Course Code and Title: GE 106 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and SOCIETY

Lesson 1 Week 2
Topic: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS WHICH CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECH
Introduction:

Science and technology are indispensable tools for any form of rapid growth and development
this date. Change is the only inevitable thing that can arise in the advent of science and technology.
can affect politics, socio-economic status, culture, etc.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Describe the historical development that took place in the Philippines in terms of science and techn
2. Trace the development of science and technology in the world from Ancient to Middle Ages through
3. Create some value judgment on how each stage of historical antecedents made an impact on the m
Content:
Interactions between S&T and society throughout history
Before understanding the interactions between science and technology and society, we need to
technology, and society?".
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY, also referred to as science and technology studies is
science studies. It considers how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and
and affect society, politics, and culture.
The figure above illustrates how science and technology affect society and how the needs of socie
and innovations. Science discoveries will lead to new inventions on developing the technology to
provides information to the development of technology, and as technology evolves, it demands more
on science.
Written contributions of science and technology that lead to society's development are recorded, beg
cycles, and inventions that are still being studied today. As we go along with the study of science, tec
will be able to see how humans have developed techniques for organizing the actions of group
domestic animals (society) and how it helps develop science and technology.
They have developed enough technology that food surpluses could persist and build up enough to
skilled workers; some skill workers applied their efforts to studying how the natural world worked (scie
make their living easier and comfortable pushed them to study science further and develop techn
need, science comes to rescue, and technology is born.

This has been happening thousands of years back; it is happening today and will continue to keep ha
In terms of societies moved from families to clans, to kingdoms, to republics. Then technologies m
plows, to fertilizers, to antibiotics.
While Sciences moved from written accounts to the encyclopedia, analytical techniques, and, m
models.
How scientific and technological developments affect society and the environment.

Technology is very important to industries and companies. Advancement in technology helps in ind
growth. The right advancements can bring about the most sought-after changes around us and
solutions to our environmental woes. With technology, we can think and provide the best solution to
environment. We can create sustainable ideas to protect the environment and act on climate chang
we have contributed a lot through our way of living that causes damages to the environment. As suc
restore the environment and protect them from massive damage. That is where science and tech
these issues. Science and technology are the tools for human purpose. It is the human who uses them
and technology affect society and the environment.
Let us give examples. We all know and proved that plastic has toxic pollutants that damage the
multiple pollution forms. Today, an uncontrollable increase in the trash around the world damaging
creating tons of garbage mountains on the land damaging the birds and other species is ruining the
climate change faster. It can take up to hundreds or even thousands of years to break down the plasti
Mismanaged waste is the biggest cause of the proliferation of toxic 'plastic' to various parts of the w
oceans, making it almost impossible to rectify our mistakes and protect the planet. The best way to
situation is to put it to the right use. With the right technology, we can bring about a major change
putting all that waste to a judicious and noble purpose. Researchers have come with the most op
discarded plastic. This lightweight prosthetic limb can be created out of waste plastic, saving millions
while also helping tackle the pollution created by discarded plastics.
Upcycling is the most productive way forward to solve waste management for the world. This init
major global issues to reduce pollution from single-use plastic. Plastic is a versatile material due to
pricing, but we failed to realize that it is coming to our environment's cost.

THE HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS WHICH CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNO
Era Place Significant Evidence or Events
Prehistoric Primarily found Human artifacts like shaped stones for
(about 2.3 in Eastern Africa chopping and scraping.
million years
ago)
400 B.C. Mesopotamia Emerging science showed evidences
about symptoms of diseases, chemical,
A and astronomical observations.
N Nile Valley of Information on the treatment of wounds
C Egypt and diseases and even some
I mathematical calculations such as angles,
E rectangles and triangles, and a pyramid's
N portion.
T 300- 400 B.C. Athens, Greece There was a rise in the number of
philosophers who wrote topics on
psychology and biology.
 Euclid is considered as the
founder of modern geometry.
 Archimedes is the founder of
engineering mechanics and
calculated pi's value, which is
still used today.
3000 B.C. Tigris, It was the risen of the Bronze Age when
Euphrates in humans searched for pigments that can
Western Asia be used to color the skin; they discovered
copper. The alloy of tin and copper
resulted in bronze. Bronze is used to
manufacture swords and other weapons
by the Sumerians. Today we used bronze
to build machineries, medals, statues,
belts, and shoe buckles.
Egypt Development of large cities called
"urbanization." It was the time when the
first city appeared. Pyramids were built
during this time.
3500 B.C. Mesopotamia Two-wheeled carts were created as tools
to transport heavy loads from one place to
another.
1450- 1600 Europe It was known as the period of the "rebirth
A.D. of knowledge."

Gutenberg, The printing press was developed that

Germany paved the way to books being printed
instead of being written by hand.
Italy Leonardo da Vinci, who is considered a
pioneer in arts, architecture, engineering,
and science, stressed the experiment's
importance.
Greece Copernicus rediscovered what some of
the earliest Greeks had known that the
sun is the center of the solar system and
the earth revolves around it. His idea is
known as the Heliocentric theory.
 M During this time, it made way to some
I geographic discoveries that began with
D the discovery of triangle sail and magnetic
D compass.
L This led to Prince Henry navigating, South
E Africa, Portugal, then India.
This was also the time when Columbus
discovered America.
1608- 20th Venice Galileo was the first to use the steps of
century modern scientific methods based on
experiments and testable conditions.
He invented a spyglass with magnification
thirty times than the ordinary spyglass
during this time. His invention is known
today as the "telescope."
Later in Galileo's life when he invented the
microscope and the thermometer.
United Kingdom Isaac Newton helped define the laws of
gravity and planetary motion, co-founded
calculus, and explained the laws of light
and color.
Germany Albert Einstein had a profound impact on
the quantum theory of nuclear power.
He formulated the famous equation e=
mc2 used in calculus.
He is also considered as the most famous
scientist of the 20th century.
The industrial revolution is brought about
by factories being built to produce goods
in massive quantities.
Light bulbs were replacing candles and oil
lamps.
Radio, the first car to run with the engine
and the first man to went on space in a
rocket, happened. It was also the
beginning of communication, electronic,
and computer era.

Philippine Science and Technology: A Historical Perspective

Science and Technology in the Philippines have already been existing even before colonization
existence of science and technology is evident in the artifacts that were found at different sites. Ancie
artistry and technology on their handicrafts, pottery, weaving, metal wares, and boats.
A method of writing, counting, measurement, and weighing was also existing among the earlier
counting days was also evident even without the use of a calendar.
Filipinos were also engaging themselves in farming, shipbuilding, mining, and weaving. A UNESC
Banaue Rice Terraces is a great proof of the Philippines' sophisticated product of engineering techn
the different historical perspectives that took place in the Philippines:
Spanish Colonial Period
 The Spaniards introduced formal education and founded scientific institutions.
 The University of Santo Tomas was established as a school for medicine and pharmacy.
 The Jesuits also promoted meteorological studies, and they founded the Manila Observatory
de Manila in 1865.
 Engineering was also given importance as exemplified by government buildings, churches,
were among the physical structures built in the country.
American Period and Post Commonwealth Era
 On July 1, 1901, the Bureau of Government Laboratories under the Department of Interior
Philippine Commission to replace "Laboratorio Municipal" founded by the Spaniards.
 On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of Science replaced the Bureau of Government Laboratories
time dealt with tropical diseases.
 December 8, 1933, when the National Research Council was recognized, and the Burea
recognized as the primary research center in the Philippines until World War II.
 Free trade between the Filipino people and the Americans hinder the development of industria
economy is geared towards agriculture and trade.
 In 1946 the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science.
 During the regime of President Carlos P. Garcia in 1985, the Science Act of 1958 by t
established the National Science Development Board.
Marcos Era and Martial Law
 Many laws were enacted during the Marcos Regime. He declared that science and technolog
have priority in national development based on the amended 1973 Philippine Constitution, Artic
 January 23, 1967, directed the Department of Education to revitalize public high schools' scien
the National Science Development Board (NSDB) organized a project to provide selected hi
teaching equipment for over four years.
 Applied sciences and science education projects were supported, and with technology as a le
 development, supports were given through additional funds in 1968. Seminars were conduc
college teachers; training programs and scholarships were given to graduate and undergradua
 The National Science Development Board established the Philippine Atomic Energy Commissi
institutions in undertaking nuclear energy by sending scientists, engineers, doctors, and tech
science and technology abroad. He intended to explore the different uses of atomic energy for
 The Philippine Council for Agricultural was established to support the Philippines' prog
agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
 Presidential Decree No. 49, s. 1972 established Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and
(PAGASA). The agency was under the Department of National Defense. It functioned to p
protection and the utilization of scientific knowledge to ensure its people's safety.
 Presidential Decree No. 334, s. 1973 created the Philippine National Oil Company to promote
development through effective and efficient energy sources.
 In 1976, the establishment of the National Academy of Science and Technology. The acade
pool of scientists with innovative achievements. The scientists in the agency were consid
scientific and technological expertise.
 In 1979, the National Science Development Board, the Philippine Council for Agricultural Re
the Plant Breeding Institute, the International Rice Research Institute, the Bureau of Plant Ind
Forest Products were funded to conduct scientific research.
 Executive Order No. 625, s. 1980 created the National Committee on Geological Sciences to
private entities on geological matters.
 Executive Order No. 784, s 1982, made the National Science Development Board reorganize a
Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) to provide centralized and coordinated direction
technological research.
 Executive Order No. 1090, s. 1986 the Philippine Science High School was established in
Both campuses were established to encourage careers in science and technology among
islands.
Fifth Republic
 During the term of Corazon C. Aquino, the National Science and Technology Authority
Department of Science and Technology. It paved the way for having a representative in the ca
 Economic recovery and sustained economic growth were the highlights of her term with sci
 one of the government's three priorities.
 The first Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP was formulated on August 8, 1988. T
the country to achieve newly industrialized country status by the year 2000.
 Republic Act 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 opened free education
Scientific literacy among Filipinos was the goal of this free education by implementing "S
Program."
President Fidel V. Ramos’ Term
 There was a significant increase in the number of personnel specializing in science and techno
have around 3,000 competent scientists and engineers.
 In 1993 the Department of Science and Technology initiated a Science and Technolog
Development (STAND), which embodies its task development plan for 1993- 1998. Among
exporting winners identified by DTI, (2) domestic needs identified by Presidential C
Development, (3) support industries, and (4) coconut industry development.
 A framework plan entitled "Competence, Competitive Conscience: the Medium- Term Pla
Science and Technology was also created with its six (6) flagship programs:
A comprehensive program to enhance technology enterprises.
1. Integrated program on clean technologies.
2. Establishment of a packaging R and D center.
3. Expansion of regional meteorology centers.
4. S & T intervention program for the poor, vulnerable and disabled; and
5. Comprehensive science and technology program for Mindanao.

 There were also laws enacted by the Congress during the term of Fidel V. Ramos such as:
1. R.A. 8439 or Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel
2. R.A. 7687 or Science and Technology Scholarship Law of 1004
3. R.A. 7459 or Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act
4. R.A. 8293 or The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines
President Joseph Estrada’s Term
 R.A. 8749 was signed, also known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, which was d
preserve the environment and ensure its natural resources' sustainable development.
 R.A. 8792 was signed to which out-laws computer- hacking and provides opportunities for ne
 from the internet- a driven new economy. This law is also known as the Electronic Commerce A
 He also launched a full- scale program based on cost-effective irrigation technologies.
 Basic health care, basic nutrition, and useful education for those who want it, but cannot a
availed due to dole-outs during his regime.
S & T during President Gloria M. Arroyo’s Term
 Her term was dubbed as the “golden age” of science and technology by Secretary Estrella Alab
 The term "Filipinovation" was the coined term used to help the Philippines be an innovation hub
 Science and Technology and Innovation (STI) were developed further by strengthening the
system such as the Philippine Science High School, which focuses on science, technology, an
 R.A. 9367 or the "Biofuels Act" was signed into law that promotes biofuels' development an
country.

President Benigno C. Aquino

 R.A. 10601 improves the Agriculture and Fisheries sector through Mechanization. It also cover
and extension (RDE), promotion, distribution, supply, assembling, manufacturing, regu
maintenance, and project implementation of agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipmen
 In 2010, President Benigno C. Aquino was considered the "father of Organic Agriculture" bec
Agricultural Act of 2010, also known as R.A. 10068.
 Inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction were among the two crucial issues in the Harmon
and Technology in 2014.
On May 23, 2016, R.A. 19844, otherwise known as the DICT Act of 2015, was signed into law. Acco
of Information and Communications Technology will plan, develop, and promote the national ICT deve
SUMMARY
 Science and technological antecedents could be traced back from the ancient, middle, and mo
 The Philippines, a country in South East Asia, has passed through different developments in
under the different state invaders such as the Spaniards and the Americans.
 Science Education became an indispensable tool and an into achieving progress in the Ph
traced

Activity 1: TRUE OR FALSE

Direction: Write the word Heal if the statement is correct and write the word COVID if it is wrong.
1. Artifacts are tools, wares, and other materials found and believe to be e
ancient science and technology.
2. Flourishing science and technology in the Philippines can be traced wh
colonized the country.

3. The Renaissance era is also known as the age of rebirth.

4. The Spaniards introduced formal schooling in the Philippines.
5. R.A. 6655 opened free secondary education that aims to make Filipino
technologically literate.
Activity 2- Bring Back the Past!
Directions: Arrange the events that happened in the past, then, classify
them as to ancient, middle, or modern age.
 Bronze Age
 Industrial revolution
 First use of scientific methods
 Development of the printing press
 Calculations of angles, rectangles, and triangles
Activity 3- State your point!
1. Choose any one the historical antecedents that have been mentioned ea
made a historical impact in today's age? Explain your answer.

References
Prieto, Nelia G., Vega, Violeta A., Felipe, Elizabeth F., Menesis, Julius L., (2019)
Science, Technology and Society, Lorimar Publishing, Cubao, Quezon City
Philippines