SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY (STS)
SCIENCE
From the Latin word “scientia” meaning “knowledge”.
Refers to systematic and methodical knowledge.
TECHNOLOGY
From the Greek word “techne” meaning “art, skill, or craft”.
- Application of scientific knowledge to solve problems
- Science is about understanding, technology about creating tools and solutions.
- Science produces knowledge, technology applies it.
SOCIETY
From the Latin word “societas” meaning “companion or ally”.
- A community of individuals sharing culture and institutions.
SCIENCE vs. TECHNOLOGY (Wolpert, 2005)
- Science ≠ Technology
- Scientists are not responsible for how discoveries are applied
- Applications depend on politics, governance, religion, and business.
SCOPE OF STS
- Uses history, philosophy, and sociology to evaluate science and technology
- Examines emerging ethical dilemmas (e.g., Helix, Robot Priests, Facial Recognition, Ransomware,
Social Credit System, etc.)
INTERCONNECTIONS (Fred Phillips, 2021)
- Technological change leads to social change
- Topics: interdisciplinary research, systems & complexity theory, quantum tech, internet’s role,
social attitudes
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN EARLY HUMAN HISTORY
- Science and technology evolved from daily human efforts to improve life.
- Early humans used tools like stones for survival.
MESOPOTAMIAN TECHNOLOGIES
1. Cuneiform Writing
2. The Wheel
3. Bronze Tools & Weapons
4. Irrigation Systems
5. The Plow
EGYPTIAN TECHNOLOGIES
1. Hieroglyphic Writing
2. Papyrus Sheets
3. Shaduf (Water Lifting Device)
4. The Calendar (365 days)
5. Surgical Instruments
6. Mummification Techniques
7. Pyramidal Architecture
TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS
- Prehistoric: Stone tools (3.5M years ago)
- Ancient: Wheel (Mesopotamia 3500 BCE), Papyrus (Egypt 3000 BCE), Antikythera Mechanism
(Greece)
- Middle Ages: Spinning Wheel (India), Paper money (China), Gunpowder (China)
- Early Modern: Microscope (1590), Barometer (1644)
- Modern: World Wide Web (1990), Automobile (1886), Telephone (1876)
INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS
- Copernican Revolution: Sun-centered heliocentric model
- Darwinian Revolution: Theory of evolution by natural selection
- Freudian Revolution: Psychoanalysis, unconscious mind, psychosexual stages
NATION BUILDING & DOST
- 1987 Constitution: Science and Technology are essential for national development
- DOST projects: scholarships, patents, S&T; parks, Balik Scientist Program, National Science
Complex
BALIK SCIENTIST PROGRAM
- Encourages Filipino scientists to return and contribute research
- RA 11035 (2018) provides incentives and assistance
MODERN FILIPINO SCIENTISTS
- Reina Reyes (astrophysicist)
- Irene Crisologo (meteorologist)
- Julius Sempio (geoinformatics)
- Andreia Carillo (astrophysicist)
- Kamela Ng (epidemiologist)
- Migs Canilad (anthropologist)
- Sarah Oliva (geophysicist)
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN CULTURAL PRESERVATION
1. 3D Laser Scanning: Baroque churches
2. Multispectral Imaging: Artworks & manuscripts
3. VR/AR: Immersive cultural experiences