The Information Age understanding the way information works you will be better

able to locate the truth hidden within the data smog.

 The Information Age (also known as the Computer Age, Digital
Age, or New Media Age) is a historic period beginning in the
1. The information industry is built on a certain quantity of
late 20th century and characterized by the rapid shift from
information flow. -Whatever the medium - newspapers, TV
traditional industry that the Industrial Revolution brought
news, book publishing, websites - the space must still be filled
through industrialization to an economy primarily based upon
with whatever is available.
information technology.
2. Information must compete. -A need exists for information
 The onset of the Information Age can be associated with the to stand out and be recognized in the increasing clutter, the
development of transistor technology which revolutionized data smog that surrounds us.
modern technology and became the fundamental building 3. The early word gets the perm. -The first media outlet to
block of digital electronics in the information age. The cover an issue often defines the terms, context, and attitudes
different areas of society have been influenced tremendously surrounding it.
such as communication, economics, industry, health, and the 4. The frame makes the painting. -If an issue is framed as a
environment. Despite our gains due to the growing battle between tolerance and bigotry, then whatever side is
development of information technology, the rapid upgrade of the tolerant one will be preferred.
information also has disadvantages. This lesson will discuss the 5. Selection is a viewpoint. -If you want to receive a more-
history and impact of technological advancements to the balanced view of reality, choose multiple sources for your
society. information.
 According to the United Nations Public Administration 6. Newer is equated with truer. -We have lost the sense that
Network, the Information Age is formed by capitalizing on any fact or value can endure.
computer microminiaturization advances. This usage of 7. The media sell what the culture buys. -In other words,
computing technology within the wider society has led to information is shaped by cultural priorities
modernized information and communication processes 8. You are what you eat and so is your brain. -If certain ideas
becoming the driving force of social evolution. are never presented to you, you cannot draw adequate
 Information Age is the modern age regarded as a time in conclusions.
which information has become a commodity that is quickly 9. All ideas are seen as controversial. -It is probably
and widely disseminated and easily available especially impossible to make any assertion that will not find some
through the use of computer technology (Merriam-Webster). supporters and some detractors.
Truths of the Information Age, Robert Harris “Because 10. Anything in great demand will be counterfeited. -The
information today is a more complicated experience than it demand for amazing knowledge, secrets, and scandals is ever
used to be, the way we think about it must reflect greater present, and hence many events are fabricated by the
sophistication in understanding its forms, purposes, effects, tabloids, publicists, or other agents of information fraud.
and even its reasons for existence”. 11. Undead information walks ever on. -Lies, hoaxes,
 This article contains a number of observations about the misinformation, rumors, disinformation, and garbled truth
information environment around us, with the intent that by never really pass away. They continue to circulate. 12. To
 accuse is to convict, and possibility is proof. -Many people described as challenging forth due to its fast-advancing pace.
believe that no accusation would be made without any basis, Modern technology challenges nature to the extent of
so that if an accusation is made, it must be true, at least in usurping all its resources.
part  According to Heidegger, it brings about “setting upon” of the
13. The medium selects the message. -Television is mostly land in which revealing never comes to an end. The way of
pictorial, partly aural, and very little textual, so visual stories revealing in modern technology is enframing. Working with
are emphasized: fires, chases, disasters. 14. Media presence rhythms of nature is no longer observed since the human
creates the story. -When the media are present, especially film person demands and controls it. The human person is
news or television media, people behave much differently swallowed by technology. He further described modern
from the way they would if not being filmed. technology as the age of switches, standing reserve, and
15. Yours is not to reason why. Yours is to buy and buy. -As a stockpiling for its own sake. Art as A Way Out of Enframin.
commercial product, information is subject to the same  Since enframing is the mode of revealing for modern
treatment as other consumer goods - packaging, marketing, technology, the art or poetry of nature is also enframed, not
competition, positioning, and hyping. 16. The whole truth is a easily revealed and appreciated, and not poetic.
pursuit. -The information we receive comes to us filtered,  Therefore poiesis is blocked. Heidegger in his article
selected, slanted, verbally charged, and sometimes introduces art to uncover this enframing. Art enhances the
revelation of the poetic nature of reality, of technology.
Human Flourishing in Science and Technology and The Good Life
Through the way of questioning the poiesis of modern
 Martin Heidegger, The Question of Technology Considering technology is revealed. Heidegger used Aristotle’s conception
the seminal work of Martin Heidegger, The Question of of the four causes I ordered to reveal the true nature of
Technology, it opens one's perception to view technology not technology, namely the causa materialis, the causa formalis,
as a mere instrument but to go deeper to reflect on its teh causa finalis, and the causa efficiens.
essence and contribution towards good life. The following are
Brief historical background of the Philippines: Pre-Colonial Period /
the points in his essay.
Pre-Spanish Philippines
 Technology as a Mode of Revealing Heideger incites
technology as a mode of revealing as it flourishes the human  Science is observed in the way they interpret the movements
person and the world as it develops and progresses. of heavenly bodies to predict seasons and climates, and in
 Technology is a way of bringing forth, making something. As a organizing days into months and years. Technology is used by
mode of revealing, the truth is brought forth. If too much people in building houses, irrigation, and in developing tools
consumerism of technological products is seen in society, this that they can use in everyday life.
means that the human person is also consumed by  Colonial Period During Spanish era, the life of the Filipinos
technological products. slowly became modernized by adapting some of Western
 This uncovered truth on the effects of consumerism becomes technology and their ways of life. Filipinos developed ways to
a mode of revealing, as one follows the way of questioning replicate the technology using indigenous materials such as
technology, going into its deeper meaning. Technology as walls, roads, bridges, and other large infrastructures brought
Challenging Forth Applies to modern technology as it is by the Spaniards engineering skills and tools. Medicine and
 advance science were introduced in formal colleges and inventions on individual people, communities, and environment
universities established by the Catholics. must be carefully considered.
 The American occupation have more influence in the
 The power of science to bring about changes places a duty on
development of science and technology in the Philippines.
scientists to proceed with great caution both in what they do
 They established government agency, the Bureau of Science,
and what they say.
for the sole purpose of nurturing development in the field of
 Good scientific communication via the mass media is
science and technology.
especially important in those areas directly and strongly
 Post-Colonial Period / New Republic Focusing on using its
affecting people’s lives.
limited resources in improving S&T capability.
 Science in the developing world such as the Philippines, differ
 Use of Overseas Development Allocation to improve scientific
from that in the industrialized world. Science today seems
productivity and technological capability.
caught in a cross-fire between two opposing world views.
 Human resource development is at the heart of focusing on
producing more engineers, scientists, technology experts, CONTRIBUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ENVIRONMENT
doctrines and other professionals in the country.
 Scientific knowledge, technological developments,
 The development of S&T in the Philippines is shaped by
infrastructures and productive capabilities, educated and
human and social activities, both internal and external
skilled human resources, entrepreneurial skills, commercial
influences which may have significant impact on the lives of
organizations and a rapidly expanding global social network
the people and in the development of the Philippine society.
offer unprecedented opportunities for rapid social progress.
Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building Technology is  The principal reasons behind the significant gap between the
always linked with development phase. Thus, for development to developing world and the developed world is lack of
happen, science and technology must go together. technology.
 New technology which will boost food production, improve
 Science is known as the study of knowledge, which is made
infrastructure, improve healthcare and provide sanitation
into a system and depends on analyzing and understanding
facilities could change the quality of life in the developing
facts.
world.
 Technology is basically application of this scientific
knowledge. Modernization in every aspect of life is the Government Policies Pertaining to Science and Technology:
greatest example of the implementation.
 The Philippine government introduced implemented several
 The influence of Science and Technology for the development
programs, projects and policies to boost the area of science
of the Philippine nation may able to sustain the lives there
and technology.
and may have to solely depend on our nation rather than
other nations for basic requirements.  The goal is to prepare the whole country and its people to
meet the demands of a technologically driven world and
CONTRIBUTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science.
Science affects virtually everyone. The impact of technological
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (DOST)
  Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya is the executive  The vision for 2020 is “The Philippines develops world-class
department of the Philippine Government responsible for the competitive products and services based on high technical
coordination of science and technology-related projects in the capabilities.”
Philippines in the fields of science and technology in support
of national development.
SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION
 Science education in this level focuses on the preparation of
Other existing programs supported by the Philippine government
science teachers, scientist, engineers, and other professionals
through the DOST:
in various science-related fields such as engineering,
 Overseas Development Aid (ODA) – providing funds for basic agriculture, medicine, and health sciences.
research and patents related to science and technology.  The state provides scholarship to encourage more students to
 Providing scholarship for undergraduate and graduate studies pursue science courses.
of students in the field of science and technology - to produce
SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES
more doctoral graduates in the field of science and
technology.  Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) This is a
 Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High government program for gifted students in the Philippines.
School System for training young Filipinos in the field of  It is a service institute of the Department of Science and
science and technology. Technology (DOST) whose mandate is to offer free scholarship
 Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists basis for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects
abroad to come home and work in the Philippines. Developing pertaining to the sciences, with the end-view of preparing its
science and technology parks in academic campuses to students for science career (Republic No. 3661)
encourage academe and industry partnerships.  Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project This
 The establishment of the National Science Complex and project is a pursuance to DepEd Order no. 73 s. 2008 and
National Engineering Complex within the University of the DepEd Order no. 51 s. 2010. It started in June 2007 with 57
Philippines Campus in Dilliman. identified elementary schools that participated or were
identified as science elementary schools in the country, until
NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PLAN 2002-2020
today it grow more than 60 schools nationwide and now its
 This document puts forth visions and goals related to S&T and sixth year of implementation.
describes strategic areas.  Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project Aims: To
 The vision for 2004 is “Science and Technology significantly develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and
contributes enhancing the national productivity and technological knowledge, skills, and values.
competitiveness and solving urgent national issues.”  Mission: Provide a learning environment to science-inclined
 The vision for 2010 “The Philippines has created a niche children through a special curriculum that recognizes the
market and provides and utilizes world-class knowledge and multiple intelligence of the learners; promote the
expertise in the fields selected. The country also fosters a development of lifelong learning skills; foster the holistic
vibrant culture of science and technology.” development of the learners.
  Quezon City Regional Science High School. The school was people and communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-
established on Sept. 17, 1967. Originally it was named Quezon medicine, indigenous farming method and folk astronomy.
City Science High School and turned into a regional science
high school for the National Capital Region in 1999.
Indigenous KNOWLEDGE System
 The school teaches the basic education courses prescribed by
the DepEd for secondary education.  Indigenous knowledge is just like embedded in daily life
 Manila Science High School (MSHS) The school was experiences of young children as they grow up.
established on October 1, 1963 as Manila Science High School  They live and grow in a society where the members of the
(MSHS). community prominently practice indigenous knowledge.
 Central Visayan Institute Foundation  Their parents and other older folks served as their first
 It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based teachers and their methods of teaching are very effective in
innovation known as Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). DLP is transmitting cultural knowledge in their minds.
a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories  The lessons they learned are intimately interwove with their
adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and culture and environment.
productivity.  Examples of indigenous knowledge: Prediction of weather,
using herbal medicine, preserving of foods, classifying plants
Indigenous Science and Technology
and animals into families, Selecting good seeds for planting
What is INDIGENOUS?  Examples of indigenous knowledge using indigenous
technology: Building local irrigation, classifying different types
 Refers to native; originating or occurring naturally in a
of soil for planting, producing wines from tropical fruits,
particular place
Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables,
What is Indigenous SCIENCE?
Technology
 Refers to the science knowledge of all peoples who, as
 a word with Greek roots, is defined as, “the practical
participants in culture, are affected by the worldview and
application of knowledge especially in a particular area” by
interests of their home communities and homelands.
Merriam-Webster.
CONCEPT of Indigenous Science  Technology is a word used to define or portray progressions,
abilities, creations, happenings, interpretations, and
 Indigenous science uses science process skills such as knowledge of a singular group of persons and as humans we
observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, problem solving, execute certain functions for man and society.
inferring, communicating, and predicting.
 Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values Advantages of technology:
such as the land which is a source of life.
1. Life has become easy through science and technology.
 It is a precious gift from the creator. Indigenous science is 2. Travelling has become faster than before.
composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by 3. Communication becomes easier, faster, and cheaper.
 4. Innovations in technology increased the standard of 3. The challenge of algorithms. – Limitation for algorithms is that
living. there are also certain classes of problems that are on a reasonable
5. Using various technology, man become advanced. algorithm: data compression and photorealistic which renders two
6. The impossible have become possible due to the such problems like theoretical limits of compressing an image, a
progress in science and technology. waveform, video, or some raw streams of bits, some degree of
7. Science and technology made a lot of things easy to information loss, hairy mathematics, some trial and error, lack of
do and comfortable for man. perfect knowledge adds complexity and compromise to our system.
Disadvantages of technology: 4. The difficulty of distribution. – Leslie Lamport an American
computer scientist who observed, “A distributed system is one in
1. Human had misused the technology and used in damaging
which the failure of a computer you didn’t even know existed can
purpose.
render your computer unusable.”
2. By the use of technology, man is doing illegal things.
3. New technology like mobile is generating bad consequences 5. The problem of design. – The design of any relevant Web-centric
on children system consists of tens of thousands of lines of custom code on top of
4. By means of modern technology, terrorists use it for hundreds of thousands of lines of middleware code on top of several
destructive purpose. million lines of operating system code.
5. Many illnesses are created due to the development of atomic
6. The problem of functionality. – Book writes: To consider the
energy and atom bomb.
requirements, functionality, and non-functionality of a machine-like
6. Modern technology like nuclear energy have not only affected
multi-engine aircraft, a cellular phone, or an autonomous robot has
man but it also affected plants and other creatures.
these limitations such as usability, survivability, and adaptability has
7. Natural beauty is decreasing due to the development of
these unrestrained, potential contradictory, external requirements
modern technology.
are too complexity to design.
Factors that define the limits of technology:
7. The importance of organization. – According to Booch (2003), No
1. The laws of physics. – Software, Quantum effects, and one person can ever understand such a system completely. It
Thermodynamics plays important role when it comes to the law of demands that we use a team of developer, and ideally, as small a
physics and technology. Software is a flexible medium. Quantum team as possible but software systems that drive the entire
effects have theoretical and practical limits to the information enterprise, one typically must manage teams of teams, each of which
capacity. Thermodynamics effects happen when the container that may be geographically distributed from one another.
will dissipate heat, limits the use of technology.
8. The impacts of economics. Total Advancement costs money. 9.
2. The laws of software. – An example of software limitations is when The influence of politics. – Investment in software development is
there is a given computation, there are ties we can’t do it, and there the key to success, the political organization can influence its progress
are times we can’t afford to do it, and sometimes we just don’t know and its limitations. Great things could have provided if the influence in
how to do it. politics is on a positive side.
  Humanity is the human race, which includes everybody on  Autonomy in this context means the ability to perform
earth. It is also a term for the qualities that make us human, intended tasks based on the current state and sensing
such as the capacity to love, to sympathize, to be creative, without human intervention.
and not to be a robot or alien.  A service robot is a robot that performs useful tasks for
 Humanity is from the Latin word “humanitas” which means humans or equipment excluding industrial automation
“human nature, kindness.” application.
 Humanity comprises all the humans, also refer to the kind of  Note: A robot may be classified according to its intended
emotions human frequently feel for each other. application as an industrial robot or a service robot.
 But when people talk about humanity, it is talking about  A personal service robot or a service robot for personal use
people as a whole. When people do wrong things, it is a service robot used for noncommercial task, usually by
challenges your faith in humanity. laypersons. Examples are domestic servant robot, automated
wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, and pet exercising
ETHICAL DILLEMAS
robot.
 The control over nature and the control of other people by the  A professional service robot or a service robot for
use of technology is completely another story. professional use is a service robot used for a commercial task,
 Science and technology as well as research and development usually operated by a properly trained operator. Examples are
enjoy and must continue to enjoy autonomy from the state cleaning robot for public places, delivery robot in offices or
and society. hospitals, firefighting robot, rehabilitation robot, and surgery
 They may draw inspiration from them, but they are not robot in hospitals.
necessarily determined and directed by them. However, the  In this context, an operator is a person designated to start,
application, use and distribution of technology require ethical monitor, and stop the intended operation of a robot or a
standards and even legal provisions set by the local and robot system.
international government
Roles played by robotics
ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY
 Just like people living in the society, robots also have their
 Another great product of innovative minds of the people is own set rules and characteristics that define what a good
the robot. robot is.
 Robots are now widely used. For example, there are so-called  These laws were formulated by Isaac Asimov back in 1940s,
service robots. when he was thinking of the ethical consequences of robots.
 The International Federations of Robotics (IFR) and United These are the following (Stanford, n.d.):
Nations Economics Commission for Europe (UNECE) made it  Law 1: A robot may not injure human being or, through
their task to formulate a working definition of service robots. inaction, allow a human being to harm.
 A preliminary extract of the relevant definition is (IFR, 2012):  Law 2: A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings
A robot is actuated mechanism programmable in two or more except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its  Law 3: A robot must protect its own existence as long as such
environment, to perform intended tasks. protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.