Science, Technology and Society

Mayra Christina M. Ambrocio, DEM

Rosemarie B. Alon-Alon
Ricardo T. Villafranca
Nessa L. Morillo
Zol V. Dorado

i|G E N E D G E M / S O C S C I 4 / PRELIM
 LAGUNA UNIVERSITY

Vision

Laguna University shall be a socially responsive educational institution of

choice providing holistically developed individuals in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Mission

Laguna University is committed to produce academically prepared and

technically skilled individuals who are socially and morally upright.
Course Code: GE 7

Course Description:

This course deals with interactions between science and technology and social,
cultural, political, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them; engages
students to confront the realities brought about by S & T in society; instill reflective
knowledge in the students that they are able to live the good life and display ethical
decision-making in the face of scientific and technological advancement; includes
mandatory topics on climate change and environmental awareness.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILO):

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically

Philippine society.
2. Evaluate the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express
philosophical ramifications that are meaningful to the student as a part
of society.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with the timeline of the historical antecedents
in which social considerations changed the course of science and
technology.
4. Develop appreciation of the importance of science and technology in the
preservation of the environment and the development of the Filipino
nation
5. Explain how science and technology affect society and the environment
and its role in nation-building
6. Define and demonstrate the impact of social media on the students’ life
and Philippine society in general
7. Critique human flourishing vis-à-vis the progress of science and
technology such that the student may be able to define for
himself/herself the meaning of the good life
8. Foster the value of a healthy lifestyle toward the holistic and sustainable
development of society and the environment
9. Creatively present the importance and contributions of science and
technology to society
10. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come
up with innovative and creative solutions to contemporary issues guided
by ethical standards
11. Illustrate how the social media and information age impact their lives
and their understanding of climate change
Course Requirements:
▪ Assessment Tasks - 60%
▪ Major Exams- 40%
____
Periodic Grade 100%

Prelim Grade = 60% (Assessments 1-4) + 40% (Prelim exam)

Midterm Grade = 30%(Prelim Grade) + 70 %[60% (Assessments 5-7)
+ 40% (Midterm exam) ]
Final Grade = Total CS + Final Exam x 70% + 30% of the Midterm

Final Grade = 30%(Midterm Grade) + 70 %[60% (Assessments 8-10)

+ 40% (Final exam)]
 Table of Contents

Module 1: Historical Developments of Science and Technology 1

Introduction 1
Learning Objectives 1
Lesson 1. Historical Antecedents In Which Social Considerations 2
Changed The Course Of Science And Technology
Lesson 2. Intellectual Revolutions That Defined Society 13
Lesson 3. Cradles Of Early Science 19
Lesson 4. Science And Technology In The Philippines: A Historical 36
Perspective
Lesson 5. Paradigm Shifts In The History Of Science And Technology

Module 2: Science and technology and the role in Nation building 67

Introduction 67
Learning Outcomes 67
Lesson 1. Definition of Science and Technology 68
Lesson 2. Importance of Science and Technology 71
Lesson 3. The Role of S & T in Nation Building 72
Lesson 4. Government Laws, Policies pertaining to S & T 74
Lesson 5. Famous Filipinos in the field of Science
Lesson 6. Latest Innovations In Science And Technology In The
Philippines

Module 3: Science Education and Indigenous S & T in the 94

Philippines
Introduction 94
Learning Outcomes 94
Lesson 1. Concept of Science Education 95
Lesson 2. Science education in basic and tertiary education 100
Lesson 3. Science Schools in the Philippines 103
Lesson 4. Indigenous Knowledge System 109
Lesson 5. Contribution of Indigenous Science in the development of
Science and technology in the Philippines

Module 4: Science, Technology and Society and the Human 119

Condition
Introduction 119
Learning Outcomes 119
Lesson 1. The Human flourishing in terms of science and technology 121
Lesson 2. The Good Life 124
Lesson 3. When Technology And Humanity Cross 129
Lesson 4. When Technology And Humanity Cross 143

1
 List of Figures

Figure Description Page

1.1 First Pyramid in Egypt 3
1.2 Ancient Mesopotamia 4
1.3 Cuneiform- first writing system 4
1.4 Bronze Age 5
1.5 Dark Age 6
1.6 Dark Ages 7
1.7 Leonardo Da Vinci’s Art Works 8
1.8 Gutenberg Printing Press 9
1.9 Galileo’s Telescope 10
1.10 Modern Ages 11
1.11 General Characteristics Of Modern Age 12
1.12 Factory Buildings 12
1.13 Heliocentric Theory 13
1.14 Theory of Evolution 15
1.15 Sigmund Freud 17
1.16 Psychoanalytic Theory 18
1.17 Mayan Hieroglyphics 20
1.18 Mayan Calendars 21
1.19 Maya Civilization 21
1.20 Inca Empire 22
1.21 Famous Incas 23
1.22 Oldest quipu 23
1.23 Quipu 24
1.24 Chinampa 25
1.25 Aztecs 25
1.26 Ayurveda 27
1.27 Indian Surgeon Sushruta 28
1.28 Ancient Chinese 29
1.29 A Chinese ladle-and-bowl type compass used for geomancy in 30
the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD)
1.30 Lunar Calendar 30
1.31 Famous Muslim Scientists 32
1.32 Africans Ships 34
1.33 Lebombo Bones 34
1.34 Pre-Spanish Era 36
1.35 Banaue Rice Terraces 37
1.36 Colonization of Spaniards 38

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1.37 The University of Sto. Tomas 37
1.38 The Galeon Trade 38
1.39 Spanish Era: Educational Decree of 1863 41
1.40 Science and Technology during the American Period 42
1.41 American Era 43
1.42 American Colonial Period 43
1.43 American Regime 45
1.44 President Ferdinand Marcos 44
1.45 President Corazon Aquino 44
1.46 Presidents of the Philippines 45
1.47 President Benigno Aquino III 51
1.48 President Rodrigo Duterte 51
1.49 Government Scientists under President Duterte’s 52
Administration
1.50 Dalton’s Atomic Theory 54
1.51 Albert Einstein 54
1.52 Isaac Newton 55
1.53 Earth’s Moving Plates 55
1.54 Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection:a paradigm- 56
theory
1.55 A. Lavoisier 58
2.1 Ramon Cabanos Barba 77
2.2 Josefino Cacas Comiso 78
2.3 Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. 78
2.4 Lourdes Jansuy Cruz 79
2.5 Fabian Millar Dayrit 79
2.6 Rafael Dineros Guerrero III 80
2.7 Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. 80
2.8 Lilian Formalejo Pateña 81
2.9 Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz 81
2.10 Gregory Ligot Tangonan 82
2.11 Caesar A. Saloma 82
2.12 Edgardo Gomez 83
2.13 William Padolina 83
2.14 Angel Alcala 83
3.1 Notre Dame University (n.d.) 97
3.2 Ateneo de Davao(n.d.) 97
3.3 Siliman University 98
3.4 St. Louis University 98
3.5 St. Louis University in Baguio City 99
3.6 Aquinas University 99
3.7 Basic Education Curriculum 101

3
3.8 Tertiary Education 102
3.9 Philippine Science High School. 104
3.10 SSES 105
3.11 Quezon City Regional Science High School 106
3.12 Manila Science High School 107
3.13 Central Visayan Institute Foundation 108
3.14 SFAS Administrators, Micmic Golez and JR Abello with CVIF 108
Administrators, Dr. Christopher and Ma. Victoria Carpio-
Bernido in Jagna, Bohol.
3.15 Indigenous Knowledge 110
3.16 Native Science vs Western Science 114
4.1 Aristotle, the Greek philosopher 121
4.2 Steps of scientific method 125
4.3 Choose to be good 130
4.4 300-400 BC: Two Greek philosophers Leucippus and
Democritus discovered the idea that matter is made up of tiny
particles called atoms
135
4.5 Epicurus 137
4.6 Timon and Pumbaa and Simba 138
4.7 Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius: Stoicism 138
4.8 Ralph Cudworth-Theism 140
4.9 Francesco Petrarch-Father of Humanism 142
4.10 How Technology Changes our lives 143
4.11 Household technology 144
4.12 Japanese robot helps with housework 147
4.13 This robot is delivering food to vulnerable people in the UK 148
4.14 Use of ultraviolet light to kill viruses on potentially infectious 149
surfaces
4.15 Researchers from MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital 150
hope to reduce the risk to healthcare workers posed by Covid-
19 by using robots to remotely measure patients’ vital signs
4.16 Impact of Robotics in safety and health 151
4.17 New Robots With 'Emotion Chips' Can Empathize with Human 152
Emotions

4
 List of Table
Table Description Page

3.1 A Comparison Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge 113

Styles

5
 MODULE 1
Historical Developments of Science and
Technology

Introduction

This chapter introduces you to the historical developments of Science and Technology

in the world during the Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages. Science and technology has been

around from the beginning of time which can be traced from the origin of human life 2 million

years ago and each era has significant advancement. It evolves from the inventions and
discoveries of the people trying to improve their way of living. Likewise, the paradigm shifts

in the history of science and technology gives the scientists working in a particular field with

their broad theoretical framework—what Kuhn calls their “conceptual scheme”, the general

direction and goals in their research. Science progresses through paradigm shifts.

Moreover, the study of this topic will enable the students to understand and appreciate

how the state of science and technology determines the socio-economic progress of a

country.

Learning Outcomes

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

1) Recognize the interactions between S, T and society throughout history;

2) Examine coherently how scientific and technological developments affect society and the

environment; and

3) Identify the paradigm shifts in the historical development of science and technology in the

world during the Ancient, Middle and Modern Ages.

1
Lesson 1. Historical Antecedents in Which Social
Considerations Changed the Course of Science and
Technology

An antecedent is a thing that comes before something else. You might think rap music
has no historical antecedent, but earlier forms of African-American spoken verse go back for
centuries (Antecedent, n.d.) ; the origins of rapping can be traced back to this style of talking or
chanting over a rhythm or beat, which emerged out of Jamaica in the early 1950s (Quizlet, n.d.).
This holds true for the earliest form of science and technology.

1.1. ANCIENT AGES BC (Prieto, Vega, Felipe & Meneses, 2019)

➢ The earliest form of science and technology were human artifacts found during
prehistoric time about 2.3 million years ago.
➢ They were roughly shaped stones used for chopping and scraping found in
Eastern Africa.
➢ Mesopotamian cultures around 400 BC showed evidence of emerging science
such as disease symptoms, chemical substances and astronomical observations
and in the Nile Valley of Egypt, information on the treatment of wounds and
diseases, mathematical calculations such as angles, rectangles, triangles and the
volume of the portion of a pyramid had been around for thousands of years.
➢ Many philosophers wrote topics on psychology, biology and other topics. Among
them were Euclid, who founded the Modern Geometry and Archimedes, who
founded engineering mechanics and calculated the value for pi which is still being
used today.
➢ 3000 BC is called the Bronze Age where pigments were used to color the human
skin and alloying copper with tin resulted to bronze which is being used until now
to make swords, other weapons, machinery, medals, statues, belts and shoe
buckles.
➢ Two-wheeled carts in Mesopotamia and the first pyramid in Egypt were built as
part of the urbanization in 3000 BC (Prieto, N. G., Vega, V. A., Felipe, E. F.,
Meneses, J. L., 2019)

2
 Figure 1.1 First Pyramid in Egypt
Source: https://www.haikudeck.com/emmas-ancient-egypt-project-education-presentation-xB6uxX2K3e

3
 \\\
Figure 1.2 Ancient Mesopotamia\\\\
Source: https://sbmsworldcultures.weebly.com/middle-east/ancient-mesopotamia-the-land-between-the-
rivers)

Figure 1.3 Cuneiform- First Writing System

Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/418288464/

4
 Figure 1.4 Bronze Age
Source: https://www.ancient-origins.net/sites/default/files/field/image/Miners.jpg

1.2 MIDDLE AGES (450-1450A.D.) (Prieto et al., 2019)

This era is also called the Dark Ages because warfare had improved tremendously.

➢ It also gave birth to much scientific and technological development like the
printing press of Gutenberg in Germany, the great Art works of Leonardo da Vinci
of Italy.
➢ From 1450 – 1600 AD, the period know as rebirth of knowledge is the Renaissance
Era in Europe. Copernicus rediscovered the Heliocentric Theory, the invention of
the magnetic compass aided Prince Henry, the navigator in his travel to South
Africa and Portugal to reach India. Likewise, Columbus discovered America.

5
 Figure 1.5 Dark Age
Source: http://image3.slideserve.com/6826882/dark-age-early-middle-age-ad-400-800-high-middle-ages-
ad-800-1400-n.jpg

6
 Figure 1.6 Dark Ages
Source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/sirissacnewton-120722173242-phpapp01/95/sir-issac-newton-
4-728.jpg?cb=1342978422

7
 Figure 1.7 Leonardo Da Vinci’s Art Works
Source: https://answersafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Leonardo-da-Vinci-art-works.jpg

8
 Figure 1.8. Gutenberg Printing Press
Source: http://mrclarkskipp.weebly.com/gutenberg-the-printing-press.html

1.3 MODERN AGES (around 1600 A.D.)

Galileo was the first to use modern scientific methods based on experiment and testable
observations. He also constructed a spyglass which he continually improved until he built the
so called Telescope. (Prieto et al., 2019)

9
 Figure 1.9. Galileo’s Telescope
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/hariom123/galileo-1973843

❖ On the other hand, Isaac Newton defined the laws of gravity and planetary
motion, co-founded calculus and explained the laws of light and color.
❖ Albert Einstein became the most famous scientist of the 20th century because of
his Theory of Relativity and the famous equation E = mc2.
❖ The Industrial Revolution brought about the beginning of factories that produce
goods at massive quantity.
❖ The light bulb replaced the candles and oil lamps in the late 1800.
❖ The 20th century gave birth to the radio, the first car to run with engine power
and the first man went to space in a rocket.
❖ This period was also the beginning of communication, electronic and computer
era. (Priet, et al., 2019)

10
 Figure 1.10. Modern Ages
Source: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/modernages-120208085410-phpapp01/95/modern-ages-2-
728.jpg?cb=1328691778

11
 Figure 1.11 General Characteristics Of Modern Age.
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/radhaghevariya/general-characteristics-of-modern-age-54522385

Figure 1.12 Factory Buildings

Source: https://lythea.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20170901-factory_in-1800s-72-848x450.jpg

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Lesson 2. Intellectual Revolutions that Defined Society

2.1 Copernican Revolution

• A shift in the field of astronomy from a geocentric understanding of the universe,

centred around Earth, to a heliocentric understanding, centred around the Sun,
as articulated by the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century.
• This shift marked the start of a broader Scientific Revolution that set the
foundations of modern science and allowed science to flourish as
an autonomous discipline within its own right. (Spencer, Brush, & Osler, 2021)

Figure 1.13 Heliocentric Theory

Source: https://www.ck12.org/c/earth-science/earths-revolutions/lesson/Revolutions-of-Earth-HS-ES/

In the book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium , he wanted a model of the

universe in which evervthing moved around a single center at unvarying rates (Gribbin, 2003).

Copernicus placed the Sun to be the centerpiece of the universe. The Earth and all
the planets are surrounding or orbiting the Sun each year. The Moon, however, would still be

13
 seen orbiting the Earth. Copernicus's model of the Earth orbiting around the Sun automatically
positioned the planets into a logical sequence.

In his model, Copernicus outlined two kinds of planetary motion:

➢ The orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside the orbit of the Earth, thus, closer to the Sun,
➢ The orbits of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter lay outside the Earth's orbit, thus, farther from the
Sun.

From this model, he would work on the length of time it will take for each planet to
orbit once around the Sun. The result would form a sequence from Mercury, with a shortest
year, through Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn with the longest year. He placed
the planets in order of increasing distance from the Sun. One of the great problems in his
model is the position of the stars which cannot be placed in a fixed position. The Catholic
Church considered it heretic, hence it was banned and ignored by Rome for the rest of
the 16th century (Serafica, Pawilen, Caslib, Alata, 2018).

2.2 Darwinian Revolution

❖ The publication in 1859 of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin ushered in a new
era in the intellectual history of humanity.
❖ Darwin is deservedly given credit for the theory of biological evolution: he
accumulated evidence demonstrating that organisms evolve and discovered the
process, natural selection, by which they evolve.
❖ The importance of Darwin's achievement is that it completed
the Copernican revolution initiated three centuries earlier, and thereby radically
changed our conception of the universe and the place of humanity in it. (Ayala, 2020)

14
 Figure 1.14. Theory of Evolution
Source: https://biologywise.com/charles-darwin-theory-of-evolution

Darwin completed the Copernican revolution by drawing out for biology the notion of
nature as a lawful system of matter in motion. The adaptations and diversity of organisms,
the origin of novel and highly organized forms, even the origin of humanity itself could now
be explained by an orderly process of change governed by natural laws.

The origin of organisms and their marvelous adaptations were, however, either left
unexplained or attributed to the design of an omniscient Creator. God had created the birds
and bees, the fish and corals, the trees in the forest, and best of all, man. God had given us
eyes so that we might see, and He had provided fish with gills to breathe in water.
Philosophers and theologians argued that the functional design of organisms manifests the
existence of an all-wise Creator (Ayala, 2020).

In 1859, there was a groundbreaking revolution in both the scientific and religious
realms: the origin of species, authored by Charles Darwin, was published. The book changed
how people approach biology forever, and has fundamental impacts on modern science,
religion, and other aspects of the society.

15
 A century and a half later, the influence of Darwin remains. In Australia there is City
of Darwin, named after the evolution giant. There are Darwin branded merchandises,
restaurants, even colleges. However, as Prof. Browne from Harvard University have lectured,
Darwin’s opinions were not fully acknowledged till at least a hundred years later.

At the time when Origin of Species was published, the theories did not immediately
gain popularity. As Prof. Browne put it, it was not a “revolution” but rather a slow change,
stretched out over the course of a century. Darwin’s opinions, as they start to gain popularity,
were very much challenged (Ayala, 2020).

Most of the questions come from people who come from a religious background and
the concept of evolution particularly disputed the existence of a creator. Darwin’s response
what safe yet smart: instead of labeling himself as an atheist, he resorts to being an agnostic,
refusing to enter the debate of whether God exists.

Science history views Darwin as a “saint”, burying him at Westminster Abbey while
the British Natural History Museum puts his sculpture up and down depending how Darwin
is perceived by the general public. Darwin’s simple theory is interpreted and misinterpreted
in many different dimensions, but it is this social discourse that keeps the theory alive and
drives science forward (Hou, 2016).

2.3 Freudian Revolution

Sigmund Freud – Austrian Doctor with new ideas about the mind and claimed
that human behavior is not based on reason (Smith, Seward, & Manshell, 2020).

16
 Figure 1.15. Sigmund Freud
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/memijecruz/intellectual-revolutions-152933221

He was the founding father of psychoanalysis, a method for treating mental illness and
also a theory which explains human behavior. Freud’s Theory: emphasized the influence of the
unconscious mind on behavior. • Freud believed that the human mind was composed of three
conflicting elements: the id, the ego, and the superego (Memjie-Cruz, 2019).

17
 Figure 1.16 Psychoanalytic Theory
Source: https://www.slideserve.com/abram/psychodynamic-interpersonal-therapies

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Lesson 3. Cradles of Early Science

3.1 Meso-American (Serafica, Pawilen, Casilib & Alata, 2018)

Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to
the border of South America. There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region is rich in culture
and knowledge prior to the arrival of its European colonizers. This module discusses the 3
civilizations that are famous in Mesoamerica, as follows:

1. The Maya civilization is one of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000
years. These people are known for their works in astronomy. They incorporated their
advanced understanding of astronomy into their temples and other religious structures. This
allows them to use their temples for astronomical observation. For example, the pyramid at
Chichén Itzá in Mexico is situated at the location of the Sun during the spring and fall
equinoxes.
• Mayan knowledge and understanding about celestial bodies was advanced for their
time, as evidenced by their knowledge of predicting eclipse and using astrological
cycles in planting and harvesting.
• The Mayans are also known for measuring time using two complicated calendar
systems These calendars were very useful for their life especially in planning their
activities and in observing their religious rituals and cultural celebrations.
• The Mayans also developed the technology for growing different crops and building
elaborate cities using ordinary machineries and tools.
• They built hydraulics system with sophisticated waterways to supply water to
different communities.
• They used various tools and adapt themselves to innovations especially in the Ield
of arts. The Mayans built looms for weaving cloth and devised a ralnbow of glittery
paints made from a mineral called mica. They are also believed to be one of the first
people to produce rubber products 3,000 years before Goodyear received its patent
in 1844.

19
• The Mayans are considered one of the most scientifically advanced societies in
Mesoamerica. They are also famous as one of the world's first civilizations to use a
writing system known as the Mayan hieroglyphics.
• They were also skilled in mathematics and created a number system based on the
numeral 20. Moreover, they independently developed the concept of zero and
positional value, even before the Romans did.

Figure 1.17. Mayan Hieroglyphics

Source: https://mayanbosco8.weebly.com/mayan-hieroglyphs.html

20
 Figure 1.18 Mayan Calendars
Source: https://mayanbosco8.weebly.com/mayan-hieroglyphs.html

Figure 1.19 Maya Civilization

Source: https://svitppt.com.ua/angliyska-mova/te-maya-civilization.html

21
2. The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica.
The Incas made advanced scientific ideas considering their limitations
as an old civilization. The following were scientific ideas and tools that they
developed to help them in everyday life:

❖ roads paved with stones

❖ stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters;
❖ irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all
types of land
❖ calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for
planting season;
❖ the first suspension bridge,
❖ quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret;
❖ Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.

Figure 1.20 Inca Empire

Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/marinashilova/the-inca-empire-50883373

22
 Figure 1.21 Famous Incas
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/rojastasayco/inca-culture

Figure 1.22 Oldest Quipu

Source: https://www.messagetoeagle.com/secrets-of-quipu-one-of-the-most-mysterious-phenomena-that-
existed-in-odd-number-of-dimensions/

23
 Figure.1.23 Quipu
Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/371758144214702030/

3. Following the Inca, the Aziec civilization has also made substantial contributions to science
and technology and to the society as a whole. Some of their contributions are the following:
Mandatory education. The Azte puts value on education; that is why their children are
mandated to get education regardless of their social class, gender, or age. It 1s an
early form of universal or inclusive education.
Chocolates. The Aztec in Mexico developed chocolate during. Their time. In the
Mayan culture, they used it as currency. The Aztec valued the cacao beans highly
and made it as part of their tribute to their gods.
Antispasmodic medication. They used a type of antispasmodic medication that could
prevent muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help during surgery.
Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land
was divided into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals, and planting season.
Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for traveling in water systems

24
 Figure 1.24 Chinampa
Source: Aztec explorers. wordpress.com

Figure 1.25 Aztecs

Source: www.haikudeck.com

25
3.2 Asian

Asia is the biggest continent in the world and the home of many ancient civilizations. It is
a host to many cultural, economic, scientific, and political activities of all ages. In the field of
science, technology, and mathematics, great civilizations have stood out: India, China, and the
Middle East civilizations. These civilizations were incomparable in terms of their contributions to
the development of knowledge during their time.

India

Is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by huge mountains
in its northern boarders. The Indians creatively developed various ideas and technologies
useful in their everyday lives they are known for manufacturing iron and in metallurgical
works. Their iron steel is considered to be the best and held with high regard in u whole
of Roman Empire.
Is also famous in medicine. For example, Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that
originated in ancient India before 2500 BC is still practiced as a form to alternative
medicine. They discovered some medicinal properties of plants that led them to develop
medicines to cure various illnesses. Some ancient texts, like the Susruta Samhita,
describes different surgical and other medical procedures famous in Ancient India.
Ancient India is also notable in the field of astronomy. They developed theories on the
configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth, and the year of 360
days with 12 equal parts of 30 days each. Same (2008) noted that their interest in
astronomy was also evident in the first 12 chapters of the Siddhanta Shiromani, written in
the 12th century. According to Sanma (2008), this ancient text covered topics such as:
mean longitudes of the planets; true longitudes of the planets; the three problems of
diurnal rotation; syzygies; lunar eclipses; solar eclipses; latitudes of the planets; risings
and settings; the moon's crescent; conjunctions of the planets with each other;
conjunctions of the planets with the fixed stars; and the paths of the Sun and Moon.
Ancient India is also known for their mathematics. Bisht (1982) noted that the earliest
traces of mathematical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent appeared in the Indus Valley
Civilization. The people of this civilization, according to Bisht (1982), tried to standardize

26
measurement of length to a high degree of accuracy and designed a ruler, the Mohenjo-
daro ruler.
Clifford (2008) and Bose (1998) pointed out that Indian astronomer and mathematician
Aryabhata (476-550), in his Aryabhatiya, introduced a number of trigonometric
functions, tables, and techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra.
In 628 AD, another Indian, Brahmagupta, also suggested that gravity was a force of
attraction, and lucidly explained the use of zero as both a placeholder and a decimal
digit, along with the Hindu-Arabic numeral system now used universally throughout the
worid (Clifford, 2008; Bose. 1998).
Another Indian named Madhava of Sangamagrama is also considered as the 1ounder
of mathematical analysis (Joseph, 1991)

Figure 1.26. Ayurveda

Source: Ayurvedicexpert.com

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 Figure 1.27 Indian Surgeon Sushruta

Source: www.slideshare.net

China

One of the ancient civilizations with substantial contributions in many areas of life like
medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts philosophy, and music, among others.
Chinese civilizations have greatly influenced many of its neighbor countries like Korea,
Japan, Philippines Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and other countries that
belong to the old Silk Road.
Known for traditional medicines, a product of centuries of experiences and discovery of
the Chinese people. They discovered various medical properties and uses of different
plants and animals to cure human illness. An example is the practice of acupuncture.

28
In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to develop many tools. Among the
famous discoveries and inventions of the Chinese civilizations were compass,
papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools that became known in the West only by the
end of the middle Ages (Davies, 1995). They also invented other tools like iron plough,
wheelbarrow, and propeller, among others. They developed a design of different models
of bridges (Zhongguo ke xue yuan, 1983), invented the first seismological detector, and
developed a dry dock facility (Needham et al., 1971).
In the field of astronomy, the Chinese also made significant records on supernovas,
lunar and solar eclipses, and comets, which were carefully recorded and preserved to
understand better the heavenly bodies and their effects to our world (Mayall, 1939).
They observed the heavenly bodies to understand weather changes and seasons that
may affect their daily activities. They used lunar calendars, too. The Chinese are also
known in seismology. This made them more prepared in times of natural calamities.
China made substantial contributions along with mathematics, logic, philosophy, and
medicine. However, cultural factors prevented these Chinese achievements from
developing into modern science. According to Needham (1986), it may have been the
religious and philosophical framework of Chinese intellectuals that made them unable to
accept the ideas of laws of nature.

Figure 1.28 Ancient Chinese

Source: www.slideshare.net

29
 Figure 1.29 A Chinese ladle-and-bowl type compass used for geomancy in the Han Dynasty (202
BC – 220 AD)
Source: https://www.lindamandarin.com.sg/blog/10-ancient-chinese-inventions-that-you-never-thought-
were-chinese/

\\\\

Figure 1.30. Lunar Calendar

Source: www.buzzle.com

30
3.3 Middle East

The Middle East countries are dominantly occupied by Muslims. With the spread of lslam
in the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of Muslim scholarship, or what is called the Golden Age of
Islam lasted until the 13th century.

The common language of Arabic, access to Greek texts from the Byzantine Empire, and
their proximity to India were contributory to the intellectualization of the Muslims and
provided their scholars knowledge to create innovations and develop new ideas. But
contrary to the Greeks, Muslim scientists placed greater value on science experiments
rather than plain-thought experiments. This led to the development of the scientific method
in the Muslim world, and made significant improvements by using experiments to
distinguish between competing scientific theories set within a generally empirical
orientation.
A Muslim scientist named Ibn al-Haytham is also regarded as the Father of Optics,
especially for his empirical proof of the intromission theory of light. In mathematics, the
mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al- Khwarizmi gave his name to the concept of the
algorithm while the term algebra is derived from al-jabr, the beginning of the title of one of
his publications.
Muslim mathematicians did make several refinements to the number system, such as the
introduction of decimal point notation.
Muslim chemists and alchemists also played an important role in the foundation of modern
chemistry (Durant, 1980). In particular, some scholars considered Jabir ibn Hayyän to be
the "Father of Chemistry" (Derewenda, 2007; Warren, 2005).
In the field of medicine, Ibn Sina pioneered the science of experimental medicine and was
the first physician to conduct clinical trials (Jacquart, 2008). His two most notable works in
medicine, the Book Healing and The Canon of Medicine, were used as standard medicinal
xS in both the Muslim world and in Europe during the 17th century. Among his many
contributions are the discovery of the contagious nature of infectious diseases and the
introduction of clinical pharmacology (Craig &Walter, 2000).

The decline of this golden age of Islam started in the 11th to 13th century due to the conquest
of the Mongols whereby libraries, observatories, and other learning institutions were destroyed.

31
 Figure 1.31. Famous Muslim Scientists
Source: www.youtube.com

3.4 African (Serafica et al., 2018)

Africa is blessed with natural and mineral resources. Science also emerged in this part of
the planet long before the Europeans colonized it The history of science and mathematics show
that similar to other ancient civilizations, the early civilizatíons in Africa are knowledge producers,
too,

❖ The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed immensely and made significant
advances in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine, For example, the
development of geometry was a product of necessity to preserve the layout and ownership
of farmlands of the Egyptians living along the Nile River,
❖ The rules of geometry were developed and used to build rectilinear structures, the post of
lintel architecture of Egypt. These early science activities in Egypt were developed to
improve the quality of life of the Egyptians especially in building their early homes and
cities.
❖ The great structures of the Egyptian pyramids and the early dams built to divert water from
the Nile River are some proofs of their advanced civilization.
❖ Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which is known as the medieval forerunner
of chemistry. They tried to study human anatomy and pharmacology, and applied
important components such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for the

32
 treatment of diseases. These components displayed strong parallels to the basic empirical
method of studying science.
❖ Astronomy was also famous in the African region. For instance, documents show that
Africans used three types of calendars: lunar, solar and stellar, or a combination of the
three.
❖ Metallurgy was also known in the African regions during the ancient times. North Africa
and the Nile valley imported iron technology from the Near East region that enabled them
to benefit from the developments during the Bronze Age until the Iron Age.
❖ They invented metal tools used in their homes, in agriculture, and in building their
magnificent architectures.
❖ Mathematics was also known to be prominent in the life of early people in the African
continent. The Lebombo Bone from the mountains between Swaziland and South Africa,
which may have been a tool for multiplication, division, and simple mathematical
calculation or a six- month lunar calendar, is considered to be the oldest known
mathematical artifact dated from 35,000 BCE.
❖ Ancient Egyptians are good in the four fundamental mathematical operations and other
mathematical skills. They have knowledge of the basic concepts of algebra and
geometry. The Islamic regions in Africa during the medieval period was also benefiting
from mathematical learning, which is considered advanced during those times, such as
algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

33
 Figure 1.32 Africans Ships
Source: www.haikudeck.com

Figure 1.33 Lebombo Bones

Source: https://theafricanhistory.com/341

34
 Mathematics started in Africa with the Lebombo Bone dates from 35,000 BC. The baboon
fibula is marked by its 29 notches along the length and it is named after the Lebombo mountain
range where it was discovered, its notches are considered by the majority of archeologists as
tally-marks (The African History, 2020).

35
Lesson 4. Science and Technology in the Philippines: A
Historical Perspective (Memjie-Cruz, 2019)

Memjie-Cruz (2019) explicitly discussed this topic “Science and technology in the
Philippines” had experienced periods of intense growth as well as long periods of stagnation
and the main managing agency responsible for science and technology is the Department of
Science and Technology.

Figure 1.34. Pre-Spanish Era

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/memijecruz/historical-antecedents-of-science-and- technology-
152541982

❖ The natives of the archipelago already had practices linked to science and
technology even before the colonization by the Spaniards in the Philippine

36
 islands and Filipinos were already aware of the medicinal and therapeutic
properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs.

❖ They already had an alphabet, number system, a weighing and measuring

system and a calendar. Filipinos were already engaged in farming, shipbuilding,
mining and weaving.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of engineering by pre-
Spanish era Filipinos (Memjie-Cruz, 2019)

Figure 1.35. Banaue Rice Terraces

Source: http://ideastochill.blogspot.com/2013/11/banaue-rice-terraces.html

The Banaue Rice Terraces are 2,000-year-old terraces that were carved into the
mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the indigenous people. The Rice Terraces
are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought
that the terraces were built with minimal equipment, largely by hand. The terraces are located
approximately 1500 meters above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers of mountainside.

37
They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that
if the steps were put end to end, it would encircle half the globe. (Ideas to Chill, n.d.)

SPANISH COLONIAL ERA

The colonization of the Philippines contributed to growth of science and technology in

the archipelago.

❖ The Spanish introduced formal education and founded scientific institution.

❖ During the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, Parish schools were established
where religion, reading, writing, arithmetic and music was taught.
❖ Sanitation and more advanced methods of agriculture was taught to the natives.

Figure 1.36. Colonization of Spaniards

Source: https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-65c6537fa831bf527e48b6cefdc5ba3a-c

38
 Later the Spanish established colleges and universities in the archipelago including the
oldest existing university in Asia, the University of Santo Tomas

Figure 1.37. The University of Sto. Tomas

Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/72/7d/9a/727d9a034c3c777029789973bfd01ba2.jpg

❖ The Galleon Trade have accounted in the Philippine colonial economy. Trade was
given more focus by the Spaniard colonial authorities due to the prospects of big
profits.
❖ Agriculture and industrial development on the other hand were relatively neglected.
The opening of the Suez Canal saw the influx of European visitors to the Spanish
colony and some Filipinos were able to study in Europe who were probably
influenced by the rapid development of scientific ideals brought by the Age of
Enlightenment.

39
 Figure 1.38 The Galeon Trade
Source: https://kahimyang.com/resources/galeon-replica.jpg

Figure 1.39. Spanish Era: Educational Decree of 1863

Source: Felipe (2015) Historical Perspective in Philippine Education

https://www2.slideshare.net/MsKrabbs19/historical-perspective-in-philippine-education

40
AMERICAN PERIOD

The progress of science and technology in the Philippines continued under American
rule of the islands.

❖ On July 1, 1901 The Philippine Commission established the Bureau of Government

Laboratories which was placed under the Department of Interior. The Bureau replaced
the Laboratorio Municipal, which was established under the Spanish colonial era. The
Bureau dealt with the study of tropical diseases and laboratory projects.
❖ On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of Government Laboratories was replaced by the
Bureau of Science and on December 8, 1933, the National Research Council of the
Philippines was established.  The Bureau of Science became the primary research
center of the Philippines until the Second World War
(Memjie-Cruz, 2019)

Figure 1.40. Science and Technology during the American Period

Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/shadowwolfeclasszero/changes-in-the-philippines-during-the-
american-period

41
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DURING THE AMERICAN PERIOD

Science and technology in the Philippines advanced rapidly during the American regime.

Figure 1.41. American Era

Source: www. Slideshare.net

42
 Figure 1.42.American Colonial Period

Source: Casupanan (2017) https://www2.slideshare.net/JasonCasupanan/development-of-visual-arts-in-

the-philippines

❖ There was simultaneous government encouragement and support for an

Extensive public education system;
❖ the granting of scholarships for higher education in science and engineering;
❖ the organization of science research agencies and establishment of science-
based public services.
❖ On 21 January 1901, the Philippine Commission, which acted as the
executive and legislative body for the Philippines until 1907, promulgated Act No.
74 creating a Department of Public Instruction in the Philippines that provided for
the establishment of schools that would give free primary education, with English
as the medium of instruction.
❖ The Philippine Medical School was established in 1905 and was
Followed by other professional and technical schools. These were
later absorbed into the University of the Philippines.
❖ The old Laboratorio Municipal was absorbed by the Bureau of Government
Laboratories created by the Philippine Commission in 1901. In 1905, the latter was

43
 reorganized and renamed Bureau of Science. It remained the principal government
research establishment until the end of the Second World War
❖ In 1935, the Philippine Commonwealth was inaugurated and ushered in a
period of transition to political independence. The Constitution
acknowledged the importance of promoting scientific development for the
economic development of the country by incorporating a provision (Article XIII,
Section 4) declaring that "The State shall promote scientific research
And invention, Arts and Letters shall be under its patronage..."
❖ In 1947, the Bureau of Science was reorganized into an Institute of Science. In the
same year, an Institute of Nutrition, and in 1952, the Science Foundation of the
Philippines (SFP) were created and placed (along with the Institute of Science)
under the Office of the President.
❖ In the 1960s additional science agencies were created by law which thereby
expanded and in 1982, NSDB was further reorganized into a National
Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) composed of four Research and
Development Councils.
❖ In 1947, the Bureau of Science was reorganized into an Institute of Science. In the
same year, an Institute of Nutrition, and in 1952, the Science Foundation of the
Philippines (SFP) were created and placed (along with the Institute of Science)
under the Office of the President.

44
,

Figure 1.43. American Regime

Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/vljone/legal-basis-of-education-american-regime-to-commonwealth-
period

❖ Science during the American period was inclined towards agriculture, food
processing, forestry, medicine and pharmacy. Not much focus was given on the
development of industrial technology due to free trade policy with the United States
which nurtured an economy geared towards agriculture and trade
❖ In 1958, during the regime of President Carlos P. Garcia, the Philippine Congress
passed the Science Act of 1958 which established the National Science
Development Board.
(Prieto, et al, 2019)

45
POST COMMONWEALTH ERA

❖ During the 1970s, which was under the time of Ferdinand Marcos' presidency, the
importance given to science grew. .(Prieto, et al, 2019)
❖ Under the 1973 Philippine Constitution, Article XV, Section 1, the government's role in
supporting scientific research and invention was acknowledged.
❖ In 1974, a science development program was included in the government's Four-Year
Development Plan which covers the years 1974- 1978.
❖ The National Science Development Board was replaced by the National Science and
Technology Authority under Executive Order No. 784.
❖ In 1986, during Corazon Aquino's presidency, the National Science and Technology
Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving science
and technology a representation in the cabinet.
❖ Under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for the years 1987-1992, science
and technology's role in economic recovery and sustained economic growth was
highlighted.
❖ During Corazon Aquino's State of the Nation Address in 1990, she said that science and
technology development shall be one of the top three priorities of the government
towards an economic recovery.
❖ In August 8, 1988, Corazon Aquino created the Presidential Task Force for Science and
Technology which came up with the first Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP.
❖ R.A. 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988 opened free education
at the secondary level (Prieto, et al 2019)
❖ President Corazon C. Aquino, the late mother of President Benigno S. Aquino III,
highlighted the importance of science and technology in achieving economic progress.
She helped establish the Department of Science and Technology and formulated the
Science and Technology Master Plan 1991-2000.
❖ At that time, the Philippines aimed to be a newly industrialized country. Succeeding
presidents have had their fair share of science policies geared toward improving the
sector.

46
❖ President Fidel V. Ramos introduced laws on inventors’ incentives and science and
technology scholarships;
❖ President Joseph Estrada signed RA No. 8749 known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999 and RA 8792 known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000; he also launched a
full-scale program based on cost-effective irrigation technologies. .(Prieto, et al, 2019)
❖ President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo adopted policies focusing on a national innovation
system and promoted technology entrepreneurship under the Medium-Term Philippine
Development Plan 2004-2010; passed RA 9367 known as the Biofuels Act. .(Prieto, et al,
2019)
❖ The most recent National Science and Technology Plan (NSTP) 2002-2020 is largely
focused on building technological self-reliance. .(Prieto, et al, 2019)
❖ The Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology presented to President Aquino in
2014 highlighted two crucial issues: inclusive growth and disaster risk reduction. (Panela.
S. (2016, June 8) Asian Scientist Magazine at:
https://www.asianscientist.com/2016/06/features/president-rodrigo-duterte-philippines-
science-policy-agenda/
❖ President Benigno C. Aquino passed RA 10601, which improves the agriculture and
Fisheries sector and RA 10068 known as the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010 hence he
was considered as the “Father of Organic Agriculture”. He also signed RA No. 19844
known as DICT Act of 2015, appointing the Department of Information and
Communications Technology to be in charge of planning, developing and promoting the
national ICT development agenda.(Prieto, et al, 2019)
❖ Science and technology in the country scored another milestone with the signing of the
Balik Scientist law by President Rodrigo Roa A. Duterte on 15 June 2018. Republic Act
No. 11035, also known as an “Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program,” would
give more incentives to returning Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers who
would share their expertise in the country.(https://dost.gov.ph/knowledge-
resources/news/49-2018/1414-president-duterte-signs-balik-scientist-law.html)
❖ President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law the "Philippine Space Act," creating the
Philippine Space Agency to address all national concerns related to space science and
technology. Under Republic Act No. 11363, the Philippine Space Agency, or PhilSA, will

47
 be the central government agency addressing all national issues and activities related to
space science and technology applications.
❖ Following the sharp increase of confirmed cases, President Duterte called on Congress to
hold special sessions on March 23 to enact the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act upon his
request, which would "authorize the President to exercise powers necessary to carry out
urgent measures to meet the current national emergency related to COVID-19 only for
three months unless extended by Congress."
❖ The act would allow President Duterte to "reallocate, realign, and reprogram" a budget of
almost ₱275 billion ($5.37 billion) from the estimated ₱438 billion ($8.55 billion) national
budget approved for 2020, in response to the pandemic; enable him to "temporarily take
over or direct the operations" of public utilities and privately owned health facilities and
other necessary facilities "when the public interest so requires" for quarantine, the
accommodation of health professionals, and the distribution and storage of medical relief;
and "facilitate and streamline" the accreditation of testing kits.(
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_government_response_to_the_COVID-
19_pandemic)
❖ Government scientists, engineers, researchers, and other science and technology (S&T)
personnel will get more benefits under the law signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
The president signed Republic Act 11312 which the law revised Republic Act 8439 or the
Magna Carta for scientists, engineers, researchers, and other S&T personnel in
government by not imposing limits on additional honoraria.
❖ “Under the law, science and technology personnel who rendered service beyond the
established regular workload of scientists, technologists, researchers, and technicians
whose broad and superior knowledge, expertise, or professional standing in a specific field
contributes to productivity and innovativeness shall be entitled to receive honorarium
subjects to rules to be set by the department,” according to the new law.

48
Figure 1.44 President Ferdinand Marcos
Source: www.slideshare.et

Figure 1.45 President Corazon Aquino

Source: www.slideshare.net

49
 Figure 1.46 Presidents of the Philippines
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/hillainemarie/presidents-of-the-philippines-era-constitutions

50
 Figure 1.47. President Benigno Aquino III
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/hillainemarie/presidents-of-the-philippines-era-constitutions

Figure 1.48. President Rodrigo Duterte

Source: www.tagaloglang.com

51
 Figure 1.49 Government Scientists under President Duterte’s Administration

Source: https://www.pinoyformosa.com/2019/10/more-benefits-for-government-engineers.html)

52
Lesson 5. Paradigm Shifts in the History of Science and
Technology
In the Slideshare presentation of Prof. Liwayway Memjie-Cruz (2019) she stated that
Science, Technology and Society (STS) is a relatively recent discipline, originating in the 60s and
70s, following Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962). She further added that STS
was the result of a “sociological turn” in science studies and that it makes the assumption that
science and technology are essentially intertwined and that they are each profoundly social and
profoundly political.

Paradigm Theory (Westacott, 2019)

A paradigm theory is a general theory that helps to provide scientists working in a

particular field with their broad theoretical framework—what Kuhn calls their “conceptual
scheme.” It provides them with their basic assumptions, key concepts, and methodology. It gives
their research its general direction and goals. It represents an exemplary model of good science
within a particular discipline.

Examples of Paradigm Theories (Westacott, 2019)

➢ Ptolemy’s Geocentric Model Of The Universe (With The Earth At The Center)
➢ Copernicus’ Heliocentric Astronomy (With The Sun At The Center)
➢ Aristotle’s Physics
➢ Galileo's Mechanics
➢ The Medieval Theory Of The Four “Humors” In Medicine
➢ Isaac Newton's Theory Of Gravity
➢ John Dalton’s Atomic Theory
➢ Charles Darwin's Theory Of Evolution
➢ Albert Einstein’s Theory Of Relativity
➢ Quantum Mechanics
➢ The Theory Of Plate Tectonics In Geology
➢ Germ Theory In Medicine

53
➢ Gene Theory In Biology

Figure 1.50. Dalton’s Atomic Theory

Source: https://factfile.org/8-facts-about-atomic-theory

Figure 1.51 Albert Einstein

Source: http://www.andrew-hines.com/tag/theory-of-relativity/,

54
 Figure 1.52. Isaac Newton
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/juanalcar332/newtons-laws-42185337

Figure 1.53. Earth’s Moving Plates

Source: https://www.slideserve.com/bonita/earth-science-9-3-theory-of-plate-tectonics

55
 Figure 1. 54. Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection:a paradigm-theory
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-paradigm-shift-2670671

Paradigm Shift Definition (Westacott, 2019)

A paradigm shift occurs when one paradigm theory is replaced by another. Here are
some examples:

❖ Ptolemy’s astronomy giving way to Copernican astronomy

❖ Aristotle’s physics (which held that material objects had essential natures that determined
their behavior) giving way to the physics of Galileo and Newton (which viewed the behavior
of material objects as being governed by laws of nature).
❖ Newtonian physics (which held time and space to be the same everywhere, for all
observers) giving way to Einsteinian physics (which holds time and space to be relative to
the observer’s frame of reference).

56
Causes of a Paradigm Shift (Westacott, 2019)

Kuhn was interested in the way science makes progress. In his view, science can’t really
get going until most of those working within a field agree upon a paradigm. Before this happens,
everyone is doing her own thing in her own way, and you can’t have the sort of collaboration and
teamwork that is characteristic of professional science today.

Once a paradigm theory is established, those working within it can start doing what Kuhn
calls “normal science.” This covers most scientific activity. Normal science is the business of
solving specific puzzles, collecting data, and making calculations. Normal science includes:

❖ Working out how far each planet in the solar system is from the sun
❖ Completing the map of the human genome
❖ Establishing the evolutionary descent of a particular species

But every so often in the history of science, normal science throws up anomalies—results
that can’t easily be explained within the dominant paradigm. A few puzzling findings by
themselves wouldn’t justify ditching a paradigm theory that has been successful. But sometimes
the inexplicable results start piling up, and this eventually leads to what Kuhn describes as a
“crisis.”

Examples of Crises Leading to Paradigm Shifts (Westacott, 2019)

At the end of the 19th century, the inability to detect the ether—an invisible medium posited
to explain how light traveled and how gravity operated—eventually led to the theory of relativity.

In the 18th century, the fact that some metals gained mass when burned was at odds
with phlogiston theory. This theory held that combustible materials contained phlogiston, a
substance that was released through burning. Eventually, the theory was replaced by Antoine
Lavoisier’s theory that combustion requires oxygen.

57
 Figure 1.55 A. Lavoisier
Source: superbsciencekosystyle.blogspot.com

Changes That Occur During a Paradigm Shift (Westacott, 2019)

➢ The obvious answer to this question is that what changes is simply the theoretical
opinions of scientists working in the field.
➢ Kuhn’s view is more radical and more controversial than that. He argues that the
world, or reality, cannot be described independently of the conceptual schemes
through which we observe it.
➢ Paradigm theories are part of our conceptual schemes. So when a paradigm shift
occurs, in some sense the world changes. Or to put it another way, scientists
working under different paradigms are studying different worlds.

58
 For example, if Aristotle watched a stone swinging like a pendulum on the end of a rope,
he would see the stone trying to reach its natural state: at rest, on the ground. But Newton wouldn’t
see this; he’d see a stone obeying the laws of gravity and energy transference. Or to take another
example: Before Darwin, anyone comparing a human face and a monkey’s face would be struck
by the differences; after Darwin, they would be struck by the similarities.

Science progresses through paradigm shifts but it does not progress in an even way,
gradually accumulating knowledge and deepening its explanations. Rather, disciplines alternate
between periods of normal science conducted within a dominant paradigm, and periods of
revolutionary science when an emerging crisis requires a new paradigm.

That is what "paradigm shift" originally meant, and what it still means in the philosophy of
science. When used outside philosophy, though, it often just means a significant change in theory
or practice. So events like the introduction of high definition TVs, or the acceptance of gay
marriage, might be described as involving a paradigm shift (Westacott, 2019).

59
Assessment Task 1-1 [18]

A. Write T for TRUE and F for FALSE.

1. An antecedent is a thing that comes after something else.

2. The earliest form of science and technology were human artifacts

3. Aristotle founded the Modern Geometry

4. Newton founded engineering mechanics and calculated the value for pi

5. 2 000 BC is called the Bronze Age

6. In 2700 BC the first stone pyramid was built.

7. Hieroglyphics is the first writing system.

8. The era of Middle Ages is also called the Dark Ages.

9. Aristotle rediscovered the Heliocentric Theory.

10. Columbus discovered America.

11. The Black Death is caused by a virus.

12. Gutenberg invented the first printing press.

13. Galileo invented a spyglass and developed it into a telescope.

14. Sigmund Feud defined the laws of gravity and planetary motion

15. Charles Darwin became the most famous scientist of the 20th century because of his
Theory of Relativity and the famous equation E = mc2.

B. Describe the characteristics of the Modern Ages as shown in Figure 11. [3]

60
 Assessment Task 1-2 [10]

Match Column A with the corresponding answer on Column B.

Column A Column B

1. Earth is the center of the universe a. Copernicus

2. Sun is the center of the universe. b. Darwin

3. De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium c. Freud

4. Planet with the shortest year d. ego

5. Planet with the longest year. e. id

6. The Origin of Species f. super ego

7. Founding father of psychoanalysis g. Mercury

8. Seek pleasure, avoid pain h. Saturn

9. Awareness of one’s self and ability to i. Venus

interact with the world j. Earth

10. Conscience k. Geocentric Theory

l. Heliocentric Theory

61
 Assessment Task 1-3

A Give 4 contributions to Science and technology of each of the following: [7]

a. Maya civilization

b. Inca civilization

c. Aztec civilization

d. India
e. China

f. Middle East
g. Africa

62
 Assessment Task 1-4

A. Describe the growth of Science and Technology during the following era in 5

sentences as shown by the Slideshare Presentation of Prof. Liwayway Memjie-Cruz

(https://www.slideshare.net/memijecruz/historical-antecedents-of-science-and-

technology-152541982)

a. Spanish Colonial Era [3]

b. American Colonial Period [3]

B. Give one law passed by each of the following President, that enhanced the growth of
science and technology in the Post Commonwealth Era : [7]

1.Ferdinand Marcos

2. Corazon Aquino

3.Fidel Ramos

4. Joseph Estrada

5. Gloria Arroyo

6. Benigno Aquino III

7. Rodrigo Duterte

63
 Assessment Task 1-5

Describe one example of Paradigm Theory as shown in the pictures in Lesson 5. [2]

64
 Summary

History will show that there were traces of indigenous technology used by our ancestors
as early as the prehistoric times and with the passing of time, science and technology has
improved dramatically. The breakthroughs in science and technology have altered the lives of
people across the globe, the way they connect, communicate and transact with profound effects
on socio-economic development. However, it also posed serious concerns to mankind because
of the improper utilization of technology. Hence, we need to decide on what will be best for us in
the future and then create relevant technologies which will make the world an ideal place for us
to live in.

Paradigm shift is an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about
or doing something is replaced by a new and different way (https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/paradigm%20shift,n.d.)and it brings progress to science and technology

Kuhn’s claim that in a paradigm shift the reality that is being studied changes is highly
controversial. His critics argue that this “non-realist” point of view leads to a sort of relativism, and
hence to the conclusion that scientific progress has nothing to do with getting closer to the truth.
Kuhn seems to accept this. But he says he still believes in scientific progress since he believes
that later theories are usually better than earlier theories in that they are more precise, deliver
more powerful predictions, offer fruitful research programs, and are more elegant, and that
science progresses through paradigm shifts (Westacott, 2019).

65
 References

Antecedent. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/antecedent

Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved from The African History:
https://www.slideshare.net/memijecruz/historical-antecedents-of-science-and-
technology-152541982)

Hou, Stacey. (2016, Novemeber 3).The Darwinian Revoultion .Retrieved from

Ideas To Chill, n.d. Banaue Rice Terraces. Retrieved from

http://ideastochill.blogspot.com/2013/11/banaue-rice-terraces.html

Memjie-Cruz, L. (June, 2019). Historical Antecedents of Science and Technology. Retrieved

from https://www.slideshare.net/memijecruz/historical-antecedents-of-science-and-
technology-152541982

Prieto, G., Vega, V., Felipe, E., Meneses, J. (2019). Science, technology and Society. Quezon
City, Philippines. Lorimar Publishing Inc.

Quin, J. (2019, July 18) Historical-Antecedents-in-the-Course-of-Science-and-Technology-docx

from https://www.scribd.com/document/418288464

Quizlet. (n.d.) Music 11.5. Retrieved from: https://quizlet.com/44582111/music-115-flash-cards/

Radhaghevariya.(Oct 29, 2015). General Characteristics Of Modern Age. retrieved from

https://www2.slideshare.net/radhaghevariya/general-characteristics-of-modern-age-
54522385

Serafica, J., Pawilen G., Casilib, B., Alata, E. (2018). Science, technology, and society. Manila
Philippines, Rex Book Store Inc.

Smith, M., Seward, R., & Manshell, R. (2020). (MIT Press) Retrieved from Making Development
Inclusive: (https://www2.slideshare.net/Mrleeclass/311-postwar-uncertainty)

The African History. (2020, May 30). Retrieved from Mathematics started in Africa with the
Lebombo Bone dates from 35,000 BC: https://theafricanhistory.com/341

Westacott, E. (2019, October). Thought,co. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-

a-paradigm-shift-2670671)

66
 MODULE 2
Science and Technology and the Role in Nation
Building

Introduction

The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back before
the country gained its independence. From the way of planting crops for food and
discovery of medicinal use of plants; building houses, irrigations and developing tools that
can be use in everyday life. To establishing education system and modernization of
research university improving the engineering works and health conditions of the Filipinos.
Now, it has explored the use of Overseas Development Allocations to help the countries
improved its scientific productivity.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1) Define science, technology and science and technology;

2) Distinguish the importance and purpose of Science and Technology;

3) Learn the role of DOST in the Philippines and the laws and functions involved; and

4) Identify the famous Filipinos and latest innovations in the field of Science and Technology.

67
Lesson 1. Definition of Science and Technology

Definitions of Science

Science is a process. (Vision Learning, 2021)

• Concerned with discovering relationships between observable phenomena in terms of

theories.
• Systematized theoretical inquiries.
• It seeks for truth about nature.
• It is determined by observation, hypothesis, measurement, analysis and experimentation
• It is the description and explanation of the development of knowledge
• It is the study of the beginning and end of everything that exist.
• Conceptualization of new ideas, from the abstract to the particular.
• Kind of human cultural activity.

Science is a product

• Systematized, organized body of knowledge based on facts or truths observations.

• A set of logical and empirical methods which provide for the systematic observation of
empirical phenomena.
• Source of cognitive authority.
• Concerned with verifiable concepts
• A product of the mind
• It is the variety of knowledge, people, skills, organizations, facilities, techniques, physical
resources, methods and technologies that taken together and in relation with one another.

Definitions of Technology (Veyratt, 2017)

Technology as a process. (Veyratt, 2017)

• It is the application of science.

• The practice, description, and terminology of applied sciences.

68
 • The intelligent organization and manipulation of materials for useful purposes.
• The means employed to provide for human needs and wants.
• Focused on inventing new or better tools and materials or new and better ways of doing
things.
• A way of using findings of science to produce new things for a better way of living.
• Search for concrete solutions that work and give wanted results.
• It is characteristically calculative and imitative, tends to be dangerously manipulative.
• Form of human cultural activity.

Technology as a product (Veyratt, 2017)

• A system of know-how, skills, techniques and processes.

• It is like a language, rituals, values, commerce and arts, it is an intrinsic +part of a cultural
system and it both shapes and reflects the system values.
• It is the product of the scientific concept.
• The complex combination of knowledge, materials and methods.
• Material products of human making or fabrication.
• Total societal enterprise.

Definitions of Science and Technology (Veyratt, 2017)

• A field of endeavor upon which a two-way interaction operates between science and
technology.
• Interdependent and overlapping methods which employ both existing knowledge and
existing know-how.
• A system of know-how, skills, techniques and processes which enable society to produce,
distribute, install, maintain or improve goods and services needed to satisfy human needs.
• Is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks to explore and understand the many ways
that modern science and technology shape modern culture, values and institutions, and
how modern values shape science and technology.

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PURPOSES OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Sehba, 2016)

• To improve quality of human condition.

• To provide solution to our practical problems.
• To establish relevant institutional linkages and essential mechanisms
• To develop individual knowledge.
• To find order in the chaos of nature and deliver personal and social liberation.
• To give an information and explanation of the natural world.
• To develop new areas of knowledge.
• To combat irrationality.
• To maintain the availability of natural resources.

LIMITATIONS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Londiwe, 2021)

• Epistemological concerns. It cannot help us with questions about the God, the ultimate
Good, and Truth. It cannot deny nor confirm the existence of God, soul, heaven and other
uncertainties.
• Metaphysical concerns. Immaterial and transcendental nature is beyond the grasp of
scientific inquiry. It cannot speak to issues of ultimate origin, meaning, or morality.
• Axiological concerns. It cannot answer questions about value.
• Dependent on the values and personal beliefs of those who use it.
• Use of natural resources that are being used in science and technology are limited
• Data is limited to the physically observable.
• Ultimately rest on past observations
• Not all of its principles are applicable to different world phenomena.
• Needs human intervention to carry out its functions properly
• It can predict forces of nature but it cannot prevent the prevent the prevalence/occurrence
• Cannot guarantee an ultimate solution to any specific problem.
• Cannot fully explain what is in the mind of a person

70
Lesson 2. Importance of Science and Technology (Vision Learning,
2021)

One of the most important aspects of Science and Technology is that it has solution to the
difficult of the difficult problems, the problems which have the potential to become major
bottlenecks to the overall growth of the country. Some of these problems could be:

• Health Aspects
• Standard of Education
• Availability of healthy food and safe drinking water
• Infrastructure

On the other hand, once mitigating solutions are found for these problems, then the
second major issue is the under-development in the field of scientific research and technology
that directly affects the development of the country’s economy, infrastructure, higher education,
and a few other fields listed below:

• Development of Nuclear Technology

• Defense Technology
• Development of Satellites
• Biotechnology
• Meteorological Science
• Space Technology
• Nanotechnology
• Wireless Communication, etc.

All these technologies, in turn, provide favorable conditions for the country’s growth and
increase healthy competition nationally and also internationally.

In today’s world, more often, we get to read or listen that developed countries, developing
countries, underdeveloped countries, or even third-world countries, all these designate the level
of development of Science and Technology in other countries, they have the influence on.

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Lesson 3. The Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building

Development at any phase is always linked with technology happens when there is
advancement in science. Hence science, technology and development are all proportional to each
other (Samiksha, 2021).

Development is required in every individual to every nation in all aspects and for
development to happen, science and technology go hand in hand. Basically science is known as
the study of knowledge, which is made into a system and depends on analyzing and
understanding facts. Technology is basically the application of this scientific knowledge.

For any successful economy, particularly in today’s quest for knowledge based
economies, science, technology and engineering are the basic requisites. If nations do not
implement science and technology, then the chances of getting themselves developed becomes
minimal and thus could be even rated as an undeveloped nation. Science and Technology is
associated in all means with modernity and it is an essential tool for rapid development.
(Samiksha, 2021).

Modernization in every aspect of life is the greatest example of the implementation of

science and technology in every nation. With the introduction of modern gadgets in every walk of
life, life has become simple and this is possible only because of implementing science and
technology together. Without having modern equipment’s in all sectors, be it in medicines,
infrastructure, aviation, electricity, information technology or any other field, the advancement and
benefits that we face today would not have been possible (Ngashangva, 2018).

A nation who is not able to prosper on these grounds would never be able to sustain the
lives there and may have to solely depend on other nations for the basic requirements. Such is
the influence of science and technology for the development of a nation.

For every nation to get developed, the application of both science and technology has to
go hand in hand. Villages are developed into towns and towns to cities and cities are expanding

72
to greater horizons. This expansion has occurred through the expansion of science and
technology over the years passed and will be more in the coming years.

Today, countries are classified as developed and developing countries. The major
categorization is based on economy and the application of science and technology. If carefully
analyzed, one gets to understand that countries which have a strong base in science and
technology are the ones that developed faster. A few examples are of countries like Russia,
Japan, Brazil, China, India and many more.

It is estimated by the World Bank that seven of the ten largest economies of the world by
2020 would be in Asia, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and Taiwan. A few
decades ago, these countries were known to have poor policies, low discipline and no
advancement and then with the introduction of science and technology in an effective manner,
they have made ripples across the globe (Samiksha, 2021).

The role that science and technology has played in improving the life conditions across
the globe is vivid, but the benefit has to been harvested maximum by all countries. Science and
technology has made life a lot easier and also a lot better with the advancement of medicines and
analysis on diseases. Apart from the medical side, there has been remarkable development in
education, communication, agriculture, industry etc. the global economic output has increased 17
folds in the 20th century. In spite of the advancements in almost all sectors, still the world is not
free from hunger, disease, pollution, illiteracy and poverty. The gap between the rich and the poor
has widened. By the 21st century, with the right applications of research, development, and
implications of science and technology a major difference could be brought about.

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Lesson 4. Government Laws, Policies Pertaining to Science and
Technology

Department of Science and Technology functions (Department of Science and Technology

(DOST), 2019)

• Formulate and adopt a comprehensive National Science and Technology Plan, and
monitor and coordinate its funding and implementation.
• Promote, assist and where appropriate, undertake scientific and technological research
and development in areas identified as vital to the country’s development.
• Promote development of indigenous technology and the adaptation and innovation of
suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake technology development up to
commercial stage.
• Undertake design and engineering works to complement research and development
functions.
• Promote, assist and where appropriate, undertake the technological services needed by
agriculture, industry, transport, and the general public.
• Develop and maintain an information system and databank on science and technology.
• Develop and implement programs for strengthening scientific and technological
capabilities through manpower training, infrastructure and institution-building.
• Promote public consciousness in science and technology.
• Undertake policy research, technology assessment, feasibility and technical studies.

Government Laws (Daroy, n.d.)

RA 2067 –“Science Act of 1958” (Daroy, n.d.)

An act to integrate, coordinate, and intensify scientific and technological research and
development and to foster invention; to provide funds therefor; and for other purposes.

RA 10055 – “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009” (Daroy, n.d.)

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 An act providing the framework and support system for the ownership, management, use,
and commercialization of intellectual property generated from research and development funded
by government and for other purposes.

Objective:
This Act aims to. promote and facilitate the transfer, dissemination, and effective use,
management, and commercialization of intellectual property, technology and knowledge resulting
from R&D funded by the government for the benefit of national economy and taxpayers.

RA 10612 –“Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013” (Daroy, n.d.)

An act expanding the coverage of the science and technology scholarship program and
strengthening the teaching of science and mathematics is secondary schools and for other
purposes.

Objective:
To carry out the measure, this Act shall strengthen the country’s science and technology
education by fast tracking graduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering who shall
teach science and mathematics subjects in secondary schools throughout the country. Towards
this end, scholarship shall provide to finance the education of talented and deserving students in
their third year of college, and pursuing a degree or training in the areas of science and
technology, and to provide incentives for them to pursue a career in teaching in high schools
especially in their home regions.

RA 10535 – “The Philippine Standard Time (PST) Act of 2013” (Daroy, n.d.)

An act to set the Philippine Standard Time (PST) in all official sources throughout the
country, to provide funds for the installation, operation and maintenance of synchronized time
devices to be displayed in key public places and to declare the first week of every year as national
time consciousness week.

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RA 8439 – “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and
other S & T’s personnel in government” (Daroy, n.d.)

An act providing a magna carta for scientist, engineers, researchers and other science
and technology personnel in government.

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Lesson 5. Famous Filipinos In The Field Of Science

The following are the famous Filipinos in the field of science:

Figure 2.1. Ramon Cabanos Barba

Source: http://thefilipinofriends.com/archives/pride-of-philippine-science

✓ Known for inventing a way to induce more flowers in mango trees using ethereal and
potassium nitrate.
✓ Proclaimed a National Scientist of the Philippines in June 2014.

77
 Figure 2.2 Josefino Cacas Comiso
Source:
https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=Awr9IkvnGAJgLaAAn2VXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzE
EdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=Josefino+Cacas+Comiso&fr2=piv-
web&fr=mcafee#id=6&iurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ue.edu.ph%2Fnews%2Fwp-
content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F02%2F13.jpg&action=click

✓ For his works on observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images.

Figure 2.3 Jose Bejar Cruz Jr.

Source:
https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=Awr9IkvPGQJg_rgARFZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncT
EEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=Jose+Bejar+Cruz+Jr.&fr2=piv-web&fr=mcafee
✓ Known internationally in the field of electrical engineering.

78
 Figure 2.4 Lourdes Jansuy Cruz
Source: http://www.msi.upd.edu.ph/faculty/lourdes-j-cruz-ph

✓ Notable for her research on sea snail venom.

✓ Known as the Sea Snail
Venom Specialist

Figure 2.5. Fabian Millar Dayrit

Source: http://www.ateneo.edu/ls/sose/chemistry/faculty/dayrit-fabian-antonio-m
✓ For his research herbal medicine.

79
 Figure 2.6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III
Source: https://biographynotmine.blogspot.com/2012/12/dr-rafael-d-guerrero-iii-father-of.html

✓ For his research on tilapia culture

Figure 2.7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr.

Source: https://multiculturalmuseums.org/english-blog-version-teachers/dr-enrique-m-ostrea-jr

✓ For inventing the meconium drugs testing.

80
 Figure 2.8 Lilian Formalejo Pateña
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Lilian-Formalejo-Patena-112863793429613/

✓ A scientist who discovered a breed of calamansi and seedless pomelo.

✓ Discovered micro propagation which established the banana industry in the Philippines.
✓ Inventor of leaf-bud cutting cassava.

Figure 2.9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz

Source: http://www.ateneo.edu/news/professor-emeritus-mari-jo-p-ruiz-phd-receive-lux-domino-award

✓ For being an outstanding educator and graph theorist.

81
 Figure 2.10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gregory_Tangonan

✓ For his research in the field of communications technology.

Figure 2.11 Caesar A. Saloma

Source: https://upd.edu.ph/chancellorsaloma/

• An internationally renowed physicist

82
 Figure 2.12 Edgardo Gomez
Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/03/19/natl-scientist-edgardo-gomez-pioneer-in-coral-reef-
research-passes-away

✓ Recognized for his outstanding contributions and researches on marine ecosystems which
became the bases for management of and the conservation programs for the country’s
marine resources.
✓ Named as a National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014.

Figure 2.13 William Padolina

Source: https://www.marketscreener.com/business-leaders/William-Padolina-08F11G-E/biography/

83
✓ For his significant contributions in the field of natural products chemistry, coconut
chemistry, biotechnology and in management of research and development.
✓ President of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-Philippines

Figure 2.14 Angel Alcala

Source: http://www.nast.ph

✓ Known for his field work to build sanctuaries and to promote biodiversity in the aquatic
ecosystems.
✓ Named as a National Scientist of the Philippines in 2014.

84
Lesson 6. Latest Innovations in Science and Technology in the
Philippines (Sambatyon, 2020)

Big 20 in 2020, DOST’s 20 research and development (R&D) outputs and scientific
services that would provide innovative solutions to address some of the country’s existing
problems in different sectors.

1. Nanosatellites
After launching the cube satellites made by the University of the Philippines engineering
graduates, DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute is now also working on two more
locally-built Nanosatellites. The two improved versions will be sent into space during the last
quarter of the year.

2. Biomedical Devices
Among the Biomedical devices is the Lab in Mug, a faster and cheaper diagnostic test kit
for dengue and other possible virus infections like the Covid 19 developed by Dr. Raul Destura
with the full backing of DOST.

3. Ginhawa (ReliefVent)
The DOST, together with UP specialists and biomedical technicians are developing a cost-
efficient ventilator that can be used for both children and adults.

4. RxBox
A portable device that remotely captures medical signals and transmits information to
hospitals. Funded by DOST and developed by researchers at the Electrical and Electronics
Engineering Institute, and the U.P. National Institute of Physics from the University of the
Philippines in Diliman, and the National Telehealth Center.

5. Anti-Dengue Medicine
The world’s first Anti-Dengue Medicine in the world is now on its final testing stage after
being developed by the team of Dr. Rita Grace Y. Alvero and lead researchers from Pharmalytics
and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. The dengue research was part of the

85
DOST’s Tuklas Lunas Program to produce reliable and affordable medicines sourced from the
country’s rich biodiversity.

6. Agriculture Machinery
A 12-horse power single-cylinder diesel engine that is strong and reliable enough to
provide power to different agricultural types of machinery being used by local farmers is being
developed by DOST’s Metal Industry Research and Development Center in partnership with
Supercast Foundry and Machinery Corp., Bacolod City-based R.U. Foundry and Machine Shop
Corp. (RUFMSC).

7. Elevated Train
Automated Guideway Transit, an Elevated Train System, formerly housed at the U.P. is
now being utilized by the Bataan Peninsula State University for its engineering programs.

8. ULAT
Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms for Extreme Weather and Monitoring and
Information Sharing or ULAT was also presented.

9. Nutrition
A comprehensive program on nutrition, a partnership between the DOST-Food and
Nutrition Research Institute’s NuGen Lab, is also in development.

10. Coconuts
There will also be a Nationwide Tissue-Cultured Coconut Planting Day, a coconut
propagation program with the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis
Technology.

11. Hybrid Trimaran

Anticipated is the maiden voyage of an environment-friendly Hybrid Trimaran being built
in a shipyard in Aklan through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and Development, Aklan State University, Metallica Shipyard, and Marina.

86
 12. Book Series
The National Research Council of the Philippines a “Science for the People” book series,
on the successes, experiences, and impacts of scientists, doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs,
will be launched this year.

13. DOST Facilities

Several DOST facilities are lined up to start offering services this year including the
country’s first fully Automated Gamma Irradiation Facility and the Philippine Textile Research
Institute’s Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center.

14. Bamboo
Watch out for the concert using enhanced Bamboo Musical Instruments.

15. Laboratories
Several laboratories are in the works, including metrology laboratories in chemistry and
biology, and the Tissue-Culture Laboratory for ornamental plants in Bulacan.

16. Testing Facilities

The construction of Testing and Simulation Facilities for packaging testing and green
packaging laboratories, and a modular multi-industry innovation facility to improve the
competitiveness of businesses are already in the works.

17. Handa Pilipinas

The Exposition and Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Expo will be
held in March 2020.

18. Visayas Genome Center

The establishment of the Philippine Genome Center in the Visayas by the Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development.
For students, there are the Regional Science Discovery Centers that will be set up in Cagayan
Valley, Butuan City, Davao City, Legaspi City, and Pasig City. These science centers will
showcase interactive exhibits to educate students about science, technology, and their benefits.

87
 19. Science Discovery
For students, there are the Regional Science Discovery Centers that will be set up in
Cagayan Valley, Butuan City, Davao City, Legaspi City, and Pasig City. These science centers
will showcase interactive exhibits to educate students about science, technology, and their
benefits.

20. Smart Cities

DOST is also on board with the Smart Cities Program that will formulate a so-called Smart
Index to capture data on the interaction between people, land, transportation system and
economic activities.

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 Assessment Task 1-1

I. How does science and technology greatly help the nation building of our country? Give
5 examples and explain your answer.
e.g. Internet – provides variety of information and communication facilities it helps to
sustain jobs and education specially this time of pandemic. [10]

II. Give 5 science and technology products that you use every day and explain how does
it improve your daily lives.
e.g. Toothpaste – a product that helps to keep our teeth clean that improves our overall
health condition.
[10]

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 Assessment Task 1-2

Identify the following. [20]

1. It is the greatest example of the implementation of science and technology in every nation.
2. It promotes development of indigenous technology and the adaptation and innovation of
suitable imported technology, and in this regard, undertake technology development up to
commercial stage.
3. This Act strengthen the country’s science and technology education.
4. A device that remotely captures medical signals and transmits information to hospitals.
5. President of National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)-Philippines.
6. A system of know-how, skills, techniques and processes which enable society to produce,
distribute, install, maintain or improve goods and services needed to satisfy human needs.
7. It is always linked with technology happens when there is advancement in science.
8. Declares the first week of every year as national time consciousness week.
9. One of the purposes of Science and Technology is to maintain the availability of what?
10. A cost-efficient ventilator that can be used for both children and adults.

90
 Summary

The importance of science and technology in a given society cannot be under-estimated.

It is a well-known fact that no nation can develop without advancing in the areas of science and
technology. Although, it is true that advancements in science and technology has also negatively
affected humanity. A nation lacking in science and technology will forever depend on those who
claim to be the custodians of scientific and technological knowledge.

91
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https://www.scribd.com/presentation/398745260/Science-Technology-And-Nation-
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gulatory%20%26%20Liability%20Act%20of%201968%2C

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https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/technology/importance-of-science-and-technology-

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Veyratt, P. (2017, December). Heflo. Retrieved from The technological innovation process and its

8 steps: https://www.heflo.com/blog/technology/technological-innovation-

process/#:~:text=%20The%208%20stages%20of%20the%20technological%20innovati

on,need%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20time%20to%20develop%20the...%20More

Vision Learning. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/Process-of-

Science/49/The-Process-of-

Science/176#:~:text=Key%20Concepts%20in%20the%20Process%20of%20Science%

201,to%20be%20used%20as%20evidence.%20More%20items...%20

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 MODULE 3
SCIENCE EDUCATION AND INDIGENOUS
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Introduction

Science is vital to everyone hence school science education could support the
development of scientific literacy in all students as well as inspire them to pursue careers in
science, technology, and science-related fields. In this respect, the government is trying its best
to improve the state of Science and Technology in our country. This module will examine the
concept of science education and will exemplify some strategies like establishing science schools
to promote science education that will encourage students to pursue their career in science and
technology and will foster their gifted potentials in science.

This module will also focus on indigenous science and technology in the Philippines. In
the early times, Filipinos invented tools that could help them in everyday life and developed
alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and the world around them. This system of
knowledge is called indigenous knowledge, which is the foundation of indigenous science (Sunga,
n.d.).

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Examine the concept of science education;

2. Describe Science Education in basic and tertiary education;
3. Identify science schools established to promote science education in the Philippines;
4. Explain the concept of indigenous science; and

94
 5. Review the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science and
technology in the Philippines.

Lesson 1. Concept of Science Education (Serafica et al., (2018)

According to Serafica et al. (2018) Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and

understanding science. Teaching science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach

science. This means exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach

scientific concepts and processes effectively. Learning science, on the other hand, includes both

pedagogy and the most interesting aspect, which is helping students understand and love

science. Understanding science implies developing and applying science-process

Skills and using science literacy in understanding the natural world and activities in everyday life.

Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, Serafica et al. (2018) cited John

Dewey (2001) in stressing the importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students,

accordingly, nature must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of meaning through

social activities and thinking. It is not surprising therefore that science education is important. In

fact, Marx (1994) remarked that science is going to be one of the most important

school subjects in the future.

Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this

area that prepares citizens in a scientifically and technologically driven world. Science education

provides skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live in what Knight (1986)

describes as the age of science and to develop a citizenry that will meet

the goals of science in the society (Tillman, 2005). Developing a science

culture is therefore an immense responsibility for schools.

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THE SCIENCE EDUCATION PROJECT (SEP) is a major project that would have the following
objectives:

➢ Improvement of pre-service, in-service education of science/mathematics teachers,

➢ Local development of science textbooks and equipment,
➢ Evaluation of locally produced materials,
➢ Research on teaching-learning process.
SEP effort to improve science education in the county can be attained thru:

❖ Dissemination of improved curricula, teaching techniques and approaches in science

and mathematics on the basic levels of education through the introduction of new
curriculum and application of new teaching technique and approaches by the returned
MAT trainees and teachers that they teach.
❖ Quality science and math education programs in the recipient-sponsor institutions
through new and improved course offerings and a generally improved teacher education
programs.

R.A 5506 - an Act establishing Science Education Center (SEC) as a permanent unit of the
University of the Philippines. This act earn marked 250,000 pesos annual from the national
especial science fund for the support of the center (Pagador, 2017).

The five Regional Science Teaching Center (RCTC’s) are: (Pagador, 2017)

Notre Dame University in Marbel, Cotabato – established earlier with the assistance of a
Ford Foundation grant
Ateneo de Davao College
Silliman University
St. Louis University
Aquinas University

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 Figure 3.1. Notre Dame University (n.d.)

Figure 3.1. Notre Dame University (n.d.)

Source: https://yellow.place/en/notre-dame-university-philippines-cotabato-city-philippines

Figure 3.2. Ateneo de Davao (n.d.)

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/119952806@N06/16084287976

97
 Figure 3.3 Siliman University
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Silliman_hall,_silliman_university,_dumaguete_city.jpg
https://thewarriorsoul.wordpress.com/tag/silliman-university/

Figure 3.4 St. Louis University

Source: https://sites.google.com/sitreezmd/saintlouisuniversity

98
 Figure 3.5 St. Louis University in Baguio City
Source: https://wikimapia.org/537507/Saint-Louis-University#/photo/2988643

Figure 3.6. Aquinas University

Source: https://politics.com.ph/aquinas-university-ust-legazpi-grex-lagman-sounds-off-possible-name-
change/

99
Lesson 2. Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and facts

that are related to everyday life (Carale & Campo,2003; Meador, 2005; Worth & Grollman, 2003)

including important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that are

needed in coping up with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002).

Serafica et al. (2018) stressed that Science education also develops positive attitude such

as: the love for knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature, and

creativity (Lind, 1997). Science education will develop a strong foundation for studying science

and for considering science-related careers in the future. This is an investment for the country to

develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry.

According to Cuatriz (2017), the basic education curriculum in the Philippines contains
mother tongue- based multilingual education, universal kindergarten, college and livelihood
readiness and specialized upper secondary education. The curriculum also features spiral
progression and contextualization and enhancement, which helps make the curriculum more
relevant to the students. Furthermore, former Sec. of Education Raul Roco stated that the 2002
BEC was based on a 16- year study (starting in 1986). The implementation of the 2002 Basic
Education Curriculum was announced in DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2002, issued on June 17, 2002
and the actual implementing guidelines were found in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2002, dated Aug.
29, 2002 and the implementation of RBEC was based on Executive Order No. 46, which in turn
was based on the recommendations of the Philippine Commission on Educational Reforms
(PCER), created on Dec. 7, 1998.

Sec. Raul Roco (n.d) stressed that the restricting of the curriculum is part of an ongoing
effort to improve the quality of learning and on the basics of improving literacy and numeracy
while inculcating values across learning areas to make it dynamic. Less than a year later (on
June 12, 2002), a new curriculum (the Revised BEC) was signed into law (Cuatriz, 2017).

100
 Figure 3.7. Basic Education Curriculum
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/roducado/the-philippine-educational-system-47030724

In tertiary education, science education deals with developing students' understanding

and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works. 1his is done through offering basic science

courses in the General Education curriculum. Science education in the tertiary level also focuses

on the preparation of science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in various

science-related fields such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. The state
provides scholarships to encourage more students to pursue science courses (Serafica et.al,

2018).

101
 Figure 3.8. Tertiary Education
Source: https://www2.slideshare.net/roducado/the-philippine-educational-system-47030724

102
Lesson 3. Science Schools in the Philippines (Serafica et al., 2018)

The government supported the establishment of science schools in the different parts of

the country as part of the project for science education. Likewise, there are also several

government programs implemented by the Department of Education and few private schools for

science education.

Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)

This is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is a service institute

of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose mandate is to offer free scholarship

basis for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences, with the

end-view of preparing its students for a science career (Republic Act

No. 3661).

The school maintains a dormitory for all its students. Since its inception, the PSHSS

continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science scholars with scientific minds and

passion for excellence. PSHSS students have proven to be a beacon of excellence,

courage, and hope for the country. They have brought honor to the Philippines through their

exemplary achievements in various international competitions and research circles. When the

students graduate from the school, they are expected to pursue degrees in science and

technology at various colleges and universities locally or abroad.

103
 Figure 3.9. Philippine Science High School
Source: coconuts.co

Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project

The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance to DepEd Order

No, 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 S. 2010. This project started in June 2007 with 57

identified elementary schools that participated or were identified as science elementary schools

in the country. Since its inception, the number have grown to more than 60 schools nationwide
and this is now its sixth year of implementation. The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino

children equipped with Scientific and technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is

to: provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a special curriculum that

recognizes the multiple intelligences of the learners; promote the development of lifelong learning

skills; and foster the holistic development of the learners. The subject Science and Health is taught

in Grade 1 with a longer time compared to other subjects: 70 minutes for Grades I to III and 80

minutes for Grades IV to VI. The curriculum also utilizes different instructional approaches that

address the learning styles and needs of the learners like the use of investigatory projects.

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 Figure 3.10. SSES
Source: https://prezi.com/izazcjyjez-a/special-science-elementary-school-

sses/?frame=9f27036b18276718323b9a5d50d473263034fdbd

Quezon City Regional Science High School

The school was established on September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named Quezon City

Science High School. It was turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital

Region in 1999 The school was a product of a dream to establish a special science school for

talented students in science and mathematics. The focus of the curriculum is on science and

technology. The school still teaches the basic education courses prescribed by the Department

of Education (DepEd) for secondary education. However, there are additional subjects in sciences

and technology that students should take. The school envisions to serve as

a venue in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students to develop spirit of inquiry

and creativity. The school is well-supported by the local government unit and by the Parents and

Teachers Association (PTA). The school is under the Department of Education.

105
 Figure 3.11 Quezon City Regional Science High School

Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thehousekeeper/5038320581

Manila Science High School

The school was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School
(MSHS). It is the first science high school in the Philippines, The organization and curriculum of
the school puts more emphasis on science and mathematics. MSHS aims to produce scientists
with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses and other electives are included in their
curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. The
school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT),
for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science,
aptitude test in mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem- solving test in
mathematics, and proficiency in English. The school prides itself from producing outstanding
alumni and for winning various national competitions.

106
 Figure 3.12. Manila Science High School
Source: https://myteachermommy.com/

Central Visayan Institute Foundation

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the
Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical
theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and productivity.

The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established
in 1992, which organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense
exchange of ideas and perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.

107
 Figure 3.13. Central Visayan Institute Foundation
Source: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/17302141/the-cvif-dynamic-learning-
program-catholic-educational-

Figure 3.14 SFAS Administrators, Micmic Golez and JR Abello with CVIF Administrators, Dr.
Christopher and Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido in Jagna, Bohol\
Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/

108
Lesson 4. Indigenous Knowledge System (Serafica et al., 2018)

Serafica et al. (2018) remarked that indigenous knowledge is embedded in the daily life
experiences of young children as they grow up. They live and grow in a society where the
members of the community prominently practice indigenous knowledge. Their parents and other
older 1olks served as their first teachers and their methods of teaching are very effective in
transmitting cultural knowledge
in their minds. The lessons they learned are intimately interwoven with their culture and the
environment. These lessons comprised of good values and lite stories of people on their daily life
struggles. Their views about nature and their reflections on their experiences in daily life are
evident in their stories, poems, and songs. Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are
taught and practiced by the indigenous people are:

❖ Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in observing animals

behavior and celestial bodies;
❖ Using herbal medicine;
❖ Preserving foods;
❖ Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on cultural properties;
❖ Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting;
❖ Using indigenous technology in daily lives;
❖ Building local irrigation systems,
❖ Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural properties
❖ Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits;
❖ Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard.

109
 Figure 3.15. Indigenous Knowledge
Source: https://knowledgewalls.blogspot.com/2020/08/indigenous-knowledge-systems-and_31.html

110
Lesson 5. Contribution of Indigenous Science in the
development of Science and Technology in the
Philippines

According to Serafica et al., (2018) indigenous science is part of the indigenous knowledge
system practiced by different groups of people and early civilizations (Gribbin, 2001; Mkapa, 2004;
Sibisi, 2004). It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices, and representations
that guide human societies in their enumerable interactions with the natural milieu: agriculture,
medicine, naming and explaining natural phenomena, and strategies for coping with changing
environments (Pawilen, 2005). Ogawa (1995) claimed that it is collectively lived in and
experienced by the people of a given culture.

According to Cajete (2004), indigenous science includes everything, from metaphysics to

philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous peoples both past and
present. Iaccarino (2003) elaborated this idea by explaining that science is a part of culture, and
how science is done largely depends on the cultural practices of the people Indigenous beliefs
also develop desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific attitudes as identified by
Johnston (2000), namely:

o Motivating attitudes;
o Cooperating attitudes;
o Practical attitudes;
o Reflective attitudes.

These Cultural beliefs therefore can be good foundation for developing positive values
toward learning and doing science and in bringing science in a personal level. Pawilen (2005)
explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse structures and contents
through the interplay between the society and the environment, According to Kuhn (1962),
developmental stages of most sciences are characterized by continual competition between
a number of distinct views of nature, each partially derived from, and all roughly compatible with
the dictates of sclentitie observation and method. Sibisi (2004) also pointed out that indigenous

111
seienee provides the basics of astronomy, pharmacology, 1ood technology, or metallurgy, which
were derived from traditional knowledge and practices.

Pawilen (2005) developed a simple framework for understanding indigenous science.

Accordingly, indigenous science is:

❖ Composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills and guided by

community values and culture.

❖ Uses science process skills such as observing comparing, classifying, measuring,

problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.

❖ Guided by culture and community values such as the following:

➢ The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.

➢ The Earth is revered as "Mother Earth." It is the origin of their identity as people.

➢ All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.

➢ Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They

have a responsibility to preserve.

➢ Nature is a friend to human beings-it needs respect and proper care.

❖ Composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and communities

such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk

astronomy (Serafica et al., 2018)

Indigenous science is important in the development of Science and technology in the

Philippines. Like the ancient civilizations, indigenous Science gave birth to the development of
science and technology as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous science helped the people in
understanding the natural environment and in coping with everyday life. UNESCOD's
Declaration on Science and the Use of Scientific Knowledge (1999) recognized indigenous
science as a historical and valuable contribution to science and technology (Serafica et al., 2018).

112
Table 3.1 A Comparison Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Styles

Indigenous knowledge and Western science represent two different ways of looking at the
world around us. Western science tries to understand the natural world by studying individual
parts. In contrast, Indigenous knowledge seeks to understand the world in a more holistic way by
observing the connections between all of the parts. Because of these differences, Indigenous
knowledge has the potential to compliment the system of Western science (Combining Two Ways
of Knowing Using Indigenous Knowledge to Enhance High School Science Courses, 2014).

113
 Figure 3.16 Native Science vs Western Science
Source: https://combiningtwowaysofknowing.wordpress.com/comparingindigenousknowledge/

114
 Assessment Task 3

I. Write 10 concepts each that you learned from viewing the videos with the
following links: [20]
A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbxuKcyLaM
B. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyQ-HwcRcJo

II. Examine and suggest solution to the problems in Science education shown in
this video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nR9wbbu6E4 [20]

III. Enumerate the indigenous knowledge system in your community that is being
observed up to the present time. [10]

115
 Summary

According to Serafica et al.(2018)Science education deals with the teaching and

learning of science and in helping the public develop science literacy. This is important in
the promotion and development of science and technology in the country. Science
education deals with the development of people in science, which is the heart of science,
technology, and society
This module focused on discussing the concept of science education and
introduced science education in the Philippines from basic education to tertiary education.
To promote science education, science schools were established to develop gifted
students in science and mathematics, such as the Philippine Science High School System
(PSHSS), Manila Science High School, Quezon City Regional Science High School, and
the Special Science Elementary Schools Project. Science programs and projects were
organized and developed to nurture innovation in science in the country, and to encourage
individuals to pursue careers and research in science and technology.
Likewise, this module discussed the concept of indigenous knowledge and its
influence to the development of indigenous science. The communities in the Philippines
have maintained vast amounts of indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, traditions, and
beliefs. These include beliefs and practices ranging from different areas such as health,
environment, peace and order, agriculture, food production, astronomy, music, and
literature. The indigenous knowledge system of the people served as the foundation
for the development of indigenous science which is one of the foundations of modern
science.
Furthermore, the learning of science is also important for the nation’s cultural
development and preservation of its cultural identity. Science is most useful to a nation
when it is utilized to solve its own problems and challenges, keeping a nation's cultural

116
 uniqueness and peculiarities intact. Thus in many countries, science teaching and learning
is linked with culture.

References

A Comparison Between Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Styles. (n.d.):

https://www2.slideshare.net/roducado/the-philippine-educational-system-47030724.

Alquilita, S. X.(2020 October 20) Indigenous Science & Technology.

Baker, Rayner & Wolowic, (2011) Native Science vs Western Science
https://combiningtwowaysofknowing.wordpress.com/comparingindigenousknowledge/
Cajete, G. (2004). "A Multi-contextual Model for Developing Culturally Responsive Indigenous
Science Curricula. Paper presented at the Science and Mathematics in Pacific Rim
Nations Conference. University of Hawaii Manoa. October14-17, 2004.

Carale, L.R., & Campo, P.C. (2003). Concept Development in Filipino Children: The Circulatory
System. Quezon City: University of the Philippines, National Institute of Science and
Mathematics Education.
Central Visayas Institute of Technology.(2013). Science Curriculum for K-12. Accessed
January 26,2017. http://cvif.awardspace.com/Department of Education.

Combining Two Ways of Knowing Using Indigenous Knowledge to Enhance High School
Science Courses. (2014, October 27). Retrieved from BrainyQuote.com:
https://combiningtwowaysofknowing.wordpress.com/comparingindigenousknowledge/)

Comparing Indigenous Knowledge. (n.d).

https://combiningtwowaysofknowing.wordpress.com/comparingindigenousknowledge/

Cuatriz, A. (2017, June3). The Basic Education Curriculum of the Philippines vs K-12
Curriculum. https://www2.slideshare.net/lhayzahcuatriz/basic-education-curriculum-
76608325#

117
Indigenous Knowledge.(n.d.). https://knowledgewalls.blogspot.com/2020/08/indigenous-
knowledge-systems-and_31.html
Oducado, R. M. F(2015 Apr 15) The Philippine educational system. Retrieved from

Pagador, S. A. (2017, November 26). Science Education in the Philippines. Retrieved from
Slideshare: https://www2.slideshare.net/iPagador/science-education-in-the-philippines#

Pawilen, G. T. & Sumida, M. (2005). Using Indigenous Knowledge as a Foundation for

Developing a Science-based Curriculum for Community KG Schools in Northern
Philippines. Published in the International Journal of Early Childhood Education:11, 2.31-
50.

Prieto, G., Vega, V., Felipe, E., Meneses, J. (2019). Science, technology and Society. Quezon
City, Philippines. Lorimar Publishing Inc.

Sarabia, F, (2020 March 1) Philippine Science Education

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vbxuKcyLaM

Serafica, J., Pawilen G., Casilib, B., Alata, E. (2018). Science, technology, and society. Manila
Philippines, Rex Book Store Inc.

Sunga, J.M. (n.d.).Science, Technology and SocietyHand-out title:Indigenous Science and

Technology in the Philippines.https://www.coursehero.com/file/76193943/Indigenous-
Science-and-Technology-in-the-Philippinespdf/.

118
 MODULE 4
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE
HUMAN CONDITION

Introduction

Every living creature is meant to become what is meant to be. The caterpillar is meant to
become a beautiful butterfly; a small seed into a full-grown herb, bush or tree; and a human baby
into a mature person. As we grow and develop there are different factors that affect us, there are
different questions that need to be answered and there are steps and actions that need to be
undertaken. Flourishing is the highest good of human attempt to achieve his/her goal. It is a
success as a human being when he/she achieved it for the betterment of his/her life. The best life
is one of excellent human activity. “Eudaimonia”, literally “good spirited” is a term connected by
renowned Greek Philosopher Aristotle (385-323 B.C.) to describe the peak of human’s happiness
that can be attained. The big question is “How?” How you achieve your flourishing? (Prieto et al.,
2019).

In Ancient Greece. Long before the word “science” has been coined, the need to
understand the world and reality was bound with the need to understand the self and the good
life. In an attempt to understand reality and the external world, man must seek to understand
himself, too. Every attempt to know is connected in some way in an attempt to find the “good” or
the attainment of human flourishing. Rightly so, one must find the truth about what the good is
before one can even try to locate that which is good (Serafica et al., 2018).

119
 Learning Outcomes

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

1. Identify different conceptions of human flourishing.

2. Determine the development of the scientific method and validity of science.
3. Examine what is meant by a good life and recognize possibilities available to human
being to attain a good life.
4. Enumerate the different technological advancements in society;
5. Analyze the effects of the interplay between technology and humanity through the
dilemma(s) they face.

120
Lesson 1. Different Conceptions of Human Flourishing

Aristotle’s human flourishing arises as a product of different factors such as phronesis,

friendship, wealth and power. The ancient Greek society believed that for the people to achieve
the true meaning of happiness these qualities should be acquired, which in effect allow them to
join in the greater notion of what we call the Good (Prieto et al., 2019).

For Aristotle, the good is what is good for purposeful and goal-directed entities. He defines
the good proper to human beings as the activities in which the life functions specific to human
beings are mostly utilized. For Aristotle, the good of each species is finality existing to that species.
A person’s nature as a human being provides him with guidance with respect to how he should
live in his life. A fundamental fact of human nature is the existence of individual human beings
each with his own rational mind and free will. The highest or the most general good to which all
the individuals should aim is to live most fully a life that is proper to man. The proper function of
every person is to live happily, successfully and well. This is done through the active exercise of
a person’s distinctive capacity, rationality, as he/she engages in activities to the degree
appropriate to the person in the context of his/her own identity as human being (Prieto et al.,
2019).

Figure 4.1 Aristotle, The Greek Philosopher (Mambrol, 2019)

121
 One’s own life is the only life that a person must live. It follows that, for Aristotle, the “good”
is what is objectively good for a person. Aristotle’s eudaimonia is formally egoistic in that a
person’s normative reason for choosing actions stems for the idea that he/he must pursue his/her
own good of flourishing. Because self-interest is flourishing, the good in human conduct is
connected to the self-interest of the acting person. Good means “good for” the individual moral
agent. Egoism is the integral part of Aristotle’s ethics (Prieto et al., 2019).

In his ethical writings, Aristotle endorses egoism, rationality and the value of life. He
insisted that the key idea in ethics is human’s individual’s own personal happiness and well-being.
Each person is responsible for his/her own character. According to Aristotle, each person has a
natural obligation to achieve, become and make something of himself/herself by pursuing his/her
true ends and goals in life. Each person should be concerned with the “best that is within him/her”
and with the most accomplished and self-sufficient success and excellence (Prieto et al., 2019).

People found more means to live more comfortably, explore more places, develop more
products and make more money and then the cycle is just repeating to suffice their happiness. In
the beginning, the early people relied on animals for their transportation; they relied on stones
and spear to hunt food; they used skin of animals to protect their skin and used it as clothes; they
used stones to make fire and lastly; they just lived in a cave as their shelter. As the time went by
there was a big change in the way the people lived before and the way people lived today.
Development allowed them to make grander and more sophisticated machines to aid them in their
endeavors that eventually led to space explorations, machine innovations and ventures of life
after death. Our concept of human flourishing today proves to be different from what Aristotle
originally perceived-then humans of today are expected to become a “man of the world.” he is
supposed to situate himself in a global neighborhood, working side by side among institutions and
the government to be able to reach a common goal. Competition as a means of survival has
become outdated; Cooperation and coordination among individuals are the new trend (Prieto et
al., 2019).

There is a difference between eastern and western ideas regarding society and human
flourishing. The Western society where Aristotle is included tends to be more focused on the

122
individual, while those from the East are more community-centric. Individual flourishing as an end
then is primarily more of a concern for western civilization. Eastern civilization puts the community
above the individual. Community has given the highest regard and that the individual should
sacrifice himself for the sake of the society (Prieto et al., 2019).

This is apparent in the Chinese Confucian system or the Japanese Bushido, both of which
view the whole as greater than their components. The Chinese and the Japanese encourage
studies of literature, sciences and art, not entirely for oneself but in service of a greater cause.
The Greek Aristotelian view, on the other hand, aims for eudaimonia as the ultimate good; there
is no indication whatsoever that Aristotle entailed it instrumental to achieve some other goals.
Perhaps, a person who has achieved such state would want to serve the community, but that is
brought upon through deliberation based on his values rather than his belief that the state is
greater than him, and thus is only appropriate that he should recognize it as a higher entity worthy
of service (Serafica et al., 2018). Nevertheless, such stereotypes cannot be said to be true
given the current stance of globalization. Flourishing borders allowed people to full access to
cultures that as a result, very few are able to maintain their original philosophies. It is in this regard
that we would tackle human flourishing- in a global perspective and as a man of the world
(Serafica et al., 2018).

Science, Technology and Human Flourishing

In previous chapters, contributions of science and technology have been laid down
thoroughly. Every discovery, innovation and success contributes to our pool of human knowledge.
Perhaps, one of the most prevalent themes is human’s perpetual need to locate himself in the
world in finding proofs to trace evolution. The business of uncovering the secrets of the universe
answers the question of our existence and provides us something to look forward to. Having a
particular role, which is uniquely ours, elicits our idea of self-importance. It is in this regard that
human flourishing is deeply intertwined with goal setting relevant to science and technology. In
this case, the latter is relevant is a tool in achieving the former or echoing Heidegger’s statement,
technology is a human activity that we excel in a result of achieving science. Suffice to say that
the end goals of science and technology and human flourishing are related, and that the good is
inherently related to the truth. The following are two concepts about science which ventures its
claim on truth (Serafica et al., 2018).

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Lesson 2. Development of Scientific Method and Validity of
Science

a. Scientific Method

For the most part, science reputation stems for the objectivity brought upon by an arbitrary,
rigid methodology whose very character absolves it from any accusation of prejudice. Such infamy
effectively raised science in pedestal untouchable by other institutions – its sole claim to reason
and empiricism – garnering supporters who want to defend it and its ways (Serafica et al., 2018).
Science is an organized way of studying things and finding answers to questions. Scientific
method is an approach to seeking knowledge that involves forming and testing a hypothesis. This
methodology is used to answer questions in wide variety of disciplines. In school, this method is
taught in the earlier grade level. Though the number of steps is different, it presents a general
view of how to solve problems (Prieto et al., 2019):

1. Observe and identify using your senses the unexplainable occurrences around you.
2. Identify the problem and identify the possible factors involved.
3. Formulate hypothesis that could explain the said occurrences. Ideally, the goal is to reject
the null hypothesis and accept the alternate hypothesis for the study to be significant and
beneficial to the society.
4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and independent variables and see how the
dependent variable affects the dependent variable.
5. Gather and analyze the data once your experiment is complete. Collect your
measurements and analyze them to see if they support your hypothesis or not. Accept or
reject the hypothesis or modify the hypothesis if necessary.
6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation in case others would like to extend
and broaden the study you have conducted.

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Example (Prieto et al., 2019):
Observe: Low score in math during quiz.
Identify the problem: I’m spending too much time in browsing Facebook rather than
reading the notes.
Formulate hypothesis: Lessen the number of hours in browsing Facebook and adding time
reading notes.
Conduct experiment: I will spend 1 hour browsing the internet and 4 hours reading my
notes.
Gather and analyze: I will identify if my scores increase in all of my quizzes in Math or not.
Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation: if my quizzes in Math are higher than
my scores before so therefore, I conclude that lessening the number of hours in
browsing the Facebook is effective. If not, I will recommend that I will not spend
time browsing the Facebook but rather I will spend my time in reading notes in
Math.

Figure 4.2 Steps of Scientific Method (Waters, 2021)

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 The scientific method is a logical process for experimentation that is used to observe and
answer questions. Does this mean that all scientists follow exactly the scientific method? No.
Some areas of science can be more easily tested than others. For example, scientists studying
how stars change as they cannot fast – forward a star’s life by a million years. If direct
experimentation is not possible, scientist modify the scientific method.in fact, there are probably
as many versions of the scientific method as long as the goal remains the same (Prieto et al.,
2019).

Even though we show the scientific method as a series of steps, keep in mind that new
information or thinking might cause a scientist to back up and repeat steps at any point during the
process. A process like the scientific method that involves such backing up and repeating is called
an iterative process. Genius is 1 % talent and 99% hard work according to Albert Einstein (Prieto
et al., 2019).

b. Verification Theory
The earliest criterion that distinguishes philosophy and science is the verification theory.
The idea proposes that a discipline is science if it is confirmed or interpreted in the event of an
alternative hypothesis being accepted. In that regard, said theory gives premium to empiricism
and take only into account those results which are measurable and experiments which are
repeatable (Prieto et al., 2019).
This was espoused by a movement in early twentieth century called the Vienna Circle, a
group of scholars who believed that only those which can be observed should be regarded as
meaningful and reject those which cannot be directly accessed as meaningless. Initially, this
proved this attractive due to general consensus from people, which happened to see from
themselves how the experiment occurred, solidifying its validity and garnering supporters from
esteemed figures. Its shortcomings, however, proved to be a somewhat too risky – several
budding theories that lack empirical results might be shot down prematurely, causing slower
innovation and punishing ingenuity of newer novel thoughts. Celebrated discoveries in physics,
for instance, are initially theorized without proper acknowledgement of their being. Einstein’s
theory in existence of gravitational eaves would, following this thought, be dismissed due to lack
of evidence almost a hundred years ago. Quantum mechanics would not have prospered if the
scientific society during the time of Edwin Schrodinger did not entertain his outrageous thought

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the cat in the box is both dead and alive, which can only be determined once you look in the box
yourself (Prieto et al., 2019).
Aside above critique, the theory completely fails to weed out bogus arguments that explain
thing coincidentally. A classic example is astrology, whose followers are able to employ the
verification method in ascertaining its reliability. The idea that since one already has some sort of
expectations on what to find, they will interpret events in line with said expectations. American
philosopher Thomas Kuhn warned us against bridging the gap between evidence and theory by
attempting to interpret the former according to our own biases, that is, whether or not we subscribe
to the theory. Below is a short story illustrating this point (Prieto et al., 2019):

Suppose for instance, this girl, Lea has (not – so – scientific) theory that her classmate Ian
likes her. Good, she thought, I like him too. But how do I know that he likes me?

She began observing him and his interactions with her. Several gestures she noted
include his always exchanging pleasantries with her whenever they bump into each other. His big
smile when he sees her, and him going out of his way to greet her even when riding a jeepney.
Though these observations, she was then able to conclude that Ian does like her because, she
thought, why would anyone do something like that for a person he does not like?

As it turns out, however, Ian is just generally happy to meet people he knew. He had
known Lea since they were in first year and regards her as a generally okay person. It has no
surprise then that upon learning that Ian basically does this to everyone, Lea was crushed. She
vowed to herself that she would never assume again (Prieto et al., 2019).

c. Falsification Theory
Perhaps the current prevalent methodology in science, falsification theory asserts that as
long as an ideology is not proven to be false and can best explain a phenomenon over alternative
theories, we should accept the said ideology. Due to its hospitable character, the shift to this
theory allowed emergence of theories otherwise rejected by verification theory. It does not
promote ultimate adoption of one theory but insisted encourages research in order to determine
which among the theories can stand the test of falsification. The strongest one which is able to
remain upheld amidst various tests, while being able to make particularly risky predictions about
the world. Karl Popper is the know proponent of this view. He was notorious for stating that up –

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and - coming theories of the time, such as Max’s Theory of Social History and Sigmund Freud’s
Psychoanalyis, are not testable and thus not falsifiable, and subsequently questioning their status
as scientific. I’ll bet majority of scientists nowadays are more inclined to be Popperian in their
beliefs, this theory, similar to the theory above, presents certain dangers by interpreting an
otherwise independent evidence in light of their pet theory (Prieto et al., 2019).

Ian is generally everybody’s friend. He likes to be around people and generally aspires to
become everybody’s friend. However, there is one girl, Lea, who seemed to not like him when he
is around. Every time he waves at her, she turns away, and when they are in the same room, she
avoids his glances. Through this, he concluded that Lea does not like him and does his best to
show her that he is not a threat. He began greeting her whenever they pass by each other at the
corridor, even going so far as calling her attention when he was in the jeepney and saw her
walking past. When they are able to talk to each other, he found out that Lea is just really shy and
is not accustomed to people greeting her. He then was able to conclude that his initial impression
of her of not liking him (as a person0 is wrong and thus said proposition is rejected (Prieto et al.,
2019).

Although there is no happy ending yet for Lea and Ian, we can thus see how in this case,
falsification method is prone to same generalizations committed by the verification method. There
is no known rule as to the number of instance that a theory is rejected or falsified in order for it to
be set aside. Similarly, there is no assurance that the observable event or “evidences “ are indeed
manifestations of a certain concept or accepted, scientists are still not convinced that it should be
regarded as what makes a discipline scientific (Prieto et al., 2019).

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Lesson 3. The Good Life (Prieto et al., 2019)
a. Definition of Good Life
What is “the good life?” this is one of the oldest philosophical questions. It has been posed
in different ways - How should one live? What does it mean to “live well?”- but these are really
just the same question. After all, everyone wants to live well and no – one wants “the bad life”
(Prieto, 2019).

But the question isn’t as simple as it sounds. Philosophers specialize in unpacking hidden
complexities, and the concept of the good life is one of those that needs quite a bit of unpacking.
For what do phrases like “the good life”, or “living well,” mean? They can be understood in at least
three ways (Prieto et al., 2019).

The Moral Life

One basic way in which we use the word “good” is to express moral approval. So when
we say that someone is living well or that they have lived a good life, we may simply mean that
they are a good person, someone who is courageous, honest, trustworthy, kind, selfless,
generous, helpful, loyal, and principled and so on. They possess and practice many of the most
important virtues. And they don’t spend all their time merely pursuing their own pleasure; they
devote a certain amount of time to activities that benefit others, perhaps through their engagement
with family and friends. Or through their work, or through various voluntary activities (Prieto et al.,
2019).
The moral conception of the good life has had plenty of champions. Socrates and Plato
both have absolute priority to being a virtuous person over all other supposedly good things such
as pleasure, wealth or power. In Plato’s dialogue, Gorglas, Socrates takes this position to an
extreme. He argues that it much better to suffer wrong than to do it; that a good man who has his
eyes gouged out and is tortured to death is more fortunate than a corrupt person who has uses
wealth and power dishonorably (Prieto et al., 2019).

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 Figure 4.3 Choose to be good (Editors, 2018)

In his masterpiece, the Republic, Plato develops this argument in greater detail. The
morally good person, he claims enjoys a sort of inner harmony, whereas the wicked person, no
matter how rich and powerful he may be how many pleasures he enjoys, is disharmonious,
fundamentally at odds with himself and the world. It is worth noting, through that in both the
Gorglas and the Republic, Plato bolsters his argument with a speculative account of an afterlife
in which virtuous people are rewarded and wicked people are punished.

Many religious also conceive of the good life in moral terms as a life lived according to
God’s laws. A person who lives this way, obeying the commandments and performing the proper
rituals, is pious. And in most religions such piety will be rewarded. Obviously, many people do not
receive their reward in this life. But devout believers are confident that their piety will not be in
vain (Prieto et al., 2019).

Christian martyrs went singing to their deaths confident that they would soon to be in
heaven. Hindus expect that the law of karma will ensure that their good deeds and intentions will
be rewarded, while evil actions and desires will be punished, either in this life or in future lives.

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The Life of Pleasure

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus was one of the first to declare, bluntly, that what
makes life worth living is that we can experience pleasure.

Pleasure is enjoyable, it’s fun, it’s pleasant! The view that pleasure is the good, or to put
it in another way that pleasure is what makes life worth living, is known as hedonism. Now, the
word “hedonist”, when applied to a person, has slightly negative connotations. It suggests that
they are devoted to some have called the “lower” pleasures as sex, food, drink and sensual
indulgence in general. Epicurus was thought by some of his contemporaries to be advocating and
practicing this sort of lifestyle, and even today an “epicure” is someone who is especially
appreciative of food and drink. In fact, though, this is misinterpretation of Epicureanism. Epicurus
certainly praised all kinds of pleasures. But he didn’t advocate that we lose ourselves in sensual
debauchery for various reasons (Emrys Westacottt, cited in Prieto et al., 2019):

• Doing so will probably reduce our pleasures in the long run since overindulgence tends to
cause health problems and limit the range of pleasure we enjoy.
• The so called “higher” pleasures such as friendship and study are at least as important as
“pleasures of the flesh.”
• The good life has to be virtuous. Although Epicurus disagreed with Plato about the value
of pleasure, he fully agreed with him on this point.
• Today, the hedonistic concept of the good life is arguably dominant in western culture.
Even in everyday speech, if we say someone is “living the good life,” we probably mean
that they are enjoying lots of recreational pleasures: good food, good wine, skiing, scuba,
lounging by the pool in the sun with a cocktail and a beautiful partner.
• What is key to this hedonistic conception of the food life is that it emphasizes subjective
experiences. On this view, to describe a person as “happy” means that they “feel good,”
and a happy life is one that contains many “feel good’ experiences.

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The Fulfilled Life

If Socrates emphasizes virtue and Epicurus emphasizes pleasure, another great thinker,
Aristotle, views the good life in a more comprehensive way. According to Aristotle, we all want to
be happy. We value many things because they are a means to other things; for instance, we value
money because it enables us to buy things we want; we value leisure because it gives us time to
pursue our interests. But happiness is something we value not as a means to some end but for
its own sake. It has intrinsic value rather than an instrumental value (Emrys Westacottt, cited in
Prieto et al., 2019).
For Aristotle, the good life is the happy life. But what does that mean? Today, many people
automatically think of happiness in subjectivist terms; to them a person is happy if they are
enjoying a positive state of mind, and their life is happy if this is true for them most of the time.
There is a problem with this way of thinking about happiness in this way, though, imagine a
powerful sadist who spends much of his time gratifying cruel desires (Emrys Westacottt, cited in
Prieto et al., 2019).).
Or imagine a pot smoking, beer guzzling couch potato who does nothing but sit around all
day watching old TV shows and playing video games. These people may have plenty of
pleasurable subjective experiences. But should we really describe them as “living well”? Aristotle
would certainly say no. he agrees with Socrates that to live the good life one must be a morally
good person. And he agrees with Epicurus that a happy life will involve many and varied
pleasurable experiences. We can’t really say someone is living the good life if they are often
miserable or constantly suffering. Bu Aristotle’s idea of what it means to live well is objectivist
rather than subjectivist. It isn’t just a matter of how a person feels inside, although that does
matter. It’s also important that certain objective conditions be satisfied. For instance:

➢ Virtue: they must be morally virtuous

➢ Health: they should enjoy good health and a reasonable long life.
➢ Prosperity: they should be comfortably off (for Aristotle this meant affluent enough so that
they don’t need to work for a living doing something that they would not freely choose to
do).
➢ Friendship: they must have good friends. According to Aristotle human beings are innately
social; the good life can’t be that if a hermit, a recluse or a misanthrope.
➢ They should enjoy the respect of others. Aristotle doesn’t think that fame or glory is
necessary; in fact, a craving for fame can lead people astray, just as the desire for

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 excessive wealth can. But ideally, a person’s qualities and achievements will be
recognized by others.
➢ They need good luck. This is an example of Aristotle’s common sense. Any life can be
rendered unhappy by tragic loss or misfortune.
➢ They must exercise their unique human abilities and capacities. This is why the couch
potato is not living well, even if they report that they are content. Aristotle argues that what
separates human beings from the other animals is reason. The good life is one in which a
person cultivates and exercises his rational faculties by, for instance, engaging in scientific
inquiry, philosophical discussion, artistic creation or legislation.

If at the end of your life, you can check all these boxes, then you could reasonably
claim to have lived well, to have achieved the good life. Of course, the great majority of
people today do not belong to the leisured class as Aristotle did. They have to work for a
living. But it’s still true that we think the ideal circumstance is to be doing for a living what
you would choose to do anyway. So, people who are able to pursue their calling are
generally regarded as extremely fortunate ((Prieto et al., 2019).

The Meaningful Life (Prieto et al., 2019)

A lot of recent research shows that people who have children are not necessarily happier
than people who don’t have children. Indeed, during the child raising years, and especially when
the children have turned into teenagers, parents have typically had lower levels of happiness and
higher levels of stress. But even though having children may not make people happier, it does
seem to give them the sense that their lives are more meaningful.

For many people, the well-being of their family, especially their children and grandchildren,
is the main source of meaning in life. This outlook goes back a very long way. In ancient times,
the definition of good fortune was to have lots of children who do well for themselves. But
obviously, there can be other sources of meaning in a person’s life.

They may for instance, pursue a particular kind of work with great dedication: e.g.,
scientific research, artistic creation or scholarship. They may devote themselves to a cause: e.g.,
fighting against racism; protecting the environment. Or they may be thoroughly immersed in and
engaged with some particular community: e.g., church; a soccer team: a school.

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What is the ultimate goal of good life?

Boniwell (2008) stated that Aristotle was the originator of the concept of eudaimoinia (from
daimon – true nature). He deemed happiness to be a vulgar idea, stressing that not all desires
are worth pursuing as, even though some of them may yield pleasure, they would not produce
wellness. Aristotle thought that true happiness id found by leading a virtuous life and doing what
is worth doing. He argued that realizing human potential is the ultimate human goal (Prieto, 2019).
He also emphasized that feeling good is not good enough for a good life. Each person must
realize his/her potentials which would lead him/her to the greatest fulfillment – daimon.

What is the role of technology in achieving good life?

According to Vergragt (2006), in his essay about how technology could contribute to a
sustainable world, technology will support and enhance a “good life” for all citizens without
compromising the earth’s ecosysytem or the prospects of later generations. As Stutz (2006)
stated, a good life requires essentially basic human needs are met and aspirations for freedom,
belonging and self-realization are fulfilled as much as possible. Vergragt also noted that
technological innovation in the context of the good life and how it can be supported or threatened,
depending on the way technological innovations are influenced and steered by human decisions
and institutions (Prieto et al., 2019).

Technology, however, allowed us to tamer time and space. Social media as an example
has been very effective in doing this. Communication has been a lot easier for people from
different parts of the world. They can talk and see each other in real time and send messages
instantly without waiting for a letter mail to arrive. Technology also allowed us to fiddle with our
sexuality by injecting hormones in order to alter the biochemical in our body. Whether, we use
such technological advancements or not, these are all the pursuit of attaining a good life. It is the
question of how we decide on what kinds of technology to use or not to use as well as the balance
between the good life, ethics and technology has to be achieved (Prieto et al., 2019).

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b. Schools of thought as the Goal of a Good life

i. Materialism

According to Prieto, Vega, Felipe,

and Meneses (2019), the first
materialists were the atomists in Ancient
Greece. Democritus and Leucippus led a
school whose primary belief is that the
world is made up of and is controlled by
the tiny indivisible units in the world
called atomos or seeds. For Democritus
and his disciples, the world, including
human beings, is made up of matter.
Figure 4.4 300-400 BC: Two Greek philosophers
There is no need to posit immaterial
Leucippus and Democritus discovered the idea that
entities as sources of purpose. Atomos
matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms.
simply comes together randomly to form Source: (pinterest.ph, n.d.)
the things in the world. As such only
material entities matter. In terms of human flourishing, matter is what makes us attain happiness.
We see this at work with most people who are clinging on to material wealth as the primary source
of the meaning of their existence.

The philosophy of materialism is a claim about the nature of reality. Materialism is the
belief that everything is made of matter and energy, with no “immaterial” entities like souls, spirits,
or supernatural gods. In addition, materialists do not believe in “metaphysical transcendence,” or
any layer of being that goes beyond the material world (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

Materialism is also a central element of secular humanism, a movement that rejects

traditional religion in favor of living an ethical life based on reason and compassion rather than
obedience to any God or holy book. Secular humanists believe in science and the betterment of
human life, and try to draw on the best that human thought has produced, often reading in ancient

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philosophy and Eastern religions, which are easier to reconcile with materialism than western
religions (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

Example:
“I have a friend who’s an artist and has sometimes taken a view which I don’t agree with
very well. He’ll hold up a flower and say “look how beautiful it is,” and I’ll agree. Then he says “I
as an artist can see how beautiful this is but you as a scientist take this all apart and it becomes
a dull thing,” and I think that he’s kind of nutty. First of all, the beauty that he sees is available to
other people and to me too, I believe… At the same time, I see much more about the flower than
he sees. I could imagine the cells in there, the complicated actions inside, which also have a
beauty. I mean it’s not just beauty at this dimension, at one centimeter; there’s also beauty at
smaller dimensions, the inner structure” (Richard P. Feynman as cited in philosophyterms.com,
2018)

Materialists are often criticized for failing to see the full richness of reality. They are
accused of “reducing” everything to dull matter, thus stripping it of its beauty, mystery, and
majesty. But materialists reject this claim, arguing that the material world is incredibly beautiful
and mysterious when examined closely. Physicist Richard Feynman beautifully sums up this view
by pointing out that a materialist scientist can appreciate the beauty of a flower while at the same
time appreciating the beauty of its cell structure, its evolution, its ecology, etc.
(Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

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 ii. Hedonism
The hedonists, for their part, see the end goal of
life in acquiring pleasure. Pleasure has always been the
priority of hedonists. For them, life is about obtaining and
indulging in pleasure because life is limited. The mantra
of this school of thought is the famous, "Eat, drink, and
be merry for tomorrow we die." Led by Epicurus, this
school of thought also does not buy any notion of afterlife
just like the materialists (Prieto et al., 2018).

As shown in Philosophyterms.com (2018), at first

glance, hedonism seems pretty simple; just do whatever Figure 4.5 Epicurus (341 – 270
BCE) (ericgerlach.com, 2019)
you like! Eat whatever you want, treat people rudely, lie
around in bed all day! But things are not so simple. Philosophers speak of the paradox of
hedonism, which refers to the way pleasure seems to go sour after a while.

Example 1

If you’ve ever eaten too much candy at one time, you know how this works. You may enjoy
the candy at the time, but soon after you get a terrible stomachache, and in the long run, your
teeth will rot away (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

As it turns out, behaving “hedonistically” is likely bring you more pain than pleasure,
eventually! To get out of the paradox of hedonism, philosophers have suggested all sorts of
methods for maximizing happiness in the long term. These methods are sometimes contrasted
with pure hedonism, which is pursuing pleasure from moment to moment without regard for the
future (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

Example 2

In the Sims 2 games, you create characters with aspirations such as wealth, family,
or knowledge. One of the options is pleasure; these characters just want to play around, dance,
and have fun! They’re the perfect hedonists. Unfortunately, just like the rest of us, they usually
have to go to work in order to make enough money to pay for their pleasurable habits
(Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

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Example 3

Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King are

major hedonists when we first meet them. They roam
around the jungle eating, sleeping, singing, and having
a good time. During his time hanging out with Timon
and Pumbaa, Simba forgets about his home and his
responsibilities, and gives himself up entirely to the
Figure 4.6 Timon and Pumbaa and Simba
hedonism (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).
(Amanda Prahl, 2019)

iii. Stoicism
According to Prieto et al. (2019),
the stoics espoused the idea that to
generate happiness, one must learn to
distance oneself and be apathetic. The
original term, apatheia, precisely means
to be indifferent. For the stoics,
happiness can only be attained by a
careful practice of apathy. We should, in
this worldview, adopt the fact that some Figure 4.7 Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius: Stoicism
things are not within our control. The (Reddit.com, n.d.)

sooner we realize this, the happier we

can become.

As shown in Philosophyterms.com (2018), stoicism is a moral philosophy that emphasizes

the discipline and mastery of the emotions in order to reach a wiser, rational, and peaceful
mindset.

However, in popular usage, “stoic” usually refers to a grim-faced, emotionless person —

someone who shows neither joy nor pain, is capable of suffering much in silence, and is not very
social. But this stereotype partially reflects the original philosophy of stoicism, but it’s much more
than that. Stoicism is a way of life first defined in Greece in the 3rd century B.C.E. by the famous

138
philosopher Zeno, although its ideas were hardly new. In fact, some people think it might have
been influenced by Greek contact with Indian culture. Stoic philosophers didn’t argue that people
should be emotionally flat, rather, they argued that we could train ourselves, through discipline,
to have an emotional life that furthered our goals rather than hindering them
(Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

Example 1

Think of the emotions as wind, and Stoic discipline as a set of strong sails. Without
discipline, we will be blown off course and probably wrecked; we will have no way of dealing with
the emotional storms that blow in. But with good strong sails, we can harness the wind and make
it useful (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

The Stoics believed that emotional life could be harnessed for rational, moral ends. We
shouldn’t try to kill our emotions, but we shouldn’t be completely at their mercy either
(Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

Example 2

Tim Duncan, power forward for the San Antonio Spurs, is considered one of the greatest
of all time at his position. He’s also famous for never showing emotions on the court: when he’s
winning, he doesn’t show excitement; when he’s losing, he doesn’t show frustration. He says this
gives him an edge in games since it makes him harder to predict. But Duncan is not emotionless;
he simply understands his emotions, allowing him to keep a level head rather than getting swept
away by them. He was a psychology major at Wake Forest and Michigan, graduating with honors
and even having one of his papers published. This education probably helped him master his
emotions (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

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Example 3

Spock from Star Trek is a Vulcan, trained to control his emotions and to speak and think
only logically. Even when he suffers incredible tragedies, such as losing his mother during an
attack on his home-world, he only loses control momentarily; like any Stoic, Spock still feels
emotions, but he strives to keep them from controlling him (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

iv. Theism
As shown in Philosophyterms.com (2018),
Theism (pronounced THEE-ism) means “belief in one
or more gods.” It covers a huge range of religious
beliefs, notably the Abrahamic monotheisms, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam.

Theism refers to any kind of belief in any god or

gods, so it is difficult to make any other generalizations
about it. Two people may both say they believe in God,
so they’re both theists; but what they mean by “God” Figure 4.8 Ralph Cudworth-Theism
could be completely different. This does however raise (wordpress.com, 2015)
the interesting question of what all gods have in
common—in order to be called gods; but since this is a matter of belief, not fact, we shall not
attempt such a definition here. Belief in God is also normally attached to other beliefs, such as
belief in an afterlife or the soul. However, theism can also refer to religions with extremely different
beliefs, such as reincarnation (Philosophyterms.com, 2018).

According to Prieto (2019), most people find the meaning of their lives using God as a
fulcrum of their existence. The Philippines, as a predominantly Catholic country, is witness to how
people base their life. goals on beliefs that hinged on some form of supernatural reality called
heaven. The ultimate basis of happiness for theists is the communion with God. The world where
we are in is only just a temporary reality where we have to maneuver around while waiting for the
ultimate return to the hands of God.

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 As shown in Phylosophyterms.com (2018), you can subdivide theism in many ways. For
example, you can divide it into separate historical / cultural traditions, such as Judaism,
Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam (and each of these could be subdivided still further).

Types of theism by number of Gods:

• Monotheism: one god

• Polytheism: many gods
• Ditheism: two gods, usually one good and one evil
• Henotheism: one main god with many minor gods

Different ideas about the nature of the god or gods:

• Pantheism: God = everything or the universe

• Deism: God created the whole universe but does not interfere in events
• Autotheism: God = the self or is within the self
• Eutheism: God is entirely merciful and just
• Misotheism / Dystheism: God is evil

v. Humanism

According to Prieto et al. (2019), humanism as another school of thought espouses the
freedom of man to carve his own destiny and to legislate his own laws, free from the shackles of
a God that monitors and controls. For humanists, man is literally the captain of his own ship.
Inspired by the enlightenment in seventeenth century, humanists see themselves not merely as
stewards of the creation but as individuals who are in control of themselves and the world outside
them. This is the spirit of most scientists who thought that the world is a place and space for freely
unearthing the world in seeking for ways on how to improve the lives of its inhabitants.

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 Prieto et al. (2019) added that as a result of the
motivation of the humanist current, scientists eventually
turned to technology in order to ease the difficulty of life.
Scientists of today meanwhile are ready to confront more
sophisticated attempts at altering the world for the benefit
of humanity. Some people now are willing to tamper with
time and space in the name of technology. Social media,
as an example, has been so far a very effective way of
employing technology in purging time and space. Not
very long ago, communication between two people from
two continents in the planet will involve months of waiting
Figure 4.9 Francesco Petrarch-Father
for a mail to arrive. Seeing each other real time while
of Humanism (Olivialongueville.com,
talking was virtually impossible. Now, communication
2020)
between two people wherever they are, is not just
possible but easy. The Internet and smart phones made real-time communication possible not
just between two people, but even with multiple people simultaneously.

Prieto et al. (2019) further explained that technology allowed us to tinker with our sexuality.
Biologically male individuals can now undergo medical operation if they so wish for sexual
reassignment. Breast implants are now available and can be done with relative convenience if
anyone wishes to have one. Hormones may also be injected in order to alter the sexual chemicals
in the body.

Whether or not we agree with these technological advancements, these are all undertaken
in the hopes of attaining the good life. The balance, however, between the good life, ethics, and
technology has to be attained (Prieto et al, 2019).

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Lesson 4. When Technology and Humanity Cross (Serafica et al.,
2018)

The ever-growing society has made people see technology as some form of necessity.
Tracing back its origins, the word “technology” from the Greek words technē and logos which
mean art and word, respectively. Taking the two words together, technology means a discourse
on arts (Buchanan, 2010 as cited in Serafica,
2018). It first appeared in the seventeenth
century where the concept was only used to talk
about the arts, specifically applied arts. However,
as technology progressed, the concept also
started to have a wider range of meaning where
art is no longer the only topic included. Concepts
like machine and tools were also attached to the
Figure 4. 10 How Technology Changes our
word "technology" which is the more popular
lives (Living, 2019).
sense of the concept nowadays.

According to Serafica (2018), the roles played by technology these days are very crucial
not only to a few but also to everyone. In one way or another, each person in the society is directly
or indirectly affected by technology whether he wills it or not. In fact, most people survive their
everyday lives with great reliance to the different technological advancements already available
to the masses. While there may be some who would claim that their lives are not greatly affected
by technology, the fact cannot be denied that technology is already an inevitable part of the
society.

Serafica et al. (2018), added that it is with great effort that people were able to achieve
such great inventions. It makes life so much easier and more convenient than ever before. It can
clearly be seen from the simplest task at home to the most complicated ones inside the office or
laboratory. Technology these days enjoys such fame and glory because of the many different
benefits it brings to mankind. Some would even say that it does not only bring convenience but
also pleasure and happiness to people. This is because of the different leisure activities that
technology can offer to people. For example, it allows people to listen to good music wherever

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they are. Another is, it allows them to communicate with their loved ones anywhere in the world;
but most of all, it allows them to surf and play games anytime, anywhere.

The act of pinpointing a single activity that does not in any way require the use of
technology has become very hard because almost all activities that humans perform already
require the assistance of some kind of technological advancement. But this is not all, for there are
people who would even argue that technology has become a necessity and no longer a want. At
present, people work very hard in order to save money to buy these "necessities" while in the
past, people only used their money for the things that would help them survive like food, housing,
and clothing. In effect, anything outside these categories was considered a luxury. However, that
is no longer the case at present (Serafica et al., 2018).

In general, technology
keeps on progressing due to
not only the changing times
and environment but also to
the ever-progressing mind of
mankind. It would not be
possible for all these
technological advancements
Figure 4.11 Household technology
to exist if it were not for the
(Minnesota Inventors Congress, 2017)
brilliance, creativeness, and
power of the mind. However, it is also important to note that anything too much is bad. The same
problem is faced by technology. Although it has been very helpful to people, it is still not immune
to criticisms and backlash. Various ethical dilemmas have been identified throughout time
involving the use of different technological devices and its effects to humanity. Usually, different
problems arise when either the technological device available is misused or if in the first place, it
was invented to produce bad results. People who are aware of the possible dangers of the use
or misuse of technology are not keeping still. They lay these dilemmas for the public to see and
realize what they are in for (Serafica et al., 2018).

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a. Roles Played by The Different Technological Advancements in Society
According to Serafica et al., (2018), television sets, mobile phones, and computers or
laptops all have different functions and roles played in the lives of the people, although some may
be a little similar. These roles have become so essential that people, more specifically Filipinos,
developed a strong inclination toward technology and its products.

For instance, television is mainly used as a platform for advertisements and information
dissemination. In fact, television remains to be the most used avenue by different advertising
companies not only in the Philippines but also all over the world. Various advertising companies
trust that television is still one of the most used technological devices up until today. However, it
is important to note that these are just some of the roles played by television. Aside from the ones
mentioned above, it also serves as a recreational activity and good stress reliever to most families,
specifically to Filipino families. Television also is a good platform for different propagandas and
advocacies. Lastly, it can also be a good way to bond with one's family members (Serafica et al.,
2018).

Mobile phones, on the other hand, also have their own roles in the lives of the people.
They are primarily used for communication. Mobile phones offer services like texting and calling.
In the past, these were the only functions of the mobile phone but as technology progressed,
there have been many additional features included on mobile phones. For example, in the
present, people use their mobile phones to surf the Internet and to take pictures more than to text
or to call people. This is the reason why more and more people all over the world prefer to buy
smartphones over the old models where such features are not available. Other applications
include music player, calendar, radio, television, and photo editor, among others. These are just
some of the additional features of mobiles phones in the present. These make this particular
technological device very appealing to the masses. It is like an all-in-one device. In addition, it is
very portable and convenient because it can fit into any space, may it be inside the pocket or bag
(Serafica et al., 2018).

145
 Personal computers and laptops also have useful set of functions and roles. Although
most of the functions found in these technological devices are now also available in mobile
phones, they still offer their own unique features that make them attractive. For example, personal
computers and laptops can be used to surf the Internet and communicate. Just like the mobile
phones, these devices also have features like calendar, calculator, music player, movie player,
camera, and many more. However, for a lot of people, they prefer to do their job using either a
personal computer or a laptop than a mobile phone. One reason is 'that a personal computer or
a laptop has wide keyboard than using a mobile phone, especially when the mobile phone has a
small screen. Contrary to mobile phones, personal computers and laptops have wide screens and
separate keyboards, although some mobile phones can now be connected to a keyboard. Another
reason is that the availability of a mouse or a touchpad made these two technological devices
easier to maneuver than mobile phones. Lastly, for the youth and those who love to play different
computer games, personal computers or laptops are really the better choice because these allow
them to play with comfort and convenience. However, it cannot be denied that some would even
prefer laptops over personal computers for the simple reason that personal computers are not
portable and there are times when they need to bring such devices to different places (Serafica
et al., 2018).

b. Robotics and Humanity in this Corona Virus Pandemic

According to Serafica et al. (2018), another great product of the innovative minds of the
people is the robot. Robots are now widely used. For example, there are the so-called service
robots. These particular robots do specific tasks but focus mainly in assisting their masters in their
everyday tasks. The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe (UNECE) made it their task to formulate a working definition for service
robots. A preliminary extract of the relevant definition is (IFR, 2012):

• A robot is an actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with a degree

of autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform intended tasks. Autonomy in
this context means the ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and
sensing without human intervention.

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 • A service robot, is a robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment
excluding industrial automation application. Note: A robot may be classified according
to its intended application as an industrial robot or a service robot.
• A personal service robot or a service robot for personal use is a service robot used for
a noncommercial task, usually by laypersons. Examples are domestic servant robot,
automated wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, and pet exercising robot.
• A professional service robot or a service robot for professional use is a service robot
used for a commercial task, usually operated by a properly trained operator. Examples
are cleaning robot for public places, delivery robot in offices or hospitals, fire- fighting
robot, rehabilitation robot, and surgery robot in hospitals. In this context, an operator
is a person designated to start, monitor, and stop the intended operation of a robot or
a robot system.

Robots play
different roles not only in
the lives of the people but
also in the society as a
whole. They are primarily
used to ease the workload
of mankind. They were
invented to make life more
efficient and less stressful.
Figure 4.12 Japanese robot helps with housework
On one hand, they perform
(deviceguru.com 2008)
complicated activities
which human beings are incapable of doing. On the other hand, they perform the simplest tasks
at home so that their masters can perform the complex ones without stressing themselves over
the simple tasks. There are also robots which are made for pleasure. To be more specific, these
types of robots perform activities to entertain people. They can usually be found in amusement
parks or exhibits. In addition, there are also some robots which were made to serve as toys. They
also perform different activities but they are usually child-friendly. Other examples of robots are
those which can be seen in movies. One of the reasons why robots are very famous is because

147
of movies. A number of local and national movies were inspired by robots. This goes to show that
people have developed a distinct fascination over robots (Serafica et al., 2018).

Just like people living in the society, robots also have their own set of rules and
characteristics that define what a good robot is. These laws were formulated by Isaac Asimov
back in the 1940s, when he was thinking of the ethical consequences of robots. These are the
following (Stanford, n.d. as cited in Serafica et al., 2018).

Law one:

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

Law two:

A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except Two: where such orders would
conflict with the First Law.

Law Three:

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First
or Second Law.

Robots During This Corona Virus Pandemic

According to Gent (2020), as the coronavirus pandemic forces people to keep their
distance, robots can play a vital role. A group of scientists
calling for robots to do the “dull, dirty, and dangerous jobs”
of infectious disease management.

Social distancing has emerged as one of the most

effective strategies for slowing the spread of COVID-19,
but it’s also bringing many jobs to a standstill and severely

Figure 4.13 This robot is restricting our daily lives. And unfortunately, the one
delivering food to vulnerable people group that can’t rely on its protective benefits are the
in the UK (weforum.org, 2020) medical and emergency services workers we’re relying on

148
to save us. Robots could be a solution by helping replace humans in a host of critical tasks, from
disinfecting hospitals to collecting patient samples and automating lab tests (Gent, 2020).

Gent (2020) added that the key areas where robots could help are clinical care, logistics,
and reconnaissance, which refers to tasks like identifying the infected or making sure people
comply with quarantines or social distancing
requirements. Outside of the medical
sphere, robots could also help keep the
economy and infrastructure going by standing
in for humans in factories or vital utilities like
waste management or power plants.

When it comes to clinical care, robots

can play important roles in disease
prevention, diagnosis and screening, and
patient care, the researchers say. Robots Figure 4.14 Use of ultraviolet light to kill viruses
on potentially infectious surfaces (theverge.com,
have already been widely deployed
2020)
to disinfect hospitals and other public
spaces either using UV light that kills bugs or by repurposing agricultural robots and drones to
spray disinfectant, reducing the exposure of cleaning staff to potentially contaminated surfaces.
They are also being used to carry out crucial deliveries of food and medication without exposing
humans (Gent, 2020).

Robots could also play an important role in tracking the disease. Thermal cameras
combined with image recognition algorithms are already being used to detect potential cases at
places like airports, but incorporating them into mobile robots or drones could greatly expand the
coverage of screening programs (Gent, 2020).

A more complex challenge—but one that could significantly reduce medical workers’
exposure to the virus—would be to design robots that could automate the collection of nasal
swabs used to test for COVID-19. Similarly, automated blood collection for tests could be of
significant help, and researchers are already investigating using ultrasound to help robots locate
veins to draw blood from (Gent, 2020).

149
 Convincing people it’s safe to let a
robot stick a swab up their nose or jab a
needle in their arm might be a hard sell
right now, but a potentially more realistic
scenario would be to get robots to carry
out laboratory tests on collected samples
to reduce exposure to lab technicians.
Commercial laboratory automation
systems already exist, so this might be a
Figure 4. 15 Researchers from MIT and Brigham and
more achievable near-term goal (Gent,
Women’s Hospital hope to reduce the risk to
2020). healthcare workers posed by Covid-19 by using
robots to remotely measure patients’ vital signs
Not all solutions need to be
(news.mit.edu, 2020)
automated, though. While autonomous
systems will be helpful for reducing the workload of stretched health workers, remote systems
can still provide useful distancing. Remote control robotics systems are already becoming
increasingly common in the delicate business of surgery, so it would be entirely feasible to create
remote systems to carry out more prosaic medical tasks. Such systems would make it possible
for experts to contribute remotely in many different places without having to travel. And robotic
systems could combine medical tasks like patient monitoring with equally important social
interaction for people who may have been shut off from human contact (Gent, 2020).

c. Ethical Dilemma/s Faced by Robotics

According to Serafica et al. (2018), just like any other technological advancements,
robotics also faces different problems and dilemmas. Although the idea is to help people and
make their lives a lot easier than before, it is still not immune to different ethical dilemmas and
possible undesirable outcomes. One of the dilemmas faced by robots is safety. Who should be
held accountable if someone's safety is compromised by a robot? Who should be blamed, the
robot, the agent using the robot, or the maker/inventor of the robot? It is important to know who
should be blamed and who should be held responsible if such thing happens.

150
 Another ethical dilemma faced by robots is the emotional component. This may seem a
little absurd as of the moment, but looking at how fast technology progresses nowadays, it is not
completely impossible for robots to develop emotions (Evans, 2007 as cited in Serafica et al.,
2018).

So here, the questions become, "What if robots become sentient? Should they be granted
robot rights? Should they have their own set of rights to be upheld, respected, and protected by
humans?" It is interesting to know how people would react if the time comes when robots can
already feel pain and pleasure. Would they act differently or not at all?

In the field of robotics, there are the so-called partial autonomy and full autonomy. Partial
autonomy includes active human-robot interaction while full autonomy excludes active human-
robot interaction. In other words, a robot with full autonomy can perform actions or activities even
without a master telling it what should be done or what should he performed next (IFR, 2012 as
cited in Serafica et al., 2018).

Serafica et al. (2018) added that using Asimov’s laws for robots, it can be concluded that
robots are ethical but only if they strictly follow the laws specified. They are ethical mostly because
the laws formulated by Asimov ensure the safety of not only the users of the technology but also
the people around him. Remember
that these service robots are
already available to the public;
thus, they can already be found
inside the homes. Having said that,
the safety of not only the owner of
the technology but also the people
inside the house should be the
priority more than anything else. In
other words, the service robots
Figure 4.16 Impact of Robotics in safety and health
only follow what their masters tell
(Enablon.com,2019)
them to do with great consideration
to the aw formulated by Asimov. However, if the agent using the technology misuses the robot to
achieve personal agendas, then without a doubt, the agent should be held accountable for any

151
consequences it may bring. It is important to note that this is under the assumption that the robot
strictly followed the laws specified without any form of deviation.

Serafica et al. (2018), further explained that if the problems arise when the robot deviates
from the laws specified, then the maker or the inventor of the machine should be blameworthy. It
just means that the robot was not programmed very well because it violated the laws. Other
problems may arise when the machine develops the ability to think for itself. In this case, the one
that should be blame can both be the maker or inventor and the robot itself. This is because, in
the first place, the maker gave the robot the capacity to think for itself so he should be very much
aware of its possible consequences. To put it in another way, the maker programmed the robot
in such a way that it can already think for itself even without an active participation from a human
being. In addition, since the robot thinks for itself, whatever decision it makes and whatever
consequences it may bring, the robot itself should be held responsible.

For the second

dilemma, it is just right for the
robots to be given their own
set of rights should they
develop the ability to feel
different kinds of emotion. It
can be argued that the same
thing happened animals.
Before, animals did not have
Figure 4.17 New Robots With 'Emotion Chips' Can Empathize
their own set of rights because
with Human Emotions (Loffhagen, 2018)
people believed that they were
not capable of having emotions. However, after years of testing and experimenting, it was
concluded that animals are indeed capable of emotions. It is for this reason that people decided
to give them rights that are due to them. The same should be done to robots without any
reservations. Should that time come, they ought to be treated differently and they ought to have
new laws to follow in order to accommodate the new characteristic they have developed (Serafica
et al., 2018).

152
 According to Prieto et al. (2019), most parents would argue that these devices make their
children lazy and unhealthy. This is because of the fact that people who are fixated on these
technological advancements start and end their day by using such devices. They have a great
tendency to sit and chill all day long without doing anything productive in their homes, thus making
them unhealthy because they do not just skip meals sometimes but also lack exercise or any
bodily movements. Here, it can be inferred that these types of people are already overly
dependent on these technological devices. For example, those who love to watch television
shows stay in front of the television for more than six hours a day while those who love to surf the
Internet or play computer games stay on their laptops, computers, or mobile phones for more than
half a day. These people have the tendency to be unaware of the time because they are so
engrossed with the use of technological device. In fact, if they get disturbed, there is a great
chance that they will get mad or annoyed. Moreover, these are the same people who are more
likely to experience alienation because they no longer take time to get out of their houses and
mingle with other people.

Another dilemma faced by these technological devices is the moral dilemma. Prieto et al.
(2019) said that people, especially the children who are not capable yet of rationally deciding for
themselves what is right or wrong, are freely exposed to different things on television, mobiles
phones, laptops, or computers. Because of the availability and easy access to the internet, they
can just easily search the web and go to different websites without restrictions. This allows them
to see, read, or hear things which are not suitable for their very young age. This makes them very
vulnerable to character change
and can greatly affect the way
they view the world and the
things around them.

Some would argue that

technology brings people
together, it can also be argued
that this is not always the case
Figure 4.18 Positive and Negative Technology Impacts on Kids in the real world because it may
(Games, 2019) bring them virtually closer but

153
not physically or personally. In fact, there are people who are friends, for example, only on social
media but not in real life. This just shows that there are things that technology claims to do but in
reality, does not. It is for these reasons why there are people who call for the establishment of
ethics of technology. This subcategory of ethics will in one way or another guide people on how
technology ought to be used in order to prevent abuse and other unfortunate results (Prieto et al.,
2019).

Digging deeper, it can be said that these reasons make such devices somewhat unethical
because they bring undesirable consequences to people. However, it can also be argued that it
is not the fault of the technological devices but the agents using them or the ones making, them.
The classic deontological and teleological approaches to ethics are already too old to be applied
in such cases. This is because technology has become very complicated and dynamic over time.
Having said this, it is true that there are problems that can no longer be addressed by using these
theories only. This is why the ethics of responsibility is an appropriate theory that can be used in
dilemmas (Prieto et al., 2019).

The word "responsibility" in the sense of being accountable for and being accountable to
is very appropriate to the ethics of technology because it makes each and every person in the
scientific-technological development a proxy with reference to one another. In other words, each
person must indicate the priorities, values, norms, and principles that constitute the grounds for
one's actions and define one's contribution to the scientific-technological event. The ethics of
responsibility focuses on the positive rather than the negative. Instead of asking "What ought not
to be allowed?" ask "What ought to be allowed?" To put it in another way, people who are part of
the scientific development ought to let the public know the good in their respective technological
contribution/s. In this way, the people will have an idea how the devices ought to be used in order
to maximize their positive results Prieto et al., 2019).

d. Why the future does not need us?

According to Center (2020), the arrival of the present millennium filled many with a sense
of hope for the future. This hope is underwritten by a continuing faith in the technological and
scientific progress that has produced so many things that we have come to take for granted,

154
among them the Internet. In the year 2000, Bill Joy, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, wrote a
provocative article for Wired magazine entitled “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us,” arguing that
human beings face the realistic possibility of extinction because of competition from intelligent
robots, which are made possible by technological advancements in artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, 21st-century technologies – genetic engineering, nanotechnology and robotics –
have the potential to significantly extend the average human lifespan, but they are so powerful
that in them also lurk grave dangers. These dangers in the potential (or actual) ability of robots,
engineered organisms and nanobots to self-replicate. If these technologies go out of control, this
amplifying factor can lead to substantial damage in the physical world, not unlike the potential of
computer viruses to do harm. Worse, unlike conventional “weapons of mass destruction,” 21st-
century technologies are much more readily available to individuals or small groups, and having
knowledge alone is sufficient to enable their deployment.

According to Amdur (2020), there is no doubt that innovation is part of our nature as human
beings. Invariably we should, must, and will continue to build and ascend into the acquisition of
new capabilities. For our society and the well-being of our species, this has shown that it can be
a very good thing. We have reached a challenging point, however, and it is vital that we start
thinking considerately, and perhaps differently, about our approach to innovation.

155
 Assessment Task 4-1

1. Think of a problem in your daily life where you can apply the scientific method. Apply
the steps of scientific method.
2. In your own insight, what is the meaning of a good life?
3. Identify two modes of doing the same thing where one involves a more technologically
advanced method. Example would be snail mail vs. e-mail. List down as many
examples.
4. Define and compare the different school of thought.
5. Do people really need technology in their lives? Is it really a necessity, why?

[10 marks each]

156
 Summary

According to Serafica et al. (2018), man is constantly in pursuit of the good life. Every
person has his perspective when it comes to what comprises the good life. Throughout history,
man has worked hard in pointing out what amounts to a good, happy life. Some people like the
classical theorists thought that happiness has to do with the insides of the human person. The
soul, as the seat of our humanity, has been the focus of attention of this end goal. The soul has
to attain a certain balance in order to have a good life, a life of flourishing. It was only until the
seventeenth century that happiness became a centerpiece in the lives of people, even becoming
a full-blown ethical foundation in John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism. At present, we see multitudes of
schools of thought that all promise their own key to finding happiness. Science and technology
has been, for the most part, at the forefront of man's attempts at finding this happiness. The only
question at the end of the day is whether science is taking the right path toward attaining what it
really means to live a good life.

According to Prieto et al. (2019), in modern times, there are different technological
advancements in all forms and sizes may it be inside the home, the workplace, the learning place,
or simply on the streets. It is now very accessible to almost anyone in the world. It is not completely
impossible to say that each person in the world owns at least one technological device. Besides,
technology is not enclosed to expensive and high-end devices. Simple types of machines that
can perform simple task regularly can already be considered a form of technology. However,
despite its usefulness and beneficial characteristics, there are still some problems faced by the
different technological advancements. To be more specific, these problems are ethical in nature
that involve not only the machine but also mankind. It is now impossible for technology and
humanity not to cross paths because as some would argue, technology has become a necessity
for people. At the end of the day, ethics should still be enforced in the field of technology so as to
ensure the safety and morality of these devices to people.

157
 References

Amdur, E. (2020). The science, art, and magic of persuasion.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/eliamdur/2021/01/05/dont-just-sit-there-persuade-me-the-
science-art-and-magic-of-persuasion/?sh=68b5b9cb32c5
Center, C. (2020). Why the future does need us.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/columbiabusinessschool/2020/03/26/why-the-future-does-
need-us/?sh=4c6f952159f2
DeviceGuru. (2008). Japanese robot helps with housework. https://deviceguru.com/japanese-
robot-helps-with-housework/
Editors Spark. (2018). Good or bad? the incomplete stories that we tell ourselves (and our clients).
https://www.prevuemeetings.com/spark-blog/inspiration-hub/good-or-bad-the-
incomplete-stories-that-we-tell-ourselves-and-clients/
Enablon (2019). The impact of robotics on safety and health. https://enablon.com/blog/the-
impact-of-robotics-on-safety-and-health/
Ericgerlach.com (2019). Greek Philosophy – Epicurus. https://ericgerlach.com/greek-philosophy-
epicurus/
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