Lesson 1: Introduction to Science, Technology and Society
Science, Technology & Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field of study that seeks to explore and
understand the many ways that modern science and technology shape modern culture, values, and
institutions, and how modern values shape science and technology. STS examines how science and
technology emerge, how they enter society, how they change through social processes, and how society
changes in response to science and technology
SCIENCE comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning 'knowledge’.
• It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the
universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both.
TECHNOLOGY comes from the Greek root word techne, meaning 'art, skill, or cunning of hand'.
• It is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services materials,
tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems.
SOCIETY comes from the Latin word societas, which in turn was derived from the noun socius.
• It is a group of people who live in a definable community and share the same cultural components.
On a broader scale, society consists of the people and institutions around us, our shared beliefs,
and our cultural ideas.
Wolpert (2005, The Medawar Lecture 1998: IS Science Dangerous?) made an interesting comparison
between science and technology that is helpful in the study of their interaction with society.
He made it clear that science is not the same as technology.
• Scientists are not responsible for the application of knowledge in technology.
• He further explained that the very nature of science is that it is not possible to predict scientific
discoveries and how these discoveries may be applied.
While scientists are responsible for the reliable conduct of scientific inquiry and its honest interpretation
and dissemination, technological applications of science are influenced by other sectors such as politics
and governance, religion, and business.
• With this distinction, one can surmise the need for the study of the various ways in which science
and technology act and are enacted in society.
• This is a particularly timely and relevant concern because of the advancements in science and
technology today.
SCOPE of the study of STS
STS applies methods drawn from history, philosophy, and sociology to study the nature of science and
technology and ultimately judge their value and place in society.
The John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values of the University of Notre Dame is responsible
for listing the ten emerging ethical dilemmas and policy in science and technology every year. Below is the
list for 2018:
1. Helix - a digital app store designed to read genomes
2. BlessU-2 and Pepper - first robot priest and monk
3. Emotion Sens as Facial Recognition - a software being developed to assess you reactions to
anything such as shopping and playing games
4. Ransom ware - a way of holding data hostage through hacking and requiring a ransom to be
paid
5. Textalyzer - a device to an accident nether a driver was using his or her phone during an
accident
6. Social Credit System - a system of scoring citizens through their actions by placing them
under constant surveillance (which China plays to adopt)
7. Google Clips - a hands-free camera that lets the user capture every moment effortlessly
8. Sentencing Software - a mysterious algorithm designed to aid courts in sentencing decisions
9. Friendbot - an app that stores the deceased's digital footprint so one can still "chat" with
them
10. Citizen App - an app that notifies users of ongoing crimes or major events in specific area
Even though several items in the list sound unfamiliar to many, it can be a useful springboard in the study
of science and technology. The list points to the ever-growing challenges, questions, and issues that need
to be addressed and resolved when science and technology and humanity intertwine. However, methods
of critiquing these emerging ethical dilemmas may come from similar methods used in previous critiques
of science and technology issues.
Lesson 2: Historical Antecedents of Science, Technology and Society
Technological Developments through History
Prehistoric Era
• Tools from Stone (3.5 million years ago): The earliest human-made tools were simple stone
implements used for cutting, scraping, and other essential tasks for survival. These tools mark the
beginning of human technological development and adaptation.
Ancient Times
• Wheels in Mesopotamia (3500 BCE): The invention of the wheel revolutionized transport, allowing
the movement of goods and people over greater distances. This innovation was crucial for the
development of early civilizations and trade networks.
• Papyrus in Egypt (3000 BCE): The Egyptians created papyrus, an early form of paper made from the
papyrus plant. This innovation allowed for the recording of knowledge, communication, and
documentation in a portable form, advancing administration and literature.
• Antikythera Mechanism in Greece (150-100 BCE): Often considered the first analog computer, this
device was used to predict astronomical events. It demonstrates the advanced understanding of
mechanics and astronomy in ancient Greece.
Middle Ages
• Spinning Wheel in India (6th-11th Century AD): This device mechanized the process of spinning
fibers into thread, which greatly increased the production of textiles. It played a significant role in
clothing production and trade.
• Gunpowder in China (850 AD): Initially used for military purposes, gunpowder revolutionized
warfare. Its use in cannons and firearms dramatically altered the balance of power and led to the
decline of traditional armored forces.
• Paper Money in China (17th Century AD): The use of paper money revolutionized commerce by
allowing more efficient trade, reducing the need for metal coins, and laying the groundwork for
modern banking and monetary systems.
Early Modern Times
• Microscope by Zacharias Janssen (1590): The invention of the microscope opened new frontiers in
science, particularly in biology and medicine, by allowing scientists to study organisms at a
microscopic level.
• Mercury Barometer by Evangelista Torricelli (1644): The barometer, used to measure atmospheric
pressure, was crucial in the study of weather patterns and laid the foundation for meteorology.
Modern Times
• Telephone by Alexander Graham Bell (1876): The telephone revolutionized communication by
allowing people to converse over long distances instantly, which transformed personal, business,
and governmental communication.
• Automobile by Karl Benz (1886): The invention of the modern automobile allowed for the
development of personal and commercial transportation, profoundly changing urban planning,
commerce, and daily life.
• World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee (1990): The World Wide Web transformed how information is
shared and accessed. It allowed for the development of the internet as a global information system,
connecting people and knowledge in unprecedented ways.
Science and technology has been around from the beginning of time. It evolves from the everyday efforts of
the people trying to improve their way of living. Throughout history, humankind utilized tools, machines, and
techniques without understanding how or why they worked or comprehending their physical or chemical
composition. Evidence of this can be found in roughly shaped stones used for chopping and scraping, dating
back millions of years.
Around 400 B.C., there were clear signs of scientific development in Mesopotamia. People documented
their observations of diseases, chemicals, and even celestial bodies. Egyptians living along the Nile Valley
possessed knowledge of medicine, mathematics, and even complex engineering feats like pyramid
construction. Further advancements came around 3000 B.C. with the discovery of bronze, which led to the
creation of stronger tools and weapons. This era also saw the invention of the wheel in Mesopotamia,
revolutionizing transportation. The first cities emerged around this time, and the pyramids in Egypt stand as
a testament to the scientific and technological capabilities of that era.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance. While the Middle Ages are often associated with a decline in
scientific progress, advancements were still made in warfare technology. The Renaissance, however,
ushered in a period of renewed learning. Inventions like the printing press and the scientific contributions of
figures like Leonardo da Vinci mark this era. This period also saw geographical discoveries made possible
by advancements in navigation tools.
Lesson 3: Science and Technology in the Philippines
1. Pre-Spanish Period - simple tools or weapons of stone flakes are used but eventually developed
techniques for sawing, drilling and polishing hard stones.
2. Spanish Regime - development of science and technology were greatly shaped by the role of the
religious orders.
3. American Regime - a system of secularized public school education as soon as the civil
government was set up in the islands.
4. Japanese Occupation - brought educational and scientific activities.
5. Science and Technology since Independence - the lack of government support; the dearth of
scientists of high training and ability; low morale of scientists and a lack of public awareness of
Science.
Scientific and technological progress has had various effects on society. These effects have not been
limited to the improvement of society’s material wealth, but have also extended to altering the paradigms
under which society operates. As progress in science and technology has broadened and enlivened human
activity, new issues have appeared in society, and these have in turn led to demands for new sciences and
technologies capable of resolving the new issues arising from the changes in society. Science and
technology have formed the foundations for progress in society, and have helped to make people’s lives
more materially prosperous.
Lesson 4: Intellectual Revolution that Defined Society
1. Nicolaus Copernicus – Heliocentric Model
Main Idea: Proposed that the Sun is the center of the universe, rather than the Earth.
Impact: This challenged the traditional geocentric model and revolutionized astronomy, altering
humanity’s view of the cosmos.
2. Sigmund Freud – Id, Ego, and Superego
• Id: Represents instinctual desires and impulses.
• Ego: Balances the desires of the id with reality.
• Superego: Represents morality and social standards.
` Impact: Freud’s model of the mind influenced the understanding of human behavior, laying the
foundation for modern psychology.
3. Charles Darwin – Evolution of Man
Main Idea: Proposed that humans evolved from common ancestors through the process of natural
selection.
Key Works: On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man.
Impact: Revolutionized biology, changing views on human origins and the natural world.
Civilizations and Their Contributions
4. Maya Civilization – Maya Hieroglyphics
Main Idea: The Maya Hieroglyphics were an advanced writing system used by the Maya to record
historical events, religious texts, and astronomical data.
Impact: It provides key insights into Maya society, culture, and scientific knowledge.
5. Inca Civilization – Machu Picchu and Quipu
• Machu Picchu: An iconic archaeological site showcasing Inca engineering and architecture.
• Quipu: A system of knotted strings used for record-keeping, particularly for administrative
and statistical data.
Impact: Demonstrates the Inca’s advanced abilities in organization, engineering, and
communication.
6. Aztec Civilization – Chinampas
• Chinampas: Floating gardens used for agriculture on lakes, showcasing the Aztec’s
agricultural innovation.
Impact: Allowed the Aztecs to sustain large populations through efficient farming practices in
challenging environments.
7. Indian Civilization – Steel Works and Ayurveda
• Steel Works: Known for producing high-quality Wootz steel, used to make durable
weapons and tools.
• Ayurveda: A traditional medicine system focusing on holistic health, using herbal
treatments and lifestyle practices.
Impact: Contributions to metallurgy and medicine, influencing modern science and wellness.
8. Indonesian Civilization – Candis (Candi Temples)
• Candis: Sacred temples used for religious worship, with significant architectural and
cultural value in Indonesian history.
Impact: Reflects the religious and cultural advancements of ancient Indonesia.
9. Japanese Civilization – Kampo
• Kampo: Traditional Japanese medicine, rooted in ancient Chinese medical practices.
Impact: Influenced the development of modern medicine in Japan, emphasizing herbal remedies
and holistic approaches.
Key Figures in Science and Medicine
10. Ibn Al-Haytham – Father of Modern Optics
• Main Contribution: Laid the foundation for modern optics by studying light and vision.
• Impact: His work influenced the development of optical science and the understanding of
human vision.
11. Jabir Ibn Hayyan – Alchemy and Metallurgy
• Main Contribution: Known for his work in alchemy and the early development of metallurgy.
• Impact: Considered a pioneer of modern chemistry, his works on chemical processes had
a lasting influence on science.
12. Ibn Sina (Avicenna) – Medicine and Infectious Diseases
• Main Contribution: Wrote extensively on medicine and was among the first to identify the
contagious nature of infectious diseases.
• Key Work: The Canon of Medicine.
• Impact: His medical knowledge was foundational in both the Islamic world and Europe
during the Middle Ages.
13. Egyptian Civilization – Pyramids and Gold Coins
• Pyramids: The monumental tombs for Egyptian pharaohs, showcasing advanced
architectural and engineering skills.
• Gold Coins: Used by the Royal African Company, reflecting the trade and wealth of ancient
Egypt.
Impact: The Pyramids remain a symbol of ancient engineering mastery, and the gold coins
illustrate Egypt’s influence in global trade.
Lesson 5: Information that Defined Society
1. Language
• Definition: A system of communication used by humans to convey thoughts, emotions, and
information.
• Impact on Society:
a. Enabled social organization and the development of complex cultures.
b. Facilitated cooperation, trade, and the transmission of knowledge across
generations.
2. Writing
• Definition: The representation of language through symbols and characters, allowing
information to be recorded.
• Impact on Society:
a. Allowed for the preservation of history, laws, and literature.
b. Led to the rise of civilizations by providing a means to organize governance,
education, and commerce.
Earliest systems: Cuneiform (Sumerians), Hieroglyphics (Egyptians).
3. Printing
• Definition: The process of reproducing text and images using ink on paper, most notably
revolutionized by the invention of the printing press.
• Impact on Society:
a. Johannes Gutenberg’s Printing Press (15th century) revolutionized the spread of
information.
b. Made books and written material more accessible, leading to an increase in
literacy and education.
c. Enabled the spread of ideas that fueled the Renaissance, Reformation, and
Scientific Revolution.
4. Computers, Storage Devices, and Optical Communication
Computers:
• Definition: Machines capable of processing data to perform tasks more efficiently.
• Impact: Transformed every aspect of society, from business and healthcare to education
and entertainment.
Storage Devices:
• Definition: Devices used to store digital information (e.g., hard drives, USB drives, cloud
storage).
• Impact: Enabled vast amounts of data to be stored, retrieved, and shared.
Optical Communication:
• Definition: The transmission of information using light (e.g., fiber-optic cables).
• Impact: Led to faster, more reliable global communication networks, supporting the
internet and telecommunication.
5. Social Media
• Definition: Online platforms where users can create, share, and engage with content (e.g.,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
• Impact on Society:
a. Changed how people communicate and consume information.
b. Enabled real-time sharing of news and ideas across the globe.
c. Influences public opinion, politics, and culture.
d. Concerns: Misinformation and privacy issues.
6. Telecommunication
• Definition: The transmission of information over a distance through electronic means,
including telephone, radio, and television.
• Impact on Society:
a. Connected people across long distances, shrinking the world into a global village.
b. Facilitated the exchange of ideas, economic transactions, and personal
communication.
c. Enabled the development of modern infrastructure, including the internet and
smartphone technology.
