Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Prof. Corazon Bumanglag

STS 0002

Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of Science

and Technology: Middle and Modern Ages in the World and in the Philippines

WRITTEN REPORT

Prepared by:

Baluyan, Gerwin Noe A.

Belenzo, Lexandrine Gwyne G.

Briones, Toni Ann Lois G.

Calderon, Jeremy B.

Catabay, Daryl Christian O.

Winffotter, Mary Anne J.

 OUTLINE

I. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of

Science and Technology: Middle Age
A. The Emergence of Scientific Thinking and Methodology
B. Inventions
1) Printing Press
2) Microscope
3) Telescope
4) War Weapos
II. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of
Science and Technology: Modern Age
Progress of Science and Technology during the Modern Age
A. Progress of Science and Technology during the Modern Age
1) Early Modern Period
2) Mid Modern Period
3) Contemporary Period
III. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of
Science and Technology: Philippines
A. Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
1) Pre-Spanish Period
2) Spanish Colonial Period
3) American Period and Post-Commonwealth Era
4) Marcos Era
5) Fifth Republic
B. Inventions in the Philippines
1) Salamander Amphibious Tricycle
2) SALt Lamp
3) Medical Incubator
4) Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal Trap
5) Ejeepney
 REFERENCES

 Floridi, Luciano (2014), The Fourth Revolution: How the Infosphere is Shaping Reality.

United Kingdom: Oxford University.

 Gary L. Satre. 1998. “The Metro Manila LRT System — A Historical Perspective”. Japan

Railway and Transport Review, No. 16, June 1998, pp. 33-37.

 Rescher, Nicholas (1978), Scientific Progress: A Philosophical Essay on the Economics

of Research in Natural Science. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh.

 Sarkar, Sahortra (2006), The Philosophy of Science: An Encyclopedia. NY: Routledge.

 Science, Technology, and Society. MaxCor Publishing House, Inc. 2018.

 Science, Technology, and Society. C & R Publishing. 2018.

 Science, Technology, and Society. Rex Publishing. 2018.

 Valdepenas and Bautista. 1977. The Emergence of the Philippine Economy.

 Toulmin, Stephen (1972), Human Understanding: The Collective Use and Evolution of

Concepts. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

I. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of Science
and Technology: Middle Age

Science in the middle ages was not solely about inventions that helped the everyday
life of the citizens convenient. It was knowledge that was passed from person to person during
its early history making up the foundation of the science and technology that we see nowadays.

A. The Emergence of Scientific Thinking and Methodology

During the first centuries of the Middle Ages, scholars concentrated their intellectual
activities mainly on the Christian faith. The medieval intellectual élite was recruited from the
clergy, so it was no wonder that these men were not inclined to investigate scientific matters. If,
however, some practical purpose made it necessary for clerics to make use of mathematics or
physical knowledge, things were different. For example, it was important for the Church to
determine the date for Easter, which would not have been possible without some knowledge of
the motions of the Moon and the Sun or some basic mathematics. Monastic life, which
depended upon the painstaking observation of times for prayer, would have been impossible
without careful observation of the movement of the stars.
Medical and botanical knowledge was used for the Church’s duty to help and tend the
sick. Scientific issues were hardly ever discussed in depth by the intellectual élite, however. One
of the reasons, according to the modern historian Michael Postan, was that medieval
intellectuals simply “had no time for occupations like science.” Another reason certainly was that
most clerics and scholars of the early Middle Ages did not have access to the vast amount of
scientific literature written in Greek before and during the Roman Empire. The language of
natural philosophy during all of Antiquity had 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 been Greek, and, for most
scholars, Greek was a language that was lost. Latin prevailed in Western Christianity, but only
very few books written in or translated into Latin contained scientific subject matter.

Figure 1. Athenian philosopher, Plato

One of the few Greek philosophers whose works had been translated into Latin was
Plato. For most of the thinkers of the early Middle Ages, Plato’s works provided suitable clues
for the view of the natural world in the light of Christianity. It was Plato’s conviction that the
natural world was just a subcategory of the world of “ideas,” in which everything concrete was
contained in form of impeccable models. “Ideas” were the perfect framework for the rather
imperfect forms to be found in the concrete world. Substituting “God” for the concept of “idea,”
early medieval thinkers regarded the natural world as the concrete representation of the
Creator’s intention made imperfect by the Fall. The world, they claimed, would be improved
upon by God’s will if he thought it necessary. An inherent order of the natural world, they
argued, was out of the question.
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
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.

B. Inventions
1) 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 and 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).

Figure 2. Printing press in the medieval age

 1) 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).

Figure 3. Early microscope by Robert Hooke(1665)

2) Telescope
 Since the middle age 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. Together with the telescope, the invention of compass, oars, and rudders
made sea travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989).
 Figure 4. Depiction of Galileo Galilei and his telescope

3) War Weapons
 Since wars were widespread during middle ages, great development in the
weaponry technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as
offensive tools but also 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 movements. The problem was
eventually solved by the invention of chainmail.

II. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of Science
and Technology: Modern Age

A. Science, Technology and Society: Modern Age

1) Early Modern Period
 During the modern age, people have faced threats and challenges along the way.
However, as humanity was observed, people also must face and provide
sustainable solutions for the betterment of our society, nation and for the future.
 Scientific Revolution - the emergence of modern science during the early modern
period, it was the golden age for people committed to scholarly life in science when
developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry
transformed societal views about nature and unfolded.
 Some rulers and religious leaders did not accept many of the early works of
science.
 Fig. 5 shows Galileo Galilei discussing some of his studies with the church officials.

2) Mid Modern Period

 Industrial Revolution - paved for the introduction of the first viable machine
powered by steam. Steam was the outstanding source of power for industry and
transport systems that was crucial to the industrialization of modern civilization.

Fig. 6. Steam engine train.

3) Contemporary Period
 Booming of World Population
- During the 1800, world population has been characterized as faster-than-
exponential-growth. In order for the people to sustain the increasing demands
for food, shelter and clean water. People have to think of how they would
provide tons of food and other necessary things that everyone has to take into
consideration.
Example:
Pasteurization
 the partial sterilization of a product, such as milk or wine, to make it safe
for consumption and improve its keeping quality.

Telephone

 Invented by Alexander Graham Bell

 an instrument for reproducing sounds at a distance particularly a sound
that can be converted into electrical impulses for transmission.
 Machines for Mass Production
- Since the world is becoming more occupied and resources are depleting,
health and well-being of people is compromised. Machines became the
solution as to develop better means for production and to meet the needs of
the population.
Example:
Petroleum Refinery
-It is the conversion of crude oil into useful products such as kerosene, diesel
oil and fuel oils.

 Efficient Means of Transportation

- The delivery of goods and services in a span of time has also been one of the
concerns in business. Thus, the need to invent an efficient and faster trains has
been done. Instead of consuming weeks in delivery, through the cutting-edge
technology in train, it could be instantly delivered for less than a week and
provide the necessities for the entire city or state.
- This became revolutionary especially to those products that are needed to be
consumed immediately for they usually deteriorate faster. It is made possible
by effectiveness of transportation that food preservation and food safety were
regulated.
III. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Cause of Science
and Technology: Philippines

A. Science, Technology, and Society: Philippine History

1) Pre-Spanish Period
 Before the Spanish arrived, the Philippines has only few written information on their
society, culture, and technology. Filipinos only relied on archaeological findings
and information to trace the beginning of science and technology and how Filipinos
lived their life with it. During 3,000 B.C., Filipinos learned how to make and produce
adzes ornament of seashells and pottery. Filipinos eventually learned how to use
metal as their tools. A lot of Filipinos were involved in ore mining such as copper,
gold, bronze, and iron.

Fig. 7 and fig. 8 shows inventions of early Filipinos including pottery and accessories.

Fig. 9. illustration of early Filipinos during pre-Spanish period

 The early writing system of the Philippines was called Baybayin, the pre-colonial
beautiful ancient writing script of the islands of the Philippines.
 Our ancestors moved by raft or native outrigger boat powered by paddles and
sails, hopping from island to island. They eventually settled along or near the
coasts, lakes, rivers and major creeks where there was enough access to land,
water, and food sources.
 Filipinos became interested to science and were already aware of activities related
to science and technology. They learned and gave importance to curative values of
plants and were able to extract the medicine out of it.
 Pre-colonial Filipinos has no clocks to show the hours or minute. Our ancestors
had no word for time itself. However, they still had units and measurable changes
that helped them label or name each period of events known as “taon”.
 Moon phases act as “time markers” that display the shifting of one month to
another.
 Early Filipinos used their parts of the body for measuring.

Fig.10 Baybayin

Fig. 10 illustration/sketch of ‘karakoa/caracoa’ that said to be an early Filipino invention

Fig. 11 Herbal medicine

 Fig. 12 Moon phase calendar

Fig. 13 (Left) The Povedano Calendar of Pre-colonial Filipino which is now considered as a hoax (Right) Modern
Calendar commonly found in Filipino household

Fig. 14 Measurements used by pre-colonial Filipinos (by Frederick Victor Paredes Anana)
2) Spanish Colonial Period
 The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade increased visits to Manila of Chinese traders,
further impelled the growth of regular shipping and overland transportation between
Manila and the provinces throughout the 1600s.

Fig.15 Galleon Trade Scene, ca. 1750 (From Ayala Museum)

 The colonization of the Spanish in the Philippines contributed to the growth of
science and technology.
 Formal education was introduced to Filipinos and scientific institutions were founded
at that time. Many natives of the country were taught of more advance methods in
agriculture.
 Established colleges, churches, roads, etc. – The Spaniards made contribution in
the field of engineering by constructing government establishments, churches,
colleges, roads, bridges, and forts.
 Improvement on the modes of transportation and trading.
 The single largest infrastructure project during the Spanish period was the Manila-
Dagupan railroad (built from 1887 to 1892), with a short spur line from Tutuban to
Binondo.

Fig. 16 old photograph of University of Sto. Thomas, the oldest university in Asia
 Fig. 17 old photograph of ‘Bridge of Spain’, built by the Spaniards in 1876

Fig. 18 Old photo of Manila’s streets with kalesa

Fig. 19 Spanish civilians at a station of the Manila-Dagupan Railway.

3) American Period and Post-Commonwealth Era.

 The early occupation of the Americans witnessed the control of epidemics cholera,
smallpox and plagues; the fight against other communicable diseases -leprosy,
diarrhea, malaria as well as beri-beri; the establishment of a health organization
and administration and general sanitation. During this period, cholera vaccine was
first tried (1905) and followed by compulsory vaccination of school children.1
 Expansion of road system and use of big foreign-made ships.

1
A Century of Public Health in the Philippines, Teodoro V. Tiglao, 1997.Retrieved August 13, 2019 from nast,ph.
  US regime built and maintained an immense bulk of military and civil infrastructure
in all major islands, or improved on existing Spanish-era towns and forts.

Fig. 20 early 1900s photo of a Red Cross nurse alongside an American soldier in hospital bed

Fig. 21 vaccination

Fig. 22 Clark Air Force Base

4) Marcos Era
 According to the Philippine Constitution amended in 1973, stated by previous
President, that advancement of science and technology must be a priority for
national development of the country. According to the SONA of Marcos, he
declared a need for science in public high school for a period of 4 years.
 In 1968, he recognized that the technology was the top reason in economic
development, he then allotted money to private universities to create courses
focused on science and technology and research.
 Presidential Decree No.49, series of 1972 – as a support to for promoting scientific
research and invention. Establishment of PAGASA was one of his greatest
contributions, PAGASA functions to give environmental protection and to use
scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of the nation.
 Fig. 23. Weather forecast from PAGASA that serves as information for the safety of the nation

Fig. 24 Philippine International Convention

Fig. 25 Philippine Heart Center

5) Fifth Republic – Present
 Major contribution of President Corazon Aquino includes passing the RA 6655 or
“Science for the Masses Program” aimed at encouraging children who had passion
in science and technology and study for free
 In 1989, the budget allocation for science and technology increased to 1.054 billion
pesos. But due to Asian financial crisis, from 1990 to 1991, the budget was cut
down to 14% and was later on increased by 50% in 1992.
 Schools became modernized and updated by having additional high-tech
equipment. The Government also provided 3,500 scholarships for students who
are taking courses related to science and technology. It is also during this time that
science and technology personnel were given priority by approving RA. No. 8439
or the “Magna Carta for science and technology personnel”. Giving incentives and
 rewards to people who contributed and are influential in the field of science and
technology.
 Laws and projects related to science emerged.

Fig. 26 Photo of a driver in a biodiesel gas station

Fig. 27 Inventor Jayme Navarro demonstrating how to convert plastic to diesel

(Photo Source: filipinoachievers.wordpress.com)

B. Science, Technology, and Society: Philippine Inventions

The Philippines is a country that is developing and contributing to the global
advancement of science and technology. This is really remarkable considering the lack of
resources in the country. Since the Philippines is a country that experience natural disasters
very often many of the discoveries and inventions made by Filipinos were built from
indigenous materials are built to adapt to these disasters.

1) Salamander Amphibious Tricycle

 Filipinos are known to be resourceful in terms of handling things. They make use of
everything just to provide their needs. One example of this is the conversion of
American military jeeps that was used in World War II to jeepneys for means of
transportation. Also another example is the Salamander Amphibious Tricycle. This
vehicle can travel to land and water like what salamanders do. Because Philippines
is an archipelago and prone to floods this invention was born and invented by
Dominic N. Chung and Lamberto Armada together with Chief Designer Victor
“Atoy” Llave.
 Fig. 19 A salamander amphibious tricycle getting out of the water

2) SALt Lamp
 The Philippines is a country that is still in the process of developing and lack
resources and one these is electricity. Because of the lack of electricity many rural
areas in the Philippines used candles and kerosene just to work or see in the dark
that may cause harm and fire. Solar power are also on the choices but because of
the price only some can afford it. This problem opened the eyes of AisaMijeno who
invented the SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING (SALt) which is powered
by saltwater that is abundant in the country.

Fig.20. Aisa Mijeno holding a SALt lamp

3) Medical Incubator
 The Philippines is known to have high mortality rate of newborn babies. In rural
areas equipments such as incubators are less available due to lack of resources
and electricity. Dr. Fe Del Mundo came up with an invention that can help these
rural areas and provide incubators for babies without the use of electricity. It made
from indigenous and cheap materials. A native laundry basket was placed into a
bigger one and hot waters were placed between the basket to provide warmth and
a makeshift hood to allow oxygen circulation.
4) Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal Trap
 In tropical and subtropical areas, dengue is the most common viral illness that is
endemic. This includes the Philippines. Dengue is caused by Aedesaegypti
mosquito that is rampant on rainy season. Many insecticides were released to help
prevent the escalation of dengue victims. But these insecticides are not harmful for
humans but the environment as well. In 2010, the Department of Science and
Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) have
introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal. It is a trap system were a black container and a
coconut husk can trap mosquitos without harming humans and the environment.

Fig. 21 A sample of mosquito ovicidal with a black container and coconut husk

5) Ejeepney
 A major innovation that changed the transportation system in the Philippines. Ever
since the end of World War II the Philippines have been using jeepneys for
transportation and have dominated the streets. But the pollution it brought caused
problems for the health of Filipinos. Modern innovations introduced ejeepneys that
have batteries, rechargeable, and environmental-friendly.

Fig. 22 A photo of an ejeepney