Republic of the Philippines

ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

La Paz, Iloilo City
DUMANGAS CAMPUS

Module 1: GENERAL CONCEPTS IN SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Introduction

This module highlights significant technological developments throughout

history that shaped human civilizations. It present the interactions between science
and technology and society throughout history, how scientists contributed to the
spark of scientific revolution and the role of science and technology in nation
building.

Module Outcomes:

At the end of the module, you must have:

1. discussed the interactions between science and technology and

society throughout history;
2. discussed how the ideas postulated by the scientists contributed to the
spark of scientific revolution; and
3. discussed the role of science and technology in nation building.

Lesson 1: Historical Antecedents in which Social Considerations

Changed the Course of Science and Technology

Lesson Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you must have:

1. discussed the interactions between science and technology and society

throughout history
2. identified inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the
course of history

Introduction

Science and technology play major roles in the every life. They make
difficult and complicated tasks easier and allow people do more with so little effort
and time. The developments in this field are not just products of people’s
imagination or a one-time thought process; they are also brought about by gradual
improvements to earlier works from different time periods. The driving force behind
this continuous progress is the desire to raise the quality of life of the people.

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I. History of Science and Technology in the World: Ancient, Middle
and Modern Ages

Ancient Times. Science and technology has been around from the
beginning of time. Throughout history, humankind utilized tools, machines, and
techniques without understanding how or why they worked or comprehending their
physical or chemical composition.
Science and technology can be traced from the origin of human life 2 million
years ago and each era has significant advancement. The earliest form of science
and technology were human artifacts found during prehistoric time about 2.3
million years ago. They roughly shaped stones used for chopping, scraping found
primarily in Eastern Africa. Some of the earliest record of science came from
Mesopotamian cultures around 400 BC, disease symptoms, chemical substances
and astronomical observations were some of the evidence of emerging science.
During the same period in the Nile Valley of Egypt, information on the
treatment of wounds and diseases and even some of the mathematical
calculations such as angles, rectangles and triangles and the volume of the portion
of the pyramid have been around for thousands of years. From 300 to 400 B.C.
there was a rise in the number of philosophers who wrote topics on psychology,
biology, and a host of other topics. There was Euclid, the founder of modern
geometry, Archimedes the founder of engineering mechanics and calculated a
value for pi which is still used to this very day.
3000 B.C. give rise to the Bronze Age in the search for finding pigments
used to color the human skin, copper was discovered, and then it was realized that
alloying copper with tin resulted into bronze which in those days were used to make
swords and other weapons. Today, we use it to build machinery, medals, statues,
belts and shoe buckles.
By 3500 B.C. in Mesopotamia, two-wheeled carts had been created and it
became the most frequently used mode of transporting heavy goods from one
place to another.
Urbanization is the development of large city, and the first city popped
around 3000 B.C. In Egypt, during the same time, the first pyramid was built.
Pyramids are undoubtedly the most outstanding development in science and
technology and are still a marvel to the present.
During the Middle Ages, (40- 1450 A.D.) gave birth to many scientific and
technological development. Also during the Middle Ages, (often called Dark Ages),
warfare had improved tremendously.
The Renaissance Era in Europe that began in 1450 and lasted until 1600
A.D. was the period known as rebirth of knowledge. In Germany, Gutenberg
developed the printing press which resulted in books being printed instead of huge
volume of texts being handwritten. In Italy, Leonardo da Vinci, a great pioneer in
arts, architecture, engineering and science, stressed the importance of
experiment. He produced a vast series of notebooks with observations on
anatomy, cloud formations, plans for sites, military inventions, tanks, flying
machines and submarines.
Copernicus rediscovered what some of the ancient Greeks has known that
the sun was at the center of the solar system and that the earth revolves around
it. The era also gave way to the geographic discovery beginning with the
inventions of the triangle sail and the magnetic compass. This aided Prince Henry,

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the navigator to travel around South Africa, Portugal, to reach India. It was around
the same time Columbus discovered the Americas.
Modern Science and Technology Around 1600 A.D.
Galilieo was the first to use modern scientific methods based on experiment
and testable observations. In 1608, some spectacle maker came to the Republic
of Venice where Galileo was staying with their new invention, a spyglass for
identifying ships well before they enter a harbor. He not only succeeded in
constructing his own spyglass, but went on to build a second one with
magnification stepped up by eight and finally thirty times which is now known as
the telescope. He was able to discover craters and mountains on the moon. He
later invented the microscope and the thermometer.
Isaac Newton was born in 1642. He helped define the laws of gravity and
planetary motion, co-founded calculus, and explained the laws of light and color.
Albert Einstein became the famous scientist of the 20th century. His work
had profound impact on everything from quantum theory to nuclear power and the
atom bomb and came up also with the famous equation e=mc2 used in calculus
In terms of modern technology, the Industrial Revolution brought about the
beginning of factories being built to produce goods at massive quantity. In the late
1800, the light bulb began to replace candles and oil lamps.
The 20th century gave birth to the radio, the first car with engine power. The
first man went to space in a rocket. It was also the beginning of communication,
electronic and computer era.

Science and Technology in the Philippines: A Historical Perspective

Philippine science and technology has a long history. It started before

Spain colonized the country where some indigenous technology already existed
with regards to wet rice and dry rice agriculture. The use of technology was also
evident in the handicrafts, pottery, weaving, metal ware and boats used by ancient
Filipinos. The natives were already aware of the medicinal and therapeutic
properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs. They had
an alphabet, a system of writing, a method of counting, weights and measure.
They had no calendar but counted the years by the period of the moon and from
one harvest to another. Filipinos were already engaged in farming, shipbuilding,
mining and weaving. The Banaue Rice Terraces is a sophisticated product of
engineering by pre-Spanish Filipinos.

Spanish Colonial Period

The Spaniards introduced formal education and founded scientific
institutions. 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 were taught to
the natives. Later the Spaniards established colleges and universities in the
archipelago including University of Santo Tomas.
The study of medicine in the Philippines was given priority. In 1871, the
school of medicine and pharmacy was opened at the University of Santo Tomas.
It also contributed to the field of engineering in the islands by constructing
government buildings, churches, roads, bridges and forts.
The Jesuits promoted meteorological studies and founded the Manila
Observatory at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1865.

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American Period and Post Commonwealth Era
The progress of science and technology continued under American rule.
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 during the Spanish era.
On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of Government Laboratories was replaced by
the Bureau of Science. The bureau dealt with the study of tropical disease. With
the progress of science and technology, on December 8.1933, the National
Research Council of the Philippines was recognized. The Bureau of Science
became the primary research center of the Philippines until World War II.
Science during the American period was inclined towards agriculture, food
processing, forestry, medicine, and pharmacy. In 1946, the Bureau of Science
was replaced by the Institute of Science. 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.

President Ferdinand E. Marcos Term

Science was given importance during the Marcos Regime. In the amended
1972 Philippine Constitution, Article XV, Section 9(1), he declared that the
“advancement of science and technology shall have priority in national
“development”.
On January 23, 1967, he declared that science was necessary for the
development programs, and thus, directed the Department of Education to
revitalize the science courses in public high schools, DepEd and the National
Science Development Board (NSDB) organized a project to provide selected high
schools with science teaching equipment over a four-year period.
The National Science Development Board established the Philippines
Atomic Energy Commission to explore the uses of atomic energy for economic
development. The Philippine Council for Agricultural Research was also
established to support the progressive development of agriculture, forestry and
fisheries for the country under the Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources.
Another agency was established by Presidential Decree No. 49, series 1972
and this is the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
(PAGASA) under the Department of National Defense. Its function was to provide
environmental protection and to utilize scientific knowledge to ensure the safety of
the people.
The Philippine National Oil Company was also created to promote industrial
and economic development through effective and efficient use of energy sources
(P.D. No. 334, s.1973).
In 1976, the National Academy of Science and Technology was established
and was composed of scientists with “innovative achievement in the basic and
applied sciences” to serve as a reservoir of scientific and technological expertise
for the country.
In 1979, the government funded scientific research conducted by National
Science Development Board (NSDB), the Philippine Council for Agricultural
Research and Resources, the Plant Breeding Institute, the International Rice

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Research Institute, the Bureau of Plant Industry, and the Bureau of Forest
Products.
The National Committee on Geological Sciences was created in 1980 to
advise government and private entities on matters pertaining to geological
sciences (Executive Order No. 625, s, 1980).
By virtue of Executive Order No. 784, s. 1982, the National Science
Development Board and its support agencies was recognized and was named
National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) to provide central direction and
coordination of scientific and technological research and development.
The Mindanao and Visayas campuses of the Philippine Science High
School were established in 1986 to encourage careers in science and technology
and to be more accessible to the talented students in the Mindanao and Visayas
areas in accordance with Executive Order N. 1090, s. 1986.
President Corazon C. Aquino Term
During Corazon Aquino’s presidency, the National Science Technology
Authority was replaced by the Department of Science and Technology, giving the
department 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.
The first Science and Technology Master Plan or TSMP was formulated on
August 8, 1988. Its goal was for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized
country status for the year 2000.
R. A. 6655 or the Free Public Secondary Education act of 1988 opened
free education at the secondary level. Together with this was implemented
“Science for the Masses Programs” which aimed at scientific and technological
literacy among Filipinos.

President Fidel V. Ramos Term

During Ramos administration, the Department of Science and Technology
initiated a Science and Technology Agenda for Development (STAND) which
embodies the country’s task development plan for 1993-1998. In 1998, the
Research and Development and Science and Technology was tasked to formulate
a Science and Technology development program that would support the national
development goal of attaining a newly industrialized country (NIC) status by the
year 2000.
Among the laws enacted by Congress during President Ramos’ term were
the following:
1. Magna Carta for Science and Technology Personnel (R.A. No 8439)
2. Science and Technology Scholarship Law of 1994 ( R.A. No. 7687)
3. Inventors and Inventions Incentives act (R.A. No.7459)
4. Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (R.A. No.8293) which provides
industrial property rights, copyrights and related rights and technology
transfer arrangements.

President Joseph Estrada’s Term

During the term of President Joseph Estrada, two major legislations that he
signed were the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) which
was designed to protect and preserve the environment and ensure the sustainable
development of its natural resources, and Electronic Commerce Act of 2000

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(R.A.No.8792) which outlaws computer hacking and provides opportunities of new
business emerging from the internet-driven New Economy.

President Gloria M. Arroyo’s Term

In the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration, the science and technology
sector of the Philippines was dubbed as the “golden age” of science and
technology by Secretary Estrella Alabastro. Moreover, the term “Filipinovation”
was the coined term used in helping the Philippines to be an innovation hub in
Asia.
One of the more known laws to be passed by her administration was the
R.A. 9367 or the “Biofuels” Act. This act promotes the development and usage of
biofuels throughout the country. This potentially enables a cheaper alternative to
gasoline as a medium in producing energy.
President Benigno C. Aquino
In an effort to improve the efficiency of both land and water, the government
passed Republic Act 10601 which improve the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
through Mechanization (AFMech). RA 10601 also covers research, development,
and extension (RDE), promotion, distribution, supply assembling, manufacturing,
regulation, use, operation, maintenance and project implementation of agricultural
and fisheries machinery and equipment.
In 2010, President Benigno Aquino was considered as the “Father of
Organic Agriculture” because of his work on the Organic Agricultural Act of 2010
(RA 10068). Most of the researches are inclined in solving the problem of
increasing hunger in the country by creating a more efficient and cheaper process
of yielding produce. The Harmonized Agenda for Science and Technology was
presented to President Aquino in 2014 and it included two crucial issues, inclusive
growth and disaster risk reduction.
On May 23, 2016, Republic Act No. 19844, otherwise known as the DICT
Act of 2015 was signed into law. Under this law, the Department of Information
and Communications Technology will take charge of planning, developing and
promoting the national ICT development agenda.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte

The Duterte administration reassured its commitment to science,
technology and innovation sector. DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña identified
the focus of the Department as technology transfer and commercialization.
Major accomplishments of the Duterte administration are:
1. Entry into the frontiers of space through its support to the Philippine Space
technology program. DIWATA-1 satellites which was launched in 2016 was
made by Filipino scientists who were trained in Japan. The DIWATA-2
which was launched in 2018 has improved the capabilities to better monitor
the country. This space technologies can only be utilized in other sectors,
such as in agriculture and disaster preparedness. One of this technology is
the KUWAGO Project located at ISAT U Dumangas Campus which will be
operational by 2020.
2. A Memorandum of Agreement between Russia and the Philippines
regarding the space program will soon materialize.
3. Republic Act 11035 ”An Act Institutionalizing the Balik Scientist Program“
was signed into law by the President on June 5, 2018. This law would give

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more incentives to Filipino experts, scientists, inventors, and engineers who
would share their expertise in the country.
4. On telecommunication, Department of Information and Communication
Technology, National Telecommunication Commission and
telecommunication companies have agreed to standardize voice call
charges to P2.50.
5. On weather, 271 new weather stations were installed by the Department of
Science and technology throughout the country. The Zamboanga Doppler
Weather Radar System was also installed.
II. Inventions and Discoveries that Changed the World All Over the
Course of History

A. Ancient Times
In the ancient times, people were concerned with the transportation and
navigation, communication and record keeping, mass production, security and
protection as well as health, aesthetics and architecture.

1. The Sumerian Civilization

Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia.
Sumerians are known for their high degree of cooperation with one another and
their desire for great things. Their desire pushed them to develop many things
connected with science and technology.
Table 1. The Sumerian Civilization Achievements
Achievement Description
Cuneiform First writing system composed of word pictures and
triangular symbols which are carved on clay using
wedge instruments.

Uruk City First true city In the world made from mud or clay
mixed with reeds producing sun-baked bricks to
make infrastructures.

The Great Ziggurat of Ur It is called the Mountain of God that served as the
sacred place of their chief God.

Irrigation and Dikes They created dikes and irrigation canals to bring
water to farmlands (long term farming) at the same
time control flooding of the rivers

Sailboats This is the major mode of transportation through

waterways to carry large volume of products
(trading) as well as fostering culture, information and
technology.

Wheel The first wheels were not made for transportation

but for farm work and food processes.

Plow The plow was invented to dig the earth in a faster

pace.

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Roads This is to facilitate faster and easier travel. The
materials used in making the roads were sun-baked
bricks and bitumen to smoothen the roads.

2. Babylonian Civilization
The Babylonians were great builders, engineers and architects. One of their
major contribution is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the seven wonders
of the ancient world. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was said to be a structure
made up of several layers of garden that contained several species of plants, trees,
and vines. The structure was built by the great Babylonia King Nebuchadnezzar
II for his wife, Queen Amytis.

3. Egyptian Civilization
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization
located in North Africa. The pyramids are not the only contribution of the Egyptian
civilization to the modern world.
Table 2. Egyptian Civilization Achievements
Achievement Description
Paper or Papyrus Papyrus was a plant that grew in the Nile River. They
processed the plant to produce thin sheets on which one
could write down things. This is a major accomplishment in
Egyptian record keeping and communications.

Ink Egyptian invented ink by combining soot with different

chemicals to produce inks of different colors. This is used in
writing with the papyrus.

Hieroglyphics This is the system of writing using symbols and believed to

be provided by the Gods.

Cosmetics The function of cosmetics In ancient Egypt was both for

health and aesthetics. Kohl was used to line the eyes to
prevent and cure eye diseases. Kohl was produced by
mixing soot or malachite with mineral galena. They also
believed that beauty is a sign of holiness.

Wig Wigs are worn for health and wellness rather than aesthetic
purposes. The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads
of the wealthy Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun.

Water Clock or Clepsydra This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from
one vessel to the other. The amount of water remaining on
the device determines how much time has elapsed since it is
full. In the process, time is measured.

4. Greek Civilization
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. Known as the
birthplace of western philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks
include in-depth works on philosophy and mathematics.
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One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient
Greeks is the alarm clock. The purpose is to tell the individual when to stop or
when to start. The ancient alarm clock used water (or sometimes small stones or
sand) that dropped into drums which sounded the alarm.
Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions
of the Greek civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural
processes like milling of grains which was necessary form of food processing
during that time.

5. Roman Civilization
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social
entity in the west. It was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance
during that period.
Table 3. Roman Civilization Achievement
Achievement Description
Newspaper The first newspaper known as gazettes, contained
announcements of the Roman empire to the people.
Before the invention of paper, the gazettes were
engraved in metal or stone tablets then publicly
displayed.

Bound Books or Codex With the invention of paper, record keeping was
much easier. According to sources, Julius Caesar
started the tradition of stacking up papyrus to form
pages of a book then later on covered with wax or
animal skin to protect the pages. The bound
papyrus covered by animal skin is known as codex.

Roman Architecture This is one of the most visual contributions of the

ancient Roman empire to the world. Roman
architecture was still regarded pioneering since they
were able to adapt new building and engineering
technology on architectural designs established in
the past. They built sturdier and stronger
infrastructures funded by the government such as
cathedrals, aqueducts, coliseums, amphitheaters
and residential houses.

Roman Numerals The Romans devised their own number system to

address the need for a standard counting method
that would meet their increasing communication and
trade concerns.

6. Chinese Civilization
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia. Also
known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It was
famous among other ancient civilizations because of its silk trade.
Table 4. Chinese Civilization Achievement

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Achievement Description
Silk Silk is naturally produced by silkworms. The
Chinese were the ones who developed the
technology to harvest silk and process to produce
paper and clothing.

Tea Production Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot water

over crushed or shredded dried tea leaves. It is
believed that the first tea was drunk by the Chinese
Emperor

Great Wall of China This is the largest and most expensive infrastructure
that the nation built. It was constructed to keep out
foreign invaders and control the borders of China.

Gunpowder It was developed by the Chinese alchemist who

aimed to achieve immortality. They mixed charcoal,
sulphur and potassium nitrate, but instead of
creating an elixir of life, they accidentally invented a
black powder that could generate large amounts of
heat and gas. It is widely used to propel bullets from
guns and canons which caused countless deaths.

B. Medieval /Middle Ages

The start of the middle ages was marred with massive invasions and
migrations. Wars were prevalent during this time, thus, great technology was
needed in the fields of weaponry, navigation, mass food and farm production and
health. Trade and commerce among nations increased, which resulted in greater
demands for transportation technology.
Table 5. Medieval Ages Achievements in the Course of Science and
Technology
Achievement/Invention Description
Printing Press Johann Gutenberg was the inventor of the first
printing press using a cast type way of printing. The
printing press was invented to address the need for
publishing books that would spread information to
many people at a faster rate.

Microscope Zaccharias Jansen was able to develop the first

compound microscope. With this device, people
were able to observe organisms that were normally
unseen by the naked eye. The microscope was the
key in discovering new means in prevention and
cure of various illnesses.

Telescope The invention of the telescope, an optical instrument

that helps in the observation of remote objects was
a great help for navigators during this time.

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War Weapons For open area battles, people developed crossbows
and long bows so that they could attack the enemies
at long ranges keeping them safe with the protection
of walls and fortresses. In close range hand-to-hand
combat, soldiers wore iron body armours and
chainmail.

C. Modern Times
The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards
demanded that more goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient
means of transportation to trade more goods and cover a larger distance. Faster
and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to establish
connections between and among nations.
Table 6. Modern Times achievements in the Course of Science and
Technology
Achievement/Invention Description

Pasteurization Louis Pasteur invented pasteurization, the process

of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria
that allow them to spoil faster.

Petroleum Refinery Samuel M. Kier invented kerosene by refining

petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred go as
the “illuminating oil” because it was used to provide
lighting to homes.

Telephone Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone for

easy connection and communication in trade and
exploration

Calculator A computing device that is easy to carry and can

compute more complicated equations.

D. Philippine Inventions
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also
contributes to the global advancement of science and technology. Many
discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were built from indigenous
materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.
Table 7. Philippine Inventions in Science and Technology.
Achievement Description
Salamander Amphibious Victor Lllave and his team at H2O Technologies
Tricycle invented the Salamander, an amphibious tricycle
that can cross not only flooded sheets but also rivers
and lakes.

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SALt Lamp Sustainable Alternative Lighting lamp, an
environment-friendly light source that runs on
saltwater invented by Aisa Mijeno.

Medical Incubator Dr. Fe del Mundo invented an incubator that was

made from indigenous materials such as a native
laundry basket and hot water bottles. The main
purpose of the incubator is to maintain conditions
suitable for newborn or pre term babies.

Mosquito Ovicidal/ OL Trap was introduced by DOST-ITDI, a trap

Larvicidal Trap System system that is lethal to mosquitoes but safe for
humans and the environment.

E-Jeepney This modern type of transportation utilizes electricity

which is environment friendly because it does not
emit any smoke and noise.

Science Education in the Philippines

Science is important to everyone. School science education should support
the development if scientific literacy in all students as well as motivate them to
pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. Science is useful because
of its links to technology and industry, which from a national perspective are areas
of high priority for development. It develops students’ scientific inquiry schools,
values and attitudes such as objectivity, curiosity, honesty and habits of mind
including critical thinking.
The new science program decongests the competencies and arranges
them, in spiral progression. In the K-12 program, the different disciplines in science
which are life science, chemistry, physics and earth science are incorporated in
every level. In terms of the instruction, the science program shifts from traditional
methods of teaching to a more innovative exploration that emphasizes the
enhancement of the students’ critical thinking and scientific skills. The new
curriculum utilizes learner-centered approach such as the inquiry based learning
pedagogy.

Explore
You may watch the following video links for further discussion of this lesson.
1. From Stone Age to Tech age : The Big Ideas that Shaped History
https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=u43zr 7YOts
2. OL Trap Instructional Video
https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBBWXJ3-WFs
3. Filipinos Invented a Lamp that Runs in Salt and Water
https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuXeCIQYIso

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Assessment
Module 1 Lesson 1
For online. You answer on this sheet and pass through FB messenger. You can
send as soon as you finished the assessment. Send all assessments before the
midterm examination.
For printed module. You answer on this sheet and pass together with all other
assessments before the midterm examination. Place this in a long plastic envelop
and submit to your professor at ISAT U Dumangas Campus.

Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________

Course Year & Section: _______________________________________ Score: _________

I. Matching Type. Match Column A with Column B

Identify the period from which the different inventions were made. Write
the letter of the correct answer on the space before the number.

Column A Column B

___ 1. Newspaper

___ 2. Microscope
A. Ancient Times
___ 3. Calculator

___ 4. Telephone
B. Middle Ages
___ 5. Wheel

___ 6. Telescope
C. Modern Ages
___ 7. Ink

___ 8. Alarm Clock

___ 9. Pasteurization

___ 10. Printing Press

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Lesson 2: Scientific and Intellectual Revolutions that Defined
Society

Lesson Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you must have:

1. discussed how the ideas postulated by the scientists contributed to the

spark of scientific revolution.

Introduction

The idea of scientific and intellectual revolution is claimed to have started

in the early 16th century up to the 18th century in Europe. Scientific revolution was
the period of enlightenment when the development in the fields of mathematics,
physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed the views of society about
nature. It explained the emergence or birth of modern science as a result of these
developments. The ideas generated during this period enabled the people to
reflect, rethink and re-examine their beliefs and their way of life.
There are instances when advancements in science and technology
changed people’s perceptions and beliefs. Much of these events happened in a
period known now as the Intellectual Revolution.
Scientific and intellectual revolution is very significant in the development of
human beings, transformation of the society, and in the formulation of scientific
ideas. It significantly improved the conduct of scientific investigations, experiments
and observations. It also lead to the creation of new research fields in science and
prompted the establishment of a strong foundation for modern science.

1. Copernican Revolution

Many Greek philosophers and intellectuals wrote about planets in an attempt

to explain the movements of heavenly bodies and their effects on the world as they
knew it. Many of these philosophers agreed that planets moved around in circular
motion, and that these movements created days and nights, among others. A
famous philosopher and astronomer, Claudius Ptolemy, stated that the planets, as
well as the sun and the moon, moved in circular motion around the Earth. The sun
and the moon’s revolution explained the existence of days and nights. He believed
that the Earth was at the center - a concept known as geocentrism. Ptolemy’s

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geocentric model was widely accepted by the people and was one of the greatest
discoveries of that time.
In the 16th century, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish mathematician and
astronomer, challenged the geocentric model of Ptolemy. He introduced the
concept of heliocentrism, which suggested that the center of the Solar System
was not Earth but actually the Sun. His idea was rejected at first by the public. It
appalled many since their religious belief had taught them that the Earth was
created before all other things. After some time, astronomers realized that the
Copernican model simplified the orbits of the planets. It also answered issues that
could not be explained by the geocentric model. It was eventually accepted by the
people in a period which was called the birth of modern astronomy. This era
began what was known as the scientific revolution which resulted in the
transformation of society’s thoughts and beliefs.

2. Darwinian Revolution

The Darwinian revolution was considered to be one of the controversial

intellectual revolution of its time. In 1859, Charles Darwin, an English naturalist,
biologist, and geologist published his book, On the Origin of Species. In this book,
Darwin introduced the theory of evolution which posited that populations pass
through a process of natural selection in which only the fittest would survive. He
stated that organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and would
gradually change into something that would be more competitive to survive, a
process known as evolution. However, this theory became very controversial as
people perceived it to be contradictory to the church’s teachings that the source of
life is a powerful creator. The theory emerged at a time when most of the population
believed and accepted the biblical version of the Earth’s creation. Because of this
conflict, the people were divided – some believed that the theory explained the
origin of life but the religious and the faithful strongly refuted it. It even sparked a
massive debate between science and religion. It was only some time that people
came to understand that Darwin’s theory of evolution was not in fact against the
teachings of the church and both can coexist.

3. Freudian Revolution

In the past, the field of psychology was always classified under philosophy.
Psychology was considered as an art rather than science. In the late 19th century,
Sigmund Freud was able to change people’s perception of psychology with is
revolutionary theory of psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human behaviour. In his theory,
Freud explained that there are many conscious and unconscious factors that can
influence behaviour and emotions. He also argued that personality is a product of
three conflicting elements: id, ego and superego. Many believed that Freud’s
theory had no scientific basis as no empirical or experimental data could support
it.
Despite criticisms, Freud still continued to work on refining his theory and in
fact tried to explain how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in treating some
mental disorders. Soon enough, people were able to understand the concepts of
psychoanalysis, which eventually resulted in classifying psychology as a science.

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EXPLORE

You may watch the following video link.

1. Charles Darwin and Evolution
https:www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOB6os-6uuc

Assessment
Module 1 Lesson 2
For online. You answer on this sheet and pass through FB messenger. You can
send as soon as you finished the assessment. Send all assessments before the
midterm examination.
For printed module. You answer on this sheet and pass together with all other
assessments before the midterm examination. Place this in a long plastic envelop
and submit to your professor ISAT U Dumangas Campus.

Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________

Course Year & Section: _______________________________________ Score: _________

I. What is the contribution of the following scientists that spark the scientific
revolution? Answer in at least 3 sentences.

1. Nicolaus Copernicus –

2. Charles Darwin –

3. Sigmund Freud -

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Lesson 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

Lesson Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you must have:

1. identified the importance of science and technology;

2. discussed the role of science and technology in nation building; and
3. creatively present the importance and contributions of science and
technology to society.

Introduction
The advent of science and technology brought progress not only in our country
but in the entire world. Its development determines to a large extent the socio
economic progress of the country. It is a well-known fact that it is directly
associated with modernity and is an essential tool for rapid development and
progress of a country.

Science and Technology Defined

Science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the
systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world
through observation and experiment, while technology is the application of
scientific knowledge for practical purposes (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary,
11th ed). It is the use of resources made available by nature to procreate and make
changes.
Technology is the product of science, and science is the cause of
technology.

Importance of Science and Technology to National Development

Development at any phase is always linked with technology and technology
happens when there is advancement in science. Modernization in every aspect of
life is the greatest example of the implementation of science and technology in
every nation. With 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.
A nation’s development and prosperity is judged to a large extent by the status
of science and technology of that nation. Science and technology are key drivers
to development, because technological and scientific revolutions underpin
economic advances, improvement in health systems, education and infrastructure.

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Today countries are classified as developed and developing countries. The
major categorization is based on the economy and the application of science and
technology. Countries which have a strong base in science and technology are
the ones that developed faster. A few examples are countries like Japan, Russia,
Brazil, China, 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, South Korea and Taiwan.
The role that science and technology has played in improving the life of the
people across the globe is vivid and has made life a lot easier and a lot better with
the advancement in medicine, remarkable development in education,
communication, agriculture, business and industry.
Science and technology holds the key to the progress and development of any
nation. Technology plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improvement in
the quality of life and real economic growth and transformation in any society. A
nation who is not be able to prosper in these aspects would never be able to
sustain its life and may have to depend on other nations.
Importance of Science and Technology
Today, we cannot expect our life without science and technology revolving
around it every single second. Science and technology are extremely essential in
our everyday life as they have made things more simple, fast and secured.
1. It helps us save time and money. Various contributions of science and
technology have helped us save time and money. While science has given us the
knowledge why baked or steamed-cooked food is better than the fried or oily food,
technology has gifted us with microwave and steam-cookers that help us bake and
steam cook our food. Various objects like computers, modes of transport, washing
machines help us save time and energy.
2. Education. Science and technology have made significant contribution in the
education field as well. Technology has made education itself easier. It has
provided us options like smart classes, multimedia devices-libraries, e-books etc.
3. Internet. Information technology including internet, is an excellent gift of
technology. With the help, we do not get only immense knowledge on science and
other subjects, but we also get to stay connected with our friends and family.
4. Provides us devices for comfortable sleeping, quick cooking and fast
commute. With the help of objects like AC microwave and vehicles, science and
technology have made our sleeping, cooking and commuting process easier and
faster.
5. It helps us live a better life. While science has made significant contributions
in health by providing treatment for various chronic diseases, ways and devices
like X-ray, scan machines, operation devices, pacemaker, and many more. We are
also blessed with numerous exercising equipment, various health apps, online
doctor and other things that help us maintain good health and life.

Impact of Technology on Society

Technology by itself is not harmful to society, but the way society uses the
technology to achieve specific goals is what results into negative impacts of
technology on the society. Humans need to use energy to process products in
factories, to run cars, to light homes and also run technological machines like
computers, but the only way we can do this without affecting the environment and

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society is by shifting form exhaustible energy sources to renewable and
inexhaustible energy sources like solar/wind/energy.

Technology has improved transportation. Transportation provides mobility for

people and goods. Technology has made possible all types of transportation and
theses includes: 1. Road transport used by automobiles; 2. Air transport which is
used by airplanes; 3. Water transportation which is used by ships and speedboats;
4. Space transportation used to go to the moon. Technologies like automobiles,
buses and trucks have improved the way humans move and how they transport
their goods from one place to another.
Technology has improved communication. Both society and organizations
depend on communication to transfer information. Electronic media like radios,
televisions, internet, and social media have improved the way we exchange ideas
which can develop our societies. In many countries, radios and televisions are
used to voice the concerns of society. They organize live forums where the
community can contribute through mobile phones or text service systems like
tweeter. Communication technologies like televisions, radio and internet are used
to persuade, entertain and inform the people about the various programs of the
government. Small business has also used the internet and mobile communication
technology to grow and improve their business.
The World Wide Web has proved to be an enormous information base from which
information can be retrieved by means of search engines. Information from all
around the world is housed on the web. With the development of web technology,
the information can be organized in an organized manner and relevant information
can be retrieved on supplying search strings to web search engines. Digitization
of information has been a major breakthrough in the world of information
technology.
Technology has improved education and the learning process. Education is
the backbone of every economy. People need well and organized educational
infrastructures so that they can learn how to interpret information. Many schools
have integrated educational technologies in their schools with the aim of improving
the way students learn. Technologies like smart whiteboards, computers, mobile
phones, iPads, projectors and internet are being used in classrooms to boost
student’s morale to learn.
In the past, when there was no technological advancement, education was
usually difficult to access and comprehend. Today, people can get educated even
at their doorsteps without going to a building called university or college to collect
their certificates. Distant learning and on-line study have made this possible.

The Role of Science and Technology in Nation-Building

It is a well-established fact that science and technology impacts all aspects

of our lives as well as the planet we live on. The changes induced by science and
technology have for the most part benefitted mankind although there is many a
case where science and technology-based innovations have been used for the
detriment of mankind pursued for either wealth and power or both. It is the
responsibility of all concerned to ensure that science and technology is used widely
to benefit mankind.
Science and technology has been one of the main driving forces of the
economic growth of the nations. Most developed countries have generated new
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technologies with potential to result in dynamic economic performance. This,
however, has not been the case with most of the developing countries and their
developmental plans have not given emphasis and importance to science and
technology and in particular to research in the science and technology aspects.
Countries like India, South Korea and Taiwan in the region have achieved much
through science and technology and stand out as having demonstrated the
absolute importance of science and technology for economic growth. These
countries are example for the developing countries.
It is then of paramount importance to generate and develop new knowledge
in science and technology to application nationally through our own research
capability. It is also necessary to concentrate on the rapid transfer and exchange
of proven technologies from other nations to reap the benefits of the global trends
to stimulate our economic growth.
Researchers, as creators of new knowledge, must focus their work on
nationally and globally important and competitive areas of research which are
multidisciplinary in nature. This means that the results of research must be goal
and result-oriented, tangible and significant.

The Role of Science and Technology in the Developing World in the 21st
Century
Developments in science and technology are fundamentally altering the way
people live, connect, communicate and transact, with profound effects on
economic development. According to Lee Roy Chetty (2012), science and
technology are key drivers to development, because scientific and technological
revolutions underpin economic advances, improvements in health systems,
education and infrastructure. The technological revolutions of the 21st century are
emerging from entirely new sectors, based on micro-processors,
telecommunications, bio-technology and nano-technology. Products are
transforming business practices across the economy, as well as the lives of all who
have access to their effects
Through breakthroughs in health services and education, these technologies
have the power to improve the lives of poor people in developing countries.
Eradicating malaria and other diseases which are endemic in developing countries
are now possible, allowing people with debilitating conditions to live healthy and
productive lives.
The extent to which developing economies emerge as economic
powerhouses depends on their ability to grasp and apply insights from science and
technology and use them creatively. Innovation is the primary driver of
technological growth and drives higher living standards.
To promote technological advances, developing countries should invest in
quality education for youth, continuous skills training for workers and managers
and should ensure that knowledge is shared as widely as possible across society.
The state of science and technology determines the socio-economic progress
of the country. It is a well-known fact that national progress is highly correlated to
the capacity of the country to produce local industrial goods for domestic needs
and that industrialization us very much dependent on the application of science
and technology.

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Assessment
Module 1 Lesson 3
For online. You answer on this sheet and pass through FB messenger. You can
send as soon as you finished the assessment. Send all assessments before the
midterm examination.
For printed module. You answer on this sheet and pass together with all other
assessments before the midterm examination. Place this in a long plastic envelop
and submit to your professor at ISAT U Dumangas Campus.

Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________

Course Year & Section: _______________________________________ Score: _________

I. Identify 5 Male and 5 Female Filipino scientists/inventors. What are their

contribution in the field of science and technology?.

A. Male

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

B. Female

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Activity No. 1
For online. Do your activity on this sheet and pass through FB messenger. You
can send as soon as you finished the activity or before the midterm examination.
For printed module. Do your activity on this sheet and pass together with all other
assessments before the midterm examination. Place this in a long plastic envelop
and submit to your professor at ISAT U Dumangas Campus Guard House.

Name: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________

Course Year & Section: _______________________________________ Score: _________

Direction. I. Draw what you think society or the world would be in 2030 with the
advent of science and technology.

II. In one paragraph, present/explain your drawing. (At least 5 sentences.)

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