History Antecedents of Science and Technology
Module 1
GE-STS: Science, Technology and
Society
History Antecedents of Science and
Technology ∙ ∙ ∙
History Antecedents of
Science and Technology
Module 1
∙∙∙
Eliciting Ideas: Inside Out
Fill the circles with your ideas regarding the said
concepts. Overlapping of circles mean similarities
of each concept.
Know It!
Did you know Sophia? She’s the
first robot to receive citizenship in
Saudi Arabia.
Did you know babies have around
100 more bones that
adults?
Did you know the Eiffel Tower can
be 15cm taller during summer?
Did you know water can boil and freeze
at the same time?
Science Technology Society
Did you know there is DNA in your body
to stretch from the sun to Pluto seven
times?
Did you know your walks in your entire
life is equivalent to
touring around the world five times?
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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Overview
Science, Technology and Society is the study on how social, economic, political and
cultural aspects affects scientific researches, development of technologies that affects the
human society. It was before Spaniards take over the Philippines, the Philippines has already
the concept of STS. It was embedded in the way of life of the people, science have thought
them importance and learn to develop the technologies and improved inventions up to the
present.
Philippines may belong to the so-called ‘third-world countries’, we still have amazing
inventions and discoveries that worth to be told in world history. Filipinos take pride of those
achievements and we are thriving for more as of today.
This module talks about the historical antecedent of STS throughout history and its
affects to the environment. Let us uncover the beauty of this subject.
Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the history of Science and Technology in the world and in the Philippines.
2. Explain the interactions between Science, Technology and Society.
Discussion
1.1 Defining STS
STS simply stands for science, technology and society. It is an interdisciplinary field of
academic teaching and research, with elements of a social movement, having as its primary
focus the explication and analysis of science and technology as complex social constructs
with attendant societal influences entailing myriad epistemological, political, and ethical
question.
Let’s just imagine we are on top of the most remote mountain in the Philippines, unless
you’re living in such place imagination is not needed. Science would become a big deal for
you. Without it, there could be no cellular phones for communication and entertainment; no
broadcasts sharing important news nationwide; no electricity to light the night; nothing! Admit
it or not, our life is completely dependent on technology. Eventually, it will reshape our mode
of thinking on what’s happening around us. This is science. Science is the study of the natural
world by systematic methods of observation and experiment. Technology is the application
of science to practical purpose. And Society uses those technologies.
1.2 Historical Antecedents of STS
Table 1.1 History of Science and Technology in the World
CULTURE TECHNOLOGY ASTRONOMY
Mesoamerican Revolution
A. Maya
Civilization
⮚ Religion
structuring. ⮚
Mayans also known
⮚ Used tool and
adapt to innovation
especially in field of
⮚ Advanced
understanding in
astronomy
for measuring time
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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using two
complicated
calendar system, it
is very useful for
their life like in
planning their
activities and
observing religion
ritual and cultural
celebration.
2. Inca
Civilization
⮚ “Navel of the
world” ⮚ Inca culture
was a very
advanced
civilization and was
led by 13 Incas, who
were in-charge of
governing a people
divided into social
classes.
art such as looms
for weaving
cloth.
⮚ Made
advanced
scientific ideas
considering
limitation and old
civilization.
⮚ Road paved
with stone.
⮚ Stone buildings
that surmounted
earthquake and
other disaster.
⮚ Irrigation system
and technique in
storing water.
⮚ First suspension
bridge.
⮚ Quipu system of
knotted ropes to
keep records that
only expert can
interpret.
⮚ Inca textile.
⮚ Temples and
pyramids at
chichen itza
which situated
at the
location of the
sun during the
spring
and fall.
⮚ Understanding
about the
celestial bodies,
such as
predicting eclipse
and by using
astrological cycle
in planting and
harvesting.
⮚ Mayan calendar.
⮚ Calendar with
12 months.
3. Aztec
Civilization
⮚ Mandatory
education.
⮚ Invention of the
canoe.
⮚ Chinampa. A form
technology used
for agricultural
farming where
the land was
divided in
rectangular areas
surrounded by
canals.
⮚ Aztec calendar.
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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4. Olmec
Civilization
⮚ “The Rubber People”
⮚ Inhabited in a small
area about 125 by 50
kilometers.
⮚ They develop the
first written language
and number system
⮚ Make rubber
ball for ritualistic
ballgame.
⮚ Built cities and
acquired great
wealth.
⮚ Artifacts such as
jade mask and
giant heads.
⮚ Olmec
civilization did not
pay
attention in
astronomy.
Asia
1. China
⮚ It is one of the
ancient civilizations
with
substantial
contributions in
many areas such
as in
medicine,
astronomy, science,
mathematics, arts,
philosophy and
music.
⮚ Confucianism is an
ethical philosophical
system developed
from the teaching
of early Chinese
rage
Confucius.
⮚ Known for
traditional medicines,
discovered various
medical properties
and uses of
different plants
and animals
to cure human
illness (practice of
acupuncture).
⮚ Known to
develop many
tools like
compass,
papermaking,
gunpowder,
printing tools, iron
plough,
wheelbarrow,
propeller, etc.
⮚ Different model
of bridges,
seismological
detector and dry
⮚ Chinese made a
significant
record
on supernovas,
lunar and solar
eclipses, comets
were recorded to
understand better
the heavenly
bodies and their
effect to the
world. ⮚ They also
used
lunar calendar
and seismology
so that they can
prepare
in times of natural
calamities.
dock facilities.
2. India
⮚ Tried to standardize the
measurement
of
length
to a high
degree of
accuracy and
designed a ruler
called
mohenjodaro.
⮚ Astronomers and
mathematician
Aryabhata introduce
number of
trigonometric
functions, tables,
techniques as well as
algorithms of algebra.
⮚ Manufacturing
iron and
metallurgical
works, their iron
steel is
considered the
best in whole
Roman Empire.
⮚ India is also famous in
medicine. (Ex.
Ayurveda it is
system of
traditional
medicine.)
⮚ India is also notable
in astronomy, they
developed
theories on
configuration of
universe, the
spherical
supporting earth,
and the year of
360 days with 12
equal parts to 30
days each.
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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⮚ Bragmagupta
suggested that
gravity was a force
of
attraction.
Middle
East
⮚ The common
language is Arabic
and access text
from the Byzantine
Empire to create
innovations
and
developed new
ideas.
⮚ Algebra is derived
from al-jabr the title
of one of his
publication what is
known as
Arabic numerical
system.
⮚ Muslim scientists
placed greater
value on science
experiments rather
than in plain
thought
experiments.
⮚ Led to the
development of
scientific methods.
⮚ Muslim chemist and
alchemist also
played an
important role in
foundation of
chemistry.
⮚ A significant
number of stars in
the sky such as
Aldebaran, Altair,
and Deneb, and
astronomical term
such as Alidade,
Azimuth and
Nadir, are still
referred to
by their Arabic
names.
Africa
⮚ Egyptians are good
in four fundamental
mathematical
operation and other
mathematical skills
such as basic
concept of algebra
and
geometry.
⮚ The lemombo
bone which is a tool
for
multiplications,
divisions and simple
mathematical
calculation or six
month lunar
calendar,
considered as
oldest known
mathematical
artifact from 35,000
BCE.
⮚ Africa is blessed
with natural and
mineral resources,
thus
caused the
emerge of
science.
⮚ Early science
activities in Egypt
were developed to
improve the quality
of their life
especially in
building homes
and cities.
⮚ Also known to be
the center alchemy
known as medieval
forerunner of
chemistry.
⮚ The structure of
Egyptian
pyramids, which
are based
on Constellation
Orion’s belt, and
dams to divert
water in Nile river.
⮚ Astronomy is also
famous, they used
three types of
calendar (lunar,
solar and stellar)
Table 1.2 History of Science and Technology in the Philippines
PHILIPPINES
Pre-Colon
ial Period
CULTURE TECHNOLOGY ASTRONOMY
⮚ They have alphabet, a
system of writing, as
method of counting
and weights and
measures.
⮚ Already engaging in
activities and practices
related to science
forming primitive or
first wave of
technology.
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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⮚ They had no
calendar but
counted the years
by the period of
the moon and
from
one harvest to
⮚ They learn to weave
cotton, make glass
ornaments, cultivate
lowland rice and
dike fields of
terraced.
Colonial
Period
Modern
Period
⮚ Introduced formal
educations
founded
by scientific
institution school
were
established religion,
reading, writing, and
arithmetic.
⮚ Spanish
established colleges
and
universities.
⮚ Instructions in English
and American history
lead to forming of
national identity and
Filipino nationalism.
⮚ Education
become stable,
new
curriculums were
established and
used. ⮚ Modern Filipino
culture developed
through influence
from Chinese
traders, Spanish
conquistadors, and
American rulers.
⮚ Filipino people tend
to be very hospitable
especially to western
visitors.
⮚ They have curative
values on how to
extract medicine
from the herbs.
⮚ They made simple tools
and weapons of stone
flakes and later
developed method
of sawing and
polishing
stone.
⮚ Also built boat for
trading purposes.
(caracoa)
⮚ In 1871 the school
of medicine and
pharmacy were
opened to UST.
⮚ Science was inclined in
agriculture and food
processing.
⮚ Throughout our
history, social
innovations
have played a
central role in our
technological
transformation.
⮚ By applying
technology to
resolve social
innovation
challenges, the
Philippines is looking
to solve the
urbanization
challenges.
another.
(baybayin buan)
⮚ Accounts by
Spanish friars in
the
1580s
showed
that
astronomy was
already known
and practiced.
The accounts
also give the
local
names of
constellations,
such as Moroporo
for the Pleiades
and Balatik for
Ursa Major
among others.
⮚ The institutions
continued to be
well known for its
accurate
typhoon
forecast and
scientific works in
the field of
meteorology,
geo magnetism
and
astronomy.
1.3 Paradigm Shift
A paradigm shift is a phenomenon conceptualized and explored by Thomas Kuhn and
is not just a small modification to an existing scientific theory. Instead, it wholly changes the
scientific theory itself and radically modified the way in which it seeks to understand reality.
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History Antecedents of Science and
Technology ∙ ∙ ∙
Figure 1.1 Notable Paradigm Shifts in History
Copernican Revolution
For the first time in 16th century, a man named Copernicus bravely
challenged the Ptolemaic model of heavens – geocentric. It described
the cosmos as having the Earth stationary at the center of the universe
and everything revolves on it. Copernicus proposed new model,
heliocentric, showing sun as the center of the solar system. The Catholic
church were against him, so his ideas did not prosper at once. His books
and he, himself, were denied by the society. Few centuries have
passed before the world started to acknowledge his greatness through
Galileo Galilei – the man who picked up all Copernicus had left. Until
then, the sun stands out in the center of the solar system.
and everything on it. All the species of animal
and plants now in existence were thought to
have been created in their final form at the time
of the Creation. Then one mind questioned it all
– Charles Darwin. The increased in the scientific
awareness during his time was fueled by the
interest in fossils. He focused on geological
change and presented a classic explanation of
development over millions of years.
Darwinian Revolution
Darwin concluded that there was an analogy
between the influence of the human breeder
and horticulturist and the action of ‘natural
selection’. He had persuaded most people that
‘transmutation’ was an acceptable scientific
explanation of the geological past, but he had
not necessarily persuaded them that natural
selection was the cause of it.
Freud’s revolution may be viewed as the
discovery of a way of locating in the mind
objective entities which can be studied like
physical things. When Freud introduced the
concept of the unconscious realm, the mind’s
mode of operation had been a subject of
Freudian Revolution
confusion and debate in the scientific
community. According, it was Freud who was
According to bible, God had created the world largely responsible for elevating our
interpretations of human behavior to the rational conclusion that changed the face of intellectual
ideas of reason and science. Freud’s theory of history and proved to be amongst his most
psychoanalysis is a theory geared toward
significant gifts to the twentieth century. If the
treating psychological disorders of the mental symptoms were not consciously created with
physical basis, then the responsible was the
life and behavior of people. After years of
analysis and research, Freud reached a simple unconsciousness.
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History Antecedents of Science and
Technology ∙ ∙ ∙
Evaluation
A. Fill the table below to show the interaction of Science, Technology and Society throughout
the history.
Ancient Age Middle Age Modern Age
Mesoamerica Asia
Middle East Philippines
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History Antecedents of Science and
Technology ∙ ∙ ∙
B. Write an essay on how scientific and technological developments affect society and
environment. Give your essay a creative title and thoughts.
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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Rubric for Essay Writing
Traits
Focus and
Details
20
There is one
clear, well
focused
topic. Main
ideas are
clear and
are well
supported
by detailed
and
accurate
16-19
11-15
1-10
There is one
clear, well
focused
topic. Main
ideas are
clear but are
not well
supported
by
detailed
information.
There are
multiple
topics. Main
ideas
are
somewhat
clear.
The
topics
and
main
ideas
are
not clear.
information.
Creativity
Thoughts
and ideas
are
creative.
The voice
is
original, and
the essence
of the topic
is
unique.
Thoughts
and ideas
are
creative.
Most of the
thoughts
and ideas
are
creative.
Some parts
are
familiar.
The essay is
plain and
without
creativity.
Organization
The whole
essay is
organized.
States the
main topic
and
provides an
overview of
the paper.
Information
is relevant
and
presented in
a logical
order. The
conclusion is
strong.
Most of the
parts are
organized.
The
introduction
states the
main topic
and
provides an
overview of
the paper. A
conclusion is
included.
Few parts
are not
organized.
The
introduction
states the
main topic.
A
conclusion is
included.
The whole
essay is not
organized.
There is no
clear
introductio
n,
structure,
or
conclusion.
Sentence
Structure,
Grammar,
Mechanics,
& Spelling
All
sentences
are well
constructed
and have
varied
structure
and
length. The
author makes
Most
sentences
are well
constructed
and have
varied
structure
and
length. The
author makes
Most
sentences
are well
constructed,
but they
have a
similar
structure
and/or
length. The
author
Sentences
sound
awkward,
are
distractingly
repetitive, or
are difficult
to
understand.
The author
Most of the
parts are
original and
creatively
unique.
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History Antecedents of Science and Technology
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no errors in
grammar,
mechanics,
and/or
spelling.
a few errors
in
grammar,
mechanics,
and/or
spelling, but
they do not
interfere
with
understandi
ng.
makes
several
errors in
grammar,
mechanics,
and/or
spelling that
interfere
with
understanding.
makes
numerous
errors in
grammar,
mechanics,
and/or
spelling that
interfere
with
understanding.
Instructor’s
Comments
References
Textbooks:
1. Serafica, et.al. 2018. Science, Technology and Society. Rex Book Store, Inc. 856 Nicanor
Reyes Sr. St., Manila. pp 2-17
2. Doria, et.al. 2018. Science, Technology and Society. Jimczyville Publications. #16 Concha
St., Bgry. Tinajeros, Malabon City. pp 3-45
Online References:
1.
https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/10-quick-scientific-facts-will-blow-mind/
2. https://www.sciencealert.com/13-science-facts-never-learned-high-school-2018 3.
https://www.howitworksdaily.com/15-amazing-science-facts-that-will-blow-your-mind/ 4.
https://www.reliableplant.com/Read/17159/30-fun-facts-about-engineering,-science
technology
Prepared by:
Villaruel, Sweet Angelikate L.
Nuevacubeta, Merick Jan U.
CS-BPS Faculty
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