Chapter 1

Historical Antecedents
Presented by Group 1
 What is Science,
Technology and Society?
 Science
Science is a systematic and logical
approach to discovering how things in
the universe work. Science involves
conducting experiments, and using
evidence to draw conclusions,
ultimately expanding our knowledge.
 Technology
Technology refers to the scientific
knowledge, tools and techniques to solve
problems, improve efficiency or achieve
specific goals.
Ex. electronics, engineering, medicine,
communication, and transportation
 Society
Society is a group of individuals who
share a common culture, institutions,
values, and norms, and interact with
one another within a specific
geographic area.
 Science Technology and Society
focuses on how science and technology
influence our lives, cultures, and the
world around us. It explores the
relationships between scientific
advancements, technological innovations,
and the societal impacts they have, positive
or negative.
 Science and technology have numerous
benefits to society, including:
1. Improved Health and Medicine
2. Economic Growth
3. Enhanced Communication and Connectivity
4. Environmental Sustainability
5. Education and Knowledge Sharing
6. Solving Global Challenges
Historical Antecedents
in the World
Just like with any other discipline, the best
way to truly understand where
we are in science today is to look back at
what happened in the past. The history
of science can teach us many lessons about
the way scientists think and
understand the world around us. A
historical perspective will make us
appreciate
more what science really is.
From Ancient Times to
600 BC
 Sumerian civilization
(4500 bc)
A civilization founded in the Mesopotamia
region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Recognized for building the foundations of
mathematics, logic, engineering, architecture,
and medicine.
 cuneiform
Invented a form of writing which was
cuneiform.
It is a writing system consisting of
pictograms or drawings written in a
clay tablet.
Written here are records of their ways
of living and their achievements.
 Potter’s wheel
A wheel that was first used for pottery.
It was later discovered for being able to use to
move heavy objects to another place.
Horse drawn chariots were soon being used.
Potter’s wheel
Ziggurat
Tiered temples built
to honor city patron
gods and where
thought to connect
heaven and earth.
 Astronomy
It was stated that Sumerians where amongst
the first astronomers.
They mapped the stars and other celestial
bodies into sets of constellations that were
visible to their naked eye.
 Astronomy
Most of their knowledge about it was also
lost, leaving just traces.
Babylonians later inherited it and discovered
futhermore about astronomy.
 Sexagesimal system
A numerical system of counting in units of
60 as its base.
This served as a basis of 360 degrees and 60
minute hour.
 Other contributions/Achievements
They used sail boats to move across the waters
and for trading purposes.
They developed a seed plow and irrigation system.
And they also discovered converting wool from
sheep made into textiles, then mastered the arts of
bleaching and dyeing.
 Egyptian civilization (3100 bc)
This civilization was best known for its pyramids,
pharaohs, mummies, and tombs.
Also made significant contribution in astronomy,
architecture, engineering, labor management, and
medicine.
Centered along the Nile River.
 Papyrus
An ancient form of paper made from the stem of
the papyrus plant.
They used this for writing which made it easier
for them to transmit their message and pass
down their knowledge.
Papyrus
 Hieroglyphics
Their writing system that consists of mainly
images.
Some images translate to either sounds of the
Egyptian languages or based on concepts.
Hieroglyphics
Medicine
Imhotep - Egyptian
chancellor to the King
Djoser, possible architect of
Djoser's step pyramid, and
high priest of the sun god Ra
at Heliopolis.
Medicine
Also an Egyptian physician,
being remembered for his
renowned knowledge of
medicine.
Significant observations about
his practice included surgery
and natural remedies.
Medicine
Mummification - the art
and science of embalming
the dead.
They preserve the dead
because of their beliefs in
afterlife.
Medicine
The dead bodies are
located in tombs which
can be found in
cementeries, churches,
catacombs, and other
locations.
 Astronomy
Their interest started when the flooding of Nile
River occured at the same time the star, Sirrius,
appeared.
This phenomenon helped them predicted the
annual flooding of Nile River for watering their
crops.
Astronomy
Their interest started when
the flooding of Nile River
occured at the same time
the star, Sirrius, appeared.
Astronomy
This phenomenon helped
them predicted the annual
flooding of Nile River for
watering their crops.
The stars and the moon also
aided them in creating the
egyptian calendar.
Astronomy
They were also the first ones
to divide the day into 24 hours
and calculate the time by the
means of water clock.
Pyramids
Tombs built for ancient Egyptian
pharaohs, their kings, and
queens.
Monumental evidence of the
skills of the ancient Egyptians in
geometry, engineering,
architecture and labor
management
 Other contributions/achievements
Their agriculture was mainly supported by an
extensive irrigation system and of course, the Nile
river.
They build houses made out of sun dried mud bricks.
Manufactured soaps, creams, oils, perfumes and eye
makeup.
The Advent of Science
600 BC - 500 ad
The ancient greeks were considered
as the first true scientist by historians.

Other known cultures who collected

observations and facts in this period:
Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians,
and Chinese
Development of Scientific Thought in Classical Antiquity
Began in the 6th century BC with pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales and
Pythagoras.
Plato founded the Academy around 385 BC.
Aristotle initiated a "scientific revolution" in the Hellenistic period.
Prominent Scholars and Contributions
Key figures: Eratosthenes, Euclid, Aristarchus, Hipparchus, and Archimedes.
Advances in fields like anatomy, zoology, botany, geography, mathematics, and
astronomy.
Influenced medieval Muslim scholars, the European Renaissance, and modern
science.
Islamic Golden Age
 Islamic Golden Age
Spanned from 8th to 14th centuries
Influence extended into the 15th or 16th century
Began during Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid's reign
(786–809).
Marked by the establishment of the House of Wisdom in
Baghdad.
House of Wisdom
Renowned intellectual center.
Attracted scholars from Persia,
India, Greece, and China.
Tasks included translating
classical knowledge into Arabic
and innovating upon it.
 Astronomy
Astronomy was used to determine the Qibla (direction of
prayer)
There are different methods of determining the Qibla
Sun Position: Shadows during the sun’s overhead position in
Mecca.
Star Position: Using the North Star to determine direction.
Trigonometry: Calculating Qibla with geographical data.
Astronomy
Mathematics
Al-Khwarizmi: Regarded as the
"father of algebra."
Introduced algorithms,
forming the basis of
modern computing.
 Medicine
Avicenna and Al-Biruni:
Comprehensive texts on diseases like
smallpox and measles.
Preparation of medicinal drugs from plants
and chemical compounds.
Influenced European medical schools for
centuries.
 Optics and Physics
Ibn Al-Haytham
Studied light and vision.
Pioneered concepts that
laid the foundation for
modern lenses and
cameras.
Ice Breaker
Thank
You