Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR BRANCHES AND CAMPUSES
SANTA ROSA CAMPUS
City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
(GEED 10083)

COMPILED BY:

REA JOAN M. ATIENZA AND

SHEILA MINERVA A. MENDOZA
Faculty

JULY 2021

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

UNIT I – GENERAL CONCEPTS AND SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS

OVERVIEW:

Throughout the history, science has brought changes in all aspects of life. From a very
simple way of life of the ancient humans to our more complicated and fast paced way of living.
Curiosity is innate to man, the result leads to upgrade of knowledge, thus progress in science.
Application of scientific knowledge, that is TECHNOLOGY, help satisfy human needs and improve
not only the living standards, but also the condition of the environment.
Technology is always influenced by the socio-political, behavioral and economic changes
in the society. It often dictates the type of technology to be developed that is suitable to the
demands and needs of the people.

http://tech21stworld.blogspot.com/2014/08/science-technology-and-society.html

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After the successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Discuss the interactions between science and technology and society through history;
2. Discuss how scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment;
3. Identify the paradigm shifts in history.
4. Articulate ways by which society is transformed by science and technology;
5. Recognize the contributions of different cradles of civilizations to science and technology.
6. Discuss the role of science and technology in Philippine nation-building
7. Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their
contributions to nation building;
8. Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and appraise their impact on
the development of the Filipino nation.

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

COURSE MATERIALS:

Lesson 1 – Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the

Course of Science and Technology

a. In the World: Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages

Definition of terms:

SCIENCE. According to oxford dictionary, Science is the intellectual and practical activity
encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world
through observation and experiment.
TECHNOLOGY. Is the application of knowledge for practical ends.(dictionary .com)

SOCIETY. A society or a human society is a group of people involved with each other through
persistent relations, or a large social grouping, sharing the same geographical or social territory,
typically subject to the same political authority and domain cultural expectations.
(siencedaily.com)

PARADIGM SHIFT. In science, it is a change in the basic idea or concept usually caused by new
discovery/ies that no longer conforms the old concept. This change/s can also be influenced by
the social, political, cultural, economic and other factors.

Sir Isaac Newton once said: “If I have seen further than others, It is by standing on the shoulders
of giants.”
What do you think Newton has seen?
Who do you think Newton refers to as giants?

Scientific discoveries from the ancient times had laid the foundation that our modern day
scientists used as patterns for the new discoveries. Scientist owe their achievements from the
works of their older counter parts.

Watch: Stephen Colbert Interview Neil De Grasse Tyson at Montclair Kimberley Academy. Jan
29, 2010.
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXh9RQCvxmg&t=174s

How will you answer the question: Is it better to know or not to know?

Science and Technology during the ANCIENT TIMES

From the beginning of time man explored his surroundings and develop ways to improve
life. The discovery of fire led the caveman to have a protection from the cold environment and
wild animals, they also used fire for lighting, social gathering, communication and others. From
simple stone tools for hunting, they developed more efficient weapons. From being hunters and
gatherers, they learned to cultivate plants and catch fish. Accumulation of experiences turned to
knowledge and the transfer of knowledge result to a better and more convenient way of life.
Through time, civilizations and empires were born, more scientific developments were evident
like written and spoken language, architecture, engineering, astronomy, mathematics, medicine,
and a lot more. Civil wars, external pressure, and natural disasters caused fall of civilizations and

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

changed the course of science and technology. The fall of the Roman Empire marks the end of
the ancient times and start of the Middle Ages.

Watch: History Explored Around the World

Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX6J0Gd2EC8

Science and Technology during The MIDDLE AGES

Medieval ages or “Dark Ages” are also terms used to describe the middle ages. Period
between 450 A.D. to around 1450 A.D. was referred as dark ages because the condition after the
fall of the Roman Empire left the people without leaders who look after them. In the early Medieval
period economy is based on feudal system, education is out of hand thus many people depend
on mysticism, irrational and superstitious beliefs. The bubonic plague struck Europe and Asia in
the mid-1300s, leaving more than 30 million people dead. Technological developments were also
limited. Mechanical clock, magnetic compass, lenses with spectacle, gunpowder and cannon,
distillation and alcohol, were developed during this time. In the field of medicine in Europe, herbs
were widely used, diagnosis of was limited to inspection of urine, therapy was through prayer,
charms, faith healing and the likes. The in the later part of the middle ages, medical schools were
organized. Printing press was developed using movable metal-type printer invented by Johannes
Guttenberg, this started the mass production of written works which enable the people to get
informed, and the birth of industrial revolution.

Readings: Science and Technology and Society in the middle Ages

https://prezi.com/oaiak1m7i5do/science-technology-and-society-in-the-middle-ages/
Watch: 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZDe9DCx7Wk

Science and Technology during the MODERN AGES

The early modern ages known as The “Renaissance,” a French word meaning the
“rebirth.” Marks the development of Printing revolution started around 1518 to 1524 when the
spread of printing press facilitated the wide circulation of information and ideas. This opened up
an entirely new way of conveying fresh information to the ordinary people, leading to divergent
answers to queries thus re-birth of sciences. To name some revolutionary discoveries were
Nicolas Copernicus’ “Heliocentric Theory;” Isaac Newton’s “Universal Law of Gravity;” Galileo
Galilei’s discovery of the telescope, motion, Inertia and many others;
The invention steam engine by James Watt, the first mechanical loom by Edmund Cartwright and
other machines started the first industrial revolution. It changed the way thing are done, production
became fast and cheaper, requiring less of the man power and use of hand tool. People were
classified as industrialist, those who owns the factories, and the workers. This Industrial revolution
also caused changes to the environment, the use of machines powered by steam or coal cause
pollution.

READINGS:
The Rise of the Modern Science: When and Why? Retrieved from:
https://www.blackwellpublishing.co.uk/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/978
0631236306/001.pdf
WATCH:
Industrial Revolution Inventions Timeline 1712-1942.
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbAOseDs3KY

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

b. Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations Changed the Course
of Science and Technology in the Philippines

Pre-Spanish Period
– Based on archeological findings modern man from Asian mainland came over and
reached Batangas and Palawan about 48,000 B.C. Subsequently they reached and
formed settlement in some islands in like Sulu, Davao, Zamboanga, Samar, and Negros.
They made simple tools and weapons from stones and later developed sawing and
polishing stones
– Around 3,000 B.C. they were able to produce ornaments of shells, soon they learned
to produce copper, bronze, iron and gold metal tools.
– They also learned to weave cotton, make glass ornaments and cultivate rice and dike
fields of terraced in the mountainous regions
– Filipinos were already aware of medicinal and therapeutic properties of plants and the
methods of extracting medicine from herbs.
– They had an alphabet, number system, a weighing and measuring system
– They also learned to build boats for trading purposes

Spanish Colonial Period

– Spanish introduced formal education, established colleges and universities (UST)
– Construction of government buildings, bridges and roads
– Study of MEDICINE was given priority, Biology was given focus
– Development of hospitals (San Juan Lazaro Hospital was founded in 1578)
– Gov. Jose Basco y Vargas in 1780 encouraged research in Agriculture and industry,
cultivation of indigo, cotton, cinnamon, rice, hemp, tobacco, sugar and silk industry
– Jesuits promoted meteorological studies founding Manila observatory at the Ateneo
Municipal de Manila in 1865

American Period and Post Commonwealth

– Bureau of Government Laboratories was established which dealt with the study of
tropical diseases and laboratory projects.
– Bureau of Government Laboratories was replaced by Institute of Science. In 1958,
Pres. Carlos P. Garcia signed the Science Act of 1958.

Marcos Era and the Martial Law

– During the Martial Law, Pres. Marcos enacted many laws promoting science and
technology
– Philippine Science community was established in Taguig, the Philippine Atomic
Energy Commission explored and uses atomic energy for economic development, sent
scientist abroad to study nuclear science and technology
– He also created National Grains Authority, PAGASA, PNOC, NAST, IRRI, Bureau of
Plant Industry, Health Science Centers, etc.

The Fifth Republic

– During the Corazon Aquino presidency, The National Science and Technology
Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology
– S&T’s role in economic recovery and sustained economic growth was highlighted
– RA 6655 of the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 include “Science for the
Masses Program”

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

Fidel V. Ramos Presidency
– In 1998, Pres. Fidel Ramos built Science High School in Visayas and Mindanao which
promote advanced S&T curriculum for kids
– Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel or RA No. 8439, Inventors and
Inventions incentives Act (RA 7459, S&T Scholarship Law in 1994, The Intellectual
Property Code was enacted during Ramos’ term

Pres. Joseph Estrada Presidency

– Two major legislations was signed; Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8794) and
the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 (RA 8792

Pres. Gloria Arroyo Presidency

– S&T was dubbed as the “Golden Age.” Numerous laws and projects pushed to
increase the country’s economic level and termed ‘FILIPINOVATION”
– Biofuels Act or RA 9367 was signed

Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III Presidency

– Conferred four new scientist for their contributions in the scientific field
Academician Gavoni Trono for his extensive studies on seaweed species
Acd. Ramon Barba on micro propagation of important crops
Acd. Edgardo Gomez on conservation of coral reefs

SOME FILIPINO INVENTORS AND INVENTIONS

1600 – Yoyo used by the natives as a combat weapon against Spaniards (1920,
Pedro Flores patented and put up yoyo manufacturing Co. in the US)
1930’s – Banana Catsup (Maria Orosa Ylagan)
1941 – Medical Incubator (Dr. Fe Del Mundo)
1940’s – Patis or Fish Sauce (Ruperta David also known as Aling Tentay)
1949 – Erythromycin (Dr. Abelardo Aguilar)
1955 – Video Phone (Gregorio Zara)
1966 – Isolated Rice Breeds (DR. Rodolfo Aquino)
1969 – Lunar Rover (Edwardo San Juan)
1972 – 16 Bit Computer Microchip (Diosdado Banatao)
1974 – Sing-A-Long System (Roberto de Rosario)
1996 – Alco Diesel (Rudy Lantano Sr.)
2000 – Mole Remover (Rolando Dela Cruz)
2005 – Anti-cancer cream for Basal Skin Carcinoma (Rolando Dela CruZ

WATCH:
Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XOAWhHgPas
Filipino Inventors who changed the world of technology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZlR6B8_ezI

ACTIVITY 1:

1. On a sheet of bond paper, draw your interpretation on how the science, technology and
society affected one another through time. Write a short description of your drawing.

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

Lesson 2 Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

COURSE MATERIALS

What is an Intellectual Revolution?

When the new ideas oppose the widely embraced and accepted beliefs by the people,
paradigm shifts occurs, resulting to intellectual revolution. Several times, this new ideas caused
chaos to the society, long periods of argument and disbelief, before the new ideas are accepted
by the people, often times, it require other scientists to verify and support the theory or find a
concrete proof to verify and validate the proposed idea.
Some of the scientist who presented their revolutionary ideas were Nicolas Copernicus,
Charles Darwin and Sigmund Freud.

COPERNICAN Intellectual Revolution

Nikolai Copernicus Published his treatise De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (the

Revolution of Celestial Spheres) in 1543, He proposed a new view of the world: the Heliocentric
Model where the sun is the center of the solar system and not the earth as Ptolemy’s geocentric
view. It was further supported and popularized by Galileo Galilei who is also known for his
concepts of gravity and freely falling bodies. Heliocentric model challenged the views of the way
the universe worked and was initially condemned by the Church authorities. Galileo for this reason
was accused of working against church and was sentenced under house imprisonment. The
model attracted many critics but later was accepted due to scientific supports from known
proponents. The model was supported by scientist like Giordano Bruno who proposed that “the
universe is infinite containing many worlds like ours where intelligent beings live,” and Thomas
Digges who assert that “the stars are dispersed throughout the universe.” Johannes Kepler in
1600 proposed the orbits were instead ellipse.

Readings: The Copernican Revolution

Retrieved from: https://users.astro.ufl.edu/~freyes/classes/ast1002/Ch1.pdf

DARWINIAN INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTION

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection caused intellectual ferment in

mid- and late Victorian England. His book “The Origin of the Species (1859) cast strong doubts
on the traditional belief in the origin of life, also promoted a sharp reorientation of philosophical
and moral attitudes. Darwin’s theory of evolution thereby undermined the value of traditional
religion and morality because it implied that man was no more than a “talking monkey”, and no
God was necessary to create him. Darwin’s theory of evolution appealed not only to eminent
scientists, but also to novelist and poets.

Many Victorian writers dramatically modified their opinions about man’s origins and the
physical aspect of man’s existence. Thomas Hardy, were close readers of Darwin’s work, adapted
Darwin’s ideas to his later fiction showing characters to be at the mercy of their environment,
heredity and adaptability rather than more in control of fate. An intellectual ferment caused by the
evolutionary theory led to an ongoing controversy over religion and science.
Readings: The Darwinian Revolution: Rethinking its meaning and significance Retrieved from:
http://www.blc.arizona.edu/courses/schaffer/449/Ruse%20-
%20The%20Darwinian%20Revolution.pdf

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

FRUEDIAN INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTION

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of PSYCHOANALYSIS, a

clinical method for treating psychopathology. Freud developed the psychoanalytic theory of
personality development, which argued that personality is formed through conflicts among three
fundamental structures of the human mind: the id, ego, and the superego. One of Freud’s
assertion is that we are not masters of our own mind. He showed that human experience, thought,
and deeds are determined not by our conscious rationality, but by irrational forces outside our
conscious awareness and control. The primary trouble with Freud is that, while his ideas appear
intriguing and even common cynical, there’s very little evidence to back them up. There’s no proof
of the id, ego, or superego.

Readings: Psychoanalysis: A Brief History of Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/psychoanalysis/

CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE

Development of Science in MESOAMERICA

The Aztecs, Maya, and Inca developed great civilizations in Mesoamerica about 2100BC to
500BC. Each Group is unique and shows an effective way of running an empire.

Mathematics was used:

Mayans – used vigesimal number system (base 20)
Aztecs – used geometry for taxes
Incas – used quipu (knots from strings)
Technology:
Mayans- discovered rubber; used jadeite for many sort of tools
Incas – built large stone buildings without mortar; farmers used to terraces to maximize crops
Aztecs - invented canoes, wheel; and have many medical advances

Astronomy:
Mayans – predicting eclipses, astrological cycles, used 2 calendars in planting and
harvesting
Incas – used calendar with 12 months
Aztec – used calendar with 365 days and 260 days; calculates the end of the world
in December 21, 2012

Architecture: all three civilizations built temples

Aztecs – Areas dedicated to certain gods
Mayans – Ball courts
Incas – temples made to assist worship to gods; first suspension bridge

Art
Aztecs – told stories through sculptures, pottery, weaving and poetry
Mayans – Sculptures and paintings depicts religious figures, scenes of battles and sacrifices
Incas- utilized stone masonry and textiles

Literature
Aztecs – they spoke language called Nahualt
Mayans – writing systems consisting of 800 symbols called glyphs standing for words and letters

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

Incas – never developed writing system, instead memorize important information. They spoke
Quechua

Infrastructure
Aztecs – had aqueducts; mandatory education
Mayans – advance water systems; control floods and survive drought
Incas – road system

Development of Science in ASIA

Printing started in China in 593 AD. Printing was promoted by the spread of Buddhism.
Printing in East Asia evolved from ink rubbings made o paper or cloth from text on stone tables.
The invention of paper, gunpowder, compass, sundial, water clocks and surgery using
acupuncture were some of the main accomplishments of Han Dynasty (202 B.C.E -220C.E.).
Confucianism is a system of social and ethical philosophy built on an ancient religious foundation
to establish the social values, institutions, and transcendent ideals of traditional Chinese society.
Confucianism’s role in the private learning spheres of early Japanese society directly impacted
scientific thought.

INDIA. Indians came up with two very valuable concepts that simplify math: place value digits and
zero. Equipped with Indian place value, Aryabhata, developed trigonometry, place value system
and the approximation of pi. He also explained solar and lunar eclipses scientifically, and stated
that the moon and the planets shine by reflecting sunlight. Brahmagupta, defined the properties
of the number zero. He also suggested that gravity is a force of attraction. India is also known for
manufacturing iron and in metallurgical works. In the field of medicine they use Ayurveda, a
treatment based on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit, to promote good health.

Development of Science in the MIDDLE EAST

Greek texts were translated to Arabic, this led to excellent Greek base knowledge and the
Arabs made their own advances in the fields of Mathematics, Medicine, and Physics. Islam and
the rise of Arab empire affected Arab math and Science in two ways: 1.Muslim culture remained
open to Ancient Greek learning. The rise of empire directly exposed the Arabs to Byzantine
(modern-day Istanbul) and Persian cultures that still carried on ancient scholarships. Hasan Ibn
al-Haytham an Arab mathematician, astronomer, and physicist known as the father of Optics.
Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, contributed the concept of the algorithm in mathematics,
calendars, calculating true positions of the sun, moon and planets, tables of sines and tangents,
spherical astronomy and astrological tables

Development of Science in AFRICA

Ancient Egyptian physicians were renowned for their healing skills. In 1285, the largest
hospital of the middle ages and pre-modern era was built in Cairo. Ethiopians, were the first to
have discovered and recognized the energizing effect of coffee bean plant. Domestication of
plants for agricultural purposes in 5000BCE. Sorghum and African rice began to be cultivated.
Caesarean sections were performed on a regular basis with the use of antiseptics. Max Theiler,
a South African, developed a vaccine against Yellow fever in 1937. The first human-to-human
heart transplant was performed by South African cardiac surgeon Christian Barnard, in Dec 1967.

Readings:

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022

Cradles of Early Science. Accessed from:
https://www.scribd.com/document/423753973/Cradles-of-Early-Science-docx

ACTIVITY 2:

2. Which cradle/s of early science do you consider, have greater influence in our society
today?

ATIENZA/MENDOZA COMPILED STS INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL 2022