Name: Samantha Nicole C.
Quintana BTLED ET41
GE107: Science, Technology and Society
ASSESSMENT TASK
A. Discussion Questions
1. Describe briefly how Science and Technology evolved during each period in
history.
• On the Ancient World, the earliest known technology that was used by
humans are the stone tools which they use as scrapers and hammers. The
early hunters, gatherers and foragers developed skills and technique to use
tools and make weapons to use fire and to identify edible plants and animals.
As they migrate to other continents, the knowledge and practices spread as
they migrated across continents. As time goes by, the population grew and
naturally available food sources declined. This is the time where humans
learned to domesticate plants and animals which paved the way for the
Agricultural Revolution which started somewhere in the Middle East. New
plants and animals were being grown for consumption and it led to the
development of towns. It was by the end of the Agricultural revolution where
many products from copper which is the 1st known metal used by men,
bronze and iron were developed. Aside from that, there were also the
development of ceramics for food storage, wheels for transportation as well
as the writing systems. After the Agricultural Revolution, scientific knowledge
and technological advancements led to the rise of civilization which includes
the major civilizations such as the Mesopotamia, Ancient China, Indus Valley,
Egyptians, and Mayan. These civilizations paved the way for more
advancements in technology which is evident on the infrastructures built
such as irrigations, roads and bridges.
Moving forward to a new period of time, the Classical Antiquity which
was dominated by the Greek and Roman civilization. In this period, the
current concept of science began. Major Philosophers such as Socrates,
Plato and Aristotle developed different ideas which laid the foundation of the
modern-day Science. Socrates introduced Elenchus which is a method of
inquiry wherein, a problem must be broken down into a series of questions
that need to be answered. Plato, the student of Socrates believed that all
substances are made up of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. He also insisted on
having concrete and clear hypothesis in understanding nature. Meanwhile,
Aristotle was a student of Plato. He developed the deductive method of
scientific inquiry. During this period, a city in Egypt called Alexandria became
the center of scientific knowledge. One of the most important scientific texts
was found in Africa by Edwin Smith Papyrus which contains medical text
about ancient surgery methods. In China, the advancement of science and
technology paved the way for the four great inventions which are the
compass, ships, ceramics, and metal products. This is also the period of time
where they created the Great Wall of China as a military defense. After the
Classical Antiquity, we move on to the Middle Ages or the dark ages in
Europe. At this point in time, there was a decline in the development of
Science and Technology because of the effect of wars, famine, diseases,
piracy, and poverty. This paved the way for Christianity in Europe. The
Roman Empire at the time seemed less interested with theoretical science
because they believe more on the Christian faith. Despite the decline of
science and technology, the field of medicine remained and grew due to the
important need because of the Bubonic Plague or the Black Death. With that,
the center of S&T shifted to China and nearby areas. The Islamic Civilization
was also well-developed in terms of science and technology during this
period. They developed astronomical tables, new chemicals, such as borax
and new techniques in the medicine field. This led to the development of new
instruments and humane treatments. However, because of their religious
belief, they do not allow autopsy. At this point in the Middle Ages, Science
was revived in Europe by Emperor Charlemagne. He ordered the
establishment of schools wherein people should be educated about Science
and Technology. The development of water and wind energy as well as the
development of moving objects and clock was made during the Middle Ages.
After the Middle Ages, we move on to the Modern Age. This is the Age
of Discovery and Exploration. This is also the time when Europe was revived
and entered the Renaissance era or the Rebirth. In the latter part of the
Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution emerged. The England’s Royal
Society paved the way for a more organized scientific community. More
inventors and scientists emerged such as Isaac Newton and Benjamin
Franklin who were considered as notable members of the society. We also
have Nicolaus Copernicus who developed the heliocentric theory which
states that the sun is the center of the universe. It was heavily opposed by
the Catholic Church who believes in the geocentric view which states that
the earth is the center of the universe. This started the Copernican
Revolution. Inventions such as the telescope and microscope paved the way
for understanding and advancement in their respective field. Galileo Galilei
introduced experimentation using scientific method. He developed
mathematical explanations and invented many equipment and devices. From
the 17th to 18th century, science and technology further developed. There was
also a shift from the Renaissance period which we call the enlightenment
period. Other scientist also developed their theories and views. Carolus
Linnaeus works on the biological classifications. Isaac Newton established
the foundation of the modern-day physics. James Watt invented Steam
Engines that paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. With that, it also
marked the beginning of the rapid deconstruction of the environment for
industrial use. The theory of evolution which is considered as a milestone in
the field of biology was also developed by Alfred Wallace and Charles
Darwin, Wallace was the initial perpetrator of this theory but was heavily
opposed by the Church and the general public. Charles Darwin read the
theories of Alfred Wallace and made is a basis for his own theory. He is
famous for the book On the Origin of Species.
From the 19th Century, science advanced at a much rapid rate than in
any other period. It emerged as a communal effort because collaborations
among scientists occurred and there were more and more inventions and
discoveries. Advancements in Science and Technology heavily impacted the
society from lifestyle, hobbies and habits. The demand for more technology
grew and more people migrated to other advanced countries. This period of
time was the time where the invention of atomic bombs, dynamites and other
explosives and weapons were made. In Germany, there are laboratories that
are dedicated solely for development of weapons in preparation for the World
War. Furthermore, plastics were also invented in the 1940’s and 1950’s. It
was patronized by the people for its cheap cost compared to ceramics. Aside
from that, DNA was discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick with the
aid from studies of another scientist Rosalind Franklin. It advanced the field
of genetics and molecular biology leading to the development of gene
therapy, genetic engineering and others. In the 1940’s pesticides were also
developed specifically the DDT. Inventions of fertilizers, hybrid seeds and
farm equipment lead to the New Agricultural Revolution which increased food
production. Pesticides have negative effects on our environment, biodiversity
and health with that, it paved the way for the emergence of Environmentalism
Movement. Finally, Digital revolution or the information age emerged
because of the development of computers, internet, software and other
digital technologies. It paved the way for e-commerce, cyber warfare,
distance learning and crowdsourcing.
2. Create your own impression on the current education in the Philippines.
• The current education in the Philippines is more accessible to everyone
regardless of social and economic status compared to the system before.
This is because we now have public universities that offers free higher
education. It opens so many doors of opportunities for the youth to
become future professionals and contribute to building the society. It also
prevents and lessen the out of school youth. In terms of education in the
field of Science and Technology, I believe that the Department of
Education should really focus on strengthening the foundation of the
students in S&T. Providing proper and functional facilities, devices and
equipment relating to Science and Technology will really help the students
to gain more knowledge and interest in this field. With that, we will be able
to produce future generation of professionals that are literate and inclined
to scientific and technological advancements which is crucial in order to
be able to adapt to the rapid changes in the world that is dependent on
technology.
3. Technological advancements will surely affect the environment. What do you
think is the effect of the Information Age on the environment, now and in the
future?
• Technological advancement especially on the Information age really
help in making our lives more convenient. However, through our course
in the convenient and instant lifestyle, it also affects the environment
negatively. One of the most noticeable effects of the information age to
the environment is the greenhouse emissions. We all know that for these
computers or devices to work, it needs electricity. Based on data, the
information technology sector is one of the largest consumers of global
energy and contributors to greenhouse emissions. These emissions
pollute the air we breathe and also cause the climate to warm or what
we call global warming which will result to climate change. Therefore, in
the future, we will be experiencing extremely harsh weather and
disasters brought by the effect of global warming.
B. Reflection: Prepare a personal written report on your own reaction/impression of
our life today with the advancement in Science and Technology. (min. of 250
words)
REFLECTION
The advancement in Science and Technology has been very beneficial in
our life today. In this modern age, Science and Technology is seen and is used
almost in every thing that we encounter. From the moment we wake up to the
moment we go back to sleep, Science and Technology is integrated in our daily
lives. Science is everywhere- it is found in our house, offices, transportation, and
even in our own little pockets where we put our cellphones.
The advancement in S&T really makes our lives easier. We get to cook our
food with just one click of the rice cooker or air fryers, preserve food in our
refrigerators, experience comfort in an extremely humid day with our air
conditioners and see clearly during the night with our bulb lights. Aside from that,
we also benefit from these advancements in terms of transportation. We no longer
have to walk or bike from one place to another because motorcycles and cars are
now very accessible. It is definitely remarkable how these advancements are
made adherent to the needs of the society and the people. It was designed to
really improve our way of living relative to the rapidly changing world. It allows us
to adapt easily into certain situations just like how we were able to quickly transition
to online and distance learning back when the COVID 19 pandemic hit. Those
were one of the moments that we realize the reliability and importance of
technology in our life and how it is important to be knowledgeable with technology
in this day and age. Illiteracy in using technology could really make a person be
left behind especially now that we are highly dependent on our devices for work,
communication, and leisure.
We cannot deny that the advancement in science and technology provides
convenience and comfort for us. However, we must also acknowledge the
negative impact it leaves on the environment and in the society in general. We
should be mindful of the carbon footprints and gas emissions that we contribute to
the atmosphere, the damages we unconsciously and consciously do to our
environment just for the sake of building the different industries, and the amount
of garbage we produce because of the single-use and instant materials we
consume. All these would eventually lead to so many undesirable things to happen
that will affect our health, and the biodiversity both in land, water and air.
It is time for us to be more mindful of our actions and make conscious and
effective efforts to use these technological advancements for the better and
greener way. Let us be responsible individuals who take accountability and care
for the preservation of our environment and society while utilizing advanced
technology. Afterall, we are doing science for the people.