Iloilo Science and Technology University

GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society

Lesson 6: The Intellectual Revolution and Society
Intellectual Property of Dr. Jasper L. Pastrano

Introduction:

The term "Intellectual Revolution" is used to refer to Greek speculation about the "nature" in the period before
Socrates (roughly 600 to 400 BCE). In this paper it refers to the period where paradigm shifts occurred. It is where the
scientific beliefs that have been widely embraced and accepted by the people where challenged and opposed by church.
Moreover, the focus would be the contribution of the intellectuals to our society. The intellectual contribution will transform
societies through critical-thinking, evaluation, and creating appropriate rules for equal opportunity. It is also a continuous
process of development to achieve the needs of society. The collaborations of great minds make the world peaceful and
progressive.

Module Outcomes:
After completing this module, the students must have:
1. Discussed how intellectuals contribution revolutionize the
science and technology for the benefit of society.

Lesson Title 6: The Intellectuals Revolutions and Society

Lesson Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students must have:
1. Identify Intellectuals and their revolutionary idea or
significant contribution.
2. Enumerate the importance of such scientific and technological impact to society.
3. Explain its benefits to Philippine society.

Darwinian Period (19th century). The 19th century, marked by industrial and intellectual revolutions, saw the
convergence of diverse scientific inquiries. During this era, Charles Darwin embarked on the HMS Beagle's voyage,
catalyzing his later revolutionary scientific theories.

Scientific & Technological Developments: Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection dramatically altered our
understanding of life on Earth. This shift wasn't merely academic; it profoundly affected disciplines from genetics to
ecology.
Effects on Society & Environment: Societally, Darwin's theories spurred debates between religious and scientific
communities, reshaping anthropological, biological, and philosophical thought. Environmentally, while Darwin himself
didn't direct conservation efforts, his work on interconnectedness laid foundations for future environmental and ecological
studies, emphasizing nature's delicate balance.
Freudian Period (late 19th - early 20th century). Amidst rapid urbanization and societal change, the dawn of the 20th
century fostered interest in human behavior and psyche. Vienna-based neurologist Sigmund Freud pioneered the
exploration of the deeper, often hidden layers of the human mind.
Scientific & Technological Developments: Freud's introduction of psychoanalysis provided novel frameworks to
understand the human psyche. Key concepts, including the id, ego, superego, and Oedipus complex, emerged.
Effects on Society & Environment: Freud's ideas revolutionized societal perspectives on sexuality, dreams, and childhood.
They profoundly affected therapeutic practices, education, and even art. While Freudian theories had limited direct
environmental implications, they paved the way for environmental psychology, exploring human-nature interactions.
Information Period (late 20th - 21st century). After World War II, technological advancements surged, primarily fueled
by Cold War competitions and the globalization of economies and communication.
Scientific & Technological Developments: The creation of the transistor, followed by the personal computer, the internet,
and smartphones, revolutionized information dissemination and accessibility.
Effects on Society & Environment: The digital age reshaped societal communication, work structures, economies, and
politics. The environmental cost, however, was significant: electronic waste, increased energy consumption, and
challenges like "tech-driven" deforestation due to demand for resources.

Meso-American Period (pre-Columbian era). Mesoamerica, before European contact, witnessed the rise and fall of
several prominent civilizations.
Major Developments: The Olmecs, considered the 'mother culture' of Mesoamerica, laid many foundational elements for
later societies. The Maya developed an intricate calendar system, a sophisticated hieroglyphic writing system, and
impressive architectural marvels. The Aztecs, with their vast empire centered in Tenochtitlán, had a complex socio-
political and religious structure.
Asian Period. Asia's vast expanse has seen the birth and growth of ancient civilizations, dynastic rules, and the cross-
pollination of ideas and culture.
Major Developments: The Chinese dynastic cycles introduced Confucianism, Daoism, and significant technological
advancements like gunpowder and the compass. India saw the birth of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism and
achievements in arts, sciences, and mathematics. Southeast Asian kingdoms, such as the Khmer Empire, built
architectural wonders like Angkor Wat.
Middle East Period (Islamic Golden Age, 8th - 13th century). After the spread of Islam in the 7th century, the Islamic
Caliphates expanded, ushering in an era of knowledge and innovation.
Major Developments: The House of Wisdom in Baghdad and institutions in Cordoba became global centers of learning.
Pioneers in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy made significant advancements, preserving ancient
knowledge and building upon it.
African Period. Africa's diverse landscapes and cultures gave rise to a variety of kingdoms and empires across millennia.
Major Developments: Ancient Egypt's pharaonic rule left a legacy of art, architecture, and knowledge. Empires like Mali
and Songhai in West Africa became centers of trade, learning, and culture. The Swahili Coast saw the rise of city-states
benefiting from Indian Ocean trade. Southern African civilizations like Great Zimbabwe showcased advanced stone
architecture.

The Intellectuals

Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543). A Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, Copernicus is best known for
initiating the shift from the geocentric to the heliocentric model of the universe.
Revolutionary Idea: Heliocentrism – the theory that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.
Importance: By challenging the Ptolemaic (geocentric) model, Copernicus revolutionized astronomy, setting the stage for
a new understanding of our place in the cosmos.
Technological Impact: The heliocentric model refined astronomical tools and observations, significantly improving
navigation methods vital for exploration and commerce.
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630). Kepler was a key figure of the Scientific Revolution, known for his work in astronomy and
mathematics.
Revolutionary Idea: Laws of Planetary Motion, which describe how planets orbit the Sun.
Importance: These laws provided concrete evidence for the heliocentric model and introduced a mathematical
predictability to planetary movements.
Technological Impact: Kepler's insights were foundational for celestial navigation and later, space exploration, by offering
precise models of planetary motion.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955). A theoretical physicist, Einstein is best known for his theory of relativity, profoundly altering
the field of physics.
Revolutionary Idea: Theory of Relativity, which includes both Special and General Relativity.
Importance: Einstein's work redefined our understanding of time, space, and the universe's very fabric, challenging
Newtonian physics.
Technological Impact: His ideas, especially the mass-energy equivalence (E=mc^2), paved the way for nuclear energy
developments. Also, the accuracy of GPS systems today relies on corrections based on relativity principles.

Robert Boyle (1627-1691). An early modern chemist and natural philosopher, Boyle is often regarded as the father of
modern chemistry and one of the pioneers of the experimental scientific method.
Revolutionary Idea: Boyle's Law, which states the inverse relationship between the pressure and volume of a gas at a
constant temperature.
Importance: His work established foundational principles in chemistry, emphasizing experimental data and quantitative
analysis.
Technological Impact: Boyle's Law has been central to developments in various technologies, from engines to various
gas-based applications in diverse industries.

John Locke (1632-1704). An English philosopher and physician, Locke is often regarded as one of the most influential
Enlightenment thinkers, known for his contributions to epistemology and political philosophy.
Revolutionary Idea: Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate) and Social Contract.
 Importance: Locke's notion that individuals are born without built-in mental content (tabula rasa) and that knowledge
comes from experience emphasized the importance of the environment and experience in shaping individuals. His Social
Contract theory argued for the legitimacy of governmental authority based on the consent of the governed.
Technological/Societal Impact: Locke's ideas influenced democratic governance structures, emphasizing individual rights
and the importance of consent. They laid the groundwork for many democratic republics and constitutional monarchies,
shaping political institutions and systems.

Adam Smith (1723-1790). A Scottish economist and philosopher, Smith is often referred to as the "father of modern
economics" due to his profound contributions to the discipline.
Revolutionary Idea: The Invisible Hand and the Foundations of Classical Economics.
Importance: In "The Wealth of Nations", Smith introduced the concept of the 'invisible hand,' suggesting that individuals'
self-interest inadvertently benefits society at large. He championed free markets, competition, and specialization.
Technological/Societal Impact: Smith's economic principles became foundational for capitalist economies and influenced
economic policies worldwide. They drove industrialization, trade policies, and the growth of global commerce.

Thomas Robert Malthus (1766-1834). An English cleric and scholar, Malthus is renowned for his works in the fields of
demography and political economy.
Revolutionary Idea: Malthusian Theory of Population.
Importance: Malthus posited that while populations grow geometrically (exponentially), food production grows
arithmetically, leading to inevitable population checks like famine and disease. He believed that these checks were
necessary to balance population with resources.
Technological/Societal Impact: Malthus's ideas influenced public policies and sparked debates on population control,
resource management, and agriculture. His theory indirectly influenced the development of modern agricultural
technologies as societies sought ways to increase food production.

Jack Ma (b. 1964). A Chinese business magnate, Jack Ma is best known as the co-founder and former executive
chairman of Alibaba Group, a multinational conglomerate focusing on e-commerce, retail, internet, and technology.
Revolutionary Idea: E-commerce and digital payments in China.
Significant Contribution: Under Ma's leadership, Alibaba revolutionized the way business is done in China and much of
Asia. He introduced platforms like Alibaba for B2B sales, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer sales, and Alipay for digital
payments.
Importance & Technological Impact: Jack Ma's contributions democratized trade and retail in China, allowing even small
businesses to participate in the global market. Alipay, part of his empire, laid the foundation for a cashless society in
China. Collectively, these innovations catalyzed economic growth, job creation, and modernized trade in the region.

Angel Alcala (b. 1929). A Filipino biologist and a recognized expert in Philippine amphibians and reptiles, Angel Alcala is
known for his extensive work in marine sanctuaries and marine biodiversity.
Revolutionary Idea: Establishment of marine reserves for biodiversity conservation.
Significant Contribution: Alcala's work led to the establishment of the first marine reserves in the Philippines, highlighting
the importance of marine protected areas for preserving biodiversity and bolstering fish stocks.
Importance & Technological Impact: His research and advocacy laid the groundwork for marine conservation efforts not
only in the Philippines but also influenced policies in other parts of the world. The marine reserves, besides protecting
fragile ecosystems, also provide a sustainable approach to fisheries and support coastal community livelihoods. Alcala's
work emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between conservation and societal well-being.

Group Discussion Questions:

1. Comparative Analysis: How do the impacts of the Darwinian and Freudian periods on societal perceptions of
human nature compare and contrast? In what ways did each challenge prevailing worldviews of their respective
times?
2. Historical Context: How might the astronomical findings of Copernicus and Kepler have been received if
presented during the Meso-American or Middle East periods? How do societal and cultural contexts shape the
reception of scientific discoveries?
3. Modern Relevance: In the current Information Age, how do the principles of classical economists like Adam
Smith and Thomas Robert Malthus apply, especially considering the digital economy and challenges like
overpopulation?
4. Technological Evolution: Given Einstein's revolutionary ideas on relativity and the nature of the universe, how
do you see these principles influencing today's emerging technologies, such as quantum computing?
5. Scientific Paradigms: Robert Boyle laid foundations in chemistry and the scientific method. How do such
structured methodologies influence today's scientific investigations, especially in interdisciplinary fields?
6. Philosophy and Governance: How have John Locke's ideas on the social contract and individual rights
influenced contemporary discussions on digital privacy and data rights in the Information Age?
7. Economic Disruptions: Considering Jack Ma's transformative e-commerce innovations, discuss potential
societal implications if such a digital revolution had taken place during an earlier historical period, such as the
Asian or Middle East periods.
8. Environmental Wisdom: Drawing inspiration from Angel Alcala's marine conservation efforts, how can ancient
practices and wisdom from periods like the Meso-American or African era inform modern conservation strategies?
9. Interdisciplinary Dialogues: How might Freudian theories of the subconscious and human behavior provide
insights into user behavior in digital platforms, influencing tech designs in the Information Age?
10. Cultural Synthesis: Given the diverse historical periods and intellectual figures discussed, how can integrating
knowledge from these different eras lead to a more holistic understanding and innovative solutions to today's
global challenges?