CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

1ST Semester, SY. 2022-2023

CHAPTER OUTLINE

1. S & T: Definitions and Assumptions

2. Face to Face with S & T
3. S & T Fused Together
4. Where Science and Technology is
taking the Society
5. STS Approach

https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master
programmes/science-technology-society-master/

“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch
which illuminates the world."
- Louis Pasteur

Learning Outcomes: At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:

1. define science, technology and society;

2. distinguish the relationships of science, technology and society; and
3. develop a deeper interest in the field of science, technology, and society.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: DEFINITIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS

Science and technology are dynamic processes engaged in by man to satisfy two-
basic needs- the thirst for knowledge and the material requirements for human survival
and prosperity. Science and technology had been around even before the words biology,
physics, chemistry, engineering, and agriculture were coined.
Science is the description, understanding, and prediction of phenomena through
the use and generation of verifiable theories, laws, and principles. Research and
development are usual activities associated with science as a process. Research and
development involve the acquisition of new knowledge and the utilization of such
knowledge to devise new or improved products and processes. (Seludo-Ballena, Bernal,
Paquiz, Ramos and Viet, 2004). The Oxford Dictionary meanwhile defines science as the
intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and
behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.

According to McGinn (1991) Science has four meanings:

1. As a Knowledge: the organized, well-founded body of knowledge of natural
phenomena.
2. As a Field of Systematic Inquiry into Nature: the particular field or domain or
systematic inquiry in which such knowledge is sought.
3. As a Form of Human Cultural Activity: a distinct form of human activity in which
such knowledge is sought.
4. As a Total Societal Enterprise: the summation of knowledge, people, skills,
organization, facilities techniques, physical resources, methods and technology,
which is devoted to the study and understanding of the natural world.

Page 1 of 7
 Technology is the use of scientific knowledge and/or empirical knowhow for the
production, improvement, and distribution of goods and services, as well as the
satisfaction of other material needs, On the other hand, it is more related to economic
activity. The actual use of technology in the production process points out the potentials
as well as the problems associated with a particular technology. In short, it is the
application of understanding of natural laws to the solution of practical problems.
In the book The Nature of Technology: What it is and how it evolves, W. Brian Arthur
(2009) defined technology in three ways:
1. Technology is a “means to fulfill a human purpose” in that a method or any
material may be utilized to serve a human purpose.
2. Technology is an assemblage of practices and components
3. Technology is a collection of devices and engineering practices available to
culture.

Society is a group of persons joined together for a common purpose or by a

common interest. They come to learn and perform behavior expected of them.
Sociologists place societies in three broad categories: Pre-Industrial Society: Food
production, which is carried out through the use of human and animal labor, is the main
economic activity. Industrial societies: The increased efficiency of production of the
industrial revolution produced an even greater surplus than before. Now the surplus was
not just agricultural goods, but also manufactured goods. Post-industrial societies:
Societies dominated by information, services, and high technology more than the
production of goods are known as Post-industrial Societies.

FACE TO FACE WITH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Some may think that science is very easy to define and might say that it is just it
is. But philosophers are said to be in argument about the definition of science for decades
already because it has a wide coverage of human dealings. Science can be taken as the
investigation of the physical world in which experiments are rendered in order to explain
matters of concern. To have a face to face with science, it would be best to explore its
wide coverage by identifying its common characteristics. Four common characteristics
that categorize something as science include:

1. Focuses on the Natural World

It is through science that we understand the natural world. Its main concern is the
physical world. It studies animals, plants, rocks, man, and all other kinds of matter.
Science is not concerned with supernatural world which cannot be tested and is not
governed by the laws of the natural world. This is a continuous study of the physical world
to look for evidences that could prove something. The goal is to see how something works
and see the components that make up the area being studied. Findings can change after
time depending on the new evidences that may arise but all scientific idea is said to be
reliable because before it could get scientific acceptance, first it has to be supported with
a number of evidences.
2. Goes Through Experiments
Science subjects any matter of study to experimentation. Something has to be
tested and should arrive at a number of consistent observations so it could be taken as
true. Anything that cannot be subjected to experimentation and could not give any
observable data cannot be regarded as science.
3. Relies on Evidence
As science requires experimentations and observations, it is only right that it would
look for evidences that will support the truthfulness of something. For something to be
really regarded as science, it should be tested not only by one group as that can be taken

Page 2 of 7
of as a bias. Evidences that are relevant to the matter being studied are what scientists
are looking for to confirm something to be of science.
4. Passes Through the Scientific Community
Science requires a number of consistent evidences for it not to be biased, it has to
go through different groups of people who would qualify the idea. In finding different
evidences, a scientist would likely check on different angles concerning the matter of
study and would therefore work with people of different expertise. Scientific
experimentations and processes change over time as the society takes place, as
communication and technology advances, and as further discoveries and understandings
are achieved by science.
As scientists have been arguing as to the definition of science, the same is true
with technology. Martin Heidegger strongly opposes the view that technology is “a means
to an end” or “a human activity.” These two approaches, which Heidegger calls,
respectively, the “instrumental” and “anthropological” definitions, are indeed “correct”, but
do not go deep enough; as he says, they are not yet “true.” Unquestionably, Heidegger
points out, technological objects are means for ends, and are built and operated by human
beings, but the essence of technology is something else entirely. Just as the essence of
a tree is not itself a tree, Heidegger points out, so the essence of technology is not
anything technological. These claims of Heidegger is further discussed in Chapter 6.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FUSED TOGETHER

Brooks (1994) highlighted six relationships between science and technology
1. New knowledge which serves as a direct source of ideas for new technological
possibilities;
e.g. discovery of uranium fission-atomic bomb, X-Rays, LASER,
explorations in Bell Lab leading to invention of the transistor

2. Source of tools and techniques for more efficient engineering design and a
knowledge base for evaluation of feasibility of designs.
e.g. prototyping, theoretical prediction, modeling, and simulation of large
systems, often accompanied by measurement and empirical testing of
subsystems and components.

3. Research instrumentation, lab techniques, and analytical methods used in

research that eventually find their way into design and industrial practices
e.g. the scanning electron microscope (SEMI, ion implantation,
synchrotron radiation sources, phase-shifted lithography, high vacuum
technology, industrial cryogenics, superconducting magnets (originally
developed for cloud chamber observations in particle physics, then
commercialized for ‘magnetic resonance imaging’ (MRI) in medicine)

4. Practice of research as a source for development and assimilation of new

human skills and capabilities eventually useful for technology
e.g. research specialization among scientists

5. Creation of a knowledge base that becomes increasingly important in the

assessment of technology in terms of its wider social and environmental
impacts
e.g. manufacture of a new chemical may involve disposal of wastes which
require knowledge of the groundwater hydrology of the manufacturing site.

6. Knowledge base that enables more efficient strategies of applied research,

development, and refinement of new technologies.
e.g. The accumulated stock of existing scientific (and technological)
knowledge helps to avoid blind alleys and hence wasteful development
expenditures.

Page 3 of 7
WHERE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS TAKING THE SOCIETY

For the past centuries, science and technology has marked a great progress in the
society. Man has benefitted much from the advances made with land, water, air and
animals. Machines and tools have made living so much easier. Communication and
transportation, infrastructures, and agriculture have become more convenient. But
science and technology in itself would not exist without the society. It is the society that
allows for the discoveries and inventions to take place. It is the society that decides how
S&T is to be utilized. And yet, society needs science and technology in order to continue
on. National progress now relies so much on science and technology in the area of
industry, health care, national security, and environmental protection.
In as much as science and technology is taking the society towards progress and
development, the risks and dangers that come with it should be taken lightly and accepted
blindly. Everyone should have keen eyes and observe closely where science and
technology is taking the society. After taking this course in STS, you should be a guardian
of society, not only to make them aware of how science and technology is shaping the
society but how they can partake in keeping the balance between the benefits and
dangers of S&T.

Fig. 1. Interactions of Science, Technology and Society

STS APPROACH
In response to the growing importance of S&T in the contemporary society and the
increasing recognition of that importance, the last two decades have witnessed the birth
and growth of a new academic field: Science, Technology, and Society (STS). STS does
not refer to the kinds of preparatory studies or advanced work in various technical fields
pursued by aspiring or practicing scientists and engineers. Rather, it refers to the study
about science and technology. More precisely, STS refers to the study of science and
technology in society- that is, the study of the ways in which technical and social
phenomena interact and influence each other.

STS also encompasses the internal study of science and technology. Internal
refers to studies of phenomena such as the general nature and interrelationship of
science and technology, the social structures and reward systems of the professions of
science and engineering, and social aspects of everyday scientific and technological
activity.

Page 4 of 7
 Besides their increasing social importance and the growing recognition of that
importance, the phenomena of science and technology in society are studied by scholars
because they are interesting and complex sociocultural phenomena.
STS as an approach means starting with students, their questions, using resources
available to work for their resolution, and wherever possible, advancing to the stage of
taking actual actions individually and in groups to resolve actual issues. STS approach is
expected to increase general interest and understanding of science. It is also expected
to fill a critical void in the traditional curriculum. Harms and Yager (1993) further derive
four main purposes of the STS approach, namely:

1. Preparing students to use science for improving their own lives and as a corollary
to be able to better understand and cope with an increasingly technological
society.
2. Enabling students as they progress through life to deal with STS issues in a
responsible manner.
3. Identifying a body of knowledge that would enable them to deal with STS issues.
4. Acquiring knowledge and understanding about career opportunities in the
field. Enabling the students plan for their careers by comprehending the possible
job opportunities available in their job market.

SUGGESTED READINGS AND REFERENCES

1. Agsalud, Priscilla Signey. (2012). Science, Technology and Society. Great Books
Publishing

2. Bautista, D., N. Bruce, J. Marasigan-Dungo, C. Garcia, J. Imson, R. Labog, F.

Salazar, J. Lee-Santos. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Maxcor
Publishing House Inc

3. Ballena, N., R. Bernal, L. Paquiz, R. Ramos and L. Viet. (2004). Science,

Technology and Society. Trinitas Publishing

Page 5 of 7
 ACTIVITY 1 (Individual Activity)

Instructions:

Read the selection below and reflect on the kind of education you dream for the Filipinos
and the Philippine society as a whole.
Make a 2-minute video presentation of your reflection and answer the following
questions:

1. Do you think our present educational system is the proper means to realize
the kind of education you dream for the Filipinos? Why or why not?

2. With the advent of science and technology in society, how did it affect your
outlook on achieving the best education to prepare you for the future?

“What shapes the best in us dies when the best education dies! The best in us shall
always be undermined when they that are responsible for shaping the best in us are
always undermined!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn books but life!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn moral principles, but they shall be living examples of moral principles.

I stand for a different education: a different education where students don’t just
understand what they learn, but practice what they learn with understanding!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn about people of different beliefs, culture and backgrounds, but how to live with
people who don’t share common perspective with them and know how to show their
emotions of bitterness and misunderstanding rightly!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will be perfect
ambassadors’ of God on earth and live their daily lives with all due diligence!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will understand
why we all breathe the same air, sleep and wake up each day in the same manner to
continue the journey of life!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will learn with
inspiration even in their desperations!

I stand for a different education: a different education where teachers are seen as
true epitome of education!

I stand for a different education: a different education in which the value of the
teacher is well understood and the teacher is well valued as a treasure!

Page 6 of 7
 I stand for a different education: a different education where students will not just
learn, but they will reproduce great and noble things with what they learn!

I stand for a different education: a different education where students will understand
the real meaning of integrity and responsibility and with true courage and humility be
that as such!

I stand for a different education: a different education where education means

creativity!

Education is the spine of every nation! The better the education, the better the nation!
The mediocre the education, the mediocre the nation! A good nation is good because
of how education has shaped the perspective and understanding of the populace! A
nation that does not know where it is heading towards must ask the machine that
produces the populace who drive the nation: education! Until we fix our education, we
shall always have a wrong education and we shall always see a wrong nation!”

— Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

Rubric for Video Presentation

Beginning Developing Accomplished Distinguished
Criteria Score
5 10 15 20
Content In-depth reflection In-depth reflection In-depth reflection In-depth
is not evident. leaves a weak leaves an average reflection
Viewpoints and impression. impression. leaves a strong
interpretations are Viewpoints and Viewpoints and impression.
unsupported, interpretations are interpretations are Viewpoints and
and/or irrelevant. unsupported or supported and interpretations
supported with somewhat are insightful,
flawed arguments, relevant. well supported
and somewhat and relevant.
relevant.
Beginning Developing Accomplished Distinguished
Criteria
2 5 7 10
Organization Organization of Organization of Organization of Organization of
of presentation lacks presentation is presentation the presentation
Presentation a clear point of vague in reflects a fairly is clear and
(Quality and view. The use of conveying a point logical progression concise, with a
Overall look) multimedia of view and does of ideas. The use very logical
elements is poor. not create a strong of multimedia progression of
Effects, pictures, sense of purpose. elements is good. ideas. The use
live-action shots, The use of Use good choice of multimedia
attire, etc. distract multimedia of effects, pictures, elements is
the presentation. elements is not live-action shots, excellent. Use
good. Choice of attire, etc. to excellent choice
effects, pictures, enhance the of effects,
live-action shots, presentation. pictures, live-
attire, etc. action shots,
occasionally appropriate
distract the attire, etc. to
presentation. enhance the
presentation.
Beginning Developing Accomplished Distinguished
Criteria 1 2 4 5
Length of ≤ 1.29 minutes or 1.30-1.44 minutes or 1.45-1.59 minutes or
2.00 minutes
Presentation less ≥ 2.31 minutes 2.16-2.30 minutes 2.01-2.15 minutes
TOTAL SCORE /35
* multimedia element: texts, graphics, audio, animation, video
Page 7 of 7
 CHAPTER 2
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND
SOCIETY: WORLD HISTORY

CHAPTER OUTLINE
Science and Technology in Different Periods
1. Ancient Period (ca. 3,000 B.C. - 500A.D.)
2. Mesoamerican Period
(1200 B.C.-3rd Century A.D.)
3. Medieval Period (ca. 500 - 1,500)
4. Renaissance Period (14th - 17th Century)
5. Middle East (17th Century)
6. Intellectual Revolution (18th Century)
7. Industrial Revolution (18th Century) Ancient Egyptian Architectural Technology
Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+science/britanica

8. African Revolution
9. In 19th Century
10. In 20th Century

“Everything is theoretically impossible, until it is done. One could write a history of

science in reverse by assembling the solemn pronouncements of highest authority
about what could not be done and could never happen.” – Robert Heinlein
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. explain the historical timeline of science and technology;
2. analyse the difference between the different periods involved in the development
of Science and Technology; and
3. showcase their understanding of the different periods involved in the development
of Science and Technology through a creative role-play

INTRODUCTION
Science and technology is evident since the beginning of time. New
knowledge made it possible to create new things that would help people improve
their everyday living. Development in the field of science has helped humans to have
a better life while advancement in technology made the lives of the people much
easier by developing new machines that helped their way of living effortless.
In combination, science and technology transforms the lives of humans. It helps
provide growth in the field of medicine, transportation, engineering and even
entertainment that until today people are benefiting from.
The development of science and technology has gone so far, tracing how it all began
would give us a better idea on how it has developed since then and what are the
significant changes that has happened throughout time. By looking back at the
history of science and technology, we will be able to determine its progression

Page 1 of 12
CONTENT
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN DIFFERENT PERIODS
The next discussions will reveal the different evidences on how the development of
science and technology has been part of the early days of humankind.

Ancient Period (ca. 3,500 B.C. - 500 A.D.)

Accumulation of knowledge and passing it from generation to generation has
begun when the modern humans evolved from their hominid ancestors. They used
stones as tools, and then learned how to shape stones to make more efficient tools.
As the tools improved, so people were able to use them to fashion weapons and
other artifacts from bone, antler, and wood. They also learned how to capture fire
from natural sources such as wild fires, and later to make fire for themselves by using
the heat generated by friction or sparks from stones, or by concentrating the sun's
heat.

Here are some of the development in science and technology during the ancient
period (Goddard, 2010):
EUROPE
ca 750,000 Fire is used by Homo erectus.
ca 45,000 Stone-headed spears are used in Europe.
ca 20,000 The wooden bow and arrow are used in Spain and Saharan Africa. People
in Southern Europe use sewing needles made from bone.
ca 2000 The Minoans build palaces in Crete.
ca 1000 Ironworking is introduced in Greece.
ca 1000 Etruscan craftsmen make false teeth from gold.

THE AMERICAS
ca 8,500 North Americans make stone arrowheads.
ca 8,000 The Folsom people living on eastern side of the Poe's Mountains develop
sophisticated tools.
ca 6000 Pottery is made in South America.
ca 2500 People in the Arctic makes flirt tools.
ca 1750 Peruvians build a long canal to irrigate their cops.
ca 1200 Fishermen in Peru makes rafts and boats from reeds
ca 1200 Olmec sculptors carve figurines and giant human heads.

ASIA AND OCEANIA

ca 11,000 The earliest-known day pots are made in Japan.
ca 5200 People in Iran make wine.
ca 4000 Bronze is first made in Thailand.
ca 3500 The plow is invented in both China and Mesopotamia.
ca 3000 Boats in China are equipped with anchors.
ca 2950 A lunar calendar is developed in China.
Page 2 of 12
ca 2500 Clay pipes are used as drains in Pakistan.
ca 2500 Chinese doctors begin using acupuncture.
ca 2296 Chinese astronomers record the sighting of a comet.
ca 1361 Chinese astronomers record a solar eclipse.
ca 1000 The Chinese begin writing on bamboo or paper made from bark.
ca 1000 The Hindu calendar of 360 days is introduced in India.
ca 850 The Chinese use natural gas for lighting.

It has contributed a lot ideas or discoveries for Archaeology. The temple and
pyramids left a lot about of Architecture that leads us to study more of it.

Mesoamerican Period (1200 B.C. – 3rd Century A.D.)

The term Mesoamerica comes from the Greek word mesos meaning "in the
middle." This period is characterized by the following civilizations:

Olmecs ((1500 B.C.-400 B.C.)

 The top of the society are priests and nobles who lived in ceremonial
centers.
 Normal people lived in farming villages around the elites.
 Carved colossal heads from volcanic rocks as portraits of rulers.
 Invented calendar and carved hieroglyphic writing into stone.
 The mother culture of Mesoamerica.
Mayans (300 B.C.-900 A.D.)
 Developed methods of farming such as shifting agriculture and raised bed
farming.
 Organized into city-state without political unity but bounded economy.
 Developed numbering system including place value and the concept of
zero.
 Developed hieroglyphic form of writing that were used for recording
astronomical observations, rituals and religious matter but was burnt during
the invasion of Spanish conquerors.
 Developed a solar calendar with 365 days and ritual calendar with 260
days.

Aztecs (12th-15th Century)

 Built chinampas or “floating gardens” to plant crops.
 Built empire which has a ruler with his council consisting of nobles, priest,
and military leaders.
 Developed a calendar with 365 days and a ritual calendar with 260 days.
 Believed that illness is a punishment from the gods but still uses herbs and
medicine for treatment

Medieval Period (ca. 500-1500)

The Medieval Period also known as “Dark Ages” is considered to be one of
the creative periods in the history of humans and said to be the start of the first
industrial revolution. The term “Dark Ages” came up because there are few written
records remained from the said era. There are very little evidence that will support
that there was progress in the society during the periods 500 to 1500.
Page 3 of 12
 In the years immediately after the fall of Rome, there was a period of
readjustment, where medieval society was more concerned with keeping peace and
empire building than nurturing centers of learning. Despite this, Charlemagne (742-
814) a medieval emperor who ruled Western Europe in 800-814, tried to establish a
scholastic tradition. The later Middle Ages (around 1250-1500 A.D.) saw
advancements in the philosophy of science and the refinement of the scientific
method. Far from being a backwards-medieval society, overshadowed by Islam and
Byzantium, scholasticism acted as a nucleus for the Renaissance and the
Enlightenment.
This was the time for discovering great new inventions in science and
technology. There were greater advancement in technology and adaptation of
Eastern technologies in the West, including the invention of vertical windmills,
spectacles, mechanical clocks, greatly improved water mills, building techniques like
the Gothic style, and three-field crop rotation.
One of the greatest inventions during the Middle Ages was the printing press
of Johannes Gutenberg (ca. 1395-1468) in the 15th century. It was Gutenberg who
made printing mechanized. The invention of the printing press itself obviously, owed
much to the medieval paper press, in turn modeled after the ancient wine-and-olive
press of the Mediterranean area. A long handle was used to turn a heavy wooden
screw, exerting downward pressure against the paper, which was laid over the type
mounted on a wooden platen. In its essentials, the wooden press reigned supreme
for more than 300 years, with a hardly varying rate of 250 sheets per hour printed on
one side.

Renaissance Period (14th-17th Century)

The term Renaissance is used to refer to the period of rebirth as age of
preparation for the 17th century scientific development and achievements. One of the
greatest achievements in Western Europe during this period was the technology of
printing books and other documents which helped the rapid spread of knowledge and
information as well as the preservation of culture. The technology of the Chinese in
preparing printed materials was followed and used by the Muslims and later
introduced in Europe.
Renaissance connects the period of Middle Ages to modern history. It is
closely connected with Italy, where it began in the 14th century, although some
European countries also went into same cultural changes and phenomena.
Many historians prefer to think of the Renaissance as primarily an intellectual and
cultural movement rather than a historical period. Robert Wilde, U.K. based historian
born April 30, 1977 said that interpreting the Renaissance as a time period, though
convenient for historians, “masks the long roots of the Renaissance (para.2)”.
According to Wilde in his interview with livescience.com, the demand for
perfect reproductions of texts and the renewed focus on studying them helped trigger
one of the biggest discoveries in the whole of human history: printing with movable
type. It allowed Bibles, secular books, printed music and more to be made in larger
amounts and reach more people. On the other hand, people and a lot of steps were
involved. Wood printing first came to the West from China in 1250-1350,
papermaking originated from China has reached 12th century Spain, and the new
printers' ink originated from Flemish oil painting. In Mainz, Germany, Gutenberg
made final steps in wooden press by casting a metal type and locking into it. The
invention spread fast, reaching European countries from 1467-1483. By 1500,
Europe had already produced six million copies of books. Without the printing press,
communications revolution would not happen and it would not transform the condition
of life. The communications revolution greatly made an impact in human
opportunities for enlightenment and pleasure and created unimaginable possibilities
for manipulation and control on the other. The consideration of these contradictory
Page 4 of 12
effects may shield us against a ready acceptance of triumphalist conceptions of the
Renaissance or historical change in general.
Also, Polish mathematician and astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)
made one of science's greatest achievement. He presented the theory of heliocentric
where he said that the sun is the center of the solar system instead of the earth. It
was a major breakthrough in the history of science, though the Catholic Church
banned Copernicus' book.
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was also a major Renaissance scientist
persecuted for his scientific experiments. Galileo improved the telescope, discovered
new celestial bodies, and found support for a heliocentric solar system. He
conducted' motion experiments on pendulums and falling objects that paved the way
for Isaac Newton's (1643-1727) discoveries about gravity.

The revolutions in the Middle East were a product of the development and
growth of individual nationalism, imperialism, for the efforts to western and
modernize Middle Eastern societies, and to push the declining power of the
Ottoman Empire in the Arab region.

Middle East (17th Century)

Middle east is a term used to describe a geographic location that extends from
Egypt to Afghanistan where Islam arose. Islam, however, is a religion of right actions,
rules, and laws that began in the 7th century and follows the teachings of Muhammad
who was believed by Muslims as the messenger of God. Islam is also an Arabic word
meaning “submission to God”. Islamic rules are symbolized by five obligatory acts or
the five pillars of Islam: Witness (Shahada), worship (salat), fasting (Sawm), Tithing
(Zakat), and Pilgrimage (Hajj). If the Roman Catholic Church has the “Bible” Islam,
on the other hand, also has its holy book called Qur’an (Koran).
Seemingly different to other ancient civilizations like Europe, Isla as religion
plays an important role not only in Arab ways of living but also in the advancement of
science. The pursuit of knowledge is included in the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad. This practicality of Islam and openness to embracing knowledge
resulted to some advancement in the field of geography, medicine, and mathematics.

Contributions to Geography
 Salat prayers require knowledge in geography to know the direction of the
Qublah, i.e., the direction that should be faced when Muslims pray.
 In 1166, Al Idrisi produced very accurate maps including a world map that
has continents, mountains, rivers, and famous cities.
 Al-Muqdishi, a geographer, also produced an accurate colored map.
 Muslims are great navigators for the expeditions of other countries.
Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus imported Muslim
navigators.
Contributions to Mathematics
 Muslims invented symbols to express an unknown quantity.
 Made use of zero and decimal system.
 Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī (early 9th century), one of the first
directors of the house of Wisdom, introduced algebra in solving equation.
Medical Contributions
 Arabs made use of human cadaver to study and understand its anatomy
and physiology.

Page 5 of 12
  Abū-‘Alī al-Husayn ibn-‘Abdallā Ibn-Sīnā or Avicenna (ca. 970-1037) wrote
an encyclopedia of medical knowledge. This work was translated into Latin
and was used as a textbook in Europe up to 17th century.
 Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariyya al-Razi spearheaded the construction
of the first Islamic Bimaristans (hospital)

INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTION (18TH CENTURY)

The Age of Enlightenment is a period in Europe in the 18 th century when many
writers and thinkers began to question established beliefs. These beliefs include the
authority of kings or the of the Church, in favor of reason and scientific proof. The
idea developed that everyone was of equal value and had equal rights.

Copernican Revolution

This caused the paradigm shift of how the earth and sun were placed in the
heavens/universe. It is the idea that rejected Ptolemaic model (earth is the center of the
solar system) and proved the heliocentric model (Sun is the center of the solar system
having the earth revolving around it.)
The theories and ideas from ancient thinkers about the natural world and the
universe laid a foundation of how we understand astronomy today. Though there is
only a small number of extraordinary thinkers during the time of antiquity, there is
always a divergence of theories and ideas of philosophers during that time. The fact
that the Earth is not the center of the solar system is only one of the results of
scientific revolution. Mathematics was the common tool used by ancient astronomers
to explain the motion of celestial bodies and on the latter combined with actual
observations that provided enough evidences proving that the Sun is the center of
the solar system. The remarkable contributions of ancient astronomers to the
development from Geocentric to Heliocentric model of the Universe is listed in table
4.1.

Table 4.1 Notable contributions of ancient astronomers to the development of the

universe
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.,
Greek)
Aristarchus (310-230 B.C.,
Greek)
Hipparchus (190-120 B.C.,
Greek)
Claudius Ptolemy (85-165
A.D., Greek)
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-
1543,Polish)
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642,
Italian)
Johannes Kepler (1571-
Proved that the Earth is spherical
Earth was at the center of the universe, i.e., sun,
planets, and stars were located in sphere that
revolved around the Earth.
The first to propose the idea that the Sun was the
center of the universe.
Considered to be the greatest astronomer of ancient
times.
Used Hipparchus observations to develop the
Ptolemaic System which describes the Earth as the
center of the universe with sun, moon, planets, and
stars revolving around it in a circular orbit.
Concluded that the Sun, not the Earth is the center of
the universe.
Supported Copernican model of the universe.
Formulated the three Laws of Planetary Motion.
Page 6 of 12
 1630, German)

Darwinian Revolution

This has brought a great impact on how people approach Biology forever. This revolution
provided a different than the "theory of Creation". The Darwinian revolution started when
Charles Darwin published his book "The Origin of Species" that emphasizes that humans
are the result of an evolution.
Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882) is a biologist who was famously known for
his works on evolution and the process of natural selection. He studied Divinity in
Cambridge where he met Adam Sedgwick (1785-1873) and the naturalist John
Henslow (1796-1861) who brought back his interest in biology and geology.
With the teaching of the church and the influence of Henslow, Darwin also
rejected the idea of Lamarck that acquired characteristics are inheritable. His faith
altered after five years mapping expedition with the British Army in 1831 headed by
Vice-Admiral Robert Fitzroy (1805-1865) of the ship named H.M.S Beagle. He made
observations on diversity of organisms in the Galapagos Islands and adaptation
which laid the foundation to develop his theory of evolution and natural selection.
Evolution, as explained by Darwin, occurs by means of natural selection, in
addition, natural selection might occur because of the following reasons:
a) Overproduction and variation-some species produce many offspring but not all
of these will survive. It means that not all of the offspring do not have the
characteristics to survive in the environment.
b) Competition and Selection- Competition may or may not be direct but the idea
is always on the survival of organism. The organisms that survived more likely
reproduce which transfer their characteristics to their offspring.
c) Environmental change- the environment will not adjust for the organism but
rather it is always the organism that will change to adapt to the environment.

Freudian Revolution

This theory has started to revolutionize Psychiatry with Sigmund Freud. This includes the
"Freudian Theory of Personality" that involves the human development contributes to
his/her personality and also his "psychoanalysis" that is the process for achieving proper
functioning if a human does not complete his/her developmental stage.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) explained how human mind works and

cure its mild mental illness. He calls this method psychoanalysis and its main
goal is to make unconscious conscious. He also developed topographical and
structural model of the mind to basically explain the sources of human
behavior.

a) Conscious mind- consists of According to the topographical model of

thoughts that focus on the Freud, the mind is divided into three regions. These
are the subconscious, preconscious, and conscious
present state of mind.
mind.
b) Preconscious mind- consists
of what can be retrieved from
the memory.
c) Subconscious mind- consists
of the primitive desires,
wishes, or impulse, which is Page 7 of 12
mediated by the preconscious
mind.
 The Structural Model of the
Mind
The structural model of Freud
elaborates his
topographical model
which preconscious
mind is then divided
into superego, ego,
id.
a) Ego-drives a socially
acceptable way to
satisfy the demands
of id as it operates
the conscious and
unconscious mind
b) Id- comprises Eros,
the life or survival
instinct of man and
Thanatos the death or destructive instinct of man.
c) Super ego- operates based on the principles of morality that drive man to
become socially responsible and behave in an acceptable manner. It
basically means that super-ego drives a man to follow rules and resolves
the conflict between ego and the id.

Industrial Revolution (18th Century)

People rely on their hands in doing labor works even before the machines
have emerged after a century that significantly increases of production output. The
phenomenal process in the transfer of doing work by human hands and feet to the
use of machines was called The Industrial Revolution.
It began in Great Britain and spread across Europe, America, and even Asia
from 1760 to 1840. It was a fundamental change in the way goods were produced
and altered the way people lived. The Industrial Revolution was a time of scientific
and technological advancement which spanned the period during late 19th century to
early 19th century. Partly through good fortune and partly through conscious effort,
Britain by the early 18th century came to possess the combination of social needs
and social resources that provided the necessary preconditions for a commercially
successful innovation and a social system capable of sustaining and institutionalizing
the processes of rapid technological change.
One of the major setbacks of the Industrial Revolution was skilled workers
were set aside because operation of new machines were used. The companies also
hired women and children increasingly which cost lower than of the skilled workers.
Manual/physical labor was changed into machine operated devices, even
tradesperson replaced the craftsrmen and the applied scientists replaced the
amateur inventors.
Aside from these, three important technologies formed the foundations of the
first Industrial Revolution namely, iron production, steam engine, and textiles.
The steam engine has been around but later on improved by Scottish James
Watt (1736-1819) and other investors after 1778. It was used to run machines and
made a major contribution to the first Industrial Revolution. The steam-powered
machine was improved gradually and was adapted for many uses and the use of
more complex machinery was made possible. The development and refinement of
machine tools by British engineers Henry Maudslay (1771-1831) and Joseph

Page 8 of 12
Whitworth (1803-1887) played a key and crucial part in the later phase of the first
Industrial Revolution as machine tool technology enabled standardized
manufacturing machines to be fabricated.
Some of the greatest inventions were introduced by American scientist, such
as during this period was Robert Fulton's (1765-1815) steamboat that used one of
Watt's engines. Thomas Edison (1847-1931) who invented the light bulb. Alexander
Graham Bell (1847-1922) who invented the telephone. English engineer George
Stephenson (1781-1848) developed the first steam-powered locomotive.

African Revolution
Africans like other Eastern civilizations are pioneers of some advancement in
science and technology. They worked independently without any influence of
European science. Some remarkable works of Africans were in the field of
mathematics, metallurgy, architecture and engineering, astronomy, medicine, and
navigation. The remarkable contributions of Africans are the following:

 Africans made use of the first method of counting.

 The modern concepts of mathematics that is globally accepted and used
today in high schools was first developed in Africa.
 Used advanced techniques for furnace that made it fuel efficient which
was 200 to 400°C hotter compared to 1600°C-furnace used by the
Romans.
 Created the building of Zimbabwe and the 11 interconnected rock-hewn
churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia which are considered as wonders of the
world.
 Observations on Sirius A and B by Dogon people.
 Cushitic people used their knowledge of stars and constellations to
calculate and establish an accurate calendar.
 Pioneered some medical practices like installation of false teeth, filling of
dental cavities, broken bone setting, bone traction, vaccination, brain
surgery, skin grafting, and autopsy.
 Made use of plants like the bark of Salix capensis as source of aspirin,
kaopectate for treating diarrhea and Rauwolfia vomitoria as source of
reserpine for hypertension and snakebite.
 Built boats in varying sizes with the largest that can carry a load of 80
tons.

In the 19th Century

In the 19th century, witnessed the rise of modern industry, from agriculture to
industrial manufacturing and technology-intensive services. An unending stream of
new products turned out by factories employing radically new technologies, skills,
and organization drove this emerging modern world.
Based on the Gregorian calendar, 19th century lasted from 1801 to 1900. The
invention of useable electricity, steel, and petroleum products led into a second
Industrial Revolution during the 19th century. This century was considered to be the
age of machine tools. Tools were made for tools; machines were made for other
parts of another machine.

During the 19th century, science also made great progress.

• John Dalton (1766-1844) published his atomic theory in 1803. Dalton also studied
color blindness.
Page 9 of 12
• Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907) formulated the Periodic Table.
• Hermann von Helmholtz (1821-1894) formulated the law of the Conservation
of Energy in 1847. In 1851, he invented the ophthalmoscope. In the late 19th century,
physics made great strides.
• James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) showed that light is an electromagnetic wave in
1873 and was later on proved by Heinrich Hertz (1857-1894) in 1888.
• Henri Becquerel (1852-1908) discovered radioactivity in 1896.
• Marie Curie (1867-1934) and Pierre Curie (1859-1906) discovered radium in 1898.
• Joseph Thomson discovered the electron in 1897.

In the 19th century, people mastered electricity.

• Hans Christian Oersted (1777-1851) discovered that electric current is a wire
caused a nearby compass needle to move is 1819.
• Michael Faraday (1791-1867) showed that a magnet can produce electricity
and in 1831 he invented the dynamo.
• Samuel F.B. Morse (1791-1872) invested the electric telegraph is 1937.

In the 19th century, machines in factories were usually operated by steam

engines. At the end of the 19th century, they began to covert to electricity. In the mid-
19th century, railways revolutionized travelling and made travel much faster. Steam
locomotives pulled the carriages.
• Kari Benz (1844-1929) and Gottlieb Daimler (1834-1900) made the first cars in
1885 and 1836.
Meanwhile, the steamship revolutionized travelling a sea. At 1815, steamships
were crossing the English Channel. Furthermore took several weeks to cross the
Atlantic. Then in 1838, a steamship called the Sirius made the jobs across the
Atlantic in 19 days. However steam did not completely replace sail until the end of
the 19th century when the steam turbine was used on ships

In the 20th- Century

It is not skeptical that the 20th century is one of the most noticeable in the
history of humans for its incomparable technological advances and scientific
discoveries. There were a lot of new technologies made and science discoveries.
Technology was rapidly developed in the 20th century. With the use of
scientific methods and funding for research, it helped achieve the advancement of
modern science and technology. With the ascension of new technology, it enhanced
the communication and transportation system of humans and brought it closer to
people. Military research and development brought about the rise of electronic
computing and jet engines. Radio and telephony enriched greatly and reached a
wider population of users, though near-universal access was impossible until mobile
phones became affordable for the people in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The relationship between science and technology has become more
problematic on several levels in the 20th century. In the face of an ever-growing
complexity, technology has become more scientific and the natural sciences more
technological, as the social scientific concept of techno science indicates. At the
same time, many technological innovations since the 1970s have only slowly resulted
in job-creating new products.
Some of the greatest technological advancement during this period was the
creation of personal computer. In 1971, Intel developed a microprocessor that made
Page 10 of 12
computer smaller, easier to use, and cheaper which replaced the early computers
that were bulky and had a tube-powered behemoths. Computer has become a
dominant tool in the global economy and as a necessity in many homes that until
today we greatly rely on them. Steve Jobs (1955-2011) and Steve Wozniak (1950)
have redefined the meaning of computer by introducing Apple in 1976. While in
connection with the invention of personal computers, the Internet was also created in
1969 for defense-related research known as ARPANet or Advanced Research
Projects Agency Network. It helped us in terms of global communication, gathering
information through searching, conducting business matters and on our everyday
affairs through the World Wide Web which was created in 1989.
Another one is the automobiles or cars, which were considered to be one of
the most revolutionary technological advancements in the century. Exploitation of the
said technology was made possible because of Henry Ford (1863-1947) by devising
a system of mass production for the Model T in 1908. It made cars affordable to
people and also made a dramatic change in the society. Using automobiles as a form
of transportation has connected people together including those in the rural areas to
urban centers.
One of the breakthroughs during the century was the invention of Artificial
Intelligence that has the capacity for a computer to perform humanlike intellectual
processes and it was later on developed during the 1940's. Modern A.I. features
specially designed computers that can think" similarly to humans. A.I. is also being
used to assist doctors in making medical diagnoses. While there are no any program
or computer existing today that can match the man's full intellectual capacity.

REFERENCES
1. Agsalud, Priscilla Signey. (2012). Science, Technology and Society. Great
Books
Publishing

2. Bautista, D., N. Bruce, J. Marasigan-Dungo, C. Garcia, J. Imson, R. Labog, F.

Salazar, J. Lee-Santos. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Maxcor
Publishing House Inc

3. Ballena, N., R. Bernal, L. Paquiz, R. Ramos and L. Viet. (2004). Science,

Technology and Society. Trinitas Publishing

4. https://www.slideshare.net/rey_john_rey/intellectual-revolutions-that-defined-
society?from_action=save

SUGGESTED READINGS / WEBSITE/

VIDEOS/ FILM CLIPS
i. Bautista, D.H., N.S. Burce, J.M. Dungo, C.S. Garcia, J.B. Imson, R.A.
Labog, F.J.B. Salazar and J.L. Santos (2018). Science Technology and
Society. MaxCor Pub. House, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines
ii. Goddard, J. (2010). Concise history of science and inventions: An
illustrated Timeline. Washington, D.C., USA: National Geographic Society
iii. 123 Help me. (n.d.). History of science and technology. Retrieved from
http://www.123helpme.com/history-of-science-and-technology-
view.asp?id=158842
Page 11 of 12
 iv. Moistero, A.P. (2006). Science, technology and society. Quezon City:
Educational Publishing House
v. The scientist-history of
science.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgp_Oh7eifA
vi. Progress in science and technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlwwZZeiz5o

ACTIVITY
CREATIVE REPRESENTATION
INSTRUCTION:
Your Instructor will be grouping your class into ten (10) groups representing
each of the periods in this topic (refer to the Chapter Outline). You are then to choose
significant discoveries and events from that period by creatively re-enacting these
discoveries and events. Make sure to present it vividly, worth-remembering and
concise by choosing proper attire, preparing the environment for shooting and
polishing the information in the script which you are to use.
Have your presentation in video (consider also effects to make your
presentation more realistic e.g. soundtrack, old film effects, props etc.) with a
minimum length of five (5) minutes and maximum of ten (10) minutes. ALL of the
members should be seen in the presentation. English language is required in the
presentation.

SCORING CRITERIA
You will be scored based on the rubric below:
CRITERIA 8-10 5-7 3-4 1-2
Accuracy and Point-of-view is Point-of-view is Point-of-view is Point-of-view is
believability of always realistic usually realistic often realistic and rarely realistic
role and consistent in and consistent in consistent in each and consistent in
each of the each of the of the character each of the
character character character
Clarity of speech, Always expresses Usually expresses Often expresses Rarely expresses
expression and emotion through emotion through emotion through emotion through
body language speech, voice, speech, voice, speech, voice, speech, voice,
facial expressions facial expressions facial expressions facial expressions
and gestures. and gestures. and gestures. and gestures.
Presentation of Always clearly Usually clearly Often clearly Cannot deliver in
information delivers in vivid delivers in vivid delivers in vivid vivid and creative
and creative ways and creative ways and creative ways ways the
the information the information the information information
needed in each of needed in each of needed in each of needed in each of
the period. the period. the period. the period.
Accuracy of All Information Most Information Only some None of the
information presented is presented is Information Information
accurately based accurately based presented is presented is
from the module from the module accurately based accurately based
and is enriched by and is enriched by from the module from the module
the students’ the students’ with minimal and no research
research. research. research done by was done by the

Page 12 of 12
 the students. students.
CRITERIA 5 3-4 1 0
Time of 5:00 min to 4:59 – 3:00 min or 2:59-1:00 min or 0:59 min. below
presentation Max. 10:00 min 10:01-10:30 min 10:31-11:00 min or 11:01 min.
above

Page 13 of 12
 GEC17 Science, Technology, and Society
Second Semester, 2021-2022

CHAPTER 3
THE INFORMATION AGE

Chapter Outline
 The Pre-Gutenberg World
 The Gutenberg World
 The Post-Gutenberg World
 Information Age
 Social Media and Its Impact on
Society

INTRODUCTION

Currently, there is a massive increase in social media usage, which has

accelerated the spread of information. Social media has evolved into a powerful tool for
sharing information. Considering the current challenging situation caused by the COVID
19 pandemic, where face-to-face interaction is limited, social media ensures that
everyone has easy access to information. It refers to the so-called "Information Age,"
where people access and control information that impacts practically every area of
modern life.

The information age is the modern era in which knowledge has become a
commodity. Thanks to computer technology, there is rapid and widespread diffusion of
information, and data is easily accessible (Merriam-webster.com). With the introduction
of computer technology, it has been much easier to share ideas, thoughts, and
information through forming virtual networks and communities (Investopedia.com).

Learning Outcomes
After going through this module, you must be able to:

1. explore an issue on the accuracy of the information in social media;

2. familiarize the pre-Gutenberg World, Gutenberg Revolution, and post-Gutenberg
world;
3. illustrate how social media and the information age affected our society; and
4. explore an issue on the accuracy of the information in social media.

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn,
unlearn, and relearn.
AlvinToffler, American Futurist,
Writer of the Future shock and the Third wave 1970

Page 1 of 8
 The Pre-Gutenberg World:

During this time, books were produced by hand and transcribed using clay,
papyrus wax, and parchment. The government chooses the people to be given the
education to read. Thus education is selected for the few because of the fear of mass
communication influence that will hinder their ruling. The primary method of transmitting
information is through "word-of-mouth" channels. The first printing press was built in 1440
through Johannes Gutenberg that prompted the start of mass communication. But the
spread of mass communication slowly progressed, that it took hundreds of years.

The Gutenberg Revolution

"The printing press was an important step towards the democratization of knowledge."

Eisenstein, 1969

Researchers described the Gutenberg Revolution as a term to express the

democratizing effects of the invention of the printing press on society. Worldwide changes
had taken place because of the creation of the printing press. Democracy occurred and
impacted the community, allowing people to express what they had not done before.
However, information distribution during this time is expensive and only afforded to the
few, but this issue was addressed through the institutionalized and mediated distribution
of information.

The Post-Gutenberg World

The Post-Gutenberg world is described as the social media revolution. In this era,
mass communication distribution costs nothing because everyone has the tools
(Slideshare.net). Let us trace and describe the development of disseminating information
as shown in the timeline below. It will help us appreciate the way the data is acquired and
distributed today.

Information Dissemination Development Timeline

Page 2 of 8
 In the early times of the internet, it still follows Gutenberg's Principle because
money and time are required for internet accessibility and information dissemination. The
greater access to information during this time is still yet to be fulfilled. However, over time
the development of the internet changes people's way of communicating with the world.
It created significant expansions like the possibility of uploading and downloading various
media forms such as images, videos, and audios through internet access and the ease
of dissemination and publication of information brought about by the different tools. Thus,
every individual and potential individual can now have the information at hand, which
describes the Post-Gutenberg Principle or Social Information Principle (Stacy, 2008).

Belonging to society, giving and receiving precautions and instructions, providing

comfort and encouragement, and improving everyday ways and means served as the
drive for man to communicate and continuously exchange information. In the early times,
distance, time, and location challenge communication slowing the process of reaching
information to the receiving end. Yet, people communicated the data using various signals
like fire, flags, drums, and writings on clay or stone tablets. Animals like horses and birds
were also used as a means to deliver information. But this process is not as easy as one
thinks it would be. However, the discovery and invention of communication and
information technology facilitated a fast, easy and convenient method of communication.
The historical periods of the Information Technology Revolution are presented below.
(Washington, DC. Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (OASD), Command &
Control Research Program (CCRP), 1997).

1. The First Modern Information Revolution

 Began in the mid-19th century

 Includes telegraph, telephone, and radio
 The mentioned inventions improve peoples' lives, allowing more accessible
communications in businesses, government, military, and foreign policy
establishments.

Telegraph Telephone Radio Cassette Recorder

Commons.wikimedia.org Pikist.com (Creative Commons) Ebay.com (Pinterest.ph)

2. The Second Modern Revolution

Followed the first modern information revolution

 Extended until the mid-20th century
 Includes television, early generation computers, and satellites
 The mentioned inventions greatly improved communication and have bypassed even
further distances in a faster time.
 It benefits industrial and governmental affairs by saving money which at first spent on
communication and exchange of information.

Page 3 of 8
 Television First Generation Personal Computer Satellite
Pixy.org Quora.com Pixabay.com

3. The Third Modern Information Revolution

 Began in the 1980s and has surpassed the two other revolutions
 This is our time called the "Knowledge Revolution"
 Includes advanced information technologies
 It has a remarkable impact on politics, economics, sociology, knowledge creation, and
distribution culture.

Web design & Advanced Observation Next Generation

Web images Tower Reef Monitoring
Pixabay.com aims.gov.au aims.gov.au

Benefits of this Information Age

Some of the benefits that society gets in this information age are the following:
1. It allows more significant savings of money usually spent to ensure the communication
has reached the receiving end.
2. It allows for more effective and efficient communication.
3. It allows easy production and distribution of goods from producers to wholesalers,
retailers, and consumers.
4. It improves the national economy as it flourished the businesses of the business
sectors.
5. It improves the ways of handling political affairs at the national and international levels.
6. It made military affairs easy by providing adequate and timely communication, thus
preventing the occurrence of supposed to be wars, and
7. It makes the world closer by making family members and friends in distant places
reachable with just one click.

Social Media and Its Impact to the Society

The use of social media has been noted as the most popular online activity. The
year 2020 showed an estimated 3.6 billion people using social media worldwide, and this
number was projected to increase to almost 4.41 billion in 2025. As shown below, the

Page 4 of 8
Philippines' most used social media platforms among internet users in the 3rd quarter of
2019 are Facebook, YouTube, and FB messenger (Sanchez, 2020).

Source: Sanchez (2020). Philippines: Number of internet users 2015 -

2020.https://www.statista.com/statistics/221179/internet-users-philippines/

How Do Social Media Change the World?

A globally recognized blogger, speaker, educator, consultant, and author Mark W.

Schaefer (2016), described how social media changed the world. According to him, social
media changed the world in extraordinary ways.

1. It makes people less individualistic, and traditional groups are

more reinforced.
2. It serves as an essential catalyst in education, including informal
learning.
3. Various messages around the world can be shared through
selfies.
4. Online equality and offline equality are different.
5. It's the people who utilize social media, not the company, that Mark W. Schaefer
Intervistato.com
defines social media function.
6. It is perceived as conservative or traditionalist.
7. Posted photos and the use of emoji in social media have shifted human
communication.
8. It makes the world less homogenous.
9. Social media promote personal commerce.
10. Can create group communications.
11. It becomes "online homes" to some people.
12. It profoundly affects gender relations.
13. It makes human conversations and relationships polymedia.
14. Memes in social media have become the moral police that has set normal behavior
standards among the general public.
15. Privacy is threatened except for those who do not use it.

Page 5 of 8
 Some Issues of Using Social Media

Social media have both positive and negative impacts on society. Most of the
positive effects of social media have already been mentioned. However, the use of social
media showed associated risks or issues. From one of the articles of effectiviology.com.,
the dangers or problems associated with the use of social media include the following:
1. General issues such as exposure to misinformation, violation of one's privacy, and
political polarization.
2. Issues in specific situations like cyberbullying and stalking.
3. Interferes important obligations like schoolwork that may affect the grades of students.
4. Social media addiction.
5. Health risks include anxiety, stress, depression, emotional exhaustion, loneliness,
envy, low self-esteem, low-quality sleep, and health problems.
The use of social media is inevitable, for it provides lots of benefits. Today, it
doesn't appear easy to live a day without social media. But it is also essential to be aware
of the social and ethical issues involved. Awareness of its benefits and potential risks will
guide everyone on what decisions may affect this digital world.

Privacy and Social Media Policy in the Philippines

The Philippines has no direct and specific policy regarding social media. However,
laws and jurisprudence generally deal with privacy concerning social media, stipulated in
the Constitution, Revised Penal Code, Rules of Court, and Civil Code (Brutas, 2015). The
general laws related to privacy and social media in the Philippines, as cited by Brutas
(2015), include:
1. The 1987 Constitution – contains provisions about the right to privacy under the Bill of
Rights, which includes the Right against unreasonable searches and seizures and the
Right to privacy of communication and correspondence.

2. The Civil Code of the Philippines, Chapter 2 Article 26 under Human Relations. "Every
person shall respect the dignity, personality, privacy, and peace of mind of his
neighbors and other persons."

3. The Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 recognizes invasion of privacy as a
criminal offense. It penalizes those who take photo or video coverage of a person or
group of persons performing sexual act or any similar activity or of capturing an image
of private area of a person(s) without the latter's consent, under circumstances in which
such person(s) has/have reasonable expectation of privacy.

4. Human Security Act of 2007 - enacted to counter and manage terrorism in the
Philippines. Human Security Act, Section 17- defines terrorism as one that "causes
widespread and extraordinary fear and panic among the populace."

5. Data Privacy Act of 2012 states that an act is protecting individual personal information
and communications systems in the government and the private sector. It mandates
the public and private institutions to protect and preserve the integrity and

Page 6 of 8
 confidentiality of all personal data they might gather, including the processing of
personal information and sensitive personal information.

6. The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 addressed crimes committed in cyberspace

and ICT use, such as Illegal access (hacking), data interference, device misuse,
computer fraud, cybersex, and spam. The law reaffirms existing laws against a.) child
pornography, an offense under RA 9779 (the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009) and
2.) Under Section 355 of the Philippines' Revised Penal Code, Libel, an offense
includes committing this offense through a computer system.

7. Jurisprudences – the course of court decision decided by the Philippine Supreme Court
that deals with privacy concerning social media like the case of St. Theresa's College
in Cebu where concerned students were prevented from participating in the Graduation
Exercise in March 2012 because of their provocative posts in social media. The court
decision of this case was based on the violations that these students committed against
the school's Code of Conduct. Although the parents of the concerned filed a lawsuit
against the school over the invasion of students' privacy, the Philippine Supreme Court
ruled in favor of the school, stating that nothing is ever private in Facebook. The court
ruled that "St. Theresa College did not violate the minor's privacy rights" and thus
dismissed the parents' petition.

Evaluating a Web Site

Concerning the issue of misinformation

from internet sources, consumers of
information must have a way of distinguishing
sources that provide reliable and accurate
information. Students and professionals
commonly used books and e-books, scholarly
journals, and proceedings to source scientific
knowledge in the academe. In today's
generation, the internet provides vast
information where anyone can search
information anytime and anywhere so as long
as there is an internet connection. However, the
accuracy and reliability of information or content
should also be given importance.
The internet facilitates the easy finding of information for various purposes such as
teaching, research, knowledge acquisition, and more. However, with the vast information
available on the internet, one must be skillful in evaluating a website that provides
accurate, valid, credible, and reliable information or content. This is because anyone can
post or make a piece of information available on the web. Choosing the right website to
source the info helps prevent the spread of false information or fake news,
confusing communication can be avoided, and the standard of one's work will be lifted.

Page 7 of 8
 Web Site Evaluation Process retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/engcomp1-
wmopen/chapter/text-evaluating-websites-not-sure-if-necessary/

References

Bautista, D., Burce, N., Dungo, J., Garcia, C., Imson, J., Labog, R., Salazar, F., & Santos, J. 2018.
Science, Technology, and Society. MaxCor Publishing House, Inc. Diliman, Quezon City.
Doheny, P. 2004. Website Evaluation. Kent State University Libraries and Media Services, BFS,
10/99
Sanchez, M. 2020. Philippines: Number of internet users2015-2020.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/221179/internet-users-philippines/
Schaefer, M. 2016. 15 amazing ways social media is changing the world.
https://businessesgrow.com/2016/04/11/social-media-is-changing-the-world/
Information age/Definition of the information age.
https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/Information%20Age
Leading social media platforms among internet users in the Philippines as of the 3rd
quarter of 2019. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1127983/philippines-leading-social-media-
platforms/
The dangers of social media and how to avoid them. https://effectiviology.com/dangers-
of-social-media#What_are_the_dangers_of_social_
Media
What is social media? https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/social-media.asp

Suggested Readings/Website/Videos/Film Clips

Standage, T. (n.d.). The Victorian internet: The remarkable study of the telegraph and the
nineteenth century's online pioneers. Retrieved from
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0425171698?tag=fivboo-20
Glick, J. (n.d.). The information: A history, a theory, a flood. Retrieved from
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400096235?tag=fivboo-20
TED. (July 11, 2010). Why the world needs Wikileaks. Retrieved from
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HNOnvp5t7Do
Krismarfil. (Jun 1, 2015). Social media: Advantages and disadvantages. Retrieved from
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mmf50J6KM9Q

Page 8 of 8
 GEC 17 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, & SOCIETY
First Semester, 202-2023

CHAPTER 4:
PHILIPPINE HISTORY

CHAPTER OUTLINE
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

“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of a leader”

- John Maxwell

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Explain the historical timeline of science and technology in the Philippines;

2. Analyze the development of science and technology in the Philippines; and
3. Synthesize and create their own understanding on the different periods of the history of
science and technology in the Philippines.

Historical Background of Science and Technology in the Philippines

Pre- Spanish Period

The Philippines has few written information with regards to its society, culture,
and technology before the Spanish arrived. We relied on archaeological findings to

Page 1 of 5
trace the beginning of how the Filipinos lived with the use of science and technology.
These archaeological findings showed that modern man from Asian mainland
first came over land on across narrow channels to live in Batangas and Palawan about
48,000
B.C. They settled in different areas across the country and made simple tools and
weapons of stone flakes and later developed new skills like sawing and polishing
stones.
During 3,000 B.C., they learned to produce adzes ornament of seashells and
pottery that prosper for 2,000 years until competition arrived with the Chinese
porcelains. Eventually they’ve learned how use metals as their tools and so-called Iron
Age lasted until the 3rd century B.C to the 11th century A.D. during this time, Filipinos
were involved in ore mining such as copper, gold, bronze, and iron.
Early Filipinos have also engaged
themselves into weaving, shipbuilding, mining,
and faming that led them in creating the finest
products of engineering which is the Banaue
Rice Terraces. Early Spanish chronicles also
noted that early Filipinos build a refined plank-
built warship called caracoa that well suited for
inter-island trade.
Locales from Butauan were trading with
Chinampa (Vietnam) and those from Ma- I
(Mindoro) with China as seen on the Chinese
records that contains several references to the
Philippines. These records indicate that trading
relationship have existed and established
between the Philippines, China, and Vietnam.
Before the Spaniards came, Filipinos were already aware of activities and
practices related to science and technology. They have learned the curative values of
plants and able to extract the medicine out it. They had an alphabet, counting methods,
weights, and measurement system, and the calendar that they based on the period of
the moon.

Spanish Colonial Period

When the Spaniards colonized the Philippines, it has contributed the growth of
science and technology in the country. They have introduced formal education and
founded scientific institution. Parish schools were established where they taught
religion, reading, writing, arithmetic, and music. Natives were taught a more advance
methods in agriculture. Later on, they have established colleges and universities
around the country including the oldest university in Asia, which is the University of
Sto. Tomas.
Medicine was prioritized during the Spanish colonization, especially in the later
years. Spaniards made contributions in the field of engineering by constructing
government establishments, churches, roads, bridges and forts. Biology was
highlighted during this period. Botanists, chemist, and medical scholars all gave
contribution to the field of science.

Page 2 of 5
 The galleon trade made a big
impact in the economic growth of the
Philippines. Spaniards gave priority to the
galleon trade sue to its potential to make
huge profits. That is why agriculture and
industrial development were not given
focus and were neglected during this
time. When Suez Canal was built, visiting
each other countries for Europeans and
Filipinos was made possible and probably
influenced by the rapid development of
scientific ideals brought by the Age of
Enlightenment.

American Period and Post-

Commonwealth Era
The Americans replaced Spaniards after they ruled the country and the
progress of science and technology has continued under their rule. The establishment
of Bureau of Government laboratories was made in July 1, 1901 by the Philippine
Commission, which served a purpose to study the tropical disease and laboratory
projects on the country, and was later on replaced by the Bureau of Science in 1905
that became the primary research center of the country. While on December 8, 1933,
the National Research Council of the Philippines was established.
It was during the American period when science was inclined towards
agriculture, food processing, forestry, medicine, and pharmacy, and not much focus
were given on the development of industrial technology due to free trade policy with
the United States that nurtured an economy geared towards agriculture and trade.
The Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of Science in 1946. In
1950, there were reports made by the US Economic Survey about the Philippines’
problem with regards to science and technology such a lack of basic information, no
support, minimal budget, and low compensation. During the regimen of Carlos P.
Garcia in the 1958, the Philippine Congress passed the bill entitled “The Science Act
of 1958” which goals is to establish the National Science Development Board.

Marcos Era
It was only during the Marcos Presidency where science was given importance.
It was clearly stated by the former President in the Philippine Constitution, amended
in 1973, that in term of national development, priority shall be given in the
advancement of science and technology.
In his State of Nation Address, Marcos declared that there is a need for science
in public high school and with the help of Department of Education in partnership from
the National Science Development Board it aims to provide science-teaching
equipment for a period of 4 years.
In 1968, he also recognized that technology was the top reason in economic
development, and gave extra funds to support projects in applied science and science
education. While in 1969, he allotted large amount of war damage funds to private
universities to encourage them to courses that focus on science and technology and
research. In 1970, he emphasized that by upgrading the science curriculum and
teaching equipment is crucial to the science development program.

Page 3 of 5
 Furthermore, he declared
Presidential Decree No.49, series of
1972 as a support for promoting the
scientific research and invention.
Aside from that, one of his greatest
contributions is the establishment of
PAGASA which function is to give
environmental protection and to utilize
scientific knowledge to ensure the
safety of the nation. He also
established the National Academy of
Science and Technology in 1976 to
have scientists whose experts in
science and technology.
In 1986, he also established campuses of Philippine Science High School in the
Visayas and Mindanao. It encourages the youth in theses area to choose a career in
science and technology. It also aims to tap the potential students on the said regions.

Fifth Republic
After the term of President Marcos, Corazon Aquino replaced him in the
presidential seat and on her term in 1986, she replaced the National Science and
Technology Authority to Department of Science and Technology (DOST), giving the
science and technology a seat in the government cabinet. It was during the Philippine
Development Plan for the years 1987-1992 where the role of science and technology
in the nature economy was highlighted. In 1990, Sate of Nation Address of President
Corazon Aquino said that science and technology development should be on the top
three priorities of the government to implement the development plan they have made.
In 1989, the budget allocation
for science and technology was
increased amounting into 1.054
billion pesos. But due to Asian
financial crisis between the years
1990-1991, it was cut down by 14%
and in 1992, it was increased again
by 50%. She also encouraged
Filipino scientists and inventors to
put back Philippines and second in
Japan when it comes to the field of
science and technology. It was one
on of her goals to make the country
industrialized by the year 2000.
In July 1992, President Fidel V Ramos reported his State of the Nation Address
that there were improvements with regards to science and technology. In his third
SONA in 1994, he reported that there was a significant increase in people who
specialize in the field of science and technology. By the year 1998, it was an estimated
that the Philippines had 3,000competent scientists and engineers.
It was during the 5th Republic where the government provided 3,500
scholarships for students who are interested in taking up courses related to science
and technology. Schools became modernized and updated by having additional high-

Page 4 of 5
 tech equipment. It was also during this time when science and technology personnel
were given priority by the government by approving the Republic Act No. 8439 in 1997
which entitled “Magna Carta for science and technology Personnel”. Its purpose is
to give incentives and rewards to people who made an impact and influential in the
field of Science and Technology.
In 1998, during President Joseph Estrada’s term, the Internet age was pushed
for the advancement of schools and industry. Then it was under the term of Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo when science and technology reached its golden age.
Numerous laws and
projects related to science were
made to push technology forward
to increase the economic level of
the country like R.A 9367 or the
“biofuels” act that promotes the
development and usage of
biofuels throughout the country.
In 2014, President Benigno
Aquino honors four scientist who
gave huge contributions in the
scientific field that geared towards
the advancement of science and
technology of the country.

Suggested Readings

Moistero, A.P. (2006). Science, technology and society. Manila: Educational

Publishing House

Scribd. (2010). History of science and technology in the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/36969608/4-7-B- History -of-Science-and-
Technology-in-the-Philippines

Scribd.(2009). Science, technology and society. Retrieved from https://

www.scribd.com/doc/23367406/LECTURE-NOTES-ON INTRODUCTION-
TO-SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY-AND-SOCEITY

Page 5 of 5
 CHAPTER 5
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND
NATION BUILDING
CHAPTER OUTLINE
1. The Concept of Nation Building
2. S & T in Nation Building (Philippines
and Global Perspective)
3. The Philippine Government S & T
agenda
4. Personalities in S & T in the Philippines
5. Science Education and Selected
Indigenous Science and Technologies

Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human
mind is our fundamental resource.

John F. Kennedy
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. discussed the concept of nation building and its importance;
2. explained the relationship between development and nation-building;
3. discussed the role of S & T in the Philippines Nation Building;
4. evaluated the government policies pertaining to S & T in terms of their
contributions to nation-building; and
5. identified actual S & T policies of the government and appraise their impact on
the development of the Filipino nation.

INTRODUCTION

Ratnasiri (2006) in her editorial stated “It is a well-established fact that science
and technology impacts all aspects of our lives as well as the planet we live on. The
science and technology induced changes have for the most part benefited mankind
although there is many a case where science and technology-based innovations have
been used for the detriment of mankind, pursued for either wealth and power or both.
It is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is used
wisely to benefit mankind.
The reality today is that most benefits accrued from science and technologies
have not reached the majority of people, particularly the poor in the developing
countries.
Science and Technology has been one of the main driving forces of the
economic growth of nations. Most developed countries have generated new
technologies with potential to result in dynamic economic performance. This however
has not been the case with most of the developing countries and their developmental
plans have not given adequate emphasis and importance to science and technology
and in particular to research in the science and technology aspects. Countries like
India, South Korea and Taiwan in the region have achieved much through science and
technology and stand out as having demonstrated the absolute importance of science
and technology for economic growth. These countries are examples for the developing
Page 1 of 15
counties. The impact of technology on society without doubt is going to be even more
marked in the future.
It is then of paramount importance to generate and develop new knowledge in
science and technology for application nationally through our own research capability.
It is also necessary to concentrate on the rapid transfer and exchange of proven
technologies from other nations to reap the benefits of the global trends to stimulate
our economic growth.
That science and technology plays a decisive role in the economic growth of
nations in a foregone conclusion. It is then pertinent to also consider and rethink about
the role of scientists and technologists in stimulating the economic wellbeing of the
country. It is well accepted that scientists and technologists must necessarily generate
new knowledge by engaging in meaningful and appropriate research and
developmental activities. A question needs to be posed to the researches as to
whether their role should be limited to only the narrow confines of creation of new
knowledge. If scientists and technologists are to contribute significantly to social and
economic changes resulting in the development of the country, their role should
expand beyond generation of new knowledge and assume the role of advising the
decision makers and finally making the decisions on the science and technology
prospects, choices and priorities for the country.
How can scientists and technologists contribute to achieving this multiple role
which is a dire necessity for the economic development of the country?
As creators of new knowledge, the researchers must focus their work on
nationally and globally important and competitive areas of research which are
multidisciplinary in nature. This means that the research must be goal and result
oriented. The results of course must be tangible and significant. The advice of
scientists and technologists whose findings are of national and global significance will
no doubt be much sought after by the authorities. In view of this it is important that the
scientists and technologists on their part make a total commitment to add and develop
significantly to the knowledge base in science and technology aspects which are of
economic importance to the nation.”
Thus, this chapter will recognize the importance of providing profound
understanding of science and technology in nation-building. Specifically, it aims to
discuss the impact of scientific knowledge, efforts and even other influences in the
context of Philippine nation-building.

CONTENT

THE CONCEPT OF NATION BUILDING

Understanding the concept of nation building requires a prior concept of the

term nation. Early conceptions of nation defined it as a group or race of people who
shared history, traditions, and culture, sometimes religion, and usually language.
Generally, people of a specific nation share a common national identity. It may include
identity based on race or ethnicity, loyalty to a set of political ideas, and institutions,
and the linkage of citizenship to nationality.

Fagoyinbo (2013) explained that “the word nation is often used synonymously
with state, as in the United Nations. But a state is more properly the governmental
apparatus by which a nation rules itself” (p.411). in approaching the question of nation-
building, and its relationship to state-building, it is important to keep in mind that this
definition specifies the “legitimate use of force”. (Stephenson, 2005)
Many aspects shall be considered in achieving a strong nation. As Prof.
Gambari (2008) enumerated, these aspects include:

Page 2 of 15
 • building a political entity (territory, rules, norms, principles and common
citizenship);
• building institutions (symbolizes political entity – institutions such as a
bureaucracy, an economy, the judiciary, universities, a civil service, and civil
society organizations); and
• building a common sense of purpose, a sense of shared density, a collective
imagination of belonging. (para.1)

The impact of a welfare-centered developments aimed to address the basic needs

of the people to be free from poverty, inequality, unemployment, on the one hand,
or by desire to compete for resources and power either internally or in the
international system, is indeed necessary. Thus, it doesn’t only include
developments in terms of human rights but also most importantly, development of
education towards democratic state to promote welfare. (Barbanti, 2005)

Development in Relation to Nation Building

In the 19th century, development was philosophically understood as the

improvement of humankind. Likewise, it can be understood, an a more practical way,
by political elites as social engineering of emerging national societies. (McMichael,
2004)

Reisman (2008) distinguished development as “decision processes and

decision outcomes” which makes it effective in influencing in all ways the values and
culture of global communities. This makes changes and dynamism in the society as
important distinguishing feature of development. On the other hand, he further
explained that:

…development, implies specific scope values with respect to which

strategies for securing selective changes are invented and against which
change-flows in decision structures and in the production and distribution
of values are constantly evaluated. Thus, from a policy-oriented
perspective, not all change is development; changes incompatible with
human dignity can be characterized as retrogressions or as “dis
developmental” (para.1). (Reisman, 2008)

Key Drivers to Development

In the contemporary world, science and technology are key drivers to

development, since economic advances, improvements in key systems (health,
education and infrastructures) are being reinforced through technological and scientific
insurgencies. Basically, developments in science and technology greatly affects the
conditions of the people specifically in their way to live, connect, communicate and
transact, with profound effects on economic development. It is imperative that every
state should invest in equipping their people towards an emerging national society.

Promoting scientific and technological advances is seen essential as an

instrument for building a strong nation. On the other hand, the rise of science and
technology in this aspect could be the fall of other related aspects for it could be a
potential contributor to the dehumanization and the degradation of the environment.
Thus, Cowan and Shenton as cited in McMichael, (2004) elucidate that
development meant balancing the apparent inevitability of technological change with
social intervention (p.2). Idealistically, it means “assisting human society” in its

Page 3 of 15
development and perhaps realistically as managing citizen-subjects experiencing
“wrenching social transformations (p.2).

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NATION BUILDING: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Science and technology has an overwhelming impact to rapid development.

Implementation of science and technology in every nation in every aspect of life is the
greatest evidence of modernization. Convenience, simplicity, and easiness in
everyday living has been offered by the introduction of modern gadgets. The absence
of modern equipment, in all sectors and or any other field, the advancement and
benefits that is being experienced today would have not been possible. (Pujari, 2016)
In a global perspective, moving on with the flow of modernity determines the
nation’s capability to sustain its people’s lives. Such is the influence of science and
technology for the development of a nation. The question now is how shall a nation be
assessed on its capability?
Countries are being categorized today based on economy and the application
of science and technology. It can be analyzed from various reports that countries which
have strong base in science and technology are the ones that developed faster.

Economic Situation
The development field has always been highly influenced by economic thought,
as exemplified by the fact that development has been primarily measured by increases
in Gross National Product (GNP) and or the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The global economic situation has become a basis for determining the
classification of countries. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social
Affairs (UN/DESA), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) and the five United Nations regional commissions, including Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the pacific (ESCAP) launched the World Economic
Situation and Prospects (WESP) reports. This provides annual reports on world
economic trends in different dimensions. It also serves as basis for classifying
countries around the world as to developed economies, economies in transition and
developing economies. Many nations continuously strive to attain “developed”
category which motivates them to strengthen their own economic dimensions. The
WESP report 2018 stated that an “improved global economic situation” offers the best
chance for countries to address “long-term issues” which hinders development. The
said issues include low carbon economic growth, reducing inequalities, economic
diversification and eliminating deep-rooted barriers. (United Nations, 2018)
Take a look at the classification in Figure 1 below of the countries made by the
United Nations.
The major developed economies include Canada, Japan, France, Germany,
Italy, United Kingdom, and United States. Moreover, developing countries can be
found at the regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Conversely,
least developed countries can also be found in those regions.

Page 4 of 15
 Figure 1. Countries Grouped by United nations

Science and Technology for the Advancement of Developing Countries

In many developing countries, science and technology plays and important role
in social and economic progress. The importance of science and technology in
addressing the national and international issues necessitates the promotion of various
science and technology program throughout the developing countries.

Accordingly, developing countries realize the importance of benchmarking and

learning best practices from the developed nations to eventually produce a localized
science and technology programs. (National Academy of Sciences, 2006)

Ateneo de Manila University (2008) quoted former Senator Eduardo J. Angara

who stressed that “investments on research and development (R&D) and education”,
related to the “emerging trends” in various field of applied sciences, evidently considers
“Science and Technology Innovation (STI) as a driving force behind the success of the
Asian neighboring countries” (para.2). he further enumerated the factors which
contribute to the economic successes of these Asian countries:
• government investment in public goods and services such as roads, clean
water, health and education;
• support for small and medium-scale enterprises;
• support for higher education institutions, science and engineering sectors,
and industry and trade associations;
• inter-institutional linkages between universities, industries, government
agencies and non-government organizations; and
• good governance (para.3).
Generally, it is recognized that nations and communities who aim for a good
standing in the world economy must either possess or seek to acquire a home-
grown, self-generating capability in science and technology. Citizens,
government and every individual effort in advancing the status of science and
technology in a nation are important towards promoting a nation to a amore
advanced level of competency, competitiveness and capability.
Page 5 of 15
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINE NATION BUILDING

Philippines is one of the developing countries that is continuously addressing

the persistent problems of inequality and poverty. How the Philippines responds to
these challenges will determine whether the country will experience rapid, inclusive,
and sustained growth and development.
The Philippine government, as early as the 1980’s, prioritize the initiatives on
promoting the role of science and technology in the national development. The
declarations in the 1987 Constitution, Article XIV acknowledges the significant role of
science and technology.
Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national development and
progress. The State shall give priority to research and development, invention,
innovation, and their utilization; and to science and technology education,
training, and services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant
scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country's
productive systems and national life.
Section 11. The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions,
to encourage private participation in programs of basic and applied scientific
research. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be
provided to deserving science students, researchers, scientists, inventors,
technologists, and specially gifted citizens.
Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of
technology from all sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest
participation of private groups, local governments, and community-based
organizations in the generation and utilization of science and technology.
Section 13. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists,
inventors, artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and
creations, particularly when beneficial to the people, for such period as may be
provided by law.
This mandate necessitates the assurance of implementing the efforts in utilizing
science and technology as a tool for advancing the capability and capacity of the nation
for the welfare and condition of its people. Hence, the Philippine government agencies
play significant role in sustaining and promoting science and technology for the
progress of the country.

The Department of Science and Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the primary science and
technology body in the country responsible for providing central direction, leadership
and coordination of all scientific and technological activities, and of formulating
policies, programs and projects to support national development.
The development of DOST can be traced to the national Science Development
Board, created on June 13, 1958, later reorganized on March 17, 1982 into the
National Science and Technology Authority. NSTA was eventually elevated to cabinet
level based on Executive Order No. 128 signed by President Corazon Aquino on
January 30, 1987. This marked the mainstreaming of science and technology in the
governments’ policy making and service delivery processes.
DOST is composed of councils and agencies with specific scope and
responsibilities as well. The said councils and agencies are:
• sectoral planning councils
Page 6 of 15
 • research and development institutes
• S&T service institutes
• collegial bodies
• regional offices
• provincial S&T centers

Congressional Commission on Science, Technology, and Engineering

Jointly created by the Senate and the House of representatives, this

commission serves as an advisory and the policy making body that aims to strengthen
the linkage with all sectors related to science and technology in pursuit of its objectives.
(Sea-eu.net, 2017)

Department of Trade and Industry

It is responsible for implementing industry-focused policies and with DOST co-

funds programs (with DOST as the coordinating agent).

Commission on Higher Education

This agency is responsible for the formulation of policies, plans, and programs
for the development of higher education system in the country. It has been mandated
to promote quality education and ensures the implementation of educational policies
relevant to continuous advancement of learning.
The National Economic and Development Authority

The National Economic and Development Authority is a government agency

responsible to formulate development plans and ensure that the plan implementation
achieves the goals of national development. It is regarded as the country’s premier
socioeconomic planning body, an authority in macroeconomic forecasting and policy
analysis and research. It provides high-level advice to policymakers in Congress and
the Executive Branch.

Science and Technology Competitiveness of the Philippines

To determine the capability and competitiveness of a country, the World

Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report Indicators includes 12 pillars to be
considered which can be seen in Figure 2 below.
Figure 3. shows the status report prepared by the S&T Resource Assessment
and Evaluation Division (STRAED) Planning and Evaluation Service of DOST
regarding the Science and Technology Competitive Rankings of the Philippines from
2012-2018.

Page 7 of 15
Figure 2. 12 Pillars of Competitiveness

Adapted from The Global Competitiveness Report, 2014-2015 Methodology, Figure 1, p. 20

http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2014-2015/methodology/?doing_wp_cron=1600353033.6471540927886962890625

Figure 3. Trend in Philippine Rankings in Global Competitiveness Factors, 2012-2018

Page 8 of 15
THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENDA

The National Development Agenda

Philippine Development Plan (PDP) serves as the blueprint of programs and

administration’s plans for progress. NEDA launched in 2016, the PDP 2017-2022
which is part of four medium-term plans anchored on the AmBisyon Natin 2040. It aims
to realize the collective vision of Filipinos over the next 25 years thus, articulating that.
By 2040, the Philippines is a prosperous middle-class society where no one is poor.
People live long, and healthy lives, and are smart, and innovative. The country is a
high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and resilient
communities (NEDA), 2016). To visualize such plan, Figure 4 presents the Overall
Strategic Framework of the PDP 2017-2022.

This long-term aim may be too ideal for many since this will not automatically
transform our country into becoming one of the so called “developed country”. In
reality, global transformation will require long time frame and more tedious process
and would, therefore, play a minimal effect in the national development. This is
because transformation is a gradual process undertaken through holistic strategies for
national development. (Borbon, V.; Dela Cruz, Ma.E., Flores, R.; Gerona-Medina, Z.
and Lee, A., 2000). Furthermore, these strategies shall be translated down to the local
efforts which have been realized to have greater effect on the country’s socioeconomic
progress. Hence, how relevant are the following pillars to the main aim of the
government’s plan?

Figure 4. PDP 2017-2022 Overall Strategic Framework

Page 9 of 15
Pillars of Development

1. Malasakit. Regain people’s trust in public institutions and cultivate trust

among fellow Filipinos.
2. Pagbabago. Inequality-reducing transformation through increasing
opportunities for growth of output and income.
3. Patuloy na Pag-unlad. Increasing potential growth through sustaining and
accelerating economic growth. (para.3.)

The Philippine Science and Technology Agenda

How should the S&T agenda be directed towards attaining national

development goals and objectives? Borbon, et al. (2000) declared that major efforts in
science and technology shall be pursued and firmly done to attain the transformation
aimed by the country. Sagasti (as cited in Borbon, et al., 2000) enumerated specific
peculiarities which shall be considered in generation and development of local science
and technology capabilities designed for particular national conditions includes:
a. a well-defined national science and technology plan and its relation to global
socio-economic development strategies;
b. science and technology interaction with the nation’s sociopolitical,
economic, educational, and cultural aspects;
c. development of institutional science and technology infrastructure;
d. local generation of science and technology capacity; and
e. resource availability for science and technology.

In this connection, the DOSY ensures that policies, efforts and plans include in
the science and technology agenda is closely linked to the national development plan.
The DOST prepared the Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) 2017-2022 to
ensure that results of science and technology endeavors are geared towards and
utilized in areas of maximum economic and social benefit for the people. Figure 5
presents the priority areas included in the S&T agenda 2017-2022.

Figure 5. Harmonized National R&D Agenda (HNRDA) Framework

Page 10 of 15
 The HNRDA is divided into five sectors. The agenda is founded on the
three pillars of development which is aligned with the AmBisyon Natin 2040 and each
sector has six issue-based National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA)
programs respectively.

Issue-Based NIBRA Programs

1. Water Security-TUBIG Program (Tubig ay Buhayin at Ingatan)

2. Food and Nutrition Security-SAPAT Program (Saganang Pagkain Para sa
Lahat)
3. Health Sufficiency-LIKAS Program (Likas Yaman sa Kalusugan)
4. Clean Energy-ALERT Program (Alternative Energy Research Trends)
5. Sustainable Community-SAKLAW Program (Saklolo sa Lawa)
6. Inclusive Nation-building-ATIN program (And Tinig Natin)

MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND PERSONALITIES IN SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2040 includes S&T related

enabling mechanisms toward achieving strong pillars for development. Considering
several fundamental weaknesses in terms of S&T competitiveness, the PDP 2017-
2040 emphasizes strategies that shall be pursued to help raise the S&T related pillars
of the country.
The DOST launched in its “8-point action agenda”, initially in 2006, to better
promote the support science, technology, and innovation. The strategy is relevant in
the Philippine’s policy system, and were hope to be sustained with commitment and
better integration into national policies. As generalized in the SEA-EU-NET (n.d.), this
includes:
1. Science-based know-how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to
raise productivity to world-class standards.
2. Innovative, cost-effective and appropriate technologies that enable MSMEs
to develop and produce competitive products that meet world-class
standards.
3. State-of-the-art facilities and capabilities that enable local industries to move
up the value chain and attain global competitiveness.
4. Idea of the Philippines as a global leader in Information Technology-
Business Process Management Services generating direct employment of
1.3 million (520,000 of which in the countryside).
5. ICT-based transformation of governance broadening access to government
services (i.e. health and education) for those in the countryside (to bring the
Philippines in the top 50 global ranking of e-government by 2016).
6. Improved quality healthcare and quality of life thru science, technology, and
innovation.
7. Highly skilled and globally competitive S&T human resources in support of
the national S&T programs.
8. Science-based weather information and climate change scenarios with
associated impact assessments that enable concerned agencies to develop
appropriate mitigation strategies for a disaster and climate change resilient
Philippines.

Page 11 of 15
 A number of DOST programs are being enhanced and continued as mandated
by enabling laws and executive orders up to this time. Implementation of these
programs are being made possible programs in partnership with other related
government agencies. In summarized scope this includes programs in R&D, S&T,
human resource and development, agriculture development, health and nutrition,
environment sustainability, and disaster preparedness and hazard mitigation.

The Philippine’s Science and Technology Human Resources

One of the most promising strategy in breaking the barriers that hinder
Philippines progress, in terms of Science, technology, and Innovation (STI), is
enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s science and technology human
resources. This strategy recognizes the role of every individual inventor whose works
became the womb of new and innovated scientific knowledge honed towards
sustaining the advancements necessary for building the nation.

The National Scientists

DOST had launched programs to encourage Filipino scientists, technologists,

experts and professionals to continuously share their expertise towards accelerating
the STI development system and economic development of the country. Hence, S&T
personalities who contributed significantly in the development of the country, as well
as their works, deserved to be recognized.

The highest honor given by the President to an individual who had contributed
significantly to the fields of science and technology in the country is the order of the
National Scientists. A National Scientist receives an annual gratuity and other
privileges similar to those enjoyed by National Artists (Presidential Decree 1003-A).
Currently, there are 41 National Scientists, four of them were the most recently
conferred (2014) S&T personalities who were featured by Sabillo (2014) of Philippine
Daily Inquirer.

Angel C. Alcala, Ph.D.

“He was recognized for his research on the ecology and diversity of Philippine
amphibians and reptiles, as well as marine biodiversity and conservation of marine-
protected areas. His work has led to a national policy on marine no-take zones or
protective areas, which has become a model of coastal resource management that
has been adopted by other countries”. (para. 8)

Ramon C. Barba, Ph.D.

“He was recognized for his achievements in the field of plant physiology,
especially the induction of flowering of mango and micro propagation or the rapid
multiplying of stock plant of important crop species”. (para. 14)

Edgardo D. Gomez, Ph.D.

“He is known for his research and conservation efforts in invertebrate biology
and ecology. He was pivotal in the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage
to coral reefs, resulting in international conservation initiatives such as the Global reefs
and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the International Coral
Reef Action”. (para. 20)

Page 12 of 15
Gavino C. Trano Jr., Ph.D.

“He was cited for his outstanding contributions in the field of tropical marine
phycology, focusing on seaweed biodiversity.
He published extensive studies on the culture of seaweed species that
benefited the livelihood of coastal populations and was the first to report the occurrence
of “ice-ice” disease that affected many seaweed farms. (para. 25)

SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Keeping up with the rapid advancement of science and technology all over the
world is crucial. Advancement nowadays cannot be limited to acquiring advance
facilities and technologies but more on the acquisition and enhancement of knowledge
and skills essential in meeting the demands of the highly competitive and scientific-
based society.
In the Philippines and around the world, science and technology-based and a
knowledge-based economy are the common concerns. Living in such an environment
requires expectations and skills to survive. (SEI-DOST & UP NISMED, 2011) The effort
of investing in science, technology, and innovation shall be supported and sustained
through breaking resource gaps, specifically in the education sector. As John F.
Kennedy, former US President, said, “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than
our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” That is, in
meeting the demands of the 21st century world, what should be the direction of science
education?
In all fairness with the Philippine government, efforts to improve quality
education have always been part of its plan of action. The Department of Education,
through the National Education for All Committee (NEC), engaged in benchmarking
strategy with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center
for Education Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH). The said
undertaking stated on February 2011 is to secure affirmation of basic of basic
education reforms (curriculum structures and contents) towards meeting the demands
of 21st century.
Fensham (2006) (as cited in SEI-DOST & UP NISMED, 2011) explained that
traditionally, science content areas such as life science, physical science, and earth
and space science, are presented as “separate subjects” to achieve mastery on
concepts, principles, and processes (Figure 6). The new science education curriculum
shows a revolutionized inclusion of the three content areas to accentuate the
“understanding of the connections and interrelationship” of various science concepts.
Added to this are the themes which are valued in “real-life contexts” namely,
“maintaining good health and living safely; utilizing energy and coping with changes
and conserving and protecting the environment”. This implies that learning how to
apply the concepts shall be pursued further towards more meaningful learning.
Such arrangement of the curriculum has been founded in the true aim of
education. It can be traced back in 1996, when the International Commission on
Education for the 21st Century to UNESCO, headed by Jacques Delors, identified
learning throughout life as a key to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Delors
further presented the framework based on the “Four Pillars of Education – learning to
know, learning to live together, learning to do, and learning to be”. The report,
highlighted the need for individuals to “learn how to learn” for them to manage the rapid
changes and challenges of the present and the future. Thus, suggesting lifelong
learning that involves the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and valued
throughout one’s life – from early childhood through adulthood. (SEAMEO INNOTECH,
2012)

Page 13 of 15
 Figure 6. The significant connections of inquiry skills, scientific attitudes, and
contact in supporting holistic development of a scientifically literate individual.

SELECTED INDEGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Can you still imagine how your life be without electricity? How about riding using
carabaos or barely walking along the street instead of riding cars or jeepney? Or being
engaged in traditional ways of living?
Many people would appreciate the advancements in science and technology
for providing them with comforts and conveniences in everyday living. Lives have been
saved medical breakthroughs and people enjoy good productions of food, clothing and
the materials that they need in building shelters. Behind these advancements S&T
products and innovations are developed in countries known for their excellent
application of science.
The following are some of the latest Filipino inventions:
1. Aerogas Catalytic Combustor (ACC) – an anti-pollution, ecofriendly made by
Engr. Marinto C. Martinez. It is a fuel saver and power booster engine device
which can be practically used on all types of internal combustion engines like
engines of jeeps, cars trucks, ships and motorcycles and even gas fired power
plants. Aside from its economical cost, it also supports the implementation of
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.
2. SALT (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) – an environmental-friendly lamp
that runs with just two table spoons of salt and one glass of tap water created
by Aisa Mijeno. This invention made it possible for those who live in costal
areas and remote barrios to have light source.
3. SALAMANDER Amphibious Tricycle – a six-person seating capacity (four in
water), amphibious tricycle powered by either a 5kW electric engine or a 250cc
gasoline motor invented by Atoy Llave. The invention is desired to address the
problems of many commuters in a flood-prone country. The invention was
featured in Top Gear.com.ph in 2015.
All these and many other Filipino inventions are continuously flourishing. It
reflects the wisdom of Filipinos in dealing with scientific knowledge and their

Page 14 of 15
environment. These are not only products of influence from other Western cultures but
said to be products of traditional science.
Indigenous technologies and practice reflect not just ways of working but also
the ways of knowing and thinking of people in the community. People are amazed by
how these indigenous systems, which have no equivalent in the modern science,
empowered other societies or even nation to live quite successfully for many
generations. Indeed, the role of indigenous science and technology in nation building
shall not be neglected and overshadowed by the other kind of modernity introduced in
the world today.

SUGGESTED READINGS / WEBSITE/ VIDEOS/ FILM CLIPS

i. Bautista, D.H., N.S. Burce, J.M. Dungo, C.S. Garcia, J.B. Imson, R.A.
Labog, F.J.B. Salazar and J.L. Santos (2018). Science Technology and
Society. MaxCor Pub. House, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines
ii. Nalini Ratnasiri. Editorial: The Role of Science and Technology in Nation
Building. J.Natn.Sci.Foundation. Sri Lanka 2006 34(3): 113.
iii. Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 ABRIDGED VERSION
http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Abridged-PDP-2017-
2022_Final.pdf
iv. ..\Phil.S&T agenda\Competitiveness_Rankings_of_the_Philippines_2011-
2017.pdf
v. ..\Phil.S&T Harmonized_National_RD_Agenda_2017-2022_final_v2.pdf
vi. ..\Phil.S&T agenda\Global_Innovation_Index_2013-2016.compressed.pdf
vii. The Global Competitiveness Report, 2014-2015 Methodology
http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2014-
2015/methodology/?doing_wp_cron=1600353033.6471540927886962890
625
viii. Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-2022.
www.dost.gov.ph.
ix. 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines - Chan Robles Virtual
Law Library.
https://www.chanrobles.com/article14sciencetech.htm#.X2MjMWgzbIU
x. Countries grouped by United Nations. https://vividmaps.com/countries-
grouped-by-united-nations/
xi. DOST Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda 2017-
2022
https://www.dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Journals/HNRDA_boo
klet_FINAL3_2018-10-23.pdf
xii. Science Framework for Philippine Basic Education. Department of Science
and Technology, Science Education Institute, University of the Philippines
National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development
http://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/images/downloads/publ/sei_scibasic.pdf

Page 15 of 15
 CHAPTER 6 AND 7:
THE HUMAN PERSON FLOURISHING IN TERMS OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1st semester, SY. 2022-2023

CHAPTER OUTLINE
1. Selected Views on Technology
2. Martin Heidegger on Science and
Technology
3. The Society in the Face of
Science and Technology
4. Human Being
5. Understanding Human
Flourishing
6. Science and Technology and
Human Flourishing

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
President, USA
1882-1945

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. defined and explained technology and its essence;

2. showed understanding of the human condition and analyzed the effects of S & T to
this condition;
3. perceived the danger of the controlling power of technology has over humans
4. understand the concept of human flourishing;
5. analyze human flourishing in relation to the progress of science and technology; and
6. conceptualize own views on human flourishing.

Introduction

Science and technology has changed human landscape. As discussed in the

previous unit, man tends to show unlimited contentment – eager to seek better replacement
for anything that performs the functions of man. The introduction –of bioengineering,
robotics, and related streams slowly limits the function and purpose of man’s existence in
the society. Robots, machines and other technologies are intended to enhance human
condition, or in the future, replace the human functions in the society. Will the contemporary
situations (positive or negative) threaten human nature? Are all the benefits from the fruits of
progress in this discipline fulfill the main aim of every human being in the society?

Page 1 of 10
 SELECTED VIEWS ON TECHNOLOGY

It has been said that there are many views or ways to how technology is understood.
These philosophies contributed on how technology is understood and utilized by the society.
Some of it will be discussed briefly below.

Aristotelianism

This views technology as basically a means to an end. To

Aristotle, technology is the organization of techniques in order to meet
the demand that is being posed by humans. This may seem that
technology is primarily concerned with the product. Technology will be
judged as either good or bad based on the value given to the product
based on its use and effect to the society.

Technological Pessimism

This view is extremely

supported by French philosopher
Jacques Ellul. Technological
Pessimism holds that technology is
progressive and beneficial in many
ways, it is also doubtful in many ways.
It is said that technology is a means
to an end but this view, technology
has become a way of life. Technique
has become a framework which
human cannot escape. It has introduced ways on how to make things easy. Ellul’s
pessimistic argument are (1) technological progress has a price, (2) technological progress
creates more problems, (3) technological progress creates damaging effects, and (4)
technological progress creates unpredictable devastating effects.
Although Ellul has strongly spoken of his arguments, they are still found to be weak
and not true at all times. Like when he said that technological progress can create more
problems than it solves, he seems to have underestimated the objective decisions a
technician and other technological agencies makes regarding the technology where they
weigh the good and bad effects it can have in the society.

Technological Optimism

This view is strongly supported by

technologists and engineers and also by
ordinary people who believe that
technology can alleviate all the difficulties
and provide solutions for the problems that
may come. It holds that even though
technological problems may arise,
technology will still be the solutions to it.
The extreme version of this philosophy is
technocratism which holds technology as
the supreme authority on everything.

Page 2 of 10
Existentialism
The main concern of this view is the existence or the mode of being of someone or
something which is governed by the norm of authenticity. This view basically investigate the
meaning of existence or being and is always faced with the selection must make with which
the existent will commit himself to.
Martin Heidegger is one of the most known supporters of this philosophy. He did not
stop defining what technology is but has dealt with its essence. To Heidegger, the real
essence of technology lies in enframing, the gathering of the setting upon which challenges
man to bring the unconcealed to unconcealment and this is a continuous revealing. The next
section will further discuss the view of Heidegger that technology is a way of revealing.

MARTIN HEIDEGGER ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Martin Heidegger, a well-known German philosopher,

examined two usual definitions of technology: means to an end
and a human activity, because he believed that this kind of
confusing and there are questions to it that we easily overlook.
These two definitions cannot be separated from each other. He
called it instrumental and anthropological definition of technology
or simply means by which the ends are realized. To Heidegger,
this may not be a false definition but it is a misleading one because
this limits our thinking.

The Instrumental Definition of Technology

According to Heidegger, the instrumental definition of technology encourages us to

view technology from different periods of time as not having fundamental differences. But he
claimed that this does not show the true essence of technology. He explained that while
technology is geared towards meeting a human need, still there is a difference between
older handicraft technologies with modern technology. As it is, “a sawmill on a secluded
valley of the Black Forest is a primitive means compared with the hydroelectric plant on the
Rhine River” (Heidegger, 1977, p.1). Heidegger also argued that “technology is by no
means technological” and should not be seen as merely neutral. The problem begins when
humans see it only as a means to an end and disregard the fact that there is a good
technology and a bad technology.
Another problem Heidegger saw in the instrumental definition is that it only invites
man to a continual desire to master it which unconsciously may be making technology go
out of hand. Heidegger said, “Everything depends on our manipulating technology in the
proper manner as a means. We will, as we say, ‘get’ technology ‘spiritually in hand’. We will
master it. The will to master becomes the more urgent the more technology threatens to slip
from human control.” (Heidegger, 1977, p.1) With this, he argued that the problem does not
fall on making technology better but on how man sets up technology, his thoughts that
makes him blind to real essence of technology.
For Heidegger, this correct definition of technology is insufficient as it does not bring
out its real essence. He said, “In order that we may arrive at this, or at least come close to it,
we must seek the true by way of the correct. We must ask: What is the instrumental itself?
Within what do such things as means and end belong? (Heidegger, 1977, p.2) In answering
these questions, Heidegger arrived at a discussion od causality which to him in reality
initially involves four ways that leads for something to exist or to be “caused”.

Page 3 of 10
Aristotle’s Four Causes
Heidegger further studied Aristotle’s Four Causes and illustrated it using a silver
chalice which he said owes its make up from the four causes.

1. Causa Materialis or the Material Cause

The material by which the silver
chalice was made of: Silver
2. Causa Formalis or the Formal Cause
The form or the shape that gave the silver
chalice its image.
3. Causa Finalis or the Final Cause
The purpose or the primary use by which
the silver chalice was made for: to be used during
the Holy Communion as a vessel for the wine that
represents the blood of Christ.
4. Causa Efficiens or the Efficient Cause
The agent that has caused for the silver
chalice to come about: the silversmith

The four causes are all deemed responsible for the bringing forth of the silver chalice.
This bringing forth of something is termed as poiesis and this is characterized by an
external force. It is bringing something concealed to unconcealment which then makes
technology as not only a means to an end but also a mode of revealing. The silver chalice
was brought forth by the silver, by its for, for its purpose, by the silversmith. External factors
have caused for the silver chalice to be brought forth.
On the other hand, something that came about without any external force, like a
flower blooming in the field or a tree bearing its fruits is termed as physis. The flower
blossomed and the tree bore fruit even without external help.

Heidegger’s Technology as a Way of Revealing

Heidegger believed that the genuine substance or the real

essence of technology is found in enframing. This is the continuous
bringing forth into unconcealment that which is concealed. This is a
non-stop revealing and continues to demand for something to be
brought out into the open. This bringing forth out into the open is a
two-way relationship: the concealed is calling out for someone to
set upon it and bring it to unconcealment and the one who receives
the call sets upon and acts upon to unconceal the concealed.
To further illustrate this, he gave some examples through
Ancient Windmill contrasting ancient and modern technology. First, he talked about
the ancient windmill which only relies on the wind blowing and does
not store energy while the modern windmill unlocks the energy
which can be for immediate use and can also be stored up for
future use. Second, was about the peasant planting seeds who only
waits for the bringing forth of the planted seed because there is no
challenge set upon the soil. Modern technology of cultivation on the
other hand, challenged the field that has caused for agriculture to
be revolutionized. Now, food is not only produced for immediate
use but can be stored as well for future use and could cater more
population. Third, is about the wooden bridge that is built to join
riverbanks for hundreds of years without challenge being set upon
the river.
Modern Windmill

Page 4 of 10
 While on the other hand, the hydroelectric
plant that was set on Rhine River dammed the river
into the hydroelectric plant so that electrical energy
can be stored and distributed.

Because of this continuous revealing,

Heidegger also pointed out the danger that comes
with technology. The call to unconceal that which is
concealed is also causing something to be
concealed even more. And as one tries to
understand something, there is the tendency to be
closed to the counterpart of which is being opened
to him. There is also tendency for man to
misunderstand the thing that is being unconcealed
before him. Here, Heidegger calls for man to be
moe discerning and considerate of the things that is
being unconcealed before him and those that have
relationship with that thing being unconcealed.

The Mode of Revealing in Modern Technology

Heidegger explained that technology as a mode of revealing does not stop and
continues to be seen in the modern technology but not in the bringing-forth sense. This is a
non-stop revealing. Modern technology is revealed by the challenging nature, instead of
bringing forth, it is setting upon challenges or demands on nature in order to:
Unlock and expose. It carries the idea that nature will not reveal itself unless
challenge is set upon it. This is true with the hydroelectric plant set upon the Rhine River
which unlocked the electricity concealed in it.
Stock piles for future use. As technology is a means to an end, it aims to meet
future demands. The electricity produced by the hydroelectric plant set upon the Rhine River
is being stored for future use in the community.
Modern technology is now able to get more from nature by challenging it. A
Heidegger (1977) said, “Such challenging happens in that energy concealed in nature is
unlocked, what is unlocked is transformed, what is transformed is stored up, what is stored
up is in turn distributed, ad what is distributed is switched about eve anew” (p.5).

The Essence of Technology

The continuous revealing takes place as man allows himself to be an agent in the
setting upon of challenges to nature but Heidegger (1977) argues that this is not mere
human doing. Man is able to set upon which was already concealed as he responds to the
call of unconcealment but “when man, investigating, observing, pursue nature as an area of
his own conceiving, he has already been claimed by a way of revealing that challenges him
to approach nature as an object of research, until even the object disappears into the
objectlessness of standing-reserve (p.6).”
This gathering of the setting-upon which challenges man to bring the unconcealed to
unconcealment is called enframing with which according to Heidegger, also shows the
essence of modern technology. Enframing is basically putting in order whatever is presented
to the man who sets upon the concealed but it is a two-way relationship: man cannot set
himself upon unconcealment without unconcealment’s call and the unconcealed will not go
into unconcealment without the man responding to its call. This makes modern technology
not a mere human doing and with this Heidegger argued that the essence of technology lies
in enframing.

Page 5 of 10
The Danger of the Nonstop Revealing

As said earlier, the mode of revealing does not stop in modern technology. It is
continually calls man to respond to what is presented to him or to the demand for a better
and efficient means to an end. With this comes the continuous challenging forth for the
unconcealed to be unconcealed even more. Here lies the danger that Heidegger talked
about.
Revealing opens up a relationship between man and the world but an opening up of
something means a closing down of something which means as something is revealed,
another is concealed. An example given by Heidegger on this “the rise of a cause-effect
understanding of reality closes off an understanding of God as something mysterious and
holy: God is reduced to ‘the god of the philosophers’” (Cerbone, 2008).
Another danger is when man falls into a misinterpretation of that which is presented
to him. That is when he sees himself in the object before him rather than seeing the object
itself. There is also the tendency for a man to be fully engrossed with the enframing that he
fails to weigh the results and consequences of his setting upon an object which may be
destructive not only to himself but even to the surroundings and other people. This happens
when he starts to believe that everything in the human condition can be answered by the
technology and that even man’s happiness is dependent on the continuous modernization of
technology.

THE SOCIETY IN THE FACE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

When one looks around him now, he will see that man tends to fond his happiness in
the works of modern technology. Smart phones, tablets, laptops that come in different
shapes and sizes with distinct features seem to be the measure of man’s value. Social
media has also affected the life of many. Face to face social interactions are being lessened
and people keep working hard to update their gadgets. There seems to be no contentment
as every time a new product is released, man finds another need that can only be answered
by a new product. These new products also tend to replace a man in the society as the
demand for manual labor is becoming less and less because of the availability of
machineries.

This human condition is not of without hope. Heidegger argued that this can be
prevented if man will not allow himself to be overwhelmed with the enframing that he was
set upon, but he pause for a while and reflect on the value of what is presented before him.
A balance has to be struck between technology being instrumental and anthropological. One
has to understand that technology does not only concern the means but also the end as one
proverb goes, “the end does not justify the means.” For Heidegger, the solution for this is
that man would not be controlling and manipulative of what he was set upon but to also
allow nature to reveal itself to him. With this, according to Heidegger, man will have a free
relationship with technology.

HUMAN BEING

There are many ways of describing a human being. But most of it do not precisely
define or describe a human, or “what does it mean to be a human”. Answers to this question
may have its scientific basis and or philosophical context. Biologist describe human as
having the attributes of living organisms- including plants and animals. This designates that
human being is a complex matter capable of performing life-sustaining processes. Human,
being the highest form of these living organisms, is said to have characteristics which
cannot be sustained through mere science.

Page 6 of 10
 Smith (20120 shared that; we can’t turn to science for an answer because in the first
place, science identified human with varied option and limited evidence. He further stressed
that “Biologists aren’t equipped to tell us whether an organism, is a human organism
because “human” is a folk-category rather a scientific one” (paea.2.).
Blakemore and Greenfield (1987; as cited in Bernaldez, 2001), recognized that the
possession of intellect distinguishes a human being from another creature. This intellect
supports self-consciousness and awareness sufficient for the achievement of human’s
functions, discovery of truth, and development of mankind. It may sound universally
acceptable but to Heidegger, the question “What is human being?”, is just the tip of the
original and more valid question “What is the meaning of being?” He thought that such move
was to divert the “inquirer” from the “object of inquiry”.
…according to Heidegger, it was originally the fundamental question of philosophy,
which was pursued by the ancient Greek philosophers but later on neglected, if not
forgotten, in the Western philosophy. Heidegger is not convinced with the reasons used to
justify such neglect- the self-evidence, universality, and indefinability of the concept of being.
(Mabaquiao, n.d. p. 111).
Furthermore, he argued that asking for the meaning of the term “being” doesn’t
suggest that the “inquirer” has no idea about it because in the first place, the meaning of
“being” is associated with the concept of existence, which means that the “inquirer” already
has the idea on the term “however vague or incomplete”. The “inquirer” obviously refers to
“man” as “being”, focuses to the “what” of human existence. This somehow justifies human
being’s adaptability to environmental changes and ability to manipulate environment is the
interest of survival.
Conversely, Heidegger used the term “dasein” which literally means “being there”
focuses on the “modes of existence” or the “who” of “Dasein”. The “modes of existence” is
fundamentally established by two things: (1) Dasein exists in a world and (2) Dasein has a
self that it defines as it exists in such world. (Mabaquiao, n.d p.111). Hence, this supports
human being’s capacity to decide on what is good or bad for them.

UNDERSTANDING HUMAN FLOURISHING

It has been discussed that human being is endowed with innate abilities and
characteristics that let him sustain his function and to survive in the given environment. In
the very center of being is unexplainable thirst which long for happiness, serenity and
fulfillment. The unquenching thirst towards indefinite bounds of life can only be sufficed once
fulfilled. Why does human being feel this way? What is man’s ultimate desire for living?
It would be beneficial if different views will be taken into accounts to understand it
well. The following are the selected philosophers’ point of views:

On Aristotle’s Viewpoint
Aristotle’s teachings suggest that each man’s life has a
purpose and that the function of one’s life is to attain that purpose.
For Aristotle, happiness (earthly) is the highest desire and ambition of
all human beings. And to achieve it, one must cultivate the highest
virtues within oneself. Aristotle believed that human beings have a
natural desire and capacity to know and understand the truth, to
pursue moral excellence, and to instantiate their ideals in the world
through action. Furthermore, these actions are geared towards one’s
proper and desired end-flourishing, happiness, or eudemonia.

Page 7 of 10
What is Eudaimonia?
Etymologically speaking, eudaimonia is consists of Greek words “eu” which means
“good” and “daemon” which means “spirit”. This literally defines as “the state of having good
indwelling spirit; a good genius”. (Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.)
Eudaimonia (also known as Eudaemonism) is a Greek word, which refers to a state
of having a good indwelling spirit or being in a contented state of being healthy, happy and
prosperous. In moral philosophy, eudaimonia is used to refer to the right actions as those
that result in the well-being of an individual. In this case, well-being becomes an essential
value. In general sense, eudaimonia can be perceived as any theory that places the
personal happiness of an individual and his or her complete life at the core of ethical
concern (Pennock, 2014, para. 1-2).

On Epiricus’ Viewpoint
Epiricus (born 341 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher who
contradicted the metaphysical philosophers. He believed that balance
and temperance were created space for happiness. His view is not
more of how happiness can be defined but more on theory about the
real source to experience it. Furthermore, it agrees with the ethical
doctrine which claims pleasure is the norm of morality – hedonism but
reiterates the intelligent choice and practical wisdom to measure
pleasure against pain to attain well-being.

On Nietzsche’s Viewpoint

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German

philosopher and cultural critic who published intensively in the
1870s and 1880s. He is known for his criticisms on psychological
analyses that resulted to opposing ideas on the people’s received
ideas. As expected, Nietzsche viewed happiness in a different
way. For many philosophers, happiness could be a ”constant state
of well-being”, but for him, happiness is an “ideal state of
laziness”. Consequently, laziness for him is described as to not
have any worries or distress in life.

Philosophers’ views are the evidence of objective sense of how it means to flourish. It
accepts that man’s ultimate desire of living is to flourish and to experience a life of well-
being (e.g., mental habit) or a kind of value (e.g., insights, outlook). One’s mental habit and
value towards life may deny access to experience fulfillment of life. On the other hand, it
may lead to understanding one’s function through self-actualization. Thus, it justifies why it
is difficult for a person to give exact answer is asked, “What is happiness?” which is almost
the same condition in answering the question, “What is your life’s purpose”.

Page 8 of 10
 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

We live in the world where science and technology are the forefront of the ever
changing society. Advances and continuous technological growth are the results of
intensified application of scientific knowledge to deliver progress in the society. The rise of
information technologies has made global communications possible. The introduction of
gene therapy, stem cells and cloning has improved the medical and health sectors.
Nanotechnology and robotics made industries flourished. Economic growth and global
standing were achieved through innovations. Scientific applications continuously provide
convenience to human lives. All these and more completes the story of changes,
innovations, and progress which impacts the ethical and moral preference of human in the
modern society. Yet, these progress become problematic because of the ethical or even
legal concerns. Examples are debates on whether human embryo (right to live) is being
sacrifice or not in the process of cloning; will the creation of artificial intelligence (AI)-
smarter-than-human intelligence conserves the functionality of human nature does not; des
mining support the nation’s economic development and labor employment or degradation of
environment and human rights infringement?
Indeed, progress in inevitable so as the desire of human to flourish. As scientific and
technological developments increasingly plays significantly to human lives, eudemonistic
orientation of happiness or end. What kinds of virtues were offered by these scientific
progress? For the common good or self-directed? Do they promote well-being? Should the
ethical and moral aspects of human beings be changed to be at par with progress and attain
human flourishing?

Suggested Readings

Hickel, J. (n.d.) Forget ‘developing’ rich countries, it’s time to ‘de-develop’ rich countries.
Retrieved from the website of the THE GUARDIANS:
https://www.theguardian.vom/global-development-professionals-
network/2015/sep/23/developing-poor-countires-de-develop-rich-countires-sdgs
Klein, Lee. (2011). Akiro Kurosawa’s dreams – Village of the Watermills [Motion Picture].
Japan: Warner Home Video
Mabaquiao Jr., N. (2013). Of essences and being: A look at the two faces of
phenomenology. In L. D. Garcia, Exploring Philosophical Terrain (pp. 289-292).
Quezon City : C&E Publishing Incorporated
Alawa, P. (2015). Martin Heidegger on science and technology. It’s implication to the
society. IOSR Journal of humanities and socialscience (IOSR-JHSS), 12 (6), 1-5.
Retrieved from hhttp://www.iosjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol12-
issue6/A01260105.pdf?id=2272
Wisecrack. (2015). Is technology dangerous? (Star Wars+Heidegger) – 8-Bit Philosophy
[Video File]. Retrived from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JOM-sVbKI
The School of Life. (2014). PHILOSOPHY-Heidegger [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br1sGrA7XTU
Sandler, G.B. (2014, Jan. 9). Existentialism: Martin Heidegger, “The question concerning
technology” (part 1) [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/wathc?v=4rzYhOOOw40

Page 9 of 10
 Activity Time!

Activity No. 5 (By pair)

Your instructor will assign you to a specific country. Look for 1 scientific
breakthrough of that country (it could be an invention, a discovery, or a developed idea)
within 2012-2022 timeframe.
Present your scientific breakthrough through a 1-page infographic. You are free
to decide on the title of your output. Save your output into pdf or jpeg format and send
it to your respective Google Classrooms.

An infographic or info-poster is a collection of imagery, charts, and minimal text that

gives an easy-to-understand overview of a topic. Infographics use striking, engaging
visuals to communicate information quickly and clearly.

Countries:
1.United States of America 14. Ukraine
2. Canada 15. France
3. Australia 16. Brazil
4. New Zealand 17. Singapore
5. Japan 18. Germany
6. North Korea 19. United Arab Emirates
7. China 20. Philippines
8. Vietnam 21. Venezuela
9. Russia 22. Thailand
10. Czech Republic 23. Ukraine
11. Switzerland 24. Greece
12. Denmark 25. Malaysia
13. Papua New Guinea 26. Egypt

INFOGRAPHIC RUBRICS
Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Needs Improvement
Category (5 pts.) (3 pts.) (1 pt.)

At least 4 accurate 3 accurate facts are Fewer than 2 accurate

Content facts/concepts are displayed. facts are displayed
displayed in the infographic.
The topic/purpose of the The topic/purpose is The topic/purpose of the
infographic is clear and somewhat broad and did infographic is not clear
Purpose
concise. not allow viewers to and concise.
understand the purpose.
The infographic has a great The graphics are The graphics has
layout, with applicable somewhat applicable to nothing to do with the
Layout graphics. the infographic, creating topic and the layout is
an average layout. poor. There is text
overload.
The font is legible and the The font is somewhat The font is not legible
color scheme enhanced the legible and the color and the color scheme
Color/Font
infographic. scheme somewhat lacks lacks harmony.
harmony.
Citations for the Citations for some of the No citation of the
Sourcing infographic's sources are sources used are infographic’s sources is
included. included. included.

Page 10 of 10