NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabanatuan City
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics and Science Department

Module in

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
& SOCIETY
UNIT I.
GENERAL CONCEPTS AND HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Danny O. Alfonso Cristo Mark D. Ancheta Roel S. Ang

Leonardo M. Aquino Bryan Joshua V. Bacani Joseph R. Del Carmen
Jaynelle G. Domingo Angel Joyce C. Fajardo Gian Carlo S. Gaetos
Alpha B. Gumayagay Jewell Ann P. Manabat Darwin U. Ong
Olympia O. Riogelon Julius Jay N. Rodriguez Janina C. Sercenia
Glenda R. Tandingan Diwata Y. Villaflor

This module is a property of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology
Overview

There is a secure connection between science and technology with society, which began even in
ancient times. The historical development of science and technology was based on the needs and demands
of the existing society. Unit I gives you ideas on how science and technology evolved, starting from the
ancient world until the present time of ‘Information Age’. The unit will help you understand how social
considerations changed the course science and technology. Additionally, you will become aware of the
different factors that increased and decreased science and technological advancements in the Philippines
and other countries.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the unit, I am able to:

1. discuss how science and technology affect the environment and society;
2. discuss the factors which affect the advancement of science and technology;
3. identify the important persons throughout the history of science and technology, and discuss
the importance of science and technology in society.
Setting Up

Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Course/Year/Section: ___________________________

Directions: In order to meet the needs of ancient people, many technologies have emerged. Answer the
following questions based on your understanding of the ancient world.

1. What are the technologies that arose in ancient times? How were these technologies meet the needs of
the primitive people?
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2. Give examples of ancient technologies from which our modern day technologies evolved.
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Lesson Proper

Introduction to Science and Technology

What is Science?
‘Science’ can be explained into three definitions. First, science is a branch of knowledge that
seeks to understand and describe natural phenomena such as thunder, seed germination, and tidal
waves. Second, ‘science’ is an intellectual activity wherein it refers to the process of systematic and
objective investigation of the natural world. Third, ‘science’ is a personal and social activity in which
it makes way for humans to have a better understanding of the world and their inner selves,
realizing that science is connected with everyone’s life and the society.

What is Technology?
‘Technology’ can be defined as an artifact from which it refers to products that are invented
and are widely used by people such as a printer, the computer, and television. Technology can be
construed as a technique. It refers to processes that benefit the different sectors of the economy, like
grafting and hydroponics for agriculture, surgery, chemotherapy, biopsy, etc., in medicine.
Technology can be described as personal and social activity. Technology serves as a tool to improve
and facilitate human living and social interaction with others.

Science and Technology

Science and Technology affect each other in ways from which they are needed so that each
can be used successfully. Science is required to progress technology as well as technology is
necessary to improve science.

Science and technology is described as a personal and social activities, they also have dual
interactions with society.

Ancient World

In early times, human ancestors used tools made from stones and woods as technology during the
stone age. The use of these progresses as the early hunters developed skills and techniques to make
weaponry through fire. Interaction and migration of people came to the development and advancement of
this technology.

As population increases and food resources started to decrease, people switched from foraging to
agriculture. Humans started to cultivate the land to plant different crops and domesticate animals as
sources of meat and milk products. This lead to the Agricultural Revolution, which started primarily in the
Middle East.

Through the Agricultural Revolution, many new plants and animals were cultivated and
domesticated for human consumption and feedstock. Humans started to use, and metal and ceramic
products. Copper is the first metal known and used by man in 6500 BC. In this period, human settlement
through towns started.

Transportation was improved through the development of wheels. Ceramics was further utilized,
and communication prospered through the invention of writing. Also, many products made from bronze,
copper, and iron began to emerge. This preceded the rise of civilizations from which scientific knowledge
and technological advancements further flourished through the rise and improvement of bridges, roads,
and agricultural irrigations.

Classical Antiquity

The present perception and concept of science started in this period of classical antiquity, which
began in the center of mediterranean sea interlocking between Greek and Roman civilizations. The Ionian
School of Philosophy particularly introduced the earliest form of the scientific method, which is based on
observation and reasoning.
 Many Greek philosophers who laid the foundation of modern-day science arose in this period. They
are the ones who used the basic foundation of the scientific method initially for the understanding of the
natural world and the universe. The significant philosophers of classical antiquity were Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle.

Socrates (470-339 BC)

Socrates built the basic foundation of making a hypothesis, which is the initial building block
of the scientific method for specific research in his known method of inquiry called elenchus. By
applying this method, a specific problem or situation was broken down into a series of questions
that need to be answered.

Plato (427-37 BC)

Plato highlighted the concept of having ‘proof’ in research. He emphasized a clear hypothesis
of understanding nature and believed that all substances are made up of air, water, earth, and fire.
Plato was a student of Socrates.

Aristotle (384-322 BC)

Aristotle initiated the discipline of using the deductive method of scientific inquiry. He
established natural principles as achieved through careful observation, which is also an essential
component of the scientific method. Aristotle was a student of Plato.

The center of scientific knowledge was established in the city of Alexandria in Egypt. In
Africa, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, one of the first important scientific texts about ancient surgery
methods, was made. Another, the scientific discipline of chemistry through the process of
fermentation, distillation, and tanning, was also established.

The construction of the Great Wall of China was one of China's technological achievements
at that time.

Middle Ages

The progression of science and technology turned to decrease due to the onset of diseases, poverty,
wars, and scarcity of food resources at the middle ages during 530 AD.

The rise of Christianity in Europe was also considered a factor in the decline of science. The strong
hindrance of the Church about early philosophers and scientists' teachings and ideas greatly impacted the
development of science and technology. The Roman Empire, from 530 AD to 1000 AD, was not so much
interested in theoretical science.

As science seemed to decline in Europe, medicine remained and grew due to an important need. The
deadly plague ravaged Europe, and Christians felt the need to further their knowledge of medicine to
develop a cure. On the contrary, the outbreak of the deadly disease that devastated Europe and Christians
paved the way to escalate the field of medicine to develop a cure or vaccine.

Due to this, the center of science and technology was shifted to Asia, specifically in China and nearby
countries. In India, for example, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics became well-advanced. One of
their important contributions is the significance of the number zero in mathematics. Another to be
considered is the onset of Islamic civilization from which through this civilization, new techniques, new
chemicals such as borax, and new astronomical table for the calculation of planetary positions, eclipses,
and calendrical information was established. In the field of medicine, new instruments and treatment
procedures were developed. However, there is a failure to advance the area of anatomy as Islam disallow
the process body autopsy during that time.

Emperor Charlemagne revived science in Europe wherein, he ordered the establishment of schools
that became centers of knowledge and discovery. Other advancements in science and technology during
the middle ages include the development of clocks and moving objects and the utilization of water and
wind as sources of electricity.

The latter part of the Middle Ages was considered to be the Age of Discovery and Exploration. These
explorations were made possible through the advancements in science and technology. Two of the most
important developments were ships made for long voyages and the compass's invention. The progress in
geography and cartography became so famous as human societies spread after The Black Death in Europe.

Modern Age

The need for Europe’s revival became more advantageous for science and technology. This marked
the end of the Middle Age and the start of the Modern Age. The beginning of the modern age hastens
technological advancements, primarily for defense and trade. Many technologies were taught in
universities.

Renaissance is a cultural movement that is based on humanism, which a system of intellectual

movement emphasizing the value of humans than supernatural powers. During this period, many artists
also became scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci. In the latter part of the Renaissance, the Scientific
Revolution and foundation of England’s Royal Society emerged, giving rise to a more organized community.
Benjamin Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton and are the two significant members of the society.

The Scientific Revolution advanced the field of astronomy due to the invention of the telescope. The
astronomers, Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1573) became the center of controversy due to his model of the
heliocentric universe, which was opposed by the church. This opposition marked the so-called Copernican
Revolution, a shift from a geocentric view of the universe to a heliocentric model with the Sun at the center
of the Solar System.

The invention of the microscope significantly advanced science during the Renaissance period.
Through the use of microscope, many microorganisms were identified and the many types of diseases
associated with them. This gave rise to the formulation of antibiotics to prevent infections and inhibit the
growth of bacteria.

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was noted to be the leading figure of the Scientific. He introduced
experimentation using the scientific method and led the development of modern science, making him the
"father of the scientific method” and the "father of modern science". He invented many equipment and
devices as well as many mathematical explanations to natural concepts.

The publication of Carolus Linnaues’ works on the biological classification made him the “father of
taxonomy”.

This age is also known as the period of ‘Enlightenment’, which highlighted the importance of logical
reasoning. This was a shift from the Renaissance dominated by the teachings of the Church and the early
Greek and Roman philosophers. Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) worked on Principia, which established the
foundation of modern-day physics. He developed theories from observations and experiments and used
the scientific method in the understanding of the natural world.
The invention of the steam engine by James Watt (1736-1819) in 1765 made many industrial
processes possible. Because of this, many other machines that made things faster and more efficient were
invented and paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.

However, the Industrial Revolution's progression led to the rapid destruction of the environment
because of the pollution caused by these industries. To obtain wood for charcoal, many forests were
destroyed. Large industries collected many natural resources and minerals to continue their operation.
Industrial wastes polluted rivers and other bodies of water. Many disputes came during this period
between the science community and the society for the green environmental movement.

The theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace became very controversial
and was opposed by the church and the general community. However, this theory was considered and
accepted as a milestone in the field of biology.

During the 19th century, there were more collaboration efforts among scientists which gave rise to
more discoveries and inventions. The communal between scientists paved the way to advanced science
faster than the previous centuries. These scientific and technological advancements highly impacted
society. Many new lifestyles, habits, and recreations appeared due to advancements in communication,
transportation, entertainment, and wardrobe economy. The demand for more technologies further
expanded, and many people migrated to cities. Many workers became more skilled and knowledgeable in
their chosen fields.

Scientific and technological advancements also gave way for the invention of explosive weapons
such as atomic bombs, nuclear bombs, and dynamites. These developments led to more deaths and
casualties during warfare.

The invention of plastics in the 1940’s and 1950s led to the development of new appliances and
products made from plastics. However, plastics became a problem to the environment as significant
pollutants affect wildlife habitat and humans because of its deficient ability to degrade.

The discovery of the DNA structure in1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick with the aid of
Rosalind Franklin advanced the field of genetics and molecular biology, leading to the development of gene
therapy and genetic engineering.

The period of the Agricultural revolution occurred in 1940 with the development of the pesticide
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or more commonly known as DDT. Other inventions that greatly helped
this period were hybrid seeds, organic/inorganic fertilizers, and farm machinery equipment. The
agricultural revolution helped the economy, especially the farmers, largely because of better food
production. However, DDT was found out to destructive impacts on biodiversity and health. Hence, many
movements for the environment emerged as society’s response.

Moreover, the development of the internet, computers, softwares, and other digital technologies
marked the beginning ‘Digital Revolution’ or ‘Information Age’. These technologies also paved way for
crowdsourcing, cyber warfare, e-commerce, and distance learning. The digital revolution has greatly
affected the public. Nowadays, many people became addicted to using electronic games and social media.

In the Philippines

Here in the Philippines, the history of science and technology is not clear. However, based on
archaeological findings, primitive Filipinos have simpler technology than neighboring countries in Asia,
such as China and India. Simple stones and metal tools were used, which gave rise to the development of
ceramics, potteries, weavings, handicrafts, and other devices.

Since water bodies surround the Philippines, Filipinos created good technology in shipbuilding in
1000 AD. These ships were used for transportation, trading, and fishing.

In the 16th century, artillery was used by the Filipinos during their battle against Spaniards. These
good weapons include bows, spears, and swords. The agricultural industry became a good source of income
through practices such as rice farming, crop production, livestock raising, and fishing, and forestry.

The onset of modern science and technology in the Philippines came upon colonization of the
Spaniards. Science as a profession arose after establishing schools, hospitals, and research facilities that
were controlled by religious sectors at that time. However, the research discoveries and technologies were
for the benefit of Spain's colonial government, not for the Filipinos. The Church was so influential and
dominant in those times that the study of natural sciences was discouraged.

During the Spanish time, there were only limited science courses available for the Filipinos.
Successful Filipino scientists went to Europe to gain study and training. Some of these scientists were Leon
Ma. Guerrero, Anacleta del Rosario, and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera. However, the science profession did not
grow well as the colonial government preferred Spanish scientists over Filipinos.

The end Spanish regime developed only two science professions, the medicine, and pharmacy
professions since the Philippines also became a predominantly agricultural country. Industrial sectors such
as the sugarcane and tobacco industry were modernized due to the entry of foreign technology and
investments. At the same time, other areas, such as weaving, declined because of a lack of support from the
government.

Science and technology in the Philippines rapidly advanced due to Americans. During the American
settlement in the country, secularized public schools were established wherein the early educators were
Americans. The University of the Philippines and the Philippine Normal College (now the Philippine
Normal University) were established. Scientific knowledge and many technological advancements were
taught primarily in those universities.

In 1905, the main research facility in the country until World War II was established. This was the
Bureau of Science responsible for doing researches about science and technology. Since leprosy, dengue,
and malaria were the most frequent or common diseases, researchers focused on the development of the
cure for such diseases. In 1906, the Philippine Journal of Science was established to report scientific
findings and observations of Filipino scientists.

The ‘National Research Council of the Philippines’ was established in 1933 to promote scientific
research. However, despite the increase in the number of scientists and engineers of the country, the
Philippines still relied heavily on agriculture due to its vast resource of tropical crops. During the
Commonwealth period, the government-supported many industries which made scientific productivity
came to increase. Many Filipinos went abroad for post-graduate studies until World War II stopped the
scientific and technological progress.

In 1947, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of science. In 1952, the Science
Foundation of the Philippines was established to promote science among Filipinos.

After World War II, scientific and technological development was revived. Because of this, more
institutions for higher education were established. Science and technology in the country further
developed due to increased government support and higher public awareness. More scientists, scientific
researches, and scientific organizations grew and came up. However, the Philippines is still behind its
neighboring Asian countries in terms of scientific outputs. One of the reasons for these is that Filipinos'
general performance in science and mathematics is generally not good.
Based on a study done in 1957, there were four key reasons for the sudden decline of science and
technology in the Philippines. These four key reasons include the
1. lack of government support,
2. many outstanding scientists have died or went abroad,
3. low morale among local scientists, and
4. low awareness about general public science.

References

Bandhari, S. (2017). Top 10 Contributions of Aristiotle in scientific Field. Retrieved january 20, 2019, from Still
Unfold.Com: https://stillunfold.com/science/top-10-contributions-of-aristotle-to-science.
Bunch, B., & Hellesman. A. (2004). The History of Science and Technology. New York: Houghton Mifflin
Company.
Caoli, O. C. (1986). A History of Science and Technology in the Philippines. Diliman, Quezon City, University of
the Philippines Science Research Foundation.
Department of Science and Technology. (2014, April 26). About History and Logo. Retrieved January 2o, 2019,
from Department of Science and Technology: https://www.dost.gov.ph/tranaprency/about-
dost/history-and-logo.html
Jan, D., & Haward, H. (2006). Science & Technolgy Historical Timeline. Retrieved January 20, 2019, from Bridge
Online: http://www.bridge-online.cz/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/38_science_and_technology.pdf
McClellan III, J. E. & Dorn, H. (2015). Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction (r3d ed,)
Baltimore,
McGinn, R. E. (1991). Science, technology, and society. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: prentice hall, 301 pp,,
Nebres, B. F. (2007). Building a Science Culture in the Philippines. Trans. Natl. Acad. Sci. & Tech. Philippines,
29, 177-196.
Offor, f. (2012). Socrates, science and Technology. Canadian Social Science, 8(4), 101-107
Weisstein, E. (n.d.) Plato. Retrieved January 20, 2019, from Wolfram Research:
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/biography/Plato.html
Assessing Learning

Activity 1
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________

Directions: The following grid contains terms names associated with science and technology. Look for them
in any directions and encircle. (20 pts.)

G A L I L E O G A L I L E I B C S Q W E
B V Z N A S E T A R C O S D E F C R T Y
U X Z A S D F G O W W S O X C H I N A T
I N F O R M A T I O N A G E R A E B B I
I C H P I N C H C R O U T E A R N I C E
R E N A I S S A N C E L P J E W C W E L
O V J Q A J U L I B R H A N G E E L Y P
P B K A D A R U T E C H N O L O G Y A L
A N L S W I N S N G S I A N G G E R N A
S M W S O M E O A R W O R L D W A R I T
C L A S S I C A L R R M I E L U I G U O
D M E D A N E A A M A S C H O O L S Y F
F N R F A G A D Y A L P H A O M E S R A
E U R O P E S T O N E G A O I N D I A R
G B T G E E L D A N G I J A Y E M A M M
H V Y Y L R L I N N A E U S N E L L E I
J C U R K A N C P N Y A N A T I E N T N
K X A A N C I E N T W O R L D C E I A G
L H I P H E T A S V H T A E D K C A L B
C Z O J I R S E N I P P I L I H P T U E
 Activity 2
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________

Directions: Briefly answer the following questions.

1. What were the problems of the society that science and technology wants to address?
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2. What are the significance of these advancements in science and technology?

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3. What are the negative impacts of these advancements in science and technology in the society?
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4. If you are given a chance to change a certain invention, what will be your suggestion or other idea?
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 Activity 3
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________ Score: _______________________

Directions: Write an essay on each of following questions. (Minimum of 100 words, and maximum of 200
words). Use a separate piece of paper if necessary.

1. The COVID-19 pandemic has displayed the interconnection of society around the world. This
coronavirus is considered the greatest challenge of science and technology after world war II. What
do you think is the effect of COVID-19 on the environment, now and in the future? What is society's
role in helping the science and development research sector prevent the spread of the virus? What
is the role of science and technology to attain social protection and sustainable economy while
providing solutions for COVID-19, such as making vaccines and medicines?
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2. What are the impacts of science and technology in society in terms of economy, leisure,
employment, or unemployment? What do you think are the responsibilities of science and
technology in society. In your own opinion, does public trust in science and technology matter
during times of pandemic? Why?
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