This course gives students a taste of interdisciplinarity – the weaving together – of

Chapter 1: Historical Antecedents in the Course two or more disciplines to come up with a deeper understanding of the course in
of Science and Technology particular and the world in general.
 Its three units contain discussions on history, philosophy, and science.
Back to: GE008: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY  The first unit highlights significant technological developments throughout
Introduction history that shaped human civilizations.
 The second engages the students in reflective and discursive thinking of the
role of science and technology in the pursuit of the good life.
 The last unit deals with contemporary issues and scientific realities that we
Science may be defined as the system of knowledge of natural world gained through must all deal with as part of a well-functioning society.
the scientific method. It is hoped that by the end of the course, students will appreciate the contributions
 It was originally called “philosophy of the natural world” since it stemmed of science and technology to the world in general, and the Philippine society in
from the ancient Greek’s desire to know about nature. particular;
 Thus, the first scientists were called “philosophers of nature“.  appraise the impact of science and technology on their personal decision-
 They sought to discover the truth behind material things and natural things. making and on living the good life;
 It was the task of the philosophers of nature to observe the world and  and make intelligent and ethical decisions that will affect society for the good
beyond, and to discover what makes materials the same and what makes of humanity.
them different.
 How is a tree not a a flower and a flower not a rock? CHAPTER I
In their quest for understanding the natural world, the ability to name and classify the
objects found in nature was seen as the first step towards knowledge.
Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science
 Thus, the scientific search for truth early on recognized the usefulness of and Technology
language and the ability it gave to describe, classify, and explain the different
objects of study.
Meanwhile, the term technology comes from Greek words tekhnemeaning “art or Learning Outcomes
craft” and –logia, meaning a “subject or interest”. At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
 Taken together, the term has come to mean “practical applications of what 1. Explain how science and technology affected the society and environment
we know about nature” using scientific principles for the betterment of the and vice-versa;
human situation. 2. Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of
As stated by CHED Memorandum order No. 20, Science, Technology and history; and
Society is an interdisciplinary course that engages the students to confront the 3. Discuss the scientific and technological developments in the Philippines.
realities brought about by science and technology in society, with all its socio-political, Science and Technology indeed play major roles in the everyday life.
cultural, economic, and philosophical underpinnings at play.  They make difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people to do
 These realities pervade the personal, the public, and the global aspects of more with so little effort and time.
life and are integral to human development.  The developments in this field are not just products of people’s imagination
 This course also seeks to instill reflective knowledge in the students so that or a one-time thought process;
they are able to live the good life and display ethical decision-making in both  they are also brought about by gradual improvements to earlier works from
social and scientific dilemmas. different time periods .
This course discusses how science has influenced human society and vice-versa.  The driving force behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the
quality of life of the people.

 It examines the interaction between the human quest to understand the

natural world and how this understanding has fashioned society and its
ANCIENT TIMES
In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation and navigation,
development. communication and record-keeping, mass production, security and protection, as well
 The relationship between the two aspects of human culture is spelled out in as health, aesthetics and architecture.
the very title of this book – science is linked to society through technology. Transportation was significant during that time because people were trying to go
 This connection has had a profound influence on the development of human places and discover new horizons.
culture.  They traveled to search for food and find better locations for their
settlements.
  They also traveled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that  The development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would
they lacked. address their specific needs and wants.
Navigation assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the  Some of the structures built during the ancient times still exist today and
world. continually awe people.
 It allowed them to return home after they discovered new places or The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture.
completed an important trade with another group of people.  Others might see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times,
Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new elaborate architectural designs were signs of technological advancement of
places. a particular civilization.
 They needed a way to communicate with the natives of the areas they  In the generations to come, architecture would be considered a status
visited so as to facilitate trade and prevent possible conflicts. symbols among nations of how advanced their technology is.
 Record-keeping was also important since they needed to remember the  It may also establish the identity of a nation.
places they had been to and document the trades they made with each The people were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructure and
other. surroundings.
 It was also vital to keep records of their history and cultureso they could
establish their identities as they tried to relate with other cultures and
civilizations.  Being able to prolong life with the mass production of food and advancement
The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand for food and of medical technology,
other basic necessities.  as well as raise the quality of life by making complicated and difficult tasks
easier, humans later on developed the technology to improve how they look.
 They discovered that people looked more visually presentable and appealing
 This condition also implied that people must be able to produce food at a by adding some features and decorations in their body.
given time and space since resources were getting scarcer as more people With all these in mind, one can conclude that the developments in science and
struggled to share the basic necessities. technology, aside from affecting the lives of the people, were the results of many prior
 The people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to antecedents.
increase food supplies and other survival needs without them travelling more
or working harder.
Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of new places or the  Out of necessity, people in ancient times were able to discover and invent
establishment of new alliances with other tribes. things that would impact the lives of the modern people.
The following discussions will tackle the different major technological advancements
during the ancient times, which include some of the achievements of the early
 At the time, there was always a risk of conflict when people met others with civilizations such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians.
different culture and orientations.  It will continue to describe the gradual application of knowledge up to the
 Conflicts were common especially if different groups struggled to control vital contemporary time.
resources. SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
 Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones so they could take much Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are
needed resources. known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire for great
 As such, the development of weapons and armors for security and things. They are not contented with the basic things that life can offer. This desire
protection was considered a major achievement. pushed them to develop many things connected with science and technology.
A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life.

Cuneiform
 The early people might have been successful in harnessing the rich One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing
resources that the world could provide, but their survival posed a great system known as the cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and
problem. triangular symbols which are carved on clay using wedge instruments and then left to
 Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered the dry. Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to keep records of things with great historical
full potential of a human being. value or their everyday life.
 Given this predicament, science and technology played a major role in the
discovery of cures to, if not the prevention of, illnesses.
Moreover, in order to integrate their needs – for better transportation, establishment of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction
of bigger and stronger – infrastructures – people ventured into what is now known as
the field of engineering.
 technology used to build it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy and marvel at
the preserved Great Ziggurat of Ur.

Figure 1.1 Sumerian deities listed in cuneiform, 2400 BC

Figure 1.2 Ziggurat of Ur (reconstruction)

Irrigation and Dikes

As population increase, so did the demand for food. The Sumerians were challenged
to mass produce food items but the elements in the environment seemed
uncooperative. It was difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could not
maintain farmlands. Some groups had scarce water supply, while others had
problems with flooding caused by the river. As a solution to this dilemma, the
Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the
same time control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of
the world’s most beneficial engineering works. Through the dikes and canals, the
Sumerians were able to enjoy year-long farming and harvesting, which increased
their food production.

Uruk City
Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great
wonder not only because it is considered to be the first true city in the world but also
for the way it was erected. There were no building stones in the location of this city
and lumber was limited, making the construction a big challenge. The Sumerians
were able to build the city using only mud or clay from the river, which they mixed with
reeds, producing sun-baked bricks – a true engineering feat. They used the bricks to
make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to build a wall around
the city that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering.

The Great Ziggurat of Ur

Another engineering and architectural feat of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of
Ur. The ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was built in the same manner that
they constructed the City of Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure was
constructed using sun-baked bricks. The ziggurat served as the sacred place of their
chief god, where only their priests were allowed to enter. The temple showcases not
only the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture but also the remarkable
Figure 1.3 Sumerian fields
Sailboats  The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work and food
Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that time, the wheel was processes.
not yet invented; the main mode of transportation was through waterways such as  With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made easier.
rivers and seas. Boats were used to carry large quantities of products and were able  Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.
to cover large distances. However, they wanted to discover faraway lands to settle
since the population was getting larger, and boats were not enough to accommodate
more people and products.

They needed a mode of transportation that did not require much human resource.
Some sources attribute to the Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their
increasing demands. Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as
in fostering culture, information, and technology.

Figure 1.5 Mesopotamian wheel

The Plow
Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the plow.
 Humans evolved from being food gatherers to farm cultivators.
 However, farmers needed a technology which would enable them to dig the
ground where seeds would be planted.
 The plow was invented to dig the earth in a faster pace .
 As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and
farm work would already be done.
 With this tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling
Figure 1.4 Mesopotamian sailboat them to mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.

Wheel
In the latter part of their history, the Sumerians were able to invent the wheel since
the specialized tools needed to create it were already available.
 BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The
Babylonians were great builders, the engineers and architects. One of their major
contributions is the hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the
ancient world.

Figure 1.8 Tigris and Euphrates Map

Figure 1.6 Mesopotamian plow

Roads
Hanging Garden of Babylon
Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of the famous Hanging Gardens of
In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads.
Babylon from stories of historians and paintings that portray the place.
 It was said to be a structure made up of layers upon layers of garden that
 With this work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized. contained several species of plants, trees and vines. According to legends,
 They may made the roads with the same technology they used in making the great Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II built the gardens for his
the sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground. wife, Queen Amytis.
 They later poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to  However, no physical evidence has been found to prove the existence of the
smoothen the roads. Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
 The invention of roads was very useful especially during the rainy season  Its exact location is also unknown.
when traveling in soft and muddy roads proved to be too difficult.  Since immemorial, people have been debating about the existence of the
said mythical place.
 Many said it was just a product of the creative imagination of the great King
because it lacked documentation or archaeological evidence.
 On the other hand, if it really existed, it must have been destroyed by war,
erosion, or an earthquake.
 True or not, hearing the stories and description of the place would be
enough to inspire awe to anyone.
 One can imagine the thick greenery decorated by beautiful flowers coming
from different places in the garden and complicated design of the
infrastructure.
 If the stories were true, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be considered
as one of the greatest engineering and architectural achievements of the
Figure 1.7 An example of ancient road made with bricks. world that is almost impossible to replicate.
  Before the Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used.
 However, safe-keeping and transporting them were a major problem.
 Clay tablets were very fragile, heavy, and delicate to handle.
 So, bringing them to places was a major challenge.
 Hence, the Egyptian invention of the paper or papyrus was a welcome
development.
 Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly along the Nile River in Egypt.
 They were able to process the plant in order to produce thin sheets on which
one could write down things. Since papyrus was lighter and thinner than clay
tablets, it was easy to carry and store.
 The sheets were also less breakable as compared to clay tablets.
 This invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and
communications.
 People then were able to send letters or correspondences anywhere in the
world since the pieces of paper were very light that they could be carried and
delivered by birds.
 Moreover, record-keeping was no longer a problem since documents would
not take huge storage spaces.
 Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from raiders who often
destroyed records of the nations they invaded.
Ink
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving ceased to be used
in writing.

 As a result, the Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different

chemicals to produce inks of different colors.
 The ink must withstand the elements of nature since it was used to record
history, culture, and codified laws.
 It must also be tamper-proof so that the people could not simply tinker with
those written down by authorities.

Figure 1.9 Hanging Garden of Babylons

EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in
North Africa.

 Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptians especially
regarding the infrastructures established by the pharaohs.
 Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians have contributed other Figure 1.11 Black soot
practical things that the world now considers as essential.
 It is thus safe to say that the pyramids are not the only contributions of the
Egyptian civilization to the modern world. Hieroglyphics
Paper or Papyrus Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols,
One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was the paper or papyrus. known as hieroglyphics.
 Although Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were  Although some say that hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing
able to make writing easier for the world. system established in Mesopotamia as a result of trade between
 civilizations, the Egyptians believed that this writing system was provided to Wig
them by their gods. Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians is the wig. At present, wigs are used
 This form of writing can still be seen today and remains to be as famous as to enhance the appearance of people who are balding or those who want to try new
the pyramids where they were found. hair trends. Meanwhile, during the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were worn for health
 Hieroglyphics was the language that tells the modern world of the history and wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes.
and culture of the ancient Egyptians. The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians from the
 Their records were well-preserved since they were carved at the walls of harmful rays of the sun. Wearing a wig was better than putting on a scarf or any head
pyramids and other important Egyptian structures. cover since a wig allowed heat to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner than
The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics. natural hair because it prevented the accumulation of head lice.
 Although cosmetics in the modern times are used to improve and highlight
the facial features of a person, their function in ancient Egypt was for both
health and aesthetic reasons.
 Egyptians wore Kohl around their eyes to prevent and even cure eye
diseases.
 Kohl was created by mixing soot or malachite with mineral galena.
 Egyptians also believed that a person wearing make-up was protected from
evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness.
 At present, the cosmetic industry is a booming multi-billion industry.

Egyptian couple wearing formal wigs of the 4th of 5th dynasties.

Water Clock/Clepsydra
Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. This device utilizes
gravity that affects the flow of water from one vessel to the other. The amount of water
(or it height, depending on the method used) remaining in the device determines how
much time has elapsed since it is full. In the process time is measured. The water
clock was widely used as a timekeeping device during the ancient times.

GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. Known as the birthplace
of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-
depth works on philosophy and mathematics. More than coliseums and the Olympics,
the Greek civilization has contributed much to the world especially in the fields of
science and technology.
Alarm Clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient Greeks is
the alarm clock. Although the alarm clock during that time did not resemble the
present-day alarm clock, the purpose was just the same – to tell an individual when to
stop or when to start. The ancient Greek’s alarm clocks used large complicated
mechanisms to time the alarm. They made use of water (or sometimes small stones
or sand) that dropped into drums which sounded the alarm. Plato was believed to
have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start of his lecture. His version used four
water vessels lined up vertically. The upper vessel supplied the water which dropped
to the vessel below it, which was set to be filled in a given time. After it was full, water
was siphoned off at lea faster rate into the third vessel which would cause the
expulsion of contained air, creating a whistling noise. Afterwards, this vessel would
empty towards the bottom vessel for storage and reuse.

Plato’s Alarm Clock

The basic idea of an alarm clock can be traced to Ctesibius, an ancient Greek
engineer, physicist and mathematician who lived in in Alexandria, Ptolemaic Egypt.
Ctesibius (285–222 BC) was the Father of Pneumatics, a branch of engineering that
makes use of gas or pressurized air. Ctesibius was a great scientist ahead of his ROMAN CIVILIZATION
time. Some even describe him as an ancient genius. He is best known for his three The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the
inventions – the suction pump, the water clock, and the hydraulis, a musical west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during the period.
instrument that is the ancestor of the pipe organ. The oldest clocks in history are Because the Roman Empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as their
water clocks. model in terms of legislation and codified laws. Aside from their contributions in
The water clock was invented with the purpose of tracking time. Ctesibus made a politics, a lot of discoveries and inventions still relevant today can be attributed to the
system of dropping peddles on a gong to make a sound which is the first alarm clock. Roman Empire.
The dropping peddles were set to end at a specific time. Newspaper
However, the sound of the water clocks was not loud enough to wake up a person. One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper. The first
Obviously something more effective was needed so people could get up at a certain newspapers, known as gazettes, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to
time. the people. Made before the invention of paper, these gazettes were engraved in
Water Mill metal or stone tablets and then publicly displayed. When paper was invented, it
Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions of the became easier for the Romans to “publish” matters that needed the attention of the
Greek civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural Roman citizens. In fact, with the advent of paper, minutes of the proceedings of the
processes like milling of grains which was necessary form or food processing during Roman senate were done in shorthand. These documents were edited and published
that time. Because milling was made possible by the use of watermills, the mass on the same day that they were recorded. This way, the Romans enjoyed easy
production of rice, cereals, flours, and the like became common. Watermills were access to government information the same way we benefit from present-day
considered better than mills powered by farm animals because they required less newspapers.
effort and time to operate since the farmer did not have to raise animals. They only
required access to rivers or flowing water where a mechanism of a large wheel with
small “buckets” of water attached to it could be installed. Bound Books or Codex
With the invention of paper, it became easier for civilizations to write down everything
that happened in their time. Record-keeping was much easier since paper did not
easily break, was lightweight, and did not occupy much space. As a result,
civilizations became fond of record-keeping, especially documenting historical events
and newly legislated laws. Aside from Romans writing down information about history
and politics, literature also changed form from clay tablets to parchments of paper.
According to sources, Julius Caesar started the tradition of stacking up papyrus to
form pages of a book. Later on, they were able to provide covers to protect the
papyrus. The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced by animal
skin which proved to be stronger and longer-lasting. With the papyrus pages bound
together and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce
the first books or codex.
CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, if not the
world. Also known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It
Roman Architecture was famous among other ancient civilizations because of its silk trade. Not a great
Roman architecture is one of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman amount was written about ancient China partly due to its distance from the other
Empire to the world. Roman architecture was considered a continuation of Greek civilizations. Despite its less popular status among the early civilizations, one cannot
architecture, hence, the resemblance. However, Roman architecture was still discredit the significant contributions of Chinese civilization to the world.
regarded as pioneering since the Romans were able to adapt new building and Silk
engineering technology on architectural designs established in the past. In this One of the things that connected Far East China to the world is silk. Although silk is
manner, they were able to preserve great and elaborate architectural designs naturally produced by silk worms, the Chinese were the ones who developed the
because they could produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. The Romans were technology to harvest the silk and process it to produce paper and clothing. Silk
also able to creatively redesign old architectural patterns to adapt to new trends at production resulted in the creation of a product for trade. The silk trade opened China
that time. This development in the field of engineering and architecture was fully to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic, and scientific exchanges. It
supported and funded by the Roman government so they were able to implement bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.
major projects such as large churches (cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts,
coliseums, amphitheaters, and even residential houses. The quality of these majestic
Roman structures can be seen by the way they withstood time and the harsh
elements of the environment. Today, people of the world still enjoy these marvels.
These structures are proofs of ancient Roman technology.

Although other number systems had already been established before the Roman
numeral, these old systems could not keep up with high calculation requirements due
to the increasing rate of communication and trade among nations. Since the Roman
Empire was expanding, it had to deal with many nations to maintain its power. For this
reason, the Romans devised their own number system specifically to address the
need for a standard counting method that would meet their increasing communication
and trade concerns. Although Roman numeral is no longer widely used today due to
its inherent limitations, quite a number of enthusiasts would still use it over other more
popular numbers systems, like the Hindu-Arabic system, due to its aesthetic and
historical value.
Silk Processing
 Great Wall of China
Once considered the only man-made structure that could be seen from outer space,
the Great Wall of China is said to be the largest and most extensive infrastructure that
the nation built. It was constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control the
borders of China. Made with stone, brick, wood, earth, and other materials, it
showcased the extent of Chinese engineering technology at that time. The structure
was so massive and strong that it was said to have literally divided China from the
rest of the world. The wall’s construction put the nation among the powerful
civilizations during the ancient times. It was the pride of their land and their crowning
glory. Today, with some sections already in ruins, the Great Wall still continues to be a
world attraction due to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.

Tea Production
Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded
dried tea leaves. It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese emperor.
Tea production was developed when an unknown Chinese inventor created a
machine that was able to shred tea leaves into strips. This machine was done using a
wheel-based mechanism with sharp edges attached to a wooden or ceramic pot. Gunpowder
Because of this invention, the Chinese were able to increase their production of tea The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China. Originally, it was
and trade with other nations. Chine thus became known for its tea exports aside from developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They mixed
its silk products. Tea production developed by ancient Chinese may have resulted in charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they
making tea as one of the most popular beverages in the world today. accidentally invented a black powder that could actually generate large amounts of
heat and gas in an instant.
Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from
guns and cannons which cause countless deaths. In fact, gunpowder-propelled
weapons are preferred by raiders who plan to attack at a distance. The same
weapons are also used to dissipate any attempts of invasion. On the other hand,
gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important celebrations in China.

MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars
were prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of
weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have
resulted in population decline, but during the latter part of the period, there was a
significant rise in the population. Trade and commerce among nations increased,
which resulted in greater demands for transportations technology. Some of the most
innovative minds came from this period.
PRINTING PRESS and among nations. All these needs resulted in the development of industries.
After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johan Guttenberg was able to However, due to massive industrialization, the modern times again faced more
invent the printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. complicated problems. Food processing and medicine posed some of the bigger
He utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, attached to them a challenges since health was of great concern.
metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of
paper, which then made an exact impression on paper.
This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press which was PASTEURIZATION
eventually used all over the world. The printing press was invented to address the As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs of the
need for publishing books that would spread information to many people at a faster population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. The challenge to
rate. This invention also made works accessible to individuals who could not even keep manufactured food from deteriorating was greater for dairy products, especially
write (Streissguth, 1997). milk, since they usually spoiled faster. These goods needed to be consumed almost
immediately after the production or they would cause illness like diphtheria, food
poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting these products would also take time,
MICROSCOPE it would be impossible to trade them.
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the microscope. Growing populations caused
massive migration and urbanization during the period. More and more people
transferred to polluted and populated urban areas which resulted in more people Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologists, and chemist, found a way to solve
getting sick and needing medical attention. To develop the proper medicines for the problem. He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products to kill
illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through an investigation. Thus, they the harmful bacteria that allow them to spoil faster. Through this process, milk could
needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the eye. Guided by the be stored and consumed for a longer period. It also prevented illnesses caused by
principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias harmful bacteria (Macalester College, 2010). Other contributions of Pasteur to
Janssen was able to develop the first compound microscope. With this device, science, technology, and medicine included his works on molecular asymmetry,
people were able to observe organisms that were normally unseen by the naked eye. fermentation, and vaccination.
The microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and curing various
illnesses (Davidson, 2015).
Since the Middle Ages was known as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical
inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, PETROLEUM REFINERY
ship captains needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to avoid dangers at The modern times demanded better means of powering homes and transportation. At
sea. The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument that helps in the first, people used animal oils for generating light to illuminate their homes. However,
observation of remote objects, was a great help for navigators during this time. the production of animal oils could not keep up with the demand. Faced with this
Together with the telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and rudders made concern, Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining
sea travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989). petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred to as the “illuminating oil” because it
WAR WEAPONS was used at first to provide lighting to homes. After some time, it was applied for
Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in the heating purposes. The development of kerosene established the petroleum refinery
weaponry technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as industry (Skrabec, 2010). At present, petroleum is widely used in powering
offensive tools but also as defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people automobiles, factories, and power plants, among others.
developed cross bows and long bows and long bows so that they could attack the TELEPHONE
enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with the protection of walls and The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they needed a
fortresses. Additionally, in close-range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear way to easily maintain these connections and communicate with each other in real
something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body time. Governments likewise needed some kind of communication system which would
armors. However, body armors were heavy and limited their movement. The problem allow them to administer their states well. Important day-to-day decisions must be
was eventually solved by the invention of the chainmail. discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible. Thus, the development of the
telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most important inventions at
that time.
CALCULATOR
Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed,
MODERN TIMES circumstances in the modern times required a faster way to compute more
complicated equations. Computing devices must also be easy to carry since they
The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that would be utilized on a day-to-day basis. The creation of modern calculators did not
more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of only pave the way for easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the
transportation to trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that development of more complex processing machines like the computer.
required animals to operate must thus be upgraded. Faster and easier means to
communicate and compute should be developed to establish connections between
 MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/LARVICIDAL TRAP SYSTEM
PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas,
including the Philippines. This virus is usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito,
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippinesalso contributes to
rampant during the rainy season. Insecticides were previously used to kill the species.
the global advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the
However, recent studies show that insecticide resistance has evolved in some
ingenuity of the Filipinos despite the lack in resources. The Philippines is known to be
mosquito populations. Likewise, using insecticides is harmful not only to humans but
one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of natural disasters. Many of the
also to the environment. In 2010, the Department of Science and Technology-
discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built from indigenous
Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able to introduce
materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.
the Mosquito Ovicidal / Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL Trap. This trap
SALAMANDER AMPHIBIOUS TRICYCLE
system is made of natural ingredients that are lethal to mosquitoes but safe for
It has become ordinary for Filipinos to convert transport vehicles into something more
humans and the environment.
useful. An example is the conversion of American military jeeps used in World War II
E-JEEPNEY
jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation is the addition of a sidecar to a motorcycle,
A major innovation that changed the transportation industry in the Philippines was the
transforming it into a tricycle to accommodate more passengers.
development of the jeepney. This iconic public utility vehicle was built using the
military jeeps left by the Americans after the World War II. The chassis and the body
During the rainy season, flooding is a common occurrence in many areas in the of the military jeeps were extended to accommodate more load and passengers.
country. Tricycles find it very difficult to traverse the streets. To remedy the Because of its usefulness, the jeepney dominated Philippine streets and is
issue, Victor Llave and his team at H2O Technologies were able to invent considered as the primary mode of transportation of most Filipinos. However, the
the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that can cross not only flooded streets but diesel-powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke, and is usually a
also rivers and lakes. It may also be utilized to travel from island to island. Since the major contributor of noise pollution due to its primitive exhaust system. To counter
Philippines is an archipelago, the Salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of these disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This modern
potential. type of transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive diesel. It is
SALT LAMP environment-friendly since it does not emit any smoke and noise.
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation, is electrification.
Electricity powers various types of machines, including light sources. In many rural
areas in the country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It also becomes more
dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps but
they carry certain risks as they are fire hazards. Solar power is also a welcome
development but like rechargeable batteries, solar panels are too expensive for
ordinary Filipinos. Fortunately, a young Filipino inventor named Aisa Mijenowas able
to invent a lighting system that utilizes a material abundant in the Philippines –
saltwater. She invented theSustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an
environment-friendly light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer as it
poses no risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside from people who live in coastal
areas, it may also benefit those from far-flung barrios because they can make their
own saltwater by mixing two tablespoons of salt and a glass of tap water.
MEDICAL INCUBATOR
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of newborn babies.
One reason for this problem in the 20 century was the lack of available incubators
th

especially in far-flung rural areas due to lack or resources and electricity. Dr. Fe del
Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian woman admitted into Harvard
Medical School, devised a medical incubator made from indigenous and cheap
materials which did not run on electricity. Dr. del Mundo’s incubator was made by
placing a native laundry basket inside a bigger one. How water bottles were inserted
between the baskets to provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow oxygen
circulation. Its main purpose was to maintain conditions suitable for a newborn,
usually a pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in Philippine medicine attributed to Dr.
del Mundo include her works on the immunization and treatment of jaundice and the
BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.
 believed that the Earth was at the center – a concept known asgeocentrism.
Chapter 2: Intellectual Revolutions Ptolemy’s geocentric model was widely accepted by the people and was one of the
Back to: GE008: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY greatest discoveries of that time.
CHAPTER 2

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

1. Discuss the paradigm shifts through history;

2. Explain how the Intellectual Revolution changed the way how humans see
the world; and
3. Describe the technological advancements that happened in the information
age.
The previous chapter tackled how historical antecedents have affected the course of
science and technology.

 It has been established that most, if not all, of the discoveries and inventions
in science and technology during each time period were due to human
needs and wants.
 Brilliant minds responded to the call of the times and created things that
could make life easier for the people.
There have also been instances when advancements in science and technology
changed people’s perceptions and beliefs. Much of these events happened in a
Figure 1.31 The Geocentric Model
period now known as the Intellectual Revolution.
The developments during the Intellectual Revolution showed how society was
transformed by science and technology.

 This chapter aims to establish the interaction between science and In the 16 century, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish mathematician and astronomer,
th

technology and society, cementing further the relationship as introduced in challenged the Ptolemaic model. He introduced a new concept known
the first chapter. as heliocentrism, which suggested that the center of the Solar was not the Earth but
COPERNICAN REVOLUTION actually the sun. This idea was rejected at first by the public. It appalled many since
their religious belief had taught them that the Earth was created first before all other
In the early times, people questioned what created days and stars, moons and things. Copernicus was even persecuted as a heretic because his teachings were
planets are. The invention of the telescope allowed the people to take a peek at the against what was widely accepted by religion. After some time, astronomers realized
outer space, but more importantly, it also intrigued them to known what was actually that the Copernican model simplified the orbits for planets. It also answered issues
out there. that could not be explained using the geocentric model. Other works that supported
this model started to emerge as well. It was eventually accepted by the people in a
period which was called the birth of modern astronomy. This era began what was
Many Greek philosophers and intellectuals wrote about planets in an attempt to known as the scientific revolution which resulted in the transformation of society’s
explain the movements of heavenly bodies and their effects on the world as they thoughts and beliefs.
knew it. Many of these philosophers agreed that planets moved around in circular
motion, and that these movements created days and nights, among others. A famous
philosopher and astronomer, Claudius Ptolemy, stated that the planets, as well as
the sun and moon’s revolution explained the existence of days and nights. He
 Figure 1.32 The Heliocentric Model
Figure 1.33 Evolution of man

DARWINIAN REVOLUTION
The Darwinian revolution was considered to be one of the most controversial
intellectual revolutions of its time. In 1859, Charles Darwin, an English naturalist,
FREUDIAN REVOLUTION
In the past, the field of psychology was always classified under
biologist, and geologist, published his book the theory of evolution, which posited that
philosophy. Psychology was considered more of an art rather than a science. In the
populations pass through a process of natural selection in which only the fittest would
late 19 century, Sigmund Freud was able to change the people’s perception of
th
survive. He stated that the organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment
psychology with his revolutionary theory of psychoanalysis.
and would gradually change into something that would be more competitive to
Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human behavior. In his theory, Freud
survive, a process known as evolution. However, this theory became very
explained that there are many conscious and unconscious factors that can influence
controversial as people perceived it to be contradictory to the church’s teachings that
behavior and emotions. He also argued that personality is a product of three
the source of life is a powerful creator. The theory emerged at a time when most of
conflicting elements: id, ego and superego. Science hardliners brushed off the
the population believed and accepted the biblical version of the Earth’s creation.
legitimacy of psychoanalysis as a science since its concepts were more philosophical
Because of this conflict, the people were divided – some believed that the theory
and supernatural. Many believed that Freud’s theory had no scientific basis as no
explained the origin of life, but the religious and the faithful strongly refuted it. It even
empirical experimental data could support it.
sparked a massive debate between science and religion. It was only after some time
According to Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality, the id is the
that people came to understand that Darwin’s theory of evolution was not in fact
personality component made up of unconscious psychic energy that works to satisfy
against the teachings of the church and both can coexist.
basic urges, needs, and desires. The id operates based on the pleasure principle,
which demands immediate gratification of needs.
 Chapter 3: Science, Technology and Nation-
building
Back to: GE008: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

CHAPTER 3
Science, Technology, and
Nation-building
LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Explain how early Filipinos applied scientific principles in their daily living;
2. Present government policies on science and technology and explain their
importance to nation; and
3. Discuss the role of science and technology in nation-building
The development of science and technology in the Philippines has already come a
Source: https://www.simplypsychology.org/psyche.html long way. Many significant inventions and discoveries have been accomplished by or
The ego operates according to the reality principle, working out realistic ways of attributed to Filipinos. This chapter tackles how the development of science and
satisfying the id’s demands, often compromising or postponing satisfaction to avoid technology affect the development of the Philippines as a nation.
negative consequences of society. The ego considers social realities and norms,
etiquette and rules in deciding how to behave.
Like the id, the ego seeks pleasure (i.e., tension reduction) and avoids pain, but
unlike the id, the ego is concerned with devising a realistic strategy to obtain
pleasure. The ego has no concept of right or wrong; something is good simply if it
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
Scientific and technological development in the Philippines began in the pre-colonial
achieves its end of satisfying without causing harm to itself or the id.
period. Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, early Filipino
Freud made the analogy of the id being a horse while the ego is the rider. The ego is
settlers were already using certain plants and herbs as medicines. Systems of
‘like a man on horseback, who has to hold in check the superior strength of the
farming and animal-raising were also implemented. Moreover, early Filipinos had also
horse.’
developed different modes of transportation, whether terrestrial or maritime.
(Freud, 1923, p.15)
Despite criticisms, Freud still continued to work on refining his theory and in fact tried
to explain how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in treating some mental A complicated engineering fear was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras when
disorders. Soon enough, people were able to understand the concepts of they built rice terraces by hand. Through these terraces, the people were able to
psychoanalysis, which eventually resulted in classifying psychology as a science. cultivate crops on the mountainsides in cold temperatures. They incorporated an
irrigation system that uses water from the forests and mountain tops to achieve an
elaborate farming system. The rice terraces of the Cordilleras, which are still
These three revolutionizing theories are just some of the many scientific ideas that
functional, show the innovative and ingenious way of natives to survive in an
transformed and molded societies and beliefs. The changes they brought to the
otherwise unfriendly environment.
perspectives and perceptions of the scientific community and the public are evidence
of science and technology’s link to humanity. Through scientific research and
experimentation’s, people will continue to deepen their understanding of the world
and the universe.
COLONIAL PERIOD
Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of
construction. Walls, roads, bridges, and other large infrastructures were built using
some of the engineering skills and tools brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the
Spanish government developed health and education systems that were enjoyed by
the principalia class.
The American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the Philippines.
They established a government agency, the Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose
of nurturing development in the field of science and technology.

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD
After achieving independence from the colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administration, continued to pursue programs in science and technology. Each
leadership had its own science and technology agenda. However, it is important to
note that some Philippine presidents posted more developments in the field than
others.

One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was
former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Under his term, many agencies in
science and technology were established and strengthened, including the Philippine
Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) in place of the abolished Weather Bureau; the National Academy of
Science and Technology; and the reconstituted National Science and Technology
Authority(originally established in 1958 as the National Science and Development
Board and now the Department of Science and Technology), among others.
Marcos saw that the key to nation-building is the continued development of science
and technology. The progress in science and technology continued even after his
dictatorial rule and the presidents after him left their own legacies in the field.