SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
LESSON 6: WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
LESSON 1: Universal - has a long, bloody history. Crafted in 1948, after World War II.
Declaration of Human - The UDHR explicates fundamental human rights in 30 articles.
Rights
"MILESTONE DOCUMENT IN THE HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS."
ARTICLE 1 All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
ARTICLE 2 Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this
Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race,
colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion,
national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
ARTICLE 3 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of a person.
ARTICLE 4 No one shall held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave
trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
ARTICLE 5 No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment.
ARTICLE 6 Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person
before the law.
ARTICLE 7 All are equal before the law and are entitled without any
discrimination to equal protection of the law.
HUMAN VS ROBOT
HUMAN VS ROBOT -The rise of the machines accompanying the progress in science
and technology may render humans useless.
-Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machinery.
-Computers are becoming more and more sophisticated.
-Robots, usually designed like human beings, are created to
perform complex, repetitive, or dangerous tasks.
-artificial intelligence(AI), robots may also eventually act and
decide like humans.
Unemployment Unemployment is only one of the many ethical considerations in
the widespread use of AI.
Humans Humans may also have the tendency to become
machine-like.Since many of the things people need, from
conveniences to information, are available with just the touch and
swipe of the fingertips, humans begin to function more like
automatons.
Internet has become an instant go-to tool for answers to questions.
LESSON 2: In one way or another, each person in the society is directly or
TECHNOLOGY AND indirectly affected by technology whether he wills it or not.
HUMANITY
TECHNOLOGY \"techne\" and \"logos\" A discourse on art (Buchanan, 2010).
Concepts like machines and tools were also attached to the word
technology.
TELEVISION -Paul Gottlieb Nipkow late 1800s successful in his attempt to send
images through wires with the aid of a rotating metal disk (Nipkow
disk)
-"electric telescope" - 18 lines of resolution
(Alan Archibald made a new system of television by using the cathode ray tube
Campbell) Swinton in addition to the mechanical scanner system.
and Boris Rosing
MOBILE PHONES In 1983, Motorola made their first commercial mobile phone
available to the public. It was known as the Motorola
DynaTAC8000X.
COMPUTER AND Released in June 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation,
LAPTOPS the Osborne 1 is considered to be the first true portable,
full-featured computer (Charles Babbage).
Role Played by Television Sets Mobile Phones Computers & Laptops Some Ethical
Dilemmas
1. Most parents would argue that these devices make their children lazy and unhealthy
2. People are freely exposed to different things on televisions, mobile phones, laptops or
computers.
George Devol an American inventor known for developing Unimate, the first
material handling robot employed in industrial production work.
ROBOT ROLES
- Ease the workload of mankind
- Make life more efficient and less stressful
- Perform complicated activities
- Pleasure, entertainment in parks or exhibits, toys child
- Friendly, used in movies
ROBOT An actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with a
degree of autonomy, moving within its environment, to perform
intended tasks.
ROBOT AUTONOMY Ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and sensing
without human intervention.
SERVICE ROBOT A robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment
excluding industrial application.
PERSONAL SERVICE Service robot for professional use Used for a commercial task,
ROBOT usually operated by a properly trained operator. (ex. Delivery
Robot)
Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston
University. Known for his Three Laws of Robotics.
1st law A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a
human being to come to harm.
2nd law A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where
such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3rd law A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection
does not conflict with the First or Second Law.
Emotional It is not completely impossible for robots to develop emotions.
Component
Bill Joy wrote in 2000 a controversial essay, "Why the future does not
need us."
Freeman Dyson Theoretical physicist and mathematician Freeman Dyson, in the
documentary The Day After Trinity (1981), shared his thoughts
and sentiments as a scientist taking part in the development of
nuclear power.
Friedrich Nietzsche human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind, our
rationality, and our science and technology become manifest.
LESSON 7: THE INFORMATION AGE
THE INFORMATION Our society nowadays can be described as technologically
AGE advanced, data-driven, fast paced, and modern. Information is
easily accessed and shared.
Information It is processed, organized, and structured data. It provides context
for data and enables the decision making process.
What is the purpose -Basis of information.
of the Information? -Destined to be communicated to someone or something
-Convey representation of reality.
Information Age The Information Age is believed to have started in the last quarter
of the 20th century.
During 1980s Richard Wurman called it “Information Anxiety”.
1990s Information became the currency in the business world.
SOME IMPACTS OF THE INFORMATION AGE
SCIENCE AND -research advances in physics, chemistry and biology.
TECHNOLOGY -technological advances-driverless cars, internet, glasses, VR,
AR.
-too much dependence on technology.
SOCIETY -convenient and efficient communication through social media
-addiction to social media.
Biometrics Scientists apply the principles of computer science and statistical
algorithms to store, process, and analyze extensive collections of
data.
Internet researchers and scientists can now easily share their experimental
results and recommendations, access and store information.
Words are so powerful that they can either make or break people and
relationships.
Fake news tends to spread as fast as contagious diseases are. So, it is just
necessary to be guided and guarded from the ignorance and further
damage that can be brought about by misinformation.
Nagler, C (2017) The following practical tips from Nagler, C (2017) of Harvard
Division of Continuing Education can help us spot fake news.
1. Vet the publisher’s Try to consider these questions whenever we see an article that
credibility captures our attention.
What is the domain name?
What is the publication’s point of view?
Who is the Author?
2. Pay attention to Notice spelling errors and dramatic punctuations from the
quality and timeless. article. Check if the story is current or recycled.
3. Check the sources - How did you find the article?
and citations. - Who is (or is not) quoted, and what do they say?
- Is the information available on other sides?
- Can you perform reverse researchers and images?
reliable articles is usually quoted or posted on other websites.
Library databases can be used for confirming the credibility of
information presented in an article.
THE ROLE OF The many seemingly different things in the natural world must have
LANGUAGE a unifying factor. There was an inside to be “understood”. They
sought for this metaphusis, literally meaning “after nature”.
PLATO Plato’s principle of “One and the Many” refers to the underlying
unity among diverse beings in the natural world.
Hero of Alexandria for instance, would invent a primitive steam engine in the first
century (Paul Davies, 1990).
JOHANNES (15th century) German craftsman, Inventor of Printing Press.
GUTENBERG
PRE-GUTENBERG -before the Printing Press
ERA -Information is hard to replicate and distribute
-transmission of information is mostly by word-of-mouth
-only small number (elite) has access to information
GUTENBERG ERA -invention of the Printing Press
-mass distribution of information is possible but expensive
-rise of information mediation institutions .
-traditional media.
POST-GUTENBERG -invention of the computer and the internet
ERA -mass distribution of information is easy through use of online
media.
-rise of social networks and crowdsourcing
Tim Berners Lee - invented World Wide Web (WWW) ways to access new data
Telegraph and allowed the transmission of information to transcend physical
Telephone boundaries.
GUTENBERG paying for the information provided by a traditional media institution.
PRINCIPLE
SOCIAL “freely” accessing information which is considered to be owned by
INFORMATION the society.
PRINCIPLE
CROWDSOURCING information is published and enhanced/used by the society.
SOCIAL information is published in a network so that other network
NETWORKING members may access the information.
EDUCATION - easy access of educational information on the internet
- easy access of non-educational (fake, sexual) information
BUSINESS - easy promotion of products
- understanding customers through crowdsourcing
- easy promotion of products understanding customers
through crowdsourcing
SOCIETY - easily meet people and share ideas beyond geographical
boundaries
- brings together like-minded people
- invasion of privacy due to published personal information
- addiction to social networking sites
LESSON 8: BIODIVERSITY AND HEALTH SOCIETY
Biodiversity Biodiversity comprises all living forms that we see around us.
These include all essential goods and services we derive from the
environment.
Evolution is a mechanism allowing organisms to develop traits favorable for
their survival and growth and also making them distinct from other
species in the environment.
Hotspots are the areas with high levels of biodiversity. Endemic species or
species that are located in one particular region are usually found in
hotspots.
Macroscopic Organisms big enough to be seen by the eye without the aid of
organism a microscope.
Microscopic are tiny life forms, often consisting of a single cell, and very
organism sensitive to change. An organism that can be seen only through a
microscope
Carl Linnaeus He introduced the taxonomy, a system for allocating and
naming the organisms, which is still essential in biological
sciences today.
The Biodiversity International has released a module titled "Law
and policy of relevance to the management of plant genetic
resources"
Biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to
make or modify products or processes for a specific use.
Genetic engineering is a technique that allows genes and DNA to be transferred from
one source to another. It leads to the production of living modified
organisms (LMOs) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Modern gives scientists molecular tools for obtaining a better understanding
Biotechnology of the structure and function of genes in living organisms.
Genetically modified Genetically modified organisms are among the promising
organisms solutions to ease some of the world's problems including food
security, food safety, and environmental pollution and degradation.
GMO CROPS possess three common characteristics which are resistance to
damage from insects, resistance to plant viruses, and tolerance to
herbicides.
According to the FDA, consumption of GMO food is safe and does
not cause harm to our health similar to non-GMO food. Genetically
modified plants are produced to improve nutritional quality of
naturally growing plants.
Genetic Modification 1. DNA ISOLATION
2. CLONING GENES
3. DESIGNING GENES
4. TRANSFORMATION AND TISSUE CULTURE
5. PLANT BREEDING
Identification of Scientists begin by selecting specific characteristics from other
Desired Traits organisms that could enhance the target organism's
performance, such as pest resistance or improved nutritional
content.
Gene Isolation and The gene responsible for the desired trait is extracted from the
Replication donor organism's DNA and replicated to produce multiple
copies, ensuring sufficient material for insertion.
Insertion of the Trait Only specific sections of the gene that carry the desired
characteristic are transferred to the target organism, using
techniques like gene splicing or vectors to facilitate the insertion.
Growth and The modified organism is allowed to grow and reproduce,
Replication confirming that the new trait is expressed and can be inherited
by future generations.
Cartagena Protocol The Protocol is an international agreement which aims to
On Biosafety ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified
organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may
have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account
risks to human health.
LESSON: 10 CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change has immensely affected our natural environment and our society in
the past. It will continue to do so if we permit it.
Climate is a measure of the average pattern of variation in temperature,
humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation, atmospheric
particle count and other meteorological variables in a given region
over long periods of time.
Climate Change refers to the statistically significant changes in climate for a
continuous period of time. Climate change refers to long-term
shifts in global or regional climate patterns.
The cause of current climate change can be attributed largely to
human activity. Human activities that contributed to climate
change include burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and
coal. Burning these materials releases greenhouse gases into
Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap
heat from the sun’s rays causing rise in the earth’s average
temperature.
Climate Climate is not similar to weather which is constantly changing. The
term comes from the Greek word “klinein” meaning “to slope.”
Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns prevailing over
a given area of the planet. It evolved into klima, connoting a zone
or region of the Earth as characterized by its atmospheric
conditions.
TIMELINE OF Climate change has been a subject of scientific study for over a
CLIMATE CHANGE century. Researchers have developed theories,models, and
agreements to understand and address global warming.
1896 – Svante Svante Arrhenius is a Swedish scientist. He developed the first
Arrhenius' Climate climate model examining the influence of atmospheric carbon
Model dioxide (CO2 )temperatures.
1930s – Milankovitch Milutin Milankovitch published “Mathematical Climatology and
Cycles the Astronomical Theory of Climatic Changes” that explained
the Earth’s Ice ages.
1960 – Keeling Curve Charles David Keeling, an American Scientist, began to track
atmospheric CO2 concentrations systematically.
In the mid-20 century, Charles David Keeling tried to find out if
the increased burning of fossil fuel and release of CO2 in the
atmosphere were changing the global temperature.
1990 – First IPCC The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a
Report United Nations body that evaluates and monitors climate change.
1992 – United Nations The United Nations Conference held in Rio de Janeiro established
Framework the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Convention
on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)
1997 – Kyoto Protocol This was developed with the purpose to limit greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions from industrialized countries.
2005 – Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol took effect to all major industrialized countries
Takes Effect except the United States did not signed.
2007 – Fourth IPCC The fourth IPCC report declared that effects of global warming are
Report manifesting.
Factors that contribute to climate change can be
(1) natural internal process,
(2) external forces and
(3) persistent anthropogenic changes or human acts in the
composition of the atmosphere or in land use.
1. Volcanic Eruptions Volcanic eruptions are one of the natural causes of climate
change. When volcanoes erupt, they emit different natural
aerosols like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, salt crystals,
volcanic ashes or dust, and even microorganisms like bacteria
and viruses.
2. Orbital Changes The Milankovitch theory explains how Earth's orbital changes cause
climate change.
-Eccentricity (98,000-year cycle) - Changes in Earth's orbit shape,
impacting solar energy. Currently, Earth receives 6.4% more solar
radiation in January than in July.
-Obliquity (40,000-year cycle) - Changes in Earth's axis tilt,
exaggerating seasons. More tilt means warmer summers and
colder winters, while less tilt means cooler summers and milder
winters.
-Precession - Changes in orientation of Earth's rotational axis,
occurring over a cycle of 15,000 to 23,000 years, caused by a
wobble of Earth's axis and a turning of its elliptical orbit.
3. Anthropogenic or Humans' main contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels,
Human Activities which releases carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere.
FOUR PRINCIPAL GASES RESULT OF HUMAN ACTIVIES
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) High comes from fossil fuel use in transportation and the building,
heating, cooling, and manufacture of cement and other goods.
Deforestation releases carbon dioxide and reduces its uptake by
plants.
Methane (CH4) High methane emission is related to agriculture, natural gas
distribution, and landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) High nitrous oxide is also emitted through the use of fertilizer and
fossil fuel burning.
Halocarbons (group of gases including fluorine, chlorine, and bromine)
Ozone is another greenhouse gas that is continually produced and
destroyed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions.
PRIMARY SOURCES OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Electricity Production This is considered as the second largest contributor of greenhouse
gas emissions. Approximately 62% of our electricity is derived from
burning fossil fuels, usually coal and natural gas.
Transportation Burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and airplanes
serves as the source of greenhouse gases.
Industry Greenhouse gas emissions from industry originate from
burning fossil fuels for energy as well as from certain chemical
reactions required to produce goods from raw materials.
Commercial and These arise from fossil fuels, burned for heat, using certain
Residential products that contain greenhouse gases, and the process of
handling waste that can release unnecessary gases.
Agriculture The source of greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
is livestock such as cows, agricultural soils, and rice
production.
Land Use and In general, plants and soil can act as an overall “sink".
Forestry ”Unfortunately, they can serve as a source of greenhouse gas
emissions when they are being burned or cut down, which ends up
adding CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOCIETY
1. With the average global temperature which is predicted to rise
by 2 to 3°C within fifty years, glaciers will continue to melt
faster. Melting or collapse of ice sheets would raise sea levels
and eventually threaten at least 4 million km of land which is
home to 5% of the world’s population. 2
2. Ecosystems will be particularly vulnerable to climate change,
with one study estimating that around 15-40% of species face
extinction with 2 C of warming. O
3. Declining crop yields due to drought, especially in Africa, are
likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to
produce or purchase sufficient food.
4. Ocean acidification, a direct result of rising carbon dioxide
levels, will have major effects on marine ecosystems, with
adverse consequences on fish stocks (Stern,2007)
5. Climate change will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition
and heat stress. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and
dengue
fever could become more widespread if effective control measures
are not in place.
6. Rising sea levels may result in more flooded areas each year with
a warming of 3 or 4 C. There will be serious risks and increasing
pressures for coastal protection (Stern, 2007).
7. Induce sudden shifts in regional weather patterns like
monsoons or the El Niño that would have severe consequences for
water availability and flooding in tropical regions and threaten the
livelihood of billions.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT IN THE PHILIPPINES
Water Resources Water quality and quantity problems are experienced in areas
where rainfall reduction is projected.
Forestry Forests may be adversely affected as the global temperature
continues to increase.
Agriculture Decrease in crop yield. In rice, they often suffer from spikelet
sterility.
Coastal resources The coastal regions are greatly affected by the joint influence
of continuous rising temperature, changing rainfall levels, rising
sea levels, and increasing incidence of tropical cyclones.
Health Climate change expose people to water-based and vector-
borne diseases. People are prone to pulmonary illnesses and
cardiovascular diseases.
MEASURES TO MITIGATE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Millennium This aims to strengthen the Philippines Institutional capacity to
Development Goals adapt to climate change and is funded by the Government of Spain.
Fund 1656 (MDG-F This was implemented from 2008 to 2011.
1656)
Philippine Climate Its primary goal is to develop the resiliency of farms and natural
Change Adaptation resource management to the effects of climate change funded by
Project (PhilCCAP) the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the World Bank.
Adaptation to Climate sponsored by GTZ Germany. The project has provided
Change and climate-proofing training for many local experts and officials
Conservation of working for Philippine authorities, helping them to make
Biodiversity Project development plans and programs and local investments less
vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
National Framework envisioned to develop the adaptation capacity of communities
Strategy on Climate funded by the GTZ Germany.
Change
