1. UNIT 1. GENERAL CONCEPTS
AND HISTORICAL
ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW THERE IS A SECURE CONNECTION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY WITH SOCIETY, WHICH BEGAN EVEN IN ANCIENT TIMES.
THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WAS
BASED ON THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF THE EXISTING SOCIETY. UNIT I
GIVES YOU IDEAS ON HOW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EVOLVED,
STARTING FROM THE ANCIENT WORLD UNTIL THE PRESENT TIME OF
‘INFORMATION AGE’. THE UNIT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND HOW
SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY. ADDITIONALLY, YOU WILL BECOME AWARE OF THE
DIFFERENT FACTORS THAT INCREASED AND DECREASED SCIENCE AND
2. DIRECTIONS: IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
ANCIENT PEOPLE, MANY TECHNOLOGIES HAVE
EMERGED. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
BASED ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ANCIENT
WORLD.
1.WHAT ARE THE TECHNOLOGIES THAT AROSE IN
ANCIENT TIMES? HOW WERE THESE TECHNOLOGIES
MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PRIMITIVE PEOPLE?
2.GIVE EXAMPLES OF ANCIENT TECHNOLOGIES FROM
WHICH OUR MODERN DAY TECHNOLOGIES EVOLVED.
3. What is Science?
‘Science’ can be explained into three definitions.
• “Science” is a branch of knowledge that seeks to understand
and describe natural phenomena such as thunder, seed
germination, and tidal waves.
• “Science” is an intellectual activity wherein it refers to the
process of systematic and objective investigation of the natural
world.
• “Science” is a personal and social activity in which it makes way
for humans to have a better understanding of the world and
their inner selves, realizing that science is connected with
everyone’s life and the society.
4. WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?
- ‘TECHNOLOGY’ CAN BE DEFINED AS AN ARTIFACT
FROM WHICH IT REFERS TO PRODUCTS THAT ARE
INVENTED AND ARE WIDELY USED BY PEOPLE SUCH
AS A PRINTER, THE COMPUTER, AND TELEVISION.
TECHNOLOGY CAN BE CONSTRUED AS A TECHNIQUE.
IT REFERS TO PROCESSES THAT BENEFIT THE
DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, LIKE
GRAFTING AND HYDROPONICS FOR AGRICULTURE,
SURGERY, CHEMOTHERAPY, BIOPSY, ETC., IN
MEDICINE.
- Technology can be described as personal and social
activity. Technology serves as a tool to improve and facilitate
human living and social interaction with others.
5. SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
• SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AFFECT EACH OTHER
IN WAYS FROM WHICH THEY ARE NEEDED SO THAT
EACH CAN BE USED SUCCESSFULLY. SCIENCE IS
REQUIRED TO PROGRESS TECHNOLOGY AS WELL
AS TECHNOLOGY IS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE
SCIENCE.
• SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS DESCRIBED AS A
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, THEY ALSO
HAVE DUAL INTERACTIONS WITH SOCIETY.
6. ANCIENT WORLD
• IN EARLY TIMES, HUMAN ANCESTORS USED TOOLS MADE FROM STONES AND WOODS AS
TECHNOLOGY DURING THE STONE AGE. THE USE OF THESE PROGRESSES AS THE EARLY HUNTERS
DEVELOPED SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES TO MAKE WEAPONRY THROUGH FIRE. INTERACTION AND
MIGRATION OF PEOPLE CAME TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT OF THIS TECHNOLOGY.
• AS POPULATION INCREASES AND FOOD RESOURCES STARTED TO DECREASE, PEOPLE
SWITCHED FROM FORAGING TO AGRICULTURE. HUMANS STARTED TO CULTIVATE THE LAND TO PLANT
DIFFERENT CROPS AND DOMESTICATE ANIMALS AS SOURCES OF MEAT AND MILK PRODUCTS. THIS
LEAD TO THE AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION, WHICH STARTED PRIMARILY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
• THROUGH THE AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION, MANY NEW PLANTS AND ANIMALS WERE
CULTIVATED AND DOMESTICATED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND FEEDSTOCK. HUMANS STARTED
TO USE, AND METAL AND CERAMIC PRODUCTS. COPPER IS THE FIRST METAL KNOWN AND USED BY
MAN IN 6500 BC. IN THIS PERIOD, HUMAN SETTLEMENT THROUGH TOWNS STARTED.
• TRANSPORTATION WAS IMPROVED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF WHEELS. CERAMICS
WAS FURTHER UTILIZED, AND COMMUNICATION PROSPERED THROUGH THE INVENTION OF WRITING.
ALSO, MANY PRODUCTS MADE FROM BRONZE, COPPER, AND IRON BEGAN TO EMERGE. THIS
7. CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY
• THE PRESENT PERCEPTION AND CONCEPT OF SCIENCE
STARTED IN THIS PERIOD OF CLASSICAL ANTIQUITY, WHICH
BEGAN IN THE CENTER OF MEDITERRANEAN SEA
INTERLOCKING BETWEEN GREEK AND ROMAN CIVILIZATIONS.
THE IONIAN SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY PARTICULARLY
INTRODUCED THE EARLIEST FORM OF THE SCIENTIFIC
METHOD, WHICH IS BASED ON OBSERVATION AND REASONING.
• MANY GREEK PHILOSOPHERS WHO LAID THE
FOUNDATION OF MODERN-DAY SCIENCE AROSE IN THIS
PERIOD. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO USED THE BASIC
FOUNDATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD INITIALLY FOR THE
UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURAL WORLD AND THE
8. Plato (427-37 BC)
Plato highlighted the concept of having ‘proof’ in research. He emphasized a clear hypothesis of
understanding nature and believed that all substances are made up of air, water, earth, and fire.
Plato was a student of Socrates.
Socrates (470-339 BC
Socrates built the basic foundation of making a hypothesis, which is the initial building block of the
scientific method for specific research in his known method of inquiry called elenchus. By applying this
method, a specific problem or situation was broken down into a series of questions that need to be
answered.
Aristotle (384-322 BC)
Aristotle initiated the discipline of using the deductive method of scientific inquiry. He established natural
principles as achieved through careful observation, which is also an essential component of the scientific method.
Aristotle was a student of Plato.
The construction of the Great Wall of China was one of China's technological achievements at that time.
9. Middle Ages
The progression of science and technology turned to decrease due to the onset of
diseases, poverty, wars, and scarcity of food resources at the middle ages during 530 AD.
The rise of Christianity in Europe was also considered a factor in the decline of science.
The strong hindrance of the Church about early philosophers and scientists' teachings and ideas
greatly impacted the development of science and technology. The Roman Empire, from 530 AD to
1000 AD, was not so much interested in theoretical science.
As science seemed to decline in Europe, medicine remained and grew due to an important
need. The deadly plague ravaged Europe, and Christians felt the need to further their knowledge of
medicine to develop a cure. On the contrary, the outbreak of the deadly disease that devastated
Europe and Christians paved the way to escalate the field of medicine to develop a cure or
vaccine.
10. Due to this, the center of science and technology was shifted to Asia, specifically in China
and nearby countries. In India, for example, astronomy, medicine, and mathematics became well-
advanced. One of their important contributions is the significance of the number zero in mathematics.
Another to be considered is the onset of Islamic civilization from which through this civilization, new
techniques, new chemicals such as borax, and new astronomical table for the calculation of planetary
positions, eclipses, and calendrical information was established. In the field of medicine, new
instruments and treatment procedures were developed. However, there is a failure to advance the
area of anatomy as Islam disallow the process body autopsy during that time.
Emperor Charlemagne revived science in Europe wherein, he ordered the establishment of
schools that became centers of knowledge and discovery. Other advancements in science and
technology during the middle ages include the development of clocks and moving objects and the
utilization of water and wind as sources of electricity.
The latter part of the Middle Ages was considered to be the Age of Discovery and
Exploration. These explorations were made possible through the advancements in science and
technology. Two of the most important developments were ships made for long voyages and the
compass's invention. The progress in geography and cartography became so famous as human
societies spread after The Black Death in Europe.
11. Modern Age
The need for Europe’s revival became more advantageous for science and technology.
This marked the end of the Middle Age and the start of the Modern Age. The beginning of the
modern age hastens technological advancements, primarily for defense and trade. Many
technologies were taught in universities.
Renaissance is a cultural movement that is based on humanism, which a system of
intellectual movement emphasizing the value of humans than supernatural powers. During this
period, many artists also became scientists such as Leonardo da Vinci. In the latter part of the
Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution and foundation of England’s Royal Society emerged,
giving rise to a more organized community. Benjamin Franklin and Sir Isaac Newton and are the
two significant members of the society.
The Scientific Revolution advanced the field of astronomy due to the invention of the
telescope. The astronomers, Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1573) became the center of controversy
due to his model of the heliocentric universe, which was opposed by the church. This opposition
marked the so-called Copernican Revolution, a shift from a geocentric view of the universe to a
heliocentric model with the Sun at the center of the Solar System.
12. The invention of the microscope significantly advanced science during
the Renaissance period. Through the use of microscope, many microorganisms
were identified and the many types of diseases associated with them. This gave
rise to the formulation of antibiotics to prevent infections and inhibit the growth
of bacteria.
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was noted to be the leading figure of the
Scientific. He introduced experimentation using the scientific method and led the
development of modern science, making him the "father of the scientific
method” and the "father of modern science". He invented many equipment and
devices as well as many mathematical explanations to natural concepts.
The publication of Carolus Linnaues’ works on the biological classification
made him the “father of taxonomy”.
13. This age is also known as the period of ‘Enlightenment’, which highlighted the importance of logical
reasoning. This was a shift from the Renaissance dominated by the teachings of the Church and the early Greek
and Roman philosophers. Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) worked on Principia, which established the foundation of
modern-day physics. He developed theories from observations and experiments and used the scientific method in
the understanding of the natural world.
The invention of the steam engine by James Watt (1736-1819) in 1765 made many industrial processes
possible. Because of this, many other machines that made things faster and more efficient were invented and
paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.
However, the Industrial Revolution's progression led to the rapid destruction of the environment because
of the pollution caused by these industries. To obtain wood for charcoal, many forests were destroyed. Large
industries collected many natural resources and minerals to continue their operation. Industrial wastes polluted
rivers and other bodies of water. Many disputes came during this period between the science community and the
society for the green environmental movement.
The theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace became very controversial and
was opposed by the church and the general community. However, this theory was considered and accepted as a
milestone in the field of biology.
14. During the 19th century, there were more collaboration efforts among
scientists which gave rise to more discoveries and inventions. The communal
between scientists paved the way to advanced science faster than the previous
centuries. These scientific and technological advancements highly impacted
society. Many new lifestyles, habits, and recreations appeared due to
advancements in communication, transportation, entertainment, and wardrobe
economy. The demand for more technologies further
expanded, and many people migrated to cities. Many workers became more skilled
and knowledgeable in their chosen fields.
Scientific and technological advancements also gave way for the invention of
explosive weapons such as atomic bombs, nuclear bombs, and dynamites. These
developments led to more deaths and casualties during warfare.
15. The invention of plastics in the 1940’s and 1950s led to the development of new appliances and
products made from plastics. However, plastics became a problem to the environment as significant pollutants
affect wildlife habitat and humans because of its deficient ability to degrade.
The discovery of the DNA structure in1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick with the aid of
Rosalind Franklin advanced the field of genetics and molecular biology, leading to the development of gene
therapy and genetic engineering.
The period of the Agricultural revolution occurred in 1940 with the development of the pesticide
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or more commonly known as DDT. Other inventions that greatly helped this
period were hybrid seeds, organic/inorganic fertilizers, and farm machinery equipment. The agricultural
revolution helped the economy, especially the farmers, largely because of better food production. However,
DDT was found out to destructive impacts on biodiversity and health. Hence, many movements for the
environment emerged as society’s response.
Moreover, the development of the internet, computers, softwares, and other digital technologies
marked the beginning ‘Digital Revolution’ or ‘Information Age’. These technologies also paved way for
crowdsourcing, cyber warfare, e-commerce, and distance learning. The digital revolution has greatly affected
the public. Nowadays, many people became addicted to using electronic games and social media.
16. In the Philippines
Here in the Philippines, the history of science and technology is not clear.
However, based on archaeological findings, primitive Filipinos have simpler
technology than neighboring countries in Asia, such as China and India. Simple
stones and metal tools were used, which gave rise to the development of
ceramics, potteries, weavings, handicrafts, and other devices.
Since water bodies surround the Philippines, Filipinos created good
technology in shipbuilding in 1000 AD. These ships were used for transportation,
trading, and fishing.
In the 16th century, artillery was used by the Filipinos during their battle
against Spaniards. These good weapons include bows, spears, and swords. The
agricultural industry became a good source of income through practices such as
rice farming, crop production, livestock raising, and fishing, and forestry.
17. The onset of modern science and technology in the Philippines came upon colonization of
the Spaniards. Science as a profession arose after establishing schools, hospitals, and research
facilities that were controlled by religious sectors at that time. However, the research discoveries
and technologies were for the benefit of Spain's colonial government, not for the Filipinos. The
Church was so influential and dominant in those times that the study of natural sciences was
discouraged.
During the Spanish time, there were only limited science courses available for the
Filipinos. Successful Filipino scientists went to Europe to gain study and training. Some of these
scientists were Leon Ma. Guerrero, Anacleta del Rosario, and Trinidad Pardo de Tavera.
However, the science profession did not grow well as the colonial government preferred Spanish
scientists over Filipinos.
The end Spanish regime developed only two science professions, the medicine, and
pharmacy professions since the Philippines also became a predominantly agricultural country.
Industrial sectors such as the sugarcane and tobacco industry were modernized due to the entry
of foreign technology and investments. At the same time, other areas, such as weaving, declined
because of a lack of support from the government.
18. Science and technology in the Philippines rapidly advanced due to Americans. During the American
settlement in the country, secularized public schools were established wherein the early educators were
Americans. The University of the Philippines and the Philippine Normal College (now the Philippine Normal
University) were established. Scientific knowledge and many technological advancements were taught primarily
in those universities.
In 1905, the main research facility in the country until World War II was established. This was the
Bureau of Science responsible for doing researches about science and technology. Since leprosy, dengue, and
malaria were the most frequent or common diseases, researchers focused on the development of the cure for
such diseases. In 1906, the Philippine Journal of Science was established to report scientific findings and
observations of Filipino scientists.
The ‘National Research Council of the Philippines’ was established in 1933 to promote scientific
research. However, despite the increase in the number of scientists and engineers of the country, the
Philippines still relied heavily on agriculture due to its vast resource of tropical crops. During the Commonwealth
period, the government-supported many industries which made scientific productivity came to increase. Many
Filipinos went abroad for post-graduate studies until World War II stopped the scientific and technological
progress.
19. In 1947, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of science. In 1952, the Science
Foundation of the Philippines was established to promote science among Filipinos.
After World War II, scientific and technological development was revived. Because of this,
more institutions for higher education were established. Science and technology in the country further
developed due to increased government support and higher public awareness. More scientists,
scientific researches, and scientific organizations grew and came up. However, the Philippines is still
behind its neighboring Asian countries in terms of scientific outputs. One of the reasons for these is that
Filipinos' general performance in science and mathematics is generally not good.
Based on a study done in 1957, there were four key reasons for the sudden decline of science
and technology in the Philippines. These four key reasons include the:
1. Lack of government support
2. Many outstanding scientists have died or went abroad
3. Low morale among local scientists; and
4. Low awareness about general public science.
23. PHILIPPINE
INVENTIONS
Salamander Amphibious
Tricycle
It has become ordinary for Filipinos
to convert transport vehicles into
something more useful. An example
is the conversion of American military
jeeps used in World War II into
jeepneys. Another Filipino innovation
is the addition of a sidecar to a
motorcycle, transforming it into a
tricycle to accommodate more
passengers.
During the rainy season, flooding is a
common occurrence in many areas in the
country. Tricycles find it very difficult to
traverse the streets. To remedy the issue,
Victor Llave and his team at H2O
Technologies were able to invent the
Salamander, an amphibious tricycle that
can cross not only flooded streets but
also rivers and lakes. It may also be
utilized to travel from island to island.
Since the Philippines is an archipelago,
the Salamander is a useful invention that
24. PHILIPPINE
INVENTIONS
SALt
Lamp
Sustainable Alternative
Lighting Lamp
One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing
nation, is electrification. Electricity powers various types of
machines, including light sources. In many rural areas in
the country, activities would cease when it gets dark. It also
becomes more dangerous to travel. Filipinos have resorted
to using candles and kerosene lamps but they carry certain
risks as they are fire hazards. Solar power is also a welcome
development but like rechargeable batteries, solar panels
are too expensive for ordinary Filipinos. Fortunately, a
young Filipina inventor named Aisa Mijeno was able to
invent a lighting system that utilizes a material abundant in
the Philippines- saltwater. She invented the Sustainable
Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an environment-friendly
light source that runs on saltwater. The SALt lamp is safer
as it poses no risk of fire and emits no toxic gases. Aside
from people who live in coastal areas, it may also benefit
26. EJEEPNE
Y A major innovation that changed the transportation
industry in the Philippines was the development of
the jeepney. This iconic public utility vehicle was
built using the military jeeps left by the Americans
after World War II. The chassis and the body of the
military jeeps were extended to accommodate more
load and passengers. Because of its usefulness, the
jeepney dominated Philippine streets and is
considered as the primary mode of transportation of
most Filipinos. However, the diesel- powered
jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke,
and is usually a major contributor of noise pollution
due to its primitive exhaust system. To counter
these disadvantages, the electric jeepney (eJeepney)
was developed. This modern type of transportation
utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive
diesel. It is environment-friendly since it does not
emit any smoke and noise.The items discussed in
this chapter are only some of the great inventions
and developments during the different time periods.
There are still more innovations and discoveries
that were made in the course of history that
changed the world. Can you name other great
discoveries?
27. ACTIVIT
Y!
Each member of the group should search for one great
achievement during their assigned time period aside from those
discussed in the chapter. Afterwards, accomplish the following:
1.Draw or print a picture of your chosen achievement. As a
group, collect and paste these inventions on a 1/4 illustration
board. Design the board with a theme appropriate to the
assigned time period.
2.Explain in your own words how each invention works. Also
identify their use and purpose. Paste the information at the
back of the illustration board.
3.Present your project in class. Conclude your report by
discussing how these inventions impacted the people and the
