Enumerate at least three recent issues in Science and Technology. (10%)
4. Why do we need to study and learn STS? (10%)
5. How can STS help address issues and dilemmas arises from science and technology? (10%)

ASSIGNMENT
1. Identify one ethical/policy issue in science technology and society.
2. How did the developments in science and technology shape human history?

REFERENCE
Science, Technology and Society book by Quinto, E.M., and Nieva, A. D.(2019).
 Module 2

The Antecedents in Social Considerations Changed the Course of

Science and Technology

INTRODUCTION

Technology must be as old as man itself. Because of his

limited physical capacity, the only way for the first humans to survive
and thrive was through primitive technology. Fossil bones of early
human remains such as those from China, Indonesia and Africa dated
as far as 2 million years ago are accompanied by stones selected or
shaped to be used as tools.
Science came later when humans started to look for patterns,
cycles and order in the natural world not only to satisfy their
curiosities but also defense mechanism against fears and survival.
With their brains they were able to remember, analyze, and organize
information from their natural environment.

COMPETENCY #2: Discuss the interactions between Science, technology and society throughout
history.
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this module, student should be able to:
A. Understand the history of science technology and society;
B. Recognize the general concepts and issues of STS during those time; and
C. Demonstrate preparedness and acceptance on the study of Science, Technology and Society upon
completion of this module.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:
ANCIENT WHEEL- People from ancient civilization used animals for transportation long before the
invention of the wheel.
SHADOOF- was an early tool invented and used by the ancient Egyptians to irrigate lands.
AEOLIPILE- Also known as the hero‟s engine, the Aeolipile is widely believed to be the ancient precursor of
the steam engine.
When does Science and Technology begins?
Technology must be as old as man itself. Because of his limited physical capacity, the only way for the
first humans to survive and thrive was through primitive technology. Fossil bones of early human remains such
as those from China, Indonesia and Africa dated as far as 2 million years ago are accompanied by stones
selected or shaped to be used as tools. Science came later when humans started to look for patterns, cycles and
order in the natural world not only to satisfy their curiosities but also defense mechanism against fears and
survival. With their brains they were able to remember, analyze, and organize information from their natural
environment.

How does STS affect science and technology?

One key interests of STS as an academic field is the history of science and technology. As a strand of
STS, the history of science and technology focuses on how science and technology have changed across time.
Also, it explores the impacts of scientific and technological innovation on the prevailing social, cultural,
political, and economic context throughout history. Conversely, it also pays attention to the conditions that
shaped science and technology. Quite often, interest lie in historical antecedents of scientific and technological
innovation.

What does Antecedent mean?

An antecedent is defined as precursor to the unfolding or existence of something. Thus, historical
antecedents in science and technology are factors that paved the way for the presence of advanced and
sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today. Knowledge of the history of science and
technology is useful in science and technology, today‟s generation can come up with informed decisions on
the proper application of science and technology to daily life.

ANCIENT PERIOD

In the 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.

Transportation was significant during that time because people were trying to go places and discover new
horizons.

 They traveled to search for food and find better locations for their settlements.

 They also traveled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked.

Navigation assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the world.

 It allowed them to return home after they discovered new places or completed an important trade with
another group of people.

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.

 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.

 It was also vital to keep records of their history and culture so they could establish their identities as they
tried to relate with other cultures and civilizations.

 The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand for food and other basic
necessities.
 This condition also implied that people must be able to produce food at a given time and space since
resources were getting scarcer as more people struggled to share the basic necessities.

 The people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase food supplies and other
survival needs without them travelling more or working harder.

Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of new places or the establishment of new
alliances with other tribes.

 At the time, there was always a risk of conflict when people met others with different culture and
orientations.

 Conflicts were common especially if different groups struggled to control vital resources.

 Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones so they could take much needed resources.

 As such, the development of weapons and armors for security and protection was considered a major
achievement.

A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life.

 The early people might have been successful in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide,
but their survival posed a great problem.

 Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered the full potential of a human
being.

 Given this predicament, science and technology played a major role in the discovery of cures to, if not the
prevention of, illnesses

 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.

 The development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would address their specific needs
and wants.

 Some of the structures built during the ancient times still exist today and continually awe people.

 The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture.

 Others might see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times, elaborate architectural designs
were signs of technological advancement of a particular civilization.

 In the generations to come, architecture would be considered a status symbols among nations of how
advanced their technology is.

 It may also establish the identity of a nation.

 The people were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructure and surroundings.
 Being able to prolong life with the mass production of food and advancement of medical technology,
as well as raise the quality of life by making complicated and difficult tasks easier, humans later on developed
the technology to improve how they look.

They discovered that people looked more visually presentable and appealing by adding some features
and decorations in their body.

CIVILIZATION

The following discussions will tackle the different major technological advancements during the
ancient times, which include some of the achievements of the early civilizations such as
the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians.

It will continue to describe the gradual application of knowledge up to the contemporary time

A. 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. They are not contented with the
basic things that life can offer. This desire pushed them to develop many things connected with science and
technology.

CUNEIFORM

One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the

development of the first writing system known as the 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.

URUK CITY

Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great wonder not only
because it is considered to be the first true city in the world but also for the way it was erected. There were no
building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, making the construction 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 neighboring raiders
from entering.

THE GREAT ZIGGURAT OF UR

Another engineering and architectural feat of the

Sumerians is 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 sun-baked bricks. The
ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only
their priests were allowed to enter. The temple showcases not only the elaborate and intricate Sumerian
architecture but also the remarkable technology used to build it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy
and marvel at the preserved Great Ziggurat of Ur

IRRIGATION AND DIKES

As population increase, so did the demand for food. 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. Some groups had scarce water supply, while others had
problems with flooding caused by the river. 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 one 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

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. However, they wanted to discover faraway lands
to settle since the population was getting larger, and boats
were not enough to accommodate more people and
products. They needed a mode of transportation that did not
require much human resource. Some sources attribute to the
Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their
increasing demands. Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture,
information, and technology.

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.
THE PLOW

Another farm technology invented by the

Mesopotamians is the plow. Humans evolved from being food
gatherers to farm cultivators. However, farmers needed a
technology which would enable them to dig the ground where
seeds would be planted. The plow was invented to dig the earth
in a faster pace. 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.

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 may made
the roads with the same technology they used in making the
sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground. They
later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to
asphalt, to smoothen the roads. The invention of roads was
very useful especially during the rainy season when traveling
in soft and muddy roads proved to be too difficult.

B. BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION

Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and

Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians were great builders, the
engineers and architects. One of their major contributions is the
hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the
ancient world.

HANGING GARDEN OF BABYLON

Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of

the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylonfrom stories of
historians and paintings that portray the place.It was said
to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of garden
that contained several species of plants, trees and vines.
According to legends, the great Babylonian King
Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens for his wife, Queen
Amytis. However, no physical evidence has been found
to prove the existence of the Hanging Gardens of
 Babylon. Its exact location is also unknown. Since immemorial,
people have been debating about the existence of the said
mythical place. Many said it was just a product of the creative
imagination of the great King because it lacked documentation or
archaeological evidence. On the other hand, if it really existed, it
must have been destroyed by war, erosion, or an earthquake. True
or not, hearing the stories and description of the place would be
enough to inspire awe to anyone. One can imagine the thick
greenery decorated by beautiful flowers coming from different
places in the garden and complicated design of the infrastructure.
If the stories were true, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be
considered as one of the greatest engineering and architectural
achievements of the world that is almost impossible to replicate.

C. EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION

Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in North Africa.
Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptians especially regarding the infrastructures
established by the pharaohs. Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians have contributed other
practical things that the world now considers as essential. It is thus safe to say that the pyramids are not the
only contributions of the Egyptian civilization to the modern world.

PAPER OR PAPYRUS

One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was

the paper or papyrus. Although Egypt was not the first to develop a
system of writing, they were able to make writing easier for the world.
Before the Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used. However, safe-
keeping and transporting them were a major problem. Clay tablets were
very fragile, heavy, and delicate to handle. So, bringing them to places
was a major challenge. Hence, the Egyptian invention of the paper or
papyrus was a welcome development. Papyrus was a plant that grew
abundantly along the Nile River in Egypt. They were able to process the
plant in order to produce thin sheets on which one could write down
things. Since papyrus was lighter and thinner than clay tablets, it was
easy to carry and store. The sheets were also less breakable as compared
to clay tablets. This invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian
record-keeping and communications. People then were able to send
letters or correspondences anywhere in the world since the pieces of
paper were very light that they could be carried and delivered by birds.

Moreover, record-keeping was no longer a problem since documents would not take huge storage
spaces. Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from raiders who often destroyed records of the nations
they invaded.
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 the people could not simply
tinker with those written down by authorities.

HIEROGLYPICS

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 as a
result of trade between civilizations, the Egyptians believed that this writing
system was provided to them by their gods. This form of 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.

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 their
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. At present,
the cosmetic industry is a booming multi-billion industry

WIG

Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians is

the wig. At present, wigs are used to enhance the appearance of
people who are balding or those who want to try new hair trends.
Meanwhile, during the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn
for health and wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes. The
wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy
Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun. Wearing a wig was
better than putting on a scarf or any head cover since a wig
allowed heat to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner than
natural hair because it prevented the accumulation of head lice.
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 it
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.

D. GREEK CIVILIZATION

Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern 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.

ALARM CLOCK

One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient
Greeks is the alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that time did not
resemble the present-day alarm clock, the purpose was just the same – to tell an
individual when to stop or when to start. The ancient Greek‟s alarm clocks used
large complicated mechanisms to time the alarm. They made use of water (or
sometimes small stones or sand) that dropped into drums which sounded the
alarm.

Plato was believed to have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start of
his lecture. His version used four water vessels lined up vertically. The upper
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 lea 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.

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 necessary
form or food processing during that time. Because milling was made
possible by the use of watermills, the mass production of rice, cereals,
flours, and the like became common.

Watermills were 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
E. 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 the period. Because the Roman Empire was so
large, other civilizations looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified laws. Aside from
their contributions in politics, a lot of discoveries and inventions still relevant today can be attributed to the
Roman Empire.

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.

In fact, with the advent of paper, minutes of the proceedings

of the Roman senate were done in shorthand. These documents were
edited and published on the same day that they were recorded. This
way, the Romans enjoyed easy access to government information the
same way we benefit from present-day newspapers.

BOUND BOOKS OR CODEX

With the invention of paper, it became easier for 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 Romans writing down
information about history and politics, literature also changed form from clay tablets
to parchments of paper.

According to sources, Julius Caesar started the tradition of stacking up

papyrus to form pages of a book. Later on, they were able to provide covers to
protect the papyrus. The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced
by animal skin which proved to be stronger and longer-lasting. With the papyrus pages bound together and
covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the first books or codex.

ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

Roman architecture is one of the most visual

contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to the
world. 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. In this manner, they were able to preserve great and elaborate
architectural designs because they could produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures.

The Romans were also able to creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt to new trends at
that time. This development in the field of engineering and architecture was fully supported and funded by the
Roman government so they were able to implement major projects such as large churches (cathedrals and
basilicas), aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters, and even residential houses.

Although other number systems had already been established

before the Roman numeral, these old systems could not keep up with high
calculation requirements due to the increasing rate of communication and
trade among nations.

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. Although Roman numeral is no longer widely used today
due to its inherent limitations, quite a number of enthusiasts would still use
it over other more popular numbers systems, like the Hindu-Arabic
system, due to its aesthetic and historical value.

F. 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. Not a great amount was written about ancient China partly due to its
distance from the other civilizations. Despite its less popular status among the early civilizations, one cannot
discredit the significant contributions of Chinese civilization to
the world.

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. It bridged the gap between the western world and
the middle kingdom.

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 and trade with other nations. Chine thus became known for its tea exports aside from its silk
products. Tea production developed by ancient Chinese may have resulted in making tea as one of the most
popular beverages in the world today

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Once considered the only man-made structure

that could be seen from outer space, the Great Wall of
China is said to be the largest and most extensive
infrastructure that the nation built. 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 structure was so
massive and strong that it was said to have literally
divided China from the rest of the world. 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. Today, with some sections already in ruins, the Great Wall still continues
to be a world attraction due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.

GUNPOWDER

The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in

China. Originally, 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. In fact,
gunpowder-propelled weapons are preferred by raiders who plan to
attack at a distance. The same weapons are also used to dissipate
any attempts of invasion. On the other hand, gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important celebrations
in China.

G. MIDIEVAL/ MIDDLE AGES

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 the 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 a significant rise in the population.

Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for transportations
technology. Some of the most innovative minds came from this period.
 PRINTING PRESS

After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johan

Guttenberg 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. This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical
printing press which was eventually used all over the world. The
printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would spread information to many
people at a faster rate.

This invention also made works accessible to individuals who could not even write (Streissguth, 1997).

MICROSCOPE

Another invention in the Middle Ages is

the microscope. Growing populations caused massive
migration and urbanization during the period. More and more
people transferred to polluted and populated urban areas
which resulted in more people getting sick and needing
medical attention. To develop the proper medicines for
illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through an
investigation.

Thus, they needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the eye. Guided by the principles
used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the first compound
microscope. With this device, people were able to observe organisms that were normally unseen by the naked
eye. The microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and curing various illnesses (Davidson,
2015).

H. AGE OF EXPLORATION

Since the Middle Ages was 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. Together with the
telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and rudders made sea travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989).

WAR WEAPONS

Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages,

great development in the weaponry technology also occurred.
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 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 movement. The problem was eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail.

MODERN TIMES

The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that more goods be
produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to trade more goods and cover a
larger distance. Machines that required animals to operate must thus be upgraded. 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 again faced more complicated problems.
Food processing and medicine posed some of the bigger challenges since health was of great concern.

PASTEURIZATION

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. The challenge
to keep manufactured food from deteriorating was greater
for dairy products, especially milk, since they usually
spoiled faster.

These goods needed to be consumed almost

immediately after the production or they would cause illness
like diphtheria, food poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting these products would also take time, it
would be impossible to trade them.

LOUISE PASTEUR

Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologists, 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. Through this
process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period.

It also prevented illnesses caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College,

2010). Other contributions of Pasteur to science, technology, and medicine
included his works on molecular asymmetry, fermentation, and vaccination.

PETROLEUM REFINERY

The modern times demanded better means of

powering homes and transportation. At first, people used
animal oils for generating light to illuminate their homes.
However, the production of animal oils could not keep up
with the demand. Faced with this concern, Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum

KEROSENE

Kerosene was later on referred to as the “illuminating oil” because it was used at first to provide
lighting to homes. After some time, it was applied for heating purposes. The development of kerosene
established the petroleum refinery industry (Skrabec, 2010). At present, petroleum is widely used in powering
automobiles, factories, and power plants, among others.

TELEPHONE

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 day-to-day decisions must be discussed and addressed at the

fastest time possible. Thus, the development of the telephone by Alexander
Graham Bell was one of the most important inventions at that time.

CALCULATOR

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 the computer.

PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS

Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the global
advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of the Filipinos despite the
lack in resources. The Philippines is known to be one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of natural
disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built from indigenous
materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.

SALAMADER AMPHIBIOUS TRICYCLE

It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert

transport vehicles into something more useful. An example
is the conversion of American military jeeps used in World
War II jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation is the addition
of a sidecar to a motorcycle, transforming it into a tricycle to accommodate more passengers.

During the rainy season, flooding is a common occurrence in many areas in the country. Tricycles find
it very difficult to traverse the streets. To remedy the issue, Victor Llave and his team at H2O
Technologies were able to invent the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded
streets but also rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel from island to island. Since the Philippines is
an archipelago, the Salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of potential.

SALT LAMP

One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation, is electrification. Electricity powers
various types of machines, including light sources. In many rural
areas in the country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It
also becomes more dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted to
using candles and kerosene lamps but they carry certain risks as
they are fire hazards.

Solar power is also a welcome development but like

rechargeable batteries, solar panels are too expensive for ordinary
Filipinos. Fortunately, a young Filipino inventor named Aisa
Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes a material
abundant in the Philippines – saltwater.

She invented the Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt)

lamp, an environment-friendly light source that runs on saltwater.
The SALt lamp is safer as it poses no risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside from people who live in
coastal areas, it may also benefit those from far-flung barrios because they can make their own saltwater by
mixing two tablespoons of salt and a glass of tap water.

MEDICAL INCUBATOR

A common problem in the Philippines is the high

mortality rate of new born babies. One reason for this
problem in the 20thcentury was the lack of available
incubators especially in far-flung rural areas due to lack or
resources and electricity. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino
pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into
Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator made
from indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on
electricity.

Dr. del
Mundo‟s incubator was made by placing a native laundry basket
inside a bigger one. How water bottles were inserted between the
baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow oxygen
circulation. Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for
a newborn, usually a pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in
Philippine medicine attributed to Dr. del Mundo include her works
on the immunization and treatment of jaundice and the BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.

MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/ LARVICIDAL TRAP SYSTEM

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, including the
Philippines. This virus is usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito, rampant during the rainy season.
Insecticides were previously used to kill the species. However, recent studies show that insecticide resistance
has evolved in some mosquito populations.

Likewise, using insecticides is harmful not only to humans but also to the environment. In 2010,
the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was
able to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal / Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL Trap. This trap system is
made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitoes but safe for humans and the environment.

E- JEEPNEY

A major innovation that changed the transportation industry in

the Philippines was the development of the jeepney. This iconic
public utility vehicle was built using the military jeeps left by the
Americans after the World War II. The chassis and the body of
the military jeeps were extended to accommodate more load and
passengers. Because of its usefulness, the jeepney dominated
Philippine streets and is considered as the primary mode of
transportation of most Filipinos.

However, the diesel-powered jeepney produces large quantities

of black smoke, and is usually a major contributor of noise
pollution due to its primitive exhaust system. To counter these
disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed.
This modern type of transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel.

It is environment-friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.The item discussed in the this
chapter are only some of the great inventions and developments during the different time periods. There are
still more innovations and discoveries that were made in the course of history that changed the world.

Can you name other great discoveries?

STUDENT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS ( SAQ)

SAQ #1. What does Historical antecedents means? (10%)
SAQ #2. How does science and technology evolved and affect society? Give specific example. (10%)
SAQ #3. In the Philippines, how does science and technology were shaped by society? Give specific example.
(10%)

SUMMARY
The historical antecedents in science and technology are factors that paved the way for the presence
of advanced and sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today. Knowledge of the history of
science and technology is useful in science and technology, today‟s generation can come up with informed
decisions on the proper application of science and technology to daily life.
 EVALUATION:
Direction: Fill in What I have learned column by writing down what you have learned from the
topic (30%)
1. Write down the top 5 inventions in the World and in the Philippines
2. Determine persisting needs were addressed by each invention
3. Discuss briefly the impact of each invention to society

What I already know What I want to know What I have Learned

ASSIGNMENT
In a long size bond paper, create a collage on the invention in the Philippines and the world. (40%)

REFERENCE

Science, Technology and Society book by Quinto, E.M., and Nieva, A. D.(2019).
 Module 3

INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS AND SOCIETY

INTRODUCTION

This section reviews the intellectual revolutions

that changed the way people perceive the influence of
science on society in general. It focuses on three of the
most important intellectual revolutions in history:
Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian. By discussing
these intellectual revolutions in the context of science,
technology, and society, the attentions of students are
drawn again toward the complex interplay of the various
social context and development of modern science. The
section also engages students in a critical analysis of
ongoing intellectual and scientific revolutions, which they
may find themselves to be part of.

COMPETENCY #3. Articulate ways by which society is transformed by science and

technology.

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the intellectual revolutions that shaped society across time;

2. Explain how intellectual revolutions transformed the views of society about dominant
scientific thought; and
3. Research on other intellectual revolutions that advance modern science and scientific
thinking.

Definition of Terms

 Heliocentrism- Sun centered.

 Id- The id is the impulsive (and unconscious) part of our psyche which responds directly
and immediately to basic urges, needs, and desires.
 Ego- conscious mind
 Superego- the ethical component of the personality and provides the moral standards by
which the ego operates
 CONTEXT

In the study of the history of science and technology, another important area of interest
involves the various intellectual revolutions across time. In this area, interest lies in how
intellectual revolutions emerged as a result of the interaction of science and technology and
society. It covers how intellectual revolutions altered the way modern science was understood
and approaches.

For this discussion, intellectual revolutions should not be confused with the Greeks‟ pre
Socrates speculation about the behavior of the universe. In science and technology, intellectual
revolutions refers to the series of events that led to the emergence of modern science and
progress of scientific thinking across critical periods in history. Although there are many
intellectual revolutions, this section focuses on three of the most important ones that altered the
way human view science and its impacts on society : the Copernican , Darwinian, and Freudian
revolutions. In the words of French astronomer, mathematician , and freemason, Jean Sylvain
Bailley (1976 in cohen ,1976) , these scientific revolutions involved two stage process of
sweeping away the old and establishing the new.

In understanding intellectual revolutions, it is worth noting that these revolutions are, in

themselves, paradigm shifts. These shifts resulted from a renewed and enlightened
understanding of how the universe behaves and functions. They challenged long held views
about the nature of the universe. Thus, these revolutions were often met with huge resistance and
controversy.

COPERNICAN REVOLUTION

The Copernican Revolutions refers to

th
the 16 century paradigm shift named after
the polish mathematician and astronomer,
Nicolaus Copernicus. Copernicus
formulated the heliocentric model of the
universe. At the time, the belief was that the
Earth was the center of the Solar System
based on the geocentric model of Ptolemy
(i.e.,Ptolemaic model).

Copernicus introduced the

heliocentric model in a 40 page outline entitled Commentarioslus. He formalized his model in
the publication of his treatise, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (The Revolution of
Celestial Spheres) in 1543. In his model, Copernicus repositioned the earth rotates on its own
axis. the model illustrated the Earth , along with other heavenly bodies, to be rotating around the
Sun.

The idea that the Sun is at the center of the center universe instead of the earth proved to
be unsettling to many when Copernicus first introduced his model. In fact , the heliocentric
model was met with huge resistance, primarily from the Church , accusing Copernicus of
heresy. At the time, the idea that it was not Earth , and, by extension , not man , that was at the
center of all creation was unthinkable. Copernicus faced persecution from the Church because of
this.

Moreover , although far more sensible than the Ptolemaic model, which as early as the
th
13 century had been criticized for its shortcomings, the Copernican model also had multiple
inadequacies that were later filled in by astronomers who participated in the revolutions.
Nevertheless, despite problems with the model and the persecution of the Church , the
heliocentric model was soon accepted by other scientist of the time , most profoundly by Galileo
Galilei.

The contribution of the Copernican Revolutions is far reaching. It serve as catalyst to

sway scientific thinking away from age long views about the position of the earth relative to
enlightened understanding of the universe. This marked the beginning of modern astronomy.
Although very slowly, the heliocentric model eventually caught on among other astronomers
who furthers refined the model and contributed to the recognition of heliocentrism . This was
capped off by Isaac Newton‟s work a century later. Thus , the Copernican Revolutions marked a
turning point in the study of cosmology and astronomy making it truly important intellectual
revolutions.

DARWINIAN REVOLUTION

The English naturalist, geologist, and biologist,

Charles Darwin , is credited for stirring another important
intellectual revolution in the mid 19 th century. His treatise
on the science of evolutions , On The Origin of Species,
was published in1859 and began a revolution that brought
humanity to a new era of intellectual discovery.

The Darwinian Revolution benefitted from earlier

intellectual revolutions especially those in the 16th and 17th
centuries, such that it was guided by confidence in human reason‟s abilty to explain phenomena
in the universe. For his part , Darwin gathered evidence pointing to what is now known as
natural selection , an evolutionary process by which organism, including humans, inherit,
develop, and adapt traits that favored survival and reproduction. These traits are manifested in
offspring that are more fit and well suited to the challenges of survival and reproduction.
 Darwin‟s theory of evolution was, of course, met
with resistance and considered to be controversial. Critics
accused the theory of being either short in accounting for
the broad and complex evolutionary process or dismissive
of the idea that the functional design of organism was a
manifestation of an omniscient God. The Darwinian
revolution can be likened of the laws of nature in explaining
biological phenomena of survival and reproduction.

The place of the Darwinian revolution in modern

science cannot be underestimated. Through the Darwinian
revolution, the development of organism and the origin of
unique forms of life and humanity could be rationalized by
lawful system or an orderly process of change underpinned by laws or nature.

FREUDIAN REVOLUTION

Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud, is

credited for stirring a 20th century intellectual
revolution named after him, the Freudian revolution.
Psychoanalysis as a school of thought in psychology
is at the center of this revolution. Freud developed
psychoanalysis a scientific method of understanding
inner and unconscious conflicts embedded within
one‟s personality, springing from free associations,
dreams, and fantasies of the individual.

Psychoanalysis immediately shot into

controversy for it emphasized the existence of the
unconscious where feelings, thoughts, urges,
emotion, and memories are contained outside of
one‟s conscious mind. Psychoanalytic concepts of psychosexual, development, libido, and ego,
were met with both support and resistance from many scholars. Freud suggested that humans are
inherently pleasure seeking individuals. These notions were particularly caught in the crossfire of
whether Freud‟s psychoanalysis fit in the scientific study of the brain and mind.

Scientific working on a biological approach in studying human behavior criticized

psychoanalysis for lack of vitality and bordering on being unscientific as a theory. Particularly,
the notion that all humans are destined to exhibit Oedipus and Electra complexes (i.e., sexual
desire towards the parents with the opposite sex and exclusion of the parent of the same sex) did
not seem to be supported by empirical data. In the same vein, it appeared to critics that
psychoanalysis, then, was more of an ideological stance than a scientific one.

Amidst controversy, Freud‟s psychoanalysis is widely credited for dominating

psychotherapeutic practice in the early 20th century. Psychodynamic therapies that treat a myriad
of psychological disorders still remain largely informed by Freud‟s work on psychoanalysis

STUDENT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

SAQ #1. What is the intellectual revolution all about? (10%)

SAQ #2. How did the revolution advance modern science and scientific thinking at the time?
(10%)
SAQ #3. What controversies met the revolution? (10%)

SUMMARY

The fundamental intellectual and humanitarian aim of inquiry would be to help humanity
acquire wisdom - wisdom being the capacity to realize (apprehend and create) what is of value in
life, for oneself and others, wisdom thus including knowledge and technological know-how but
much else besides.

EVALUATION

1. Using a venn diagram, state the similarities and differences of Copernican and Darwinian
revolution discussed in the module. (30%)
2. Explain how intellectual revolutions transformed the views of society about dominant
scientific thought. (10%)
3. Explain how you will respond to the scenario. Have the id respond first, the super ego
next, and the ego last. (30%)

Scenario : You are at a party and was offered a beer. You are curious, but you are ona
soccerteam, and you would be kicked off if you are caught drinking. What will you do?

REFERENCE

Science, Technology and Society book by Quinto, E.J., and Nieva, A. D.(2019).
 Module 4

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND NATION BUILDING

INTRODUCTION

This module situates science, technology and society in the context of Philippine nation
building. It initially surveys contributions of Filipino scientist to science and technology. It then
traces the historical development and impact of science and technology on the various segments
of Philippine society. These module are geared toward engaging students in a critical analysis of
science and technology as a tool for nation building.

COMPETENCY #4. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation building.

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the contributions of Filipino scientist in science and technology;

2. Enumerate critical points in the history of science and technology in the Philippines and
how these developments affected society and the environment; and
3. Explain the role of science and technology in nation building.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Department of Education and Culture- Department of Education

Philippine Science Community- Department of Science and Technology

CONTEXT

Science and technology in the Philippines had its

beginnings during the pre- colonial times. During
this period, people used herbal medicine to treat
illnesses. To facilitate trading, Filipinos made used
of writing, numerical, measurement, and calendar
system. Farming, fishing, mining, and weaving were
the first livelihood skills developed by Filipinos. In
some cases, the techniques Filipinos developed for
livelihood purposes resulted in majestic architectural
designs that managed to attract worldwide attention
like the Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao.
 During the Spanish colonial period, science and technology developed through the
establishment of formal education institutions and the launching of scientific organization.
Schools were mandated to teach religion, mathematics, reading and writing, music and arts
and health and sanitation. Medicine and biology were taught in different educational and
training institutions. Since agriculture was the major livelihood of Filipinos, the native swere
trained to used innovative approaches in farming. To construct buildings, churches, bridges,
roads and forts, engineering was introduced and developed as well. The rapid development
of scientific principles influence by Western culture during the Spanish colonial period was
short changed. This is why agriculture and industrial development were during the latter part
of the Spanish era. Instead, trade was prioritized due to possible bigger profits.

When the Americans came, institutions for science and technology were recognized as
well. For example, the former Laboratorio Municipal was replaced bt the Bureau of
Government Laboratories under the United States Department Interior. The Bureau was
established for the purpose of studying tropical diseases and pursuing other related research
projects. Eventually, in 1905 the Bureau was change to Bureau of Science, which become the
main research center of the Philippines.

In 1933, the National Research Council of the

Philippines was established. Developments in
science and technology during the American
regime were focused on the agriculture,
medicine and pharmacy, food processing and
forestry. In 1946, the Bureau of Science was
replaced by the Institute of Science.

During the time of former President

Ferdinand Marcos, the role of science and
technology in national development was emphasized. He mandated the Department of
Education and Culture, now known as the Department of Education ( DepEd), to promote
science courses in public high schools. Additional budget for research projects in applied
sciences and science education was granted by Marcos. A big chunk of the war damage fund
from Japanese was donated to private universities and colleges for the creation of science and
technology –related courses and to promote research.

The 35 hectare lot in Bicutan, Taguig was proclaimed in 1968 as the Philippine Science
Community, now the site of the Department of Science and Technology ( DOST). Seminars,
workshops, training programs, and scholarships on fisheries and oceanography were also
sponsored by the government during Marco‟s presidency. The Philippine Coconut Research
Institute ( PHILCORIN) was tasked to promote the modernization of the coconut industry.
Several agencies and organizations were then established like the Philippine Textile Research
Institute, Philippine Atomic Energy Commission ( now the Philippine Nuclear Institute),
National Grains Authority ( now the National Food Authority), Philippine Council for
 Agricultural Research ( now the Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and
Development), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration ( PAGASA),
Philippine National Oil Company, Plant Breeding Institute,
international Rice Research Institute ( IRRI), Bureau of
Plant Industry, Bureau of Plant Products, and the National
Committee on Geological Sciences. The National Science
Development Board ( NSDB) was reorganized as the
National Science and Technology Authority ( NSTA) in
1981. In 1976, Marcos established the National Academy of Science and Technology
(NAST) to be the reservoir of scientific and technological expertise in the country. Salary
increases for teachers and administrators at the Philippine Science High School were granted
and the Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science High School were
established during Marco;s time.

In 1986, under President Corazon Aquino, NSTA was renamed

DOST. This was done in order for the Science and technology sector
to be represented in the cabinet and thus play an integral role in the
country‟s sustainable economic recovery and growth. The Science
and Technology Master Plan penned by DOST aimed to update the
production sector, improved research activities, and developed
infrastructures for the science and technology sector.

In 1987, during the presidency of Fidel Ramos, the Philippines had approximately 3,000
competent scientist and engineers. The “ Doctors to the Barrio” Program made healthcare
accessible even in far-flung areas in the country. Incentives were given to people who played
significant roles in science and technology sector. The National Program for Gifted Filipino
Children in Science and Technology was created for high school students who wanted to
major in science and engineering in college. It was also during Ramos term that a number of
laws and statutes related to science and technology sector were mandated such as RA 8439:
Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology
Personnel in Government; RA 7687: Science and Technology Scholarship Act of 1994; RA
7459: Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act; and RA 8293: The Intellectual Property Code
of the Philippines.

RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and RA 8792; Electronic Commerce Act
of 2000 were both signed and mandated during the term of President Joseph Estrada. He was
also responsible for implementing cost-effective irrigation technologies and providing basic
health care services for those who could not afford them.

During the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the science and
technology sector were developed to strengthen the education system and to address poverty.
The term Filipinnovation was coined to refer to the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia.
Arroyo also promulgated RA 9367: Biofuels Act, to utilized indigenous materials as sources
of energy. However, the act, was not able to produce positive outcomes because of the lack
of technology to source raw materials. It was also in Arroyos‟ term that farmers were
encourage to use rice that can withstand environmental hazards. RA 10601: Agriculture and
Fisheries Mechanization ( AFMech) Law was also passed to modernized agricultural and
fisheries machinery and equipment.

In 2014, President Benigno Aquino III named new National Scientist namely, Gavino C.
Torno, for Marine Biology, Angel C. Alcala, for Biological Science, Ramon C. Barba, for
Horticulture, and Edgardo D. Gomez, also for Marine biology.

Today, in the administration of President

Rodrigo Duterte, the science and technology sector
is seen to be a priority based on the budget for
research and development ( R&D) that grew by
nearly six times over the same period. Formulation
of programs and policies that will aid in shapping
the country is backed up President Duterte. The
focus of DOST is to put the results of R&D into
commercialization in order to gain new intellectual
properties. Currently, the Philippines has the
Philippine Space Technology Program which launched of Diwata-2 in 2018 after the
launched of Diwata 1 in 2016 that displayed the Philippine flag in space. Besides space
technology, the current administration also gives importance to agriculture and disaster
preparedness.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE

ENVIRONMENT

Science and Technology have numerous contributions to society. The mechanization of

farming, for instance is necessary for agriculture, being the number one source of food
production. Agricultural development needs to cope with the rapidly and exponentially
growing population. Tools such as water pumps
and sprinklers help in managing and damaging
effects of extreme heat caused by climate change
on crops. Science and technology have also made
possible to produce genetically modified crops,
which grow faster and more resistant to pest.
Fertilizers that increase the nutrients in the soil
enhance growth of the plants and produce high
quality yields. However, many researches show
that genetically modified crops and fertilizers made from strong chemicals are not
 environment friendly. Science and technology has improved transportation by land, air and
sea. Communication has also improved through technological advancements. With the
internet and rise of social media, information is transmitted easily and rapidly. Through
technological developments, ways of learning also changed. Learning management system
used in education are now accessible through computers, mobile phones, tablets and other
gadgets. Online learning also become popular in various discipline like mathematics, physics,
biology, geography, economics and others.

SUMMARY

The contribution of science and technology always come with adverse impacts especially
on the environment. One is resource depletion. The increasing number of new and advanced
technologies in the production and manufacture of different goods and services resulted in
the depletion of the Earths‟ natural resources.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

SAQ #1. How did the inventions and discoveries of Filipino scientist impact the society? (10%)
SAQ #2. How were these inventions and discoveries supported by the government? (10%)
SAQ #3. Did the inventions and discoveries serve the public good? Explain your answer. (10%)

EVALUATION

Choose one among the following Filipino scientist and inventors: (100%)

1. Paulo Campos 8. Ame Garong

2. Angel Alcala 9. Raymundo Punongbayan
3. Ricardo Sigua 10. Proceso Alcala
4. Maria Ligaya Braganza 11. Gavino Tronio
5. Baldomero Olivera 12. Alfredo Galang
6. Dioscoro Umali 13. Benito Lumen
7. Diosdado Banatao

Create a flashcard ( A4 size) showing the profession of the scientist/inventor, his or her
specialization, and his or her most significant contribution.

REFERENCE

Science, Technology and Society book by Quinto, E.J., and Nieva, A. D.(2019).