Science, Technology, and Society Insights
Science, Technology, and Society Insights
Key Terms:
- Science: Systematic knowledge acquisition through observation and experimentation.
- Technology: Application of scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- STS: Interdisciplinary field studying the relationship between science, technology, and society.
- Enframing: Heidegger's concept of humans' perception of nature through a framework of calculation and control.
- Calculative Thinking: Humans' tendency to order and understand nature through logic and measurement.
- Meditative Thinking: Humans' receptiveness to the unfolding of nature without manipulation.
Ancient Period:
- Wheel: Invented by Sumerians for pottery and transportation.
- Paper: Egyptians used papyrus for writing.
- Shadoof: Egyptians used this hand-operated device for irrigation.
- Antikythera Mechanism: Ancient analog computer used for astronomical calculations.
- Aeolipile: Precursor to the steam engine, a steam-powered turbine.
Middle Ages:
- Heavy Plough: Revolutionized European agriculture.
- Gunpowder: Chinese alchemists accidentally discovered it.
- Paper Money: Invented in China.
- Mechanical Clock: Significant advancement in timekeeping.
- Spinning Wheel: Increased textile production efficiency.
Modern Ages:
- Compound Microscope: Invented by Zacharias Janssen.
- Telescope: Invented by Galileo Galilei.
- Jacquard Loom: Simplified textile manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution.
- Engine-Powered Airplane: Invented by the Wright brothers.
- Television: Developed by John Logie Baird.
Paradigm Shifts:
- Copernican Revolution: Heliocentric model of the universe (Sun-centered).
- Key Figure: Nicolaus Copernicus
- Challenge to the geocentric model (Earth-centered).
- Darwinian Revolution: Theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Key Figure: Charles Darwin
- Evidence for the inheritance and adaptation of traits.
- Freudian Revolution: Psychoanalysis to understand the unconscious mind.
- Key Figure: Sigmund Freud
- Focus on inner conflicts and free associations.
Key Terms:
- Heliocentric Model: Sun-centered universe.
- Geocentric Model: Earth-centered universe.
- Natural Selection: Process of organisms inheriting and adapting traits for survival and reproduction.
- Psychoanalysis: Method for understanding unconscious conflicts.
Chapter 3: Science, Technology, and Nation-Building in the Philippines
Pre-Colonial Period:
- Farming, fishing, mining, weaving: Key livelihood skills.
- Banaue Rice Terraces: Example of innovative engineering and agriculture.
- Herbal medicine: Use of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes.
Colonial Period:
- Spanish Colonization: Modern construction methods, health, and education systems introduced.
- Focus on agriculture, medicine, and engineering: Development of formal education and scientific organizations.
- American Occupation: Modernization of various aspects of life, including the establishment of the Bureau of Science as a
research center.
Post-Colonial Period:
- Ferdinand Marcos: Emphasis on science education, research, and development.
- Corazon Aquino: Established the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Science and Technology Master
Plan.
- Fidel V. Ramos: Focus on human resource development, infrastructure, and legislation supporting science and technology.
- Joseph E. Estrada: Emphasized clean air, electronic commerce, and modernization of the armed forces.
-Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: Promoted "Filipinnovation" and policies like the Biofuels Act and AFMech.
- Benigno Aquino III: Recognized Filipino scientists for their achievements in marine biology, horticulture, and biological
sciences.
- Rodrigo Duterte: Prioritized research and development, focusing on commercialization and intellectual property.
Key Terms:
- Banaue Rice Terraces: Ancient rice terraces in the Philippines.
- Bureau of Science: Former government research institution.
- DOST: Department of Science and Technology.
- Filipinnovation: Philippines as an innovation hub.
- Biofuels Act: Act promoting the use of indigenous materials for energy.
- AFMech: Act modernizing agricultural and fisheries machinery.
- Diwata-1 and Diwata-2: Filipino-made satellites launched into space.
Key Concepts:
- Human Flourishing: Achieving self-actualization and fulfillment within a community.
- Technology's Essence: Heidegger argues that technology is a way of revealing or "bringing forth" truth.
- Instrumental Definition: Technology as a means to an end, a tool used by humans.
- Anthropological Definition: Technology as a human activity, the process of producing and using tools.
- Poiesis: Ancient Greek concept of "bringing forth" or revealing the truth of something.
- Aletheia: Ancient Greek concept of truth as "unclosedness" or "disclosure."
- Techne: Greek root word for technology, encompassing skill, craft, and knowledge.
- Enframing: Modern technology's way of revealing, which involves ordering and controlling nature.
- Calculative Thinking: Ordering and understanding nature through logic and measurement.
- Meditative Thinking: Allowing nature to reveal itself without manipulation.
- Destining: The role of humans as instruments of technology through enframing.
- Dangers of Technology: The potential for technology to consume humans and lead to misinterpretations of reality.
- Art as Saving Power: Heidegger viewed art as a way to protect and reveal the truth.
- Questioning as the Piety of Thought: Through questioning, humans can reassess their place within technology and the
world.
Key Terms:
- Standing Reserve: Heidegger's term for nature seen as a resource ready for exploitation.
- Zombies of Technology: People who become slaves to technology and lose their authentic sense of being.
- Aition Group: Artwork by the Aition Group representing the idea that we are not responsible for the consequences of
technology.
Main Arguments:
- Modern technology is not simply a tool; it reveals a way of looking at the world that prioritizes control and domination.
- Enframing leads to a distorted view of nature as a "standing reserve" for human use.
- Human flourishing requires a critical reflection on the nature and consequences of technology.
- Art and questioning offer ways to resist the dangers of technology and reclaim a more authentic sense of being.
Key Documents:
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): A global standard for fundamental human rights, emphasizing inherent
dignity and equality.
- Article 27 of UDHR: Affirms everyone's right to participate in and benefit from scientific advances, and be protected from
scientific misuse.
Key Concepts:
- Human Dignity: The inherent value and worth of every human being.
- Good Life: Living in a just and progressive society where individuals have the freedom to flourish.
- Ethical Treatment of AI: Considering the moral implications of artificial intelligence and robots
becoming more human-like.
- Technology's Impact on Human Rights: Examining how technology can both protect and violate human rights.
Key Issues:
- Humans vs. Robots: Concerns about machines replacing manual labor and the potential for AI to surpass human
intelligence.
- The Impact of Technology on Human Intelligence: Questions about the potential for technology to reduce our intellectual
capabilities.
- Technology's Potential for Good and Harm: Acknowledging the dual nature of technology, capable of both progress and
misuse.
Main Arguments:
- Human rights must be upheld in the face of technological advancements.
- Technology can be used to protect human rights, but it can also be a source of harm.
- We need to be mindful of the ethical implications of technology and ensure its development benefits all of humanity.