SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

PENERA, DAYNALOU GAILLE P. AY2023-2024 1ST SEMESTER

BSTM 3B MR. GIL S. CELSO JR, MBA

LESSON 1: General Concepts in Science

Science is a systematic, evidence-based approach to understanding the natural

world, encompassing disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy. It evolves
dynamically with new evidence and questions. It is a method of learning about the world.
Science, as a process, a product, and an institution, enables people to create new knowledge
and use information to attain desired outcomes.

This discipline consists of a few fundamentals that make the purest form of the
human pursuit of knowledge, the process by which we generate new theories and explain
what we don't understand. It is the first step in unraveling the universe's mysteries. First,
empirical observation relies on objective, repeatable, and verifiable observations of the
physical world. Then, we have a hypothesis, a testable statement, or an educated guess that
aims to explain a specific phenomenon, serving as the foundation for scientific investigation.
The next one is experimentation, a method scientists use to test their hypotheses by
controlling the manipulation of one or more variables while maintaining others constant.
Data collection involves observing, measuring, and experimenting with qualitative or
quantitative data to gather information for conclusions. Following is an analysis, to find
patterns, trends, and relationships in data, several statistical and mathematical techniques
are used. After that we have a theory; a scientific approach is a well-supported explanation
of the natural world, surpassing a hypothesis and a fundamental scientific concept. We also
have laws and scientific laws consistently describing genuine relationships or patterns,
describing what happens rather than why something happens. As for peer review,
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Scientific research undergoes peer review, where experts in the field review the work.
Another fundamental of science is falsifiability, where scientific ideas and hypotheses
should be testable and potentially falsifiable, allowing for experimentation and the
possibility of being proven wrong. Then there's a scientific method. The scientific method is
a systematic approach to scientific investigation that entails observation, hypothesis
creation, experimentation, data collecting, analysis, and conclusion-making. Next is
reproducibility; scientific credibility is based on the principle of reproducibility, which
ensures that other researchers can replicate experiments and findings. Also one of them is
its Interdisciplinary nature; science often involves collaboration between different
disciplines to tackle complex questions, as seen in fields like biophysics and biochemistry,
which combine principles from biology, physics, or chemistry. This also includes models;
scientists utilize various models, including physical, mathematical, and conceptual ones, to
simulate and comprehend intricate natural phenomena. Like any other field of discipline,
science also has scientific ethics; they are crucial in ensuring responsible research, the
welfare of participants, animals, and the environment, and reliable and ethical conduct in
science. It is also essential to have scientific communication that involves scientists sharing
their findings through research papers, presentations, and conferences, enabling others to
build upon their work and contribute to the collective knowledge. And lastly, we have
uncertainty and probability; scientific conclusions often use probabilities, acknowledging
the inherent uncertainty in measurements and predictions.

Science, alongside its fundamentals, is essential because it needs to exist for things to
work and to develop new technology used in everyday life. Science has a wide range of
impacts on the world. With newly discovered technologies, we can now predict how warm
or cold it will be for the following week and when a tornado, hurricane, eruption, or other
natural disaster may strike. Science benefits all communities because science is everywhere.
 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

PENERA, DAYNALOU GAILLE P. AY2023-2024 1ST SEMESTER

BSTM 3B MR. GIL S. CELSO JR, MBA

LESSON 2: Historical Antecedents In which Social Considerations Changed the Course of

Science and Technology

An antecedent is defined as a predecessor to the unfolding of life. Historical

backgrounds in science and technology are the factors that paved the way for advanced
and sophisticated breakthroughs in science and technology that exist now. The
development of science during the ancient, medieval, and modern periods will give further
information on the products that contributed to the development of science and technology.

The Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries) was a philosophical and intellectual

movement that influenced how people thought about politics, society, science, and
individual rights. Key ideas included reason, empirical observation , individualism,
secularism, liberty, equality, social contract, tolerance, critique of absolutism, scientific
method, progress, freedom of expression, and criticism of superstition.

The Scientific Revolution, which occurred from the late 16th to 18th century, laid
the foundation for modern science and had numerous vital contributions. These included
empirical observation, heliocentrism, Kepler's laws of planetary motion, Galileo's
discoveries, the scientific method, Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation,
advancements in medicine, chemistry, optics, philosophy, epistemology, and the invention
of the printing press.
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The Enlightenment also profoundly impacted philosophy and epistemology, with

thinkers like Francis Bacon and René Descartes laying the foundations for empiricism and
rationalism. The invention of the printing press played a crucial role in disseminating
scientific knowledge, making scientific texts more widely available, and facilitating the
exchange of ideas.

In conclusion, the Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution were significant periods

in history that shaped our understanding of the natural world, human rights, and the role
of individuals. Their ideas and contributions laid the groundwork for modern science and
continue shaping our knowledge of today's world.

The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th century) was a period of significant social

changes, economic pressures, and technological innovations that fundamentally changed
society and the economy. Key drivers included urbanization, the rise of the working class,
and the development of steam engines and mechanization. The steam engine, developed by
James Watt, played a pivotal role in powering factories, transportation, and mining
operations, leading to the growth of the industrial economy.

The Industrial Revolution also led to significant urbanization, with factories

emerging as primary production centers. Technological advancements such as the
telegraph improved communication and coordination across vast distances, while
innovations in metallurgy and chemical processes expanded the range of industries. The
division of labor became more specialized, increasing efficiency and leading to monotonous
and dehumanizing work concerns.
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Capitalism and industrialization were closely tied to the Industrial Revolution, with
capitalists investing in factories, machinery, and infrastructure, contributing to economic
growth and wealth accumulation. Social and labor movements emerged, and workers
formed labor unions to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights.

The Manhattan Project (20th century) was a top-secret U.S. government research
and development program driven by social and political considerations during World War
II. The project involved the development of an atomic bomb, which led to the Cold War
and arms race, raised concerns about nuclear proliferation, and led to the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The project was shrouded in secrecy, and espionage efforts by
both American and Soviet agents played a significant role in uncovering details.

The Green Revolution (1940s-1960s) was a series of agricultural advancements and

innovations that significantly increased global food production. It focused on high-yield
crop varieties and modern farming practices to address food shortages and increase
agricultural productivity. Norman Borlaug, the "Father of the Green Revolution," was
crucial in developing high-yielding wheat varieties. Technological advances introduced
synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which helped increase agricultural
productivity. Improved irrigation methods expanded crop cultivation in arid and semi-arid
regions, leading to multiple cropping seasons each year.

The Green Revolution enhanced food security, reducing the threat of famine and
alleviating hunger for millions of people. However, it also raised environmental concerns,
such as soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Social and economic
impacts included income disparities, criticisms of the Green Revolution, and a shift
towards sustainable agriculture practices.
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The Space Race (1950s-1960s) was a competition between the United States and the
Soviet Union to achieve various milestones in space exploration. Key milestones included
the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth, Yuri Gagarin's first
human in space, and NASA's Apollo 11 mission. The Space Race was closely linked to the
Cold War rivalry, with both superpowers aiming to demonstrate technological and
ideological superiority.

Despite the end of the Space Race, space exploration continued, with both nations
and others continuing to launch missions to explore space, including the study of other
planets, space telescopes, and the development of space stations like the International Space
Station (ISS).

Bioethics and biotechnology have become increasingly important fields in the late
20th century, shaping contemporary discussions on ethical and technological advancements
in life sciences. Bioethics is the interdisciplinary study of ethical issues arising in life
sciences and healthcare, including topics such as genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell
research. Rapid advances in biotechnology, such as the mapping of the human genome,
cloning, gene editing, and stem cell research, have raised complex ethical questions.

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in research and medical

practice, and genetic engineering raises concerns about safety, consent, and potential
unintended consequences. Cloning raises ethical questions about identity, individuality,
and potential harm to cloned individuals. Stem cell research raises ethical questions,
especially regarding embryonic stem cells and the moral status of embryos.
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Reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy, raise ethical

questions about the definition of parenthood, the commodification of reproduction, and the
well-being of children born through these methods. End-of-life care issues, access to
healthcare, research ethics, global health, and regulation and oversight have all contributed
to the development of bioethics.

In the 21st century, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and data privacy
has led to increased regulation and discussions about responsible AI development.
Governments and regulatory bodies have responded with stringent data privacy
regulations, promoting responsible AI development and balancing innovation and privacy.

As a result, science is defined by the history of science as an examination of the

regularities of nature that are met with some skepticism and are made in an attempt to be
explained by reasons of rationality. Thus, scientific knowledge is only ever incomplete
history of science, and the advancement of science is nothing more than the process that
allows people to comprehend the phenomena that occur.
 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY

PENERA, DAYNALOU GAILLE P. AY2023-2024 1ST SEMESTER

BSTM 3B MR. GIL S. CELSO JR, MBA

LESSON 3: Science Technology and Nation Building

Science and technology are essential for nation-building, as they drive economic
growth, societal progress, and global competitiveness. Investments in research,
development, and technological integration can lead to sustainable economic growth,
improved citizen well-being, and enhanced global competitiveness. It encompasses several
ways in which science and technology contribute to nation building.

Any nation's success and development depend on science and technology, and here
are some of the ways that it contributes on nation’s building. First we have, economic
growth, science and technology drive economic growth by creating new industries, job
opportunities, and increased productivity. Countries investing in R&D experience higher
growth rates due to technological advancements. We also have infrastructure and
development, Science and technology are crucial in the development of modern
infrastructure, such as transportation systems, communication networks, and energy grids,
which improve connectivity, mobility, and quality of life. Following is the healthcare
advancement, Scientific research and technological innovation significantly impact
healthcare, leading to advancements in medical science, pharmaceuticals, and technologies
that improve population well-being, reduce costs, and enhance public health. Next is
education and workforce development, advancements in educational technology and e-
learning platforms are crucial for skill development and knowledge acquisition, ensuring a
well-educated and technologically skilled workforce for a nation's global competitiveness.
This also includes resource management, science and technology enhance resource
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management, promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, water resources, and

environmental conservation, thereby preserving natural resources and addressing
environmental challenges. Then we have national security, Scientific and technological
advancements are crucial for a nation's defense capabilities, including military technology,
cyber security, and intelligence gathering, ensuring sovereignty and security. It also
involves innovation ecosystem, fostering an innovation ecosystem, promoting collaboration
between academia, industry, and government, through research parks, technology
incubators, and supportive policies, is crucial for nation building and economic
diversification. Global competitiveness also is one of the way, nations that invest in science
and technology are better positioned to compete in the global marketplace. Technological
innovation allows countries to export high-value products and services and establish a
strong presence in international markets. Moreover we have quality of life, science and
technology can improve citizens' quality of life through improved healthcare, information
access, transportation, and communication, leading to higher living standards and well-
being. Lastly, the crisis response, science and technology play a crucial role in crisis
response, disaster management, response coordination, and medical research during
natural disasters or pandemics.

Science and technology are crucial for a nation's development, involving knowledge,
methods, tools, and skills. We must ensure adequate development of manpower in science
and technology to efficiently utilize resources, reduce treasury drain, and achieve
technological self-reliance in capital, consumer goods, and raw materials production.