STS
STSModule
MODULE2-A
2C
I. Topic: Historical Development in Science and Technology: Medieval and Modern
Periods
Images from [Link], [Link]
II. Objectives
After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Describe science and technology during the medieval and modern periods
B. Name medieval and modern technologies that have significant contributions to society
C. Analyze the influence of medieval social system on the development of western science
and technology.
III. Introduction
The Church was a powerful entity in the medieval period. The influence of church on
science and technology is brought to light in this module. Some technologies that shaped the
medieval society are also discussed here. This module also presents the events leading to the
transformation of science and its union with technology.
IV. Discussion
The Medieval Period
The medieval period covers the years around 400 AD to 1400 AD. The different kingdoms
that sprung up across Europe were sustained by a system called feudalism. Economy was
agricultural. The Catholic Church was very dominant during this period that they even kept watch
on intellectual activities. The church though put up several educational institutions that hastened
the generation and transfer of knowledge. Science however could hardly move forward during
this era because it was tied up to faith. How the universe works was viewed in a theological view
point.
The technological development in the medieval period are mostly related to agriculture
and commerce. Innovations led to the heavy plow which increased the agricultural yield. More
sources of power were utilized like wind and running water in irrigation and mills. Transport of
good was improved with the development of sternpost rudder, lenses, and the mariners compass.
Trades between the east and the west led to innovations. The Chinese compass was
improved in the west and became the mariners compass. Even the movable metal type printing
press which was invented in Germany had its roots in China. Paper was also introduced by the
Chinese. With the printing press and paper, books were printed in volumes and improved the
transfer of knowledge. Another technology from China that reached the west was the cannon.
The rise of Islam happened during the medieval period also. Their might could be mirrored
not just in the size of their conquered territories, but in their intellect as well. Arabs’ conquest of
Greek territories exposed them to the latter’s intellectual discipline. These made Arab scholars
way ahead of their western counterparts. Their science was free of metaphysical and
philosophical interpretations of reality. It dwelled on observations and experimentations. Arab
science was at its height from 10th to 14th century. Their knowledge reached Europe and became
important foundations in the renewed intellectual interest in the west during the renaissance. The
decline of science in the Arab world could be attributed to the losses they suffered in the later
parts of the religious wars. The more powerful war technologies of the west enticed them to
abandon their science which was more advanced but more theoretical. They became more
interested in the western science which was more practical. Ironically, the west after a hundred
years or so would actually take the Arab’s empirical approach to science in what is known as the
scientific revolution.
The Modern Times
There are varying accounts as to the exact beginning of the modern times. There are two
important events though which characterize this era: the scientific revolution and the industrial
revolution. The scientific revolution started with Copernicus in 1550’s who asserted the
heliocentric model of the cosmos. The turning point of this revolution is Galileo’s presentation of
observed evidence to heliocentric theory in 1609. His observations of the heavenly bodies using
a telescope showed the importance of empirical data in scientific discourse. This somehow
supported Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes’ use of scientific method in science inquiries. It
should be noted that medieval science relied heavily on scholasticism. Empiricism was just
emerging at that time. The scientific revolution culminated with Newton’s formulation of the laws
of motion and gravitation in 1687.
The advancement of science to modernity can be attributed to the collaboration among
scientists, the adoption of the scientific method, building on existing laws and theories, and the
institutions that enabled transfer of knowledge through publications. The church, contrary to
popular beliefs was instrumental in laying the foundation for the scientific revolution. The use of
scientific knowledge in inventions and technological innovations also followed. The coupling of
science and technology in meeting the demands of commerce led to the industrial revolution in
the 18th century. This massive industrialization spelled the end for feudalism and gave birth to
capitalism.
For further learning:
Watch “The Middle Ages in 3 /12 Minutes” at
[Link] .
Read “How Islam won, and lost, the lead in Science” by Overbye, D at
[Link]
[Link]
V. Summary
The development of science and technology in both east and west was evident during
the medieval ages. The influence of the church on western science, and the effect of political
changes in the eastern science were also evident. Advancement in science would pick up
towards the end of the medieval period but the connection between science and technology
remained loose. The era that followed saw the revolution in science which freed it from
religious and philosophical overtones. Science became experimental in its methods and its
utilization in technology became evident. The conjuring of science and technology became
instrumental in sustaining the industrial revolution.
