INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the
conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific knowledge and
technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities upon different groups of
people. STS builds on the history and philosophy of science and technology, sociology and
anthropology, policy studies, and cultural and literary studies; all of which shape the modes of
analysis deployed in the field. The intercollegiate program brings together courses taught in a
variety of departments, and is divided into three principal areas: history of science and
technology, philosophy of science and technology, and social science approaches to technology
and science. Courses explore the effects of science and technology on society and culture; the
politics of socio-technical systems; science policy in national and international contexts; the
social and environmental risks vs. benefits of technological and scientific advancement and,
more specifically, cover topics such as the political economy of pollution, the culture of the
scientific laboratory, theories of race and genetic engineering, social networking and the
Internet, the body and politics of health.
Students majoring in STS are well prepared to pursue graduate study in related field and
also have a solid foundation for work as science journalists, policy researchers and advisers,
science educators, design and business consultants, and advocates of change around issues
such as gender and science, renewable energy and the social effects of the information
revolution. In addition, STS is an excellent academic background for students intending to
pursue careers in medicine, law, business and education.

Chapter 1
Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology

This section tackles how social context shaped and were shaped by science and
technology across three historical periods. By introducing the historical antecedents of science
and technology, the section explores the dynamic interaction between different societal factors
and science and technology. Along with the discussion of these antecedents during the ancient
period, middle ages, and modern ages, this section also includes a discussion on important
Philippine inventions and innovations. It emphasizes the various social, cultural, economic, and
political impacts of scientific and technological innovation throughout history.

An antecedent is defined as a precursor to the unfolding or existence of something.

Thus, historical antecedent in science and technology are factors that paved the way for the
presence of advanced and sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today.
Knowledge of the history of science and technology is useful of appraising these innovations
today. By understanding how previous generation influenced by developments science and
technology, today’s generation can come up with informed decisions on the proper application
of science and technology to daily life.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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

1. Discuss the historical antecedents of science and technology across time; and
2. Explain how Philippine scientific and technological inventions shaped and were
shaped by various social contexts.

Ancient Period

The rise of ancient civilizations paved the way for advances in science and technology.
These advances during the Ancient period allowed civilizations to flourish by finding better ways
of communication, transportation, self-organization, and of living in general.

 ANCIENT WHEEL

People from ancient civilizations used animals for transportation long before the
invention of the wheel. No one knows exactly who invented the wheel and when. There is,
however, a general agreement that the ancient wheel grew out of a mechanical device called
the potter’s wheel – a heavy flat disc made of hardened clay which is spun horizontally on its
axis. It is believed that the Sumerians invented the potter’s wheel shortly after 3500 BC. The
invention of the ancient wheel is often credited to the Sumerians since no other ancient
civilization used a similar device at the time. It could be that a potter thought of shifting the
potter’s wheel to a 90-degree angle for the purpose of transportation or the wheel was
reinvented for this purpose. Nonetheless, it would not be until 1000 to 1500 years later that the
wheel was first used on carts.
 Figure 1. Sumerian Wheel  Figure 2. Potter’s
Wheel 

 PAPER

Roughly around 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians began writing on papyrus, a material
similar to thick paper. Papyrus is made from the pith of the papyrus plant cyperus papyrus.
Before the Egyptians invented the papyrus, writing was done on stone. Because of the difficulty
of writing on stone, writing was reserved only for very important occasions. With the advent of
the papyrus, documentation and record-keeping became efficient, widespread, and vast.
Through its use, information dissemination became exponentially faster. Records were kept and
stood in the test of time.

Figure 3.1
The Papyrus  Figure 3.2 Papyrus plant 

 SHADOOF

The shadoof was an early tool invented and used

by the Ancient Egyptians to irrigate land. Among
Egyptians who lived near Nile river, irrigation was
necessary to water their crops. The shadoof, also
spelled as shaduf, is a hand operated device used for

Figure 4.Shadoof
lifting water. Because of this invention, irrigation and farming became much more efficient. The
shadoof is also believed to be an ancient precursor of more sophisticated irrigation tools.

 ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM

Even before the invention of the antecedents of the modern computer, the Greeks had
already invented the ancient world’s analog computer orrery. The Antikythera mechanism is
similar to a mantel clock. It is akin to a clock in the way that the case has a circular face and
rotating hands. A knob on the side makes it possible for it to be wound forward or backward. As
this knob moves forward or backward, its mechanism allows it to display celestial time. Thus, it
is widely believed that the Antikythera mechanism was used to predict astronomical positions
and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes. It is also believed that the Antikythera
mechanism, which is one of the oldest known antecedents of modern clockwork, was invented
by Greek scientists between 150-100 BC.

Figure 5. A fragment of the Antikythera mechanism

 AEOLIPILE

Also known as the Hero’s Engine, the aeolipile

is widely believed to be the ancient precursor of the
steam engine. The aeolipile is a steam-powered turbine
which spun when the water container at its center was
heated, thus making it practically the first rudimentary
steam engine. It is not clear whether the aeolipile
served any practical purpose, but it is believed to be
one of many “temple wonders” at the time.

Figure 6. An illustration of Hero’s engine

 Middle Ages

Between the collapse of the Roman Empire in 5th century AD and the colonial expansion
of Western Europe in late 15th century AD, major advances in scientific and technological
development took place. These include the steady increase of new inventions, introduction of
innovations in traditional production, and emergence of scientific thinking and method. Some of
humanity’s most important present-day technologies could be traced back to their historical
antecedents in the Middle Ages.

 HEAVY PLOUGH

Perhaps one of the most important technological innovations during the middle ages is
the invention of the heavy plough. Clay soil, despite being more fertile than lighter types of soil,
was not cultivated because of its heavy weight. However, through the invention of the heavy
plough, it became possible to harness clay soil. Professor Thomas Bernebeck Andersen of the
University of Southern Denmark describes the
impact of the invention of the heavy plough: “The
heavy plough turned European agriculture and
economic on its head. Suddenly, the fields with
the heavy, fatty, and moist clay soils became
those that gave the greatest yields.” The heavy
plough stirred an agricultural revolution in
Northern Europe marked by higher and healthier
agricultural yields and more efficient agricultural
practices.
 GUN POWDER Figure 7. An impression of the heavy plough

Around 850 AD, Chinese alchemists accidentally invented black powder or gunpowder.
Multiple accounts suggests that the gunpowder might have been am unintended byproduct of
attempts made by the Chinese to invent the elixir of life, which is why the Chinese called it
huoyao, roughly translated as “fire potion”. Prior to the invention of the gunpowder, swords and
spears were used in battles and wars. Since its invention, the gunpowder has allowed for more
advanced warfare. From fiery arrows to cannons and grenades, the gunpowder has prompted
foundation for the functionality of almost every new weapon used in war since its invention. It
ushered in an unprecedented advancement in warfare and combat throughout the Middle Ages.
  PAPER MONEY

Before the introduction of paper money, precious metals, such as gold and silver were
used as currency. However, the idea of assigning value to a marked piece of paper did not
immediately become popular. In fact, when the Mongols attempted to introduce paper money
into the Middle East market in the 13 th century, it did not gain immediate success. Nonetheless,
traders and merchants eventually realized the huge advantage of using paper money because it
was easier to transport around compared to the previous forms of currencies.

Figure 9. The paper money

 MECHANICAL CLOCK

Although devices for timekeeping and recording sprung from the ancient times, such as
the Antikythera mechanism, it was not until the Middle Ages that clockwork technology was
developed. The development of mechanical clocks paved the way for accurately keeping track
of time. The sophistication of clockwork technology of the mechanical clock drastically changed
the way days were spent and work patterns were stablished, particularly in the more advanced
Middle Age cities.

Figure 10. A medieval mechanical clock found in Prague, Czech Republic

 SPINNING WHEEL

Another important invention of the Middlw Ages is the spinning wheel, a machine used
for transforming fiber into thread or yarn and evenntually woven into cloth on a loom. Although
no consensus could be made regarding the origin of the spinning wheel, it is theorized that the
Indians invented the spinning wheel between 6th and 11th century AD. Prior to the invention of
spinning wheel, weaving was done predominantly through the more time-consuming and
tedious process hand spinning.

Figure 11. Spinning Wheel

Modern Ages

As the world population steadily increased, people from thw Modern Ages realized the
utmist importance of increasing the efficiency of transportation, communication, and production.
Industrialization took place with greater risks in human health, food safety, and environment
which had to be addressed as scientific and techgnological progress unfolded atunimaginable
speed.

 COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

A Dutch spectacle maker named Zacharias Janssen is credited for the invention of the
first compund micriscope in 1590. Together with his father Hans, Zacharias began
experimenting with lenses by putting together several lenses on a tube. This led to an amazing
discovery that an object, when placed near the end of the tube, can be magnified far larger than
what a simple magnifying lens can do. Janssen’s compund microscope was an important
progression from the single lens microscope. It was capable of magnifying objects three times
their sized when fully closed and up to ten times when extended to the maximum. Today, the
compound microscope is an important instrument in many scientific studies, such as in the
areas of medicine, forensic studies, tissue analysis, atomic studies and genetics.
 Figure 12. Jansen’s compound microscope

 TELESCOPE

Perhaps the single, most important technological invention in the study of astronomy
durimh the Modern Ages was the practical telescope invented by Galileo Galilei. This invention
could magnify objects 20 times larger than the Dutch perspective glasses. It was Galileo who
first used the telescope skyward and made important astronomical disoveries, and identified the
presence of craters and mountaions on the moon. Galileo’s remarkable technological
contribution drastically changed the study of astronomy. For the first time, it became clear that
the universe is far larger than the previously imagined and the Earth far smaller compared to the
entire universe.

Figure 13. One of Galileo’s first telescopes

 JACQUARD LOOM

Built by French weaver Joseph Marie Jacquard, the Jacquard loom simplifies textile
manufacturing. Prior to the invention of the Jacquard loom, a drawloom was used which
required two individuals to operate – the weaver and a “drawboy” – if figured designed on
textiles were needed. In 1801, Jacquard demonstrated the ingenuity of his version of a loom in
which a series of cards with punched holes automatically created complex textile designs and
made mass production easier.

 ENGINE-POWERED AIRPLANE

Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright are credited for designing and successfully operating the first
engine-powered aircraft. The Wright brothers approached the design of pewered aircraft and fligth
scientifically. Orville and Wilbur proved that aircrafts could fly without air-foil shaped wings. They
demonstrated this in their original Flying Machine patent ( US patent #821393), showing that slightly-tilted
wings, which they reffered to as aeroplanes, were the key features of a powered aircraft. Their pioneering
success marked an age of powered flights. Sans modern knowledge on aerodynamics and a
comprehensive understanding of the working of aircraft wings, the Wright brothers were brilliant scientists
who paved the way for modern aircraft technology.

Figure 14. Jacquard Loom

Figure 15. The flight of the Flying Machine of Orville and Wilbur Wright

 TELEVISION

Scottish engineer John Logie Baird is largely credited for the invention of the modern
television. Baird successfully televised objects in outline in 1924, recognizable human faces in
1925, and moving objects in 1926, and projected colored images in 1928. Baird’s television
technology caught on really swiftly. Despite being the first television invented, Baird’s television
was later on criticized for its fuzzy and flickering images, primarily because it was mechanical
compared to electronic versions that were developed much later.
 Figure 16. Baird’s television 

Inventions by Filipino
Scientists
Filipinos have long been known for their ingenuity. As with all other inventions, necessity
has always been the mother of Philippine inventions. Most of these inventions appealed to the
unique social and cultural context of the archipelagic nation. Throughout Philippine history,
Filipinos are responsible for developing many scientific and technological innovations focused
on navigation, traditional shipbuilding, textiles, food processing, indigenous arts and techniques,
and even cultural inventions. The following are some of the most important inventions by Filipino
scientists.

 ELECTRONIC JEEPNEY (e-jeepney)

The jeepney is perhaps one of the most recognizable national symbols of the Philippines
and the most popular mode of public transportation in the coutry. Jeepneys were designed and
improvisrd from scratch out of military jeeps that the Americans left in the country after World
War II. The e-jeepney is the inventive response to criticisms to the traditional jeepney that
belched smoke, directly causing air pollution which made it unsustainable and uneconomical. E-
jeepneys are designed to be environment-friendly, eliminating noise and air pollution as they run
on electricity. They are also more economical for electricity is far cheaper than ordinary diesel,
allowing jeepney drivers to earn more profit.\
 Figure 17. E-jeepney 

 ERYTHROMYCIN

Perhaps one of the most important medical invention is the Erythromycin. The Ilonggo
scientist Abelardo Aguilar invented this antibiotic out of a strain of bacterium called
Streptomyces erythreus, from which this drug derived its name. As with the case of several other
local scientists, however, Aguilar was not credited for this discovery by Eli Lilli Co., Aguilar’s US
employer, to whom he sent the strain for separation. The US company eventually owned the
merits for this discovery.

Figure 18.Abelardo Aguilar and his Erythromycin

 MEDICAL INCUBATOR

World-renowned Filipino pediatrician and national scientist, Fe del Mundo, is credited

for the invention of the incubator and jaundice relieving device. Del Mundo was the first woman
pediatrician to be admitted to the prestigious Harvard University’s school of Medicine. She is
also the founder of the first pediatric hospital in the country. Her pioneering work in padiatrics
that spanned a total of eight decades won her the 1977 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s
premiere prize granted to outstanding individuals whose selfless service remarkably contributed
to the betterment of society. Her original improvised incubator consisted of two native laundry
baskets of different sizes that are placed one inside the other. Warmth is generated by bottles
with hot water placed around the baskets. A makeshift hood over the basket allows oxygen to
circulate inside the incubator. Del Mundo’s incubator was particularly outstanding as it
addressed the state of Philippine rural communities that had no electricity to aid the regulation
of body temperatures of new born babies.For this purpose, Del Mundo’s invention was truly
ingenious.

 MOLE REMOVER

In 2000, a local invention that had the Ability to aesily removed moles and warts on the
skin without the need of any surgical procedure shot to fame. Rolando dela Cruz is credited for
the invention of a local mole remover that made use of extract of cashew nuts ( Annacardium
occidentale ), which are very common in the Philippines. The indigenious formula easily caught
on for its accessibility, affordability, and painless and scarless procedure. Dela Cruz won a gold
medal for this invention in the International Invention, Innovation, Industrial design, and
Technology Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2000.

Figure 20. Rolando dela Cruz’s commercial product – a mole remover formula
madeof cashew nut extracts 

 BANANA KETSUP

Filipino food technologist, Maria Orosa, is credited for the invention of banana ketsup, a
variety of ketsup different from the commonly known tomato ketsup. Her invention appeals
particularly to Filipinos who love using condiments to go along with their food. Historical
accounts posit that Orosa invented the banana ketsup at the backdrop of World war II when
there was a huge shortage of tomatoes. As a result, Orosa developed a variety of ketsup that
made use of mashed banana, sugar, vinegar, and spices, which were readily available. Orosa’s
banana ketsup is brownish-yellow in natural color, but is dyed red to ressemble the color of the
most loved tomato ketsup.
Figure 21.Maria Orosa’s Banana Ketsup