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Indigenous Science in Philippine Culture

This module discusses indigenous science and technology in the Philippines. It defines indigenous science as the traditional knowledge developed by early societies to explain natural phenomena and develop tools to support everyday life. This knowledge was guided by cultural values and used science process skills. Some examples of indigenous science discussed are ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, and indigenous farming methods. The module aims to explain the role of indigenous science in developing the fields of science and technology in the Philippines. Students will discuss how indigenous knowledge relates to indigenous science and how indigenous science contributed to developing modern science and technology in the country. They will also examine how culture influences the development of science and technology.

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54 views5 pages

Indigenous Science in Philippine Culture

This module discusses indigenous science and technology in the Philippines. It defines indigenous science as the traditional knowledge developed by early societies to explain natural phenomena and develop tools to support everyday life. This knowledge was guided by cultural values and used science process skills. Some examples of indigenous science discussed are ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, and indigenous farming methods. The module aims to explain the role of indigenous science in developing the fields of science and technology in the Philippines. Students will discuss how indigenous knowledge relates to indigenous science and how indigenous science contributed to developing modern science and technology in the country. They will also examine how culture influences the development of science and technology.

Uploaded by

Linus Earl Data
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

University of Southern Philippines Foundation

Cebu City

College of Teachers Education, Arts and Sciences


GED 123 - Science, Technology and Society

INSTRUCTOR: Cecilia B. Booc

MODULE NO. 4: Indigenous Science and Technology in The Philippines


INTRODUCTION:
This module focuses on indigenous science and technology in the Philippines. Filipino,
especially during the early times, tried to invest tools that will help them in everyday life. They
also developed alternative ideas in explaining various phenomena and in explaining the world
around them. This system of knowledge is called indigenous knowledge, which is the
foundation of indigenous science.

LEARNING OUTCOME:

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

1. discuss the concept of indigenous science; and


2. discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of science and
technology in the Philippines.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

Learning Notes/Discussion:
Indigenous Science

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

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


philosophy and various practical technologies practiced by indigenous peoples both past and present.
Iaccarino (2003) elaborated this idea by explaining that science is a part of culture, and how science is
done largely depends on the cultural practices of the people.

Indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values that are relevant or consistent to scientific
attitudes as identified by Johnston (2000), namely: (1) motivating attitudes; (2) cooperating attitudes;
(3) practical attitudes; and (4) reflective attitudes; these cultural beliefs therefore can be good
foundation for developing positive values toward learning and doing science and in bringing science in a
person level.

Pawilen (2005) explained that indigenous science knowledge has developed diverse
structures and contents through the interplay between the society and the environment. According to
Kuhn (1962), developmental stages of most sciences are characterized by continual competition
between a number of distinct views of nature, each partially derived from, and all roughly compatible
with the dictates to scientific observation and method. Sibisi (2004) also pointed out that indigenous
science provides the basics of astronomy, pharmacology, food technology, or metallurgy which were
derived from traditional knowledge and practices.

Pawilen (2006) developed a simple framework for understanding indigenous science.


Accordingly, indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge that uses science process skills
and guided by community values and culture.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

Uses guided by composed of


Science process Skills Community Culture Traditional knowledge
and Values
Figure 6. The Concept of indigenous science

1. Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying,
measuring, problem solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting.
2. Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as the following:
 The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift from the creator.
 The earth is revered as “Mother Earth” It is the origin of their identity as people.
 All living and nonliving things are interconnected and interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other natural resources. They have a
responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings – it needs respect and proper care.
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and valued by people and
communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
astronomy

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


Philippines. Like the ancient civilizations, indigenous science gave birth to the development of science
and technology as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous science helped the people in the understanding
the natural environment and in coping with everyday life. UNESCO’s Declaration on science and the use
of scientific knowledge (1999) recognized indigenous science as a historical and valuable contribution to
science and technology
Assessment/Activities:

Assignment: Individual

1. What is the role of indigenous knowledge in the development of indigenous science?


2. What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science and technology in the
Philippines?
3. How do society and culture influence the development of science and technology?

By Group:

1. Identify Filipino indigenous knowledge.


2. Research on the connection of indigenous knowledge to science and technology.

Present the result of Fyour work to the class. (show documentation in doing the activity through Google
meet or any platform).

Common questions

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The primary cultural values guiding indigenous science include viewing the land as a source of life and a precious gift, revering the earth as Mother Earth, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things, seeing humans as stewards of nature, and respecting nature as a companion to humans. These values influence scientific attitudes by promoting motivation, cooperation, practical application, and reflection .

Traditional knowledge systems demonstrate the interplay between society and the environment by embodying practices and beliefs that have evolved through interactions with the natural world. These systems, which include ethno-biology, ethno-medicine, and indigenous farming methods, reflect the community's adaptation to its surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and stewardship .

The interconnectedness of living and nonliving things in indigenous science fosters a perception of the environment as an integrated and holistic system. This belief nurtures practices that are harmonious with ecological cycles, encouraging balanced interactions that seek to maintain equilibrium and sustainability, such as adaptive farming techniques and resource preservation .

UNESCO's recognition of indigenous science as a valuable historical contribution to science and technology is significant because it legitimizes and acknowledges the rich, longstanding knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. This recognition not only values diverse ways of knowing but also promotes the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in improving sustainable and innovative practices in modern science and technology .

The concept of stewardship influences indigenous scientific practices by instilling a sense of responsibility towards preserving and respecting natural resources. This stewardship is pivotal for sustainable practices in farming, resource management, and ecological conservation, underlining the importance of considering long-term environmental health in technological development .

Indigenous science employs science process skills such as observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, problem-solving, inferring, communicating, and predicting. These skills enable individuals to systematically explore and understand their environment, adapt to changes, and solve practical problems, fostering a deep sense of harmony with nature .

Indigenous farming methods reflect the values of connectivity, stewardship, and respect for nature. Process skills such as observing weather patterns, classifying soil types, and predicting seasonal changes are used to cultivate crops sustainably. These practices are deeply interwoven with cultural values that emphasize balance and sustainability with the natural environment .

Indigenous science serves as a foundation for modern science and technology in the Philippines by providing historical and practical knowledge systems. It offers foundational insights into fields like pharmacology, food technology, and metallurgy, all derived from traditional practices. This deep knowledge helps in understanding and adapting to the natural environment and meeting daily life challenges .

Viewing nature as a friend in indigenous scientific practices implies a respectful relationship where nature is not conquered but cooperated with. This perspective aids in devising strategies that are adaptive rather than exploitative when dealing with environmental changes, promoting conservation and resilience in the face of ecological challenges .

In indigenous science, metaphysics and philosophy play crucial roles as they encompass the holistic understanding of the universe and life experienced by the community. These elements define the community’s worldview, guiding practical technologies and cultural practices, thus integrating spiritual and empirical aspects of life .

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