Philippine Christian University

Course Title: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

Course Description: The course deals with interactions between science and technology and social,
cultural, political and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them. This interdisciplinary
course engages students to confront the realities brought by science and technology in society. Such
realities pervade the personal, the public, and the global aspects of our living and are integral to human
development. Scientific knowledge and technological development happen in the context of society
with all its socio-political, cultural, economic and philosophical underpinnings at play. This course seeks
to instill reflective knowledge in the students that they are able to live the good life and display ethical
decision making in the face of scientific and technological advancement.

Course Code:

Course Pre-requisite: None

Course Objectives:
Knowledge
1. Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically Philippine society
2. Explain how science and technology affect society and the environment and its role in nation-
building
3. Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications
that are meaningful to the student as a part of society
4. Define and demonstrate the impact of social media on the students’ life and Philippine society in
general
Values
1. Imbibe the importance of science and technology in the preservation of the environment and
the development of the Filipino nation
2. Critique human flourishing vis-à-vis the progress of science and technology such that the
student may be able to define for himself/herself the meaning of the good life
3. Foster the value of healthy lifestyle toward the holistic and sustainable development of society
and the environment
Skills
1. Creatively present the importance and contributions of science and technology to society
2. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with innovative and
creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards.
3. Illustrate how the social media and information age impact their lives and their understanding of
climate change
 MODULE 1
HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS in the COURSE of SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. explain how science and technology affected the society and environment and vice versa;
2. identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of history; and
3. discuss the scientific and technological developments in the Philippines.

Science and technology indeed play major roles in the everyday life. They make difficult and
complicated tasks easier and allow people to do more with so little effort and time. The developments in
this field are not just products of people's imagination or a one-time thought process; they are also
brought about by gradual improvements to earlier works from different time periods. The driving force
behind this continuous progress is the desire to raise the quality of life of the people.

ANCIENT TIMES
In the ancient times, people were concerned with transportation and navigation,
communication and recordkeeping, mass production, security and protection, as well as health,
aesthetics, and architecture.
Transportation was significant during that time because people were trying to go places and
discover new horizons. They travelled to search for food and find better locations for their settlements.
They also travelled to trade their surplus goods in exchange for things that they lacked. Navigation
assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in the world. It allowed them to return
home after they discovered new places or completed an important trade with another group of people.
Communication was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new places. They
needed a way to communicate with the natives of the areas they visited so as to facilitate trade and
prevent possible conflicts. Record-keeping was also important since they needed to remember the
places they had been to and document the trades they made with each other. It was also vital to keep
records of their history and culture so they could establish their identities as they tried to relate with
other cultures and civilizations.

The increase in size and number of nations connoted increased demand for food and other basic
necessities. This condition also implied that people must be able to produce food at a given time and
space since resources were getting scarcer as more people struggled to share the basic necessities. The
people thus needed a form of technology that would enable them to increase food supplies and other
survival needs without them travelling more or working harder.
Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of new places or the
establishment of new alliances with other tribes. At that time, there was always a risk of conflict when
people met others with different culture and orientations. Conflicts were common especially if different
groups struggled to control vital resources. Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones so they
could take much needed resources. As such, the development of weapons and armors for security and
protection was considered a major achievement.
A primary challenge they faced was the conservation of life. The early people might have been
successful in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide, but their survival posed a great
problem. Different illnesses and diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered the full potential of a
human being. Given this predicament, science and technology played a major role in the discovery of
cures to, if not the prevention of, illnesses.
 Moreover, in order to integrate their needs—for better transportation, establishment of
structures for protection from human attacks and natural disasters, and construction of bigger and
stronger infrastructures—people ventured into what is now known as the field of engineering. The
development in this field allowed humans to build structures that would address their specific needs
and wants. Some of the structures built during the ancient times still exist today and continually awe
people.
The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction of architecture. Others might
see architecture as a mere style, but during the ancient times, elaborate architectural designs were signs
of technological advancement of a particular civilization. In the generations to come, architecture would
be considered a status symbol among nations of how advanced their technology is. It may also establish
the identity of a nation.
The people were not contented on beautifying only their infrastructure and surroundings. Being
able to prolong life with the mass production of food and advancement of medical technology, as well as
raise the quality of life by making complicated and difficult tasks easier, humans later on developed the
technology to improve how they look. They discovered that people looked more visually presentable
and appealing by adding some features and decorations in their body.
With all these in mind, one can conclude that the developments in science and technology,
aside from affecting the lives of the people, were the results of many prior antecedents. Out of
necessity, people in ancient times were able to discover and invent things that would impact the lives of
the modern people.
The following discussions will tackle the different major technological advancements during the
ancient times, which include some of the achievements of the early civilizations such as the Sumerians,
Babylonians, and Egyptians. It will continue to describe the gradual application of knowledge up to the
contemporary time.

SUMERIAN CIVILIZATION
Sumeria is located on the southernmost tip of ancient Mesopotamia. Sumerians are known for
their high degree of cooperation with one another and their desire for great things. They are not
contented with the basic things that life can offer. This desire pushed them to develop many things
connected with science and technology.

Cuneiform
One of the major contributions of the Sumerians is the development of the first writing system
known as cuneiform. It is a system that utilizes word pictures and triangular symbols which are carved
on clay using wedge instruments and then left to dry. Cuneiform allowed the Sumerians to keep records
of things with great historical value or their everyday life.
Uruk City
Another important contribution of the Sumerians is the City of Uruk. It is a great wonder not
only because it is considered to be the first true city in the world but also for the way it was erected.
There were no building stones in the location of this city and lumber was limited, making the
construction a big challenge. The Sumerians were able to build the city using only mud or clay from the
river, which they mixed with reeds, producing sun-baked bricks—a true engineering feat. They used the
bricks to make houses that protected them from the harsh weather and to build a wall around the city
that prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering.
The Great Ziggurat of Ur
Another engineering and architectural feat of the Sumerians is the Great Ziggurat of Ur. The
ziggurat, also called the mountain of god, was built in the same manner that they constructed the City of
Uruk. Without much building materials, the structure was constructed using sunbaked bricks. The
ziggurat served as the sacred place of their chief god, where only their priests were allowed to enter.
The temple showcases not only the elaborate and intricate Sumerian architecture but also the
remarkable technology used to build it. As such, even until today, people still enjoy and marvel at the
preserved Great Ziggurat o of Ur.
Irrigation and Dikes
As population increased, so did the demand for food. The Sumerians were challenged to mass
produce food items but the elements in the environment seemed uncooperative.
It was difficult to get water from the rivers, thus they could not maintain farmlands. Some groups had
scarce water supply, while others had problems with flooding caused by the river. As a solution to this
dilemma, the Sumerians created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands and at the same
time control the flooding of the rivers. This method was considered as one of the world's most beneficial
engineering works. Through the dikes and canals, the Sumerians were able to enjoy year-long farming
and harvesting, which increased their food production.
Sailboats
Another challenge to the Sumerians was transportation. At that time, the wheel was not yet
invented; the main mode of transportation was through waterways such as rivers and seas. Boats were
used to carry large quantities of products and were able to cover large distances. However, they wanted
to discover faraway lands to settle since the population was getting larger, and boats were not enough
to accommodate more people and products. They needed a mode of transportation that did not require
much human resource.
Some sources attribute to the Sumerians the invention of sailboats to address their increasing demands.
Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in fostering culture, information, and
technology.
Wheel
In the latter part of their history, the Sumerians were able to invent the wheel since the
specialized tools needed to create it were already available. The first wheels were not made for
transportation but for farm work and food processes. With the use of the wheel and axle, mass
production was made easier. Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.
The Plow
Another farm technology invented by the Mesopotamians is the plow. Humans evolved from
being food gatherers to farm cultivators. However, farmers needed a technology which would enable
them to dig the ground where seeds would be planted. The plow was invented to dig the earth in a
faster pace. As the plow breaks the ground, the farmer would just drop the seeds and farm work would
already be done. With this tool, farmers could cultivate larger parcels of land faster, enabling them to
mass produce food without taking so much effort and time.
Roads
In order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians developed the first roads. With this
work, the flow of traffic became faster and more organized. They made the roads with the same
technology they used in making the sun-baked bricks that they laid down on the ground. They later
poured bitumen, a black sticky substance similar to asphalt, to smoothen the roads. The invention of
roads was very useful especially during the rainy season when traveling in soft and muddy roads proved
to be too difficult.

BABYLONIAN CIVILIZATION
Babylonian civilization emerged near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Babylonians were
great builders, engineers, and architects. One of their major contributions is the hanging gardens of
Babylon, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Today, people can only marvel at the beauty of the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon from
stories of historians and paintings that portray the place. It was said to be a structure made up of layers
upon layers of gardens that contained several species of plants, trees, and vines. According to legends,
the great Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar Il built the gardens for his wife, Queen Amytis. However, no
physical evidence has been found to prove the existence of the Ha ing Gardens of Babylon. Its exact
location is also unknown Since time immemorial, people have been debating about the existence of the
said mythical place. Many said it was just a product of the creative imagination of the great King because
it lacked documentation or archaeological evidence. On the other hand, if it really existed, it must have
been destroyed by war, erosion, or an earthquake. True or not, hearing the stories and description of
the place would be enough to inspire awe to anyone. One can imagine the thick greenery decorated by
beautiful flowers coming from different places in the garden and complicated design of the
infrastructure. If the stories were true, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon may be considered as one of the
greatest engineering and architectural achievements of the world that is almost impossible to replicate.

EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION
Another early civilization famous for its legacy is the Egyptian civilization located in North Africa.
Many stories tell about the engineering feats of the Egyptians especially regarding the infrastructures
established by the pharaohs. Aside from engineering technology, the Egyptians have contributed other
practical things that the world now considers as essential. It is thus safe to say that the pyramids are not
the only contribution of the Egyptian civilization to the modern world.

Paper or Papyrus
One of the earlier contributions of Egyptian civilization was the paper or papyrus. Although
Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were able to make writing easier for the
world. Before the Egyptian innovation, clay tablets were used. However, safe-keeping and transporting
them were a major problem. Clay tablets were very fragile, heavy, and delicate to handle. So, bringing
them to places was a major challenge. Hence, the Egyptian invention of the paper or papyrus was a
welcome development. Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly along the Nile River in Egypt. They
were able to process the plant in order to produce thin sheets on which one could write down things.
Since papyrus was lighter and thinner than clay tablets, it was easy to carry and store. The sheets were
also less breakable as compared to clay tablets. This invention was a major accomplishment in Egyptian
record-keeping and communications. People then were able to send letters or correspondences
anywhere in the world since the pieces of paper were very light that they could be carried and delivered
by birds. Moreover, record-keeping was no longer a problem since documents would not take huge
storage spaces. Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from raiders who often destroyed records of
the nations they invaded.
When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving ceased to be used in writing.
As a result, the Egyptians invented ink by combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of
different colors. The ink must withstand the elements of nature since it was used to record history,
culture, and codified laws. It must also be tamper-proof so that people could not simply tinker with
those written down by authorities.
Hieroglyphics
Like the Sumerians, the Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols, known as
hieroglyphics. Although some say that hieroglyphics was adapted from the early writing system
established in Mesopotamia as a result of trade between civilizations, the Egyptians believed that this
writing system was provided to them by their gods. This form of writing can still be seen today and
remains to be as famous as the pyramid where they were found. Hieroglyphics was the language that
tells the modern world of the history and culture of the ancient Egyptians. Their records were well-
preserved since they were carved at the walls of pyramids and other important Egyptian structures.
The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics. Although cosmetics in the modern times are
used to improve and highlight the facial features of a person, their function in ancient Egypt was for
both health and aesthetic reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to prevent and even cure eye
diseases. Kohl was created by mixing soot or malachite with mineral galena. Egyptians also believed that
a person wearing make-up was protected from evil and that beauty was a sign of holiness. At present,
the cosmetic industry is a booming multibillion industry.

Wig
Another cosmetic invention of ancient Egyptians is the wig. At present, wigs are used to enhance
the appearance of people who are balding or those who want to try new hair trends.
Meanwhile, during the ancient Egyptian times, wigs were Worn for health and wellness rather
than for aesthetic purposes. The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy Egyptians
from the harmful rays of the sun. Wearing a wig was better than putting on a scarf or another head
cover since a wig allowed heat to escape. Moreover, it was considered cleaner than natural hair because
it prevented the accumulation of head lice.

Water Clock/Clepsydra
Another important ancient Egyptian contribution is the water clock. This device utilizes gravity
that affects the flow of water from one vessel to the other. The amount of water (or its height,
depending on the method used) remaining in the device determines how much time has elapsed since it
is full. In the process, time is measured. The water clock was widely used as a timekeeping device during
the ancient times.

GREEK CIVILIZATION
Greece is an archipelago in the southeastern part of Europe. Known as the birthplace of western
philosophy, some of the major achievements of the Greeks include in-depth works on philosophy and
mathematics. More than coliseums and the Olympics, the Greek civilization has contributed much to the
world especially in the fields of science and technology.

Alarm Clock
One of the most utilized gadgets today that was invented by the ancient Greeks is the alarm
clock. Although the alarm clock during that time did not resemble the present-day alarm clock, the
purpose was just the same—to tell an individual when to stop or when to start. The ancient Greek's
alarm clocks used large complicated mechanisms to time the alarm. They made use of water (or
sometimes small stones or sand) that dropped into drums which sounded the alarm. Plato was believed
to have utilized an alarm clock to signal the start of his lecture. His version used four water vessels lined
up vertically. The upper vessel supplied the water which dropped to the vessel below it, which was set
to be filled in a given time. After it was full, water was siphoned off at a faster rate into the third vessel
which would cause the expulsion of contained air, creating a whistling noise. Afterwards, this vessel
would empty towards the bottom vessel for storage and reuse.

Water Mill
 Watermills were also considered as one of the most important contributions of the Greek
civilization to the world. They were commonly used in agricultural processes like milling Of grains which
was a necessary form of food processing during that time. Because milling was made possible by the use
of watermills, the mass production of rice, cereals, flours, and the like became common. Watermills
were considered better than mills powered by farm animals because they required less effort and time
to operate since the farmer did not have to raise animals. They only required access to rivers or flowing
water where a mechanism of a large wheel with small "buckets" of water attached to it could be
installed.

ROMAN CIVILIZATION
The Roman Empire was perceived to be the strongest political and social entity in the west. It
was considered to be the cradle of politics and governance during that period. Because the Roman
Empire was so large, other civilizations looked up to it as their model in terms of legislation and codified
laws. Aside from their contributions in politics, a lot of discoveries and inventions still relevant today can
be attributed to the Roman Empire.

Newspaper
One of the major contributions of the Romans is the newspaper. The first newspapers, known as
gazettes, contained announcements of the Roman Empire to the people. Made before the invention of
paper, these gazettes were engraved in metal or stone tablets and then publicly displayed. When paper
was invented, it became easier for the Romans to "publish" matters that needed the attention of the
Roman citizens. In fact, with the advent of paper, minutes of the proceedings of the Roman senate were
done in shorthand. These documents were edited and published on the same day that they were
recorded. This way, the Romans enjoyed easy access to government information the same way we
benefit from present-day newspapers.

Bound Books or Codex

With the invention of paper, it became easier for civilizations to write down everything that
happened in their time. Record-keeping was much easier since paper did not easily break, was
lightweight, and did not occupy much space. As a result, civilizations became fond of record-keeping,
especially documenting historical events and newly legislated laws. Aside from Romans writing down
information about history and politics, literature also changed form from clay tablets to parchments of
paper. According to sources, Julius Caesar started the tradition of stacking up papyrus to form pages of a
book. Later on, they were able to provide covers to protect the papyrus. The earlier covers were made
of wax but were later on replaced by animal skin which proved to be stronger and longer-lasting. With
the papyrus pages bound together and covered by animal skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to
produce the first books or codex.

Roman Architecture
Roman architecture is one of the most visual contributions of the ancient Roman Empire to the
world. Roman architecture was considered a continuation of Greek architecture, hence, the
resemblance. However, Roman architecture was still regarded as pioneering since the Romans were
able to adapt new building and engineering technology on architectural designs established in the past.
In this manner, they were able to preserve great and elaborate architectural designs because they could
produce sturdier and stronger infrastructures. The Romans were also able to creatively redesign old
architectural patterns to adapt to the new trends at that time. This development in the field of
engineering and architecture was fully supported and funded by the Roman government so they were
able to implement major projects such as large churches (cathedrals and basilicas), aqueducts,
coliseums, amphitheaters, and even residential houses. The quality of these majestic Roman structures
can be seen by the way they withstood time and the harsh elements of the environment. Today, people
of the world still enjoy these marvels. These structures are proofs of ancient Roman technology.

Roman Numerals
Although other number systems had already been established before the Roman numeral, these
old systems could not keep up with high calculation requirements due to the increasing rate of
communication and trade among nations. Since the Roman Empire was expanding, it had to deal with
many nations to maintain its power. For this reason, the Romans devised their own number system
specifically to address the need for a standard counting method that would meet their increasing
communication and trade concerns. Although the Roman numeral is no longer widely used today due to
its inherent limitations, quite a number of enthusiasts would still use it over other more popular number
systems, like the Hindu-Arabic system, due to its aesthetic and historical value.

CHINESE CIVILIZATION
The Chinese civilization is considered to be the oldest civilization in Asia, if not the world. Also
known as the middle kingdom, China is located on the far east of Asia. It was famous among other
ancient civilizations because of its silk trade. Not a great amount was written about ancient China partly
due to its distance from the other civilizations. Despite its less popular status among the early
civilizations, one cannot discredit the significant contributions of Chinese civilization to the world.

Silk
One of the things that connected Far East China to the world is silk. Although silk is naturally
produced by silk worms, the Chinese were the ones who developed the technology to harvest the silk
and process it to produce paper and clothing. Silk production resulted in the creation of a product for
trade. The silk trade opened China to the outside world, making way for cultural, economic, and
scientific exchanges. It bridged the gap between the western world and the middle kingdom.

Tea Production
Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over crushed or shredded dried tea
leaves. It was believed that the first tea was drunk by a Chinese emperor. Tea production was developed
when an unknown Chinese inventor created a machine that was able to shred tea leaves into strips. This
machine was done using a wheel-based mechanism with sharp edges attached to a wooden or ceramic
pot. Because of this invention, the Chinese were able to increase their production of tea and trade with
other nations. China thus became known for its tea exports aside from its silk products. Tea production
developed by the ancient Chinese may have resulted in making tea as one of the most popular
beverages in the world today.

Great Wall of China

Once considered the only man-made structure that could be seen from outer space, the Great
Wall of China is said to be the largest and most extensive infrastructure that the nation built. It was
constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control the borders of China. Made with stone, brick,
wood, earth, and other materials, it showcased the extent of Chinese engineering technology at that
time. The structure was so massive and strong that it was said to have literally divided China from the
rest of the world. The wall's construction put the nation among the powerful civilizations during the
ancient times. It was the pride of their land and their crowning glory. Today, with some sections already
in ruins, the Great Wall still continues to be a world attraction due to its historical significance and
architectural grandeur.

Gunpowder
The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China. Originally, it was developed
by Chinese alchemists who aimed to achieve immortality. They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and potassium
nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they accidentally invented a black powder that could
actually generate large amounts of heat and gas in an instant. Ironically, instead of prolonging life,
gunpowder is widely used to propel bullets from guns and cannons which cause countless deaths. In
fact, gunpowder-propelled weapons are preferred by raiders who plan to attack at a distance. The same
weapons are also used to dissipate any attempts of invasion. On the other hand, gunpowder is also used
in fireworks during important celebrations in China.

MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
The start of the middle ages was marred by massive invasions and migrations. Wars were
prevalent during this time. As such, great technology was needed in the fields of weaponry, navigation,
mass food and farm production, and health. The wars have resulted in population decline, but during
the latter part of the period, there was a significant rise in population. Trade and commerce among
nations increased, which resulted in greater demands for transportation technology. Some of the most
innovative minds came from this period.
PRINTING PRESS
After the Chinese developed woodblock printing, Johann Gutenberg was able to invent the
printing press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. He utilized wooden machines that
extracted juices from fruits, attached to them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the
cast metal into a piece of paper, which then made an exact impression on paper.
This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing press which was eventually used all
over the world. The printing press was invented to address the need for publishing books that would
spread information to many people at a faster rate. This invention also made works accessible to
individuals who could not even write (Streissguth, 1997).
MICROSCOPE
Another invention in the Middle Ages is the microscope. Growing populations caused massive
migration and urbanization during the period. More and more people transferred to polluted and
populated urban areas which resulted in more people getting sick and needing medical attention. To
develop the proper medicines for illnesses, experts must understand the sickness through an
investigation. Thus, they needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the eye. Guided by the
principles used for the invention of eyeglasses in earlier years, Zacharias Janssen was able to develop the
first compound microscope. With this device, people were able to observe organisms that were
normally unseen by the naked eye. The microscope was key in discovering new means in preventing and
curing various illnesses (Davidson, 2015).
TELESCOPE
Since the Middle Ages was also known as the Age of Exploration, the need for nautical
inventions was high. Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship captains needed
to see far and wide for them to navigate or to avoid dangers at sea. The invention of the telescope, an
optical instrument that helps in the observation of remote objects, was a great help for navigators
during this time. Together with the telescope, the invention of the compass, oars, and rudders made sea
travelling easier and safer (Helden, 1989).
WAR WEAPONS
Since wars were widespread during the Middle Ages, great development in the weaponry
technology also occurred. All sides must develop weaponries not only as offensive tools but also as
defensive instruments. For open-area battles, people developed cross bows and long bows so that they
could attack the enemies at long ranges, keeping themselves safe with
the protection of walls and fortresses. Additionally, in close range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should
wear something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation of iron body armors. However,
body armors were heavy and limited their movements. The problem was eventually solved by the
invention of the chainmail.

MODERN TIMES
The booming world population during the nineteenth century onwards demanded that more
goods be produced at a faster rate. People needed efficient means of transportation to trade more
goods and cover a larger distance. Machines that required animals to operate must thus be upgraded.
Faster and easier means to communicate and compute should be developed to establish connections
between and among nations. All these needs resulted in the development of industries. However, due
to massive industrialization, the modern times again faced more complicated problems. Food processing
and medicine posed some of the bigger challenges since health was of great concern.
PASTEURIZATION
As people were able to develop better means of production to meet the needs of the
population, food preservation and food safety became an issue. The challenge to keep manufactured
food from deteriorating was greater for dairy products, especially milk, since they usually spoiled faster.
These goods needed to be consumed almost immediately after production or they would cause illness
like diphtheria, food poisoning, and typhoid fever. Since transporting these products would also take
time, it would be impossible to trade them.
Louis Pasteur, a French biologist, microbiologist, and chemist, found a way to solve the problem.
He invented pasteurization, the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria that allow
them to spoil faster. Through this process, milk could be stored and consumed for a longer period. It
also prevented illnesses caused by harmful bacteria (Macalester College, 2010). Other contributions of
Pasteur to science, technology, and medicine included his works on molecular asymmetry, fermentation,
and vaccination.
PETROLEUM REFINERY
The modern times demanded better means of powering homes and transportation. At first,
people used animal oils for generating light to illuminate their homes. However, the production of
animal oils could not keep up with the demand. Faced with this concern, Samuel M. Kier was able to
invent kerosene by refining petroleum. Kerosene was later on referred to as the "illuminating oil"
because it was used at first to provide lighting to homes. After some time, it was applied for heating
purposes. The development of kerosene established the petroleum refinery industry (Skrabec, 2010). At
present, petroleum is widely used in powering automobiles, factories, and power plants, among others.
TELEPHONE
The more people got connected by trade and exploration, the more they needed a way to easily
maintain these connections and communicate with each other in real time. Governments likewise
needed some kind of communication system which would allow them to administer their states well.
Important day-to-day decisions must be discussed and addressed at the fastest time possible. Thus, the
development of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most important inventions at
that time.
CALCULATOR
Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been developed, circumstances in the
modern times required a faster way to compute more complicated equations. Computing devices must
also be easy to carry since they would be utilized on a day-to-day basis. The creation of modern
calculators did not only pave the way for easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the
development of more complex processing machines like the computer.

PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
Despite being considered a developing country, the Philippines also contributes to the global
advancement of science and technology. It is quite remarkable to note the ingenuity of the Filipinos
despite the lack in resources. The Philippines is known to be one of the most vulnerable in terms of
natural disasters. Many of the discoveries and inventions made by the Filipinos were therefore built
from indigenous materials or created to adapt to the harsh tropical environment.
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 11 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, H20 Technologies headed by
Dominic N. Chung and Lamberto Armada, together with Chief Designer Victor "Atoy" Llave, was 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 has a lot of potential.
SALT 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 those from far-flung barrios because they can make their own saltwater by mixing two
tablespoons of salt and a glass of tap water.
MEDICAL INCUBATOR
A common problem in the Philippines is the high mortality rate of newborn babies. One reason
for this problem in the 20th century was the lack of available incubators especially in far-flung rural
areas due to lack of resources and electricity. Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian
woman admitted into Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator made from indigenous and
cheap materials which did not run on electricity. Dr. del Mundo's incubator was made by placing a
native laundry basket inside a bigger one. Hot water bottles were inserted between the baskets to
provide warmth and a makeshift hood to allow oxygen circulation. Its main purpose was to maintain
conditions suitable for a newborn, usually a pre-term baby. Other breakthroughs in Philippine medicine
attributed to Dr. del Mundo include her works on the immunization and treatment ofjaundice and the
BRAT diet for curing diarrhea.
MOSQUITO OVICIDAL/LARVICIDAL TRAP SYSTEM
Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, including
the Philippines. This virus is usually transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito, rampant during the rainy
season. Insecticides were previously used to kill the species. However, recent studies show that
insecticide resistance has evolved in some mosquito populations. Likewise, using insecticides is harmful
not only to humans but also to the environment. In 2010, the Department of Science and Technology—
Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) was able to introduce the Mosquito
Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System, also known as OL Trap. This trap system is made of natural ingredients
that are lethal to mosquitos but safe for humans and the environment.
EJEEPNEY
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 Il. 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?

To Do
 Written Report (Topic Summary)
Content (60pts)
Organization (15pts)
Presentation (15pts)
Format (10pts)
 Research on other significant inventions during each period that are not included in this module
 Make a research on the History of Science and Technology in the Philippines Before the
Spaniards

 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Give three other major scientific and technological developments in the world (or in the
Philippines) that created a large impact on your daily life.

2. What historical antecedents gave rise to the inventions you mentioned in the first question?

3. How did the developments in science and technology shape human history?

 ACTIVITY
STANDING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE GIANTS
Search for one great achievement during their assigned time period aside from those discussed
in the chapter and accomplish the following:
1. Make a poster of your chosen achievement/inventions and design the board with a theme
appropriate to the assigned time period. (You can use digital design, or you can draw or
print pictures)
 2. Explain in your own words how each invention works. Also identify their use and purpose.
Paste the information at the back of your work and discuss how these inventions impacted
the people and the society during the time period when they were made.

MODULE 2
INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. discuss the paradigm shifts through history;
2. explain how the Intellectual Revolution changed the way how humans see the world; and
3. describe the technological advancements that happened in the information age.

The previous module tackled how historical antecedents have affected the course of science and
technology. It has been established that most, if not all, of the discoveries and inventions in science and
technology during each time period were due to human needs and wants. Brilliant minds responded to
the call of the times and created things that could make life easier for the people.
There have also been instances when advancements in science and technology changed
people's perceptions and beliefs. Much of these events happened in a period now known as the
Intellectual Revolution.
The developments during the Intellectual Revolution showed how society was transformed by
science and technology. This chapter aims to establish the interaction between science and technology
and society, cementing further the relationship as introduced in the first chapter.

COPERNICAN REVOLUTION
In the early times, people questioned what created days and nights. They wanted to understand
what heavenly bodies like stars, moons, and planets are. The invention of the telescope allowed the
people to take a peek at the outer space, but more importantly, it also intrigued them to' know what
was actually out there.
Many Greek philosophers and intellectuals wrote about planets in an attempt to explain the
movements of heavenly bodies and their effects on the world as they knew it. Many of these
philosophers agreed that planets moved around in circular motion, and that these movements created
days and nights, among others. A famous philosopher and astronomer, Claudius Ptolemy, stated that
the planets, as well as the sun and the moon, moved in a circular motion around the Earth. The sun and
moon's revolution explained the existence of days and nights. He believed that the Earth was at the
center—a concept known as geocentrism. Ptolemy's geocentric model was widely accepted by the
people and was one of the greatest discoveries of that time.
In the 16th century, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish mathematician and astronomer, challenged
the Ptolemaic model. He introduced a new concept known as heliocentrism, which suggested that the
center of the Solar System was not the Earth but actually the sun. This idea was rejected at first by the
public. It appalled many since their religious belief had taught them that the Earth was created first
before all other things. Copernicus was even persecuted as a heretic because his teachings were against
what was widely accepted by religion. After some time, astronomers realized that the Copernican model
simplified the orbits for planets. It also answered issues that could not be explained using the geocentric
model. Other works that supported this model started to emerge as well. It was eventually accepted by
the people in a period which was called the birth of modern astronomy. This era began what was known
as the scientific revolution which resulted in the transformation of society's thoughts and beliefs.

DARWINIAN REVOLUTION
The Darwinian revolution was considered to be one of the most controversial intellectual
revolutions of its time. In 1859, Charles Darwin, an English naturalist, biologist, and geologist, published
his book, On the Origin of Species. In this book, Darwin introduced the theory of evolution, which
posited that populations pass through a process of natural selection in which only the fittest would
survive. He stated that organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and would gradually
change into something that would be more competitive to survive, a process known as evolution.
However, this theory became very controversial as people perceived it to be contradictory to the
church's teachings that the source of life is a powerful creator. The theory emerged at a time when most
of the population believed and accepted the biblical version of the Earth's creation. Because of this
conflict, the people were divided—some believed that the theory explained the origin of life, but the
religious and the faithful strongly refuted it. It even sparked a massive debate between science and
religion. It was only after some time that people came to understand that Darwin's theory of evolution
was not in fact against the teachings of the church and both can coexist.

FREUDIAN REVOLUTION
In the past, the field of psychology was always classified under philosophy. Psychology was
considered more of an art rather than a science. In the late 19 th century, Sigmund Freud was able to
change people's perception of psychology with his revolutionary theory of psychoanalysis.
Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human behavior. In his theory, Freud explained that there are
many conscious and unconscious factors that can influence behavior and emotions. He also argued that
personality is a product of three conflicting elements: id, ego, and superego. Science hardliners brushed
off the legitimacy of psychoanalysis as a science since its concepts were more philosophical and
supernatural. Many believed that Freud's theory had no scientific basis as no empirical or experimental
data could support it.
Despite criticisms, Freud still continued to work on refining his theory and in fact tried to explain
how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in treating some mental disorders. Soon enough, people
were able to understand the concepts of psychoanalysis, which eventually resulted in classifying
psychology as a science.
These three revolutionizing theories are just some of the many scientific ideas that transformed
and molded societies and beliefs. The changes they brought to the perspectives and perceptions of the
scientific community and the public are evidence of science and technology's link to humanity. Through
scientific research and experimentations, people will continue to deepen their understanding of the
world and the universe.

To Do
 Written Report
Rubric for Written Report Summary
Content (60pts)
Organization (15pts)
Presentation (15pts)
Format (10pts)
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Why do you think were most intellectual ideas controversial?
 2. Why did the people accept these new discoveries despite being contradictory to what was
widely accepted at that time?
3. How do intellectual revolutions transform societies?
4. Research on other scientific revolutions that happened in the following places:
4.1.1. Meso-America
4.1.2. Asia
4.1.3. Middle East
4.1.4. Africa
 ACTIVITY
Research on the positive and negative results brought about by innovations and technological
advances. Reflect on the result of your research and come up with ten rules or guidelines in using the
different media of information to ensure that humanity will reap the rewards of information age.
Rubric
Reflective Thinking(10pts)
Analysis(10pts)
Making Connections(10pts)

MODULE 3
Science, Technology, and Nation-building

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. explain how early Filipinos applied scientific principles in their daily living;
2. present government policies on science and technology and explain their importance to the
nation; and
3. discuss the role of science and technology in nation-building.

The development of science and technology the Philippines has already come a long way. Many
significant inventions and discoveries have been accomplished by or attributed to Filipinos. This module
tackles how the development of science and technology affect the development of the Philippine as a
nation.

PRE-COLONIAL ERIOD
Scientific and technological development in the Philippines began in the pre-colonial period.
Even before the Spaniards came to the Philippine islands, early Filipino settlers were already using
certain plants and herbs as medicines. Systems of farming and animal-raising were also implemented.
Moreover, early Filipinos had also developed different modes of transportation, whether terrestrial or
maritime.
A complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of the Cordilleras when they built
rice terraces by hand. Through these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on the
mountainsides in cold temperatures. They incorporated an irrigation system that uses water from the
forests and mountain tops to achieve an elaborate farming system. The rice terraces of the Cordilleras,
which are still functional, show the innovative and ingenious way of the natives to survive in an
otherwise unfriendly environment.

COLONIAL PERIOD
Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with modern means of construction.
Walls, roads, bridges, and other large infrastructures were built using some of the engineering skills and
tools brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish government developed health and education
systems that were enjoyed by the principalia class.
The American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life in the Philippines. They
established a government agency, the Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing development
in the field of science and technology.

POST-COLONIAL PERIOD
After achieving independence from the colonizers, the Philippines, under different
administrations, continued to pursue programs in science and technology. Each leadership had its own
science and technology agenda. However, it is important to note than some Philippine presidents
posted more developments in the field than others.
One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science and technology was former
president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Under his term, many agencies in science and technology
were established and strengthened, including the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) in place of the abolished Weather Bureau; the National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST); and the reconstituted National Science and Technology Authority
(originally established in 1958 as the National Science and Development Board and now the Department
of Science and Technology), among others. Marcos saw that the key to nation-building is the continued
development of science and technology. The progress in science and technology continued even after
his dictatorial rule and the presidents after him left their own legacies in the field.

To Do
 Written Report
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Trace the development of science and technology from the pre-colonial times up to the
present. What have you observed?
2. What do you think are the major contributions of science and technology to Philippine
nation-building?
3. What specific government policy do you like the most in terms of contributing to the
development of science and technology in the Philippines?
4. What do you think are the major contributions of the Philippines to the field at present?
5. What policies do you want the government to implement in the near future?

 ACTIVITY
Identify some achievements in the field of science and technology under the Philippine
administration after Marcos, and trace how they helped shape the Philippines as a nation. Show
your findings through a 5- to 10-minute creative video presentation.
 MODULE 4
Human Flourishing in Science and Technology

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. discuss what technology reveals;
2. examine modern technology and its role in human flourishing; and
3. explain the role of art in a technological world.

The progress of human civilizations throughout history mirrors the development of science and
technology. The human person, as both the bearer and beneficiary of science and technology, flourishes
and finds meaning in the world that he/she builds. In the person's pursuit of the good life, he/she may
unconsciously acquire, consume, or destroy what the world has to offer. It is thus necessary to reflect on
the things that truly matter. Science and technology must be taken as part of human life that merits
reflective and—as the German philosopher Martin Heidegger says—meditative thinking. Science and
technology, despite its methodical and technical nature, gives meaning to the life of a person making
his/her way in the world.
To be able to appreciate the fruits of science and technology, they must be examined not only
for their function and instrumentality but also for their greater impact on humanity as a whole. The
various gadgets, machines, appliances, and vehicles are all tools that make human lives easier because
they serve as a means to an end. Their utility lies on providing people with a certain good, convenience,
or knowledge. Meanwhile, medical research employs the best scientific and technological principles to
come up with cures for diseases and ways to prevent illnesses to ensure a good quality of life.

TECHNOLOGY AS A MODE OF REVEALING

In his seminal work, The Question of Technology, Martin Heidegger urges us to question
technology and see beyond people's common understanding of it.
According to ancient doctrine, the essence of a thing is considered to be what the thing is. We
ask the question concerning technology when we ask what it is. Everyone knows the two statements that
answer our question. One says: Technology is a means to an end. The other says: Technology is a human
activity. The two definitions of technology belong together. For to posit ends and Procure and utilize the
means to them is a human activity. The manufacture and utilization of equipment, tools, and machines,
the manufactured and used things themselves, and the needs and ends that they serve, all belong to
what technology is. The whole complex of these contrivances is technology. Technology itself is a
contrivance—in Latin, an instrumentum. The current conception of technology, according to which it is a
means and a human activity, can therefore be called the instrumental and anthropological definition of
technology (Heidegger, 1997, p. 5).
This definition is correct but not necessarily true. The "true" entails so much more meaning and
significance. Heidegger, however, asserted that the true can be pursued through the correct. In other
words, the experience and understanding of what is correct lead us to what is true. Heidegger urged
people to envision technology as a mode of revealing as it shows so much more about the human
person and the world. Technology is a way of bringing forth, a making something. By considering
technology as a mode of revealing, then truth is brought forth. For instance, the truth that the Earth is
weeping could be revealed by the information and data taken by modern devices. Whatever truth is
uncovered, it will be something more meaningful and significant than the superficial or practical use of
technology.
Heidegger also put forward the ancient Greek concepts of aletheia, poiesis, and techne. Aletheia
means unhiddenness or disclosure. Poiesis is defined as bringing forth. For Aristotle, it means making or
producing something for a purpose. It is sometimes used to refer to poetry and composition. Finally,
techne (the root word for technology) means skill, art, or craft. It is a means of bringing forth something.
Thus, in Heidegger's work, technology is a poiesis that discloses or reveals the truth.
On the other hand, to think of technology as poetry takes a different mindset, a more reflective
and sensitive way of looking at the world. This perspective is not easy to take especially in this era when
instant knowledge is demanded and split-second updates are the norm, and when the pursuit of fame
and fortune is unceasingly bannered on social media. There is so much noise in the world that it would
take a disciplined stepping back to see what Heidegger meant and to appreciate how technology could
actually be poetry that brings forth truth.

TECHNOLOGY AS POIESIS: APPLICABLE TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY?

Does the idea that technology is poiesis apply to modern technology? Heidegger characterizes
modern technology as a challenging forth since it is very aggressive in its activity. Modern technology
may also be a mode of revealing but not as the harmonious bringing forth that is described in his thesis
of technology as poiesis. Modern technology challenges nature and demands of it resources that are,
most of the time, forcibly extracted for human consumption and storage. It brings about a "setting
upon" of the land. Mining is an example of modern technology that challenges forth and brings about
the setting upon of land. It extracts minerals from the earth and forcefully assigns the land as a means to
fulfill the never-ending demands of people.
With modern technology, revealing never comes to an end. The revealing always happens on
our own terms as everything is on demand. Information at our fingertips, food harvested even out of
season, gravity defied to fly off to space—such is the capacity of the human person. We no longer need
to work with the rhythms of nature because we have learned to control it. We order nature, and extract,
process, make ready for consumption, and store what we have forced it to reveal. Heidegger described
modern technology as the age of switches, standing reserve, and stockpiling for its own sake. This
observation is manifest in the mechanization and digitization of many aspects of our life—from
agriculture to communications and transportation, among many others.
What kind of unconcealment is it, then, that is peculiar to that which results from this setting
upon that challenges? Everywhere everything is ordered to stand by, to be immediately on hand, indeed
to stand there just so that it may be on call for a further ordering. Whatever is ordered about in this way
has its own standing. We call it the standing-reserve (Heidegger, 1977, p. 5).

QUESTIONING AS THE PIETY OF THOUGHT

In this stepping back and taking stock of things, we begin to wonder and question. One may
admire the intricacy of mechanisms and the sophistication of mobile applications. Another may marvel
at the people and circumstances that allowed for such technology. There is so much wealth of insights
that can be gathered when people stop, think, and question. "Questioning is the piety of thought,"
stated Heidegger in The Question Concerning Technology.
Normally, piety is associated with being religious. For Heidegger, however, piety means
obedience and submission. In addressing what technology has brought forth, one cannot help but be
submissive to what his/her thoughts and reflections elicit. Sometimes, thinking brings forth insights that
the mind has not yet fully understood or developed. There are times when one's thinking brings forth
eureka moments. Whatever understanding is found becomes significant because it is evoked by
questioning who or what we essentially are in the world. For example, it is a known truth that we,
human beings and everything around us, are made of the same substances that constitute the stars.
Therefore, we actually are stardust. Do we just take this matter-of-factly or do we wonder at its
significance? It is when we start questioning that we submit ourselves to our thoughts. This kind of
questioning leads one to search for his/her place in the universe and in the grand scale of things. It is
through this process that one builds a way towards knowing the truth of who he/she is as a being in this
world.

ENFRAMING: WAY OF REVEALING IN MODERN TECHNOLOGY

The way of revealing in modern technology is an enframing. This enframing that challenges forth
and sets upon nature is a way of looking at reality. In simpler terms, it is as if nature is put in a box or in
a frame so that it can be better understood and controlled according to people's desires. Poiesis is
concealed in enframing as nature is viewed as an orderable and calculable system of information.
In looking at the world, Heidegger distinguished between calculative thinking and meditative
thinking. In calculative thinking, as mentioned earlier, one orders and puts a system to nature so it can
be understood better and controlled. In meditative thinking, one lets nature reveal itself to him/her
without forcing it. One kind of thinking is not in itself better than the other. The human person has the
faculty for both and would do well to use them in synergy. However, people also want control and are
afraid of unpredictability, so calculative thinking is more often used. Enframing is done because people
want security, even if the ordering that happens in enframing is violent and even if the Earth is made as
a big gasoline station from which we extract, stockpile, and put in standing-reserve, ready to be used as
we see fit.

HUMAN PERSON SWALLOWED BY TECHNOLOGY

Though it is true that the individual takes part in the revealing of nature, limits must still be
recognized. Humans do not really call the shots on this Earth. If we allow ourselves to get swallowed by
modern technology, we lose the essence of who we are as beings in this world. If we are constantly
plugged online and no longer have the capacity for authentic personal encounters, then we are truly
swallowed by technology. If we cannot let go of the conveniences and profits brought about by
processes and industries that pollute the environment and cause climate change, then technology has
consumed our humanity.
Nevertheless, as expressed by the poet Holderlin, "But where danger is, grows the saving power
also." The saving power lies in the essence of technology as technology. Essence is the way in which
things are, as that which endures. Heidegger further asserted that the "essence of technology is nothing
technological" (1977). The essence of technology is not found in the instrumentality and function of
machines constructed, but in the significance such technology unfolds.
He also expressed that the various problems brought about by human's dependence on
technology cannot be simply resolved by refusing technology altogether. He stated:
Thus we shall never experience our relationship to the essence of technology so long as
we merely represent and pursue the technological, put up with it, or evade it. Everywhere we
remain unfree and chained to technology, whether we Passionately affirm or deny it. But we are
delivered over to it in the worst possible way when we regard it as something neutral; for this
conception of it, to which today we Particularly like to pay homage, makes us utterly blind to the
essence of technology (1977, p. 1).
ART AS AWAY OUT OF ENFRAMING
Enframing, as the mode of revealing in modern technology, tend to block poiesis. The poetry
that is found in nature can no Ionger be easily appreciated when nature is enframed. If the Earth has just
become a gas station for us, then we have become enframed as well. In modern technology, the way of
revealing is no longer poetic; it is challenging. When instruments are observed linearly, its poetry can no
longer be found. For example, the watermill is a primitive structure compared to the hydropower plant;
or the first iPhone model is just an obsolete piece of machine. People no longer realize how the
watermill is more in tune with the rhythms of nature or how much genius went into the building of the
first iPhone.
Heidegger proposes art as a way out of this enframing. With art, we are better able to see the
poetic in nature in reality. It leads us away from calculative thinking and towards meditative thinking.
Through meditative thinking, we will recognize that nature is art par excellence. Hence, nature is the
most poetic.
There was a time when it was not technology alone that bore the name techne. Once
the revealing that brings forth truth into the splendor of radiant appearance was also called
techne.
Once there was a time when the bringing-forth of the true into the beautiful was called
techne. The poiesis of the fine arts was also called techne.
At the outset of the destining of the West, in Greece, the arts soared to the supreme
height of the revealing granted them. They illuminated the presence [Gegenwart] of the gods
and the dialogue of divine and human destinings. And art was called simply techne. It was a
single, manifold revealing. It was pious, promos, i.e., yielding to the holding sway and the
safekeeping of truth.
The arts were not derived from the artistic. Artworks were not enjoyed aesthetically. Art
was not a sector of cultural activity.
What was art—perhaps only for that brief but magnificent age? Why did art bear the
modest name techne? Because it was a revealing that brought forth and made Present, and
therefore belonged within poiesis. It was finally that revealing which holds complete sway in all
the fine arts, in poetry, and in everything poetical that obtained poiesis as its proper name
(Heidegger, 1977, p. 13).

When meditatively looking at technology, one will begin to question its significance in his/her
life more than in its instrumental use. Technology is normally thought of as that which solves problems,
but Heidegger asserted that it is something that must be questioned. Again, it is in questioning that we
build a way to understand. In the nuclear age, we view nature as a problem to be solved. The calculative
thinking in which we perceive nature in a technical and scientific manner is becoming more important in
the modern world. On the other hand, it is meditative thinking that provides a way for us to remain
rooted in the essence of who we are. It grounds us so as not to let our technological devices affect our
real core and warp our nature.
Aristotle's conception of the four causes was mechanical. As explained by Heidegger:
For centuries philosophy has taught that there are four causes: (1) the causa materialis,
the material, the matter out ofwhich, for example, a silver chalice is made; (2) the causa
formalis, theform, the shape into which the material enters; (3) the causa finalis, the end, for
example, the sacrificial rite in relation to which the chalice required is determined as to its form
and matter; (4) the causa efficiens, which brings about the effect that is the finished, actual
chalice, in this instance, the silversmith. What technology is, when represented as a means,
discloses itself when we trace instrumentality back to fourfold causality (1977, p. 2).
 Though correct in the four causes, Aristotle remained in the mechanical sense and did not allow
for a larger truth to disclose itself. The poetic character may be hidden but it is there. For example, the
ancient Greek experience of cause is aition or indebtedness, not cause and effect. Thus, the Greeks
revere the sun because they are indebted to it, and not because the sun is the cause of energy on Earth.
Aition is responsible for bringing forth.
Though enframing happens, it cannot completely snuff out the poetic character of technology.
We ponder technology and question it. In so doing, we also become aware of the crisis we have plunged
the Earth into. The danger is made present and more palpable through our art and poetry. Amid this
realization, we remain hopeful because, as the poet Holderlin put It, "...poetically man dwells upon this
Earth" (Heidegger, 1977, p. 13).

To Do
 Written Report
Rubric for Written Report Summary
Content (60pts)
Organization (15pts)
Presentation (15pts)
Format (10pts)
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. How is technology a mode of revealing?
2. In your daily experience of technology, what else is revealed to you aside from its function?
3. Why should technology be questioned?
4. How is questioning the piety of thought?
5. How does art provide a way out of enframing?
 ACTIVITY
Form five groups and pick a work of art that you feel best reveals technology. Reflect
and discuss among yourselves how the artwork describes and reveals technology. Ground your
discussion from the concepts learned in this chapter.
 MODULE 5
Human Flourishing as Reflected in Progress and Development

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. critique human flourishing vis-å-vis the progress of science and technology;
2. explain Hickel's paradigm of "de-development"; and
3. differentiate it from the traditional notions of growth and consumption.

How do we know that we are progressing? What are the indicators of development? More often
than not, development is equated with growth and greater consumption. The more that a population is
able to consume, the wealthier it is. Likewise, the more that a person is able to buy stuff, the higher
he/she is on the development scale. The planet, however, is already overburdened with human
activities. It is about time that we rethink our standards of development if we truly want to live the good
life. Jason Hickel, an anthropologist at the London School of Economics, challenges us to rethink and
reflect on a different paradigm of "de-development."

Forget 'developing' poor countries, it's time to 'de-develop' rich countries Jason Hickel
Heads of state are gathering in New York to sign the UN's new sustainable development
goals (SDGs). The main objective is to eradicate poverty by 2030. Beyoncé, One Direction and
Malala are on board. It's set to be a monumental international celebration.
Given all the fanfare, one might think the SDGs are about to offer a fresh plan for how to
save the world, but beneath all the hype, it's business as usual. The main strategy for eradicating
poverty is the same: growth.
Growth has been the main object of development for the past 70 years, despite the fact
that it is not working. Since 1980, the global economy has grown by 380%, but the number of
people living in poverty on less than $5 (E3.20) a day has increased by more than 1.1 billion.
That's 17 times the population of Britain. So much for the trickledown effect.
Orthodox economists insist that all we need is yet more growth. More progressive types
tell us that we need to shift some of the yields of growth from the richer segments of the
population to the poorer ones, evening things out a bit. Neither approach is adequate. Why?
Because even at current levels of average global consumption, we're overshooting our planet's
bio-capacity by more than 50% each year.
In other words, growth isn't an option any more—we've already grown too much.
Scientists are now telling us that we're blowing past planetary boundaries at breakneck speed.
And the hard truth is that this global crisis is due almost entirely to overconsumption in rich
countries.
Right now, our planet only has enough resources for each of us to consume 1.8 "global
hectares" annually—a standardized unit that measures resource use and waste. This figure is
roughly what the average person in Ghana or Guatemala consumes. By contrast, people in the
US and Canada consume about 8 hectares per person, while Europeans consume 4.7 hectares—
many times their fair share.
What does this mean for our theory of development? Economist Peter Edward argues
that instead of pushing poorer countries to "catch up" with rich ones, we should be thinking of
ways to get rich countries to "catch down" to more appropriate levels of development. We
should look at societies where people live long and happy lives at relatively low levels of income
and consumption not as basket cases that need to be developed towards western models, but
as exemplars of efficient living.
How much do we really need to live long and happy lives? In the US, life expectancy is
79 years and GDP per capita is $53,000. But many countries have achieved similar life
expectancy with a mere fraction of this income. Cuba has a comparable life expectancy to the
US and one of the highest literacy rates in the world with GDP per capita of only $6,000 and
consumption of only 1.9 hectares—right at the threshold of ecological sustainability. Similar
claims can be made of Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Tunisia.
Yes, some of the excess income and consumption we see in the rich world yields
improvements in quality of life that are not captured by life expectancy, or even literacy rates.
But even if we look at measures of overall happiness and wellbeing in addition to life
expectancy, a number of low- and middle-income countries rank highly. Costa Rica manages to
sustain one of the highest happiness indicators and life expectancies in the world with a per
capita income one-fourth that of the US.
In light of this, perhaps we should regard such countries not as underdeveloped, but
rather as appropriately developed. And maybe we need to start calling on rich countries to
justify their excesses.
The idea of "de-developing" rich countries might prove to be a strong rallying cry in the
global south, but it will be tricky to sell to westerners. Tricky, but not impossible. According to
recent consumer research,
of people in middle- and high-income countries believe overconsumption is putting our planet
and society at risk. A similar majority also believe we should strive to buy and own less, and that
doing so would not compromise our happiness. People sense there is something wrong with the
dominant model of economic progress and they are hungry for an alternative narrative.
The problem is that the pundits promoting this kind of transition are using the wrong
language. They use terms such as de-growth, zero growth or—worst of all—de-development,
which are technically accurate but off-putting for anyone who's not already on board. Such
terms are repulsive because they run against the deepest frames we use to think about human
progress, and, indeed, the purpose of life itself. It's like asking people to stop moving positively
thorough life, to stop learning, improving, growing.
Negative formulations won't get us anywhere. The idea of "steady state" economics is a
step in the right direction and is growing in popularity, but it still doesn't get the framing right.
We need to reorient ourselves toward a positive future, a truer form of progress. One that is
geared toward quality instead of quantity. One that is more sophisticated than just
accumulating ever increasing amounts of stuff, which doesn't make anyone happier anyway.
What is certain is that GDP as a measure is not going to get us there and we need to get rid of it.
 Perhaps we might take a cue from Latin Americans, who are organizing alternative
visions around the indigenous concept of buen vivir, or good living. The west has its own
tradition of reflection on the good life and it's time we revive it. Robert and Edward Skidelsky
take us down this road in his book How Much is Enough? where they lay out the possibility of
interventions such as banning advertising, a shorter working week and a basic income, all of
which would improve our lives while reducing consumption.
Either we slow down voluntarily or climate change will do it for us. We can't go on
ignoring the laws of nature. But rethinking our theory of progress is not only an ecological
imperative, it is also a development one. If we do not act soon, all our hard-won gains against
poverty will evaporate, as food systems collapse and mass famine re-emerges to an extent not
seen since the 19th centum
This is not about giving anything up. And it's certainly not about living a life of voluntary
misery or imposing harsh limits on human potential. On the contrary, it's about reaching a
higher level of understanding and consciousness about what we're doing here and why.

Source: Hickel, J. (2015). Forget 'developing' poor countries, it's time to 'dedevelop' rich countries. The
Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.
theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/ sep/23/developing-poor-countries-de-
develop-rich-countries-sdgsI

To Do
READING EXERCISE
After reading the article, answer the following questions:
1. What is the main objective of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations?

2. What is the standardized unit that measures resource use and waste?

3. What is the standard response to eradicating poverty?

4. What is the threshold of the earth for adequately sustaining life?

5. According to the majority of people in middle and high income countries, what puts the planet?

6. How many hectares should each of use consume annually based on the resources available in
the planet?

7. What are two indicators of the quality of life given in the article?

8. What crisis in the planet would force us to slow down if we do not do so voluntarily?

9. According to Hickel, what must be done instead of urging poor countries to “catch-up’ with rich
ones?
 10. How would the different areas of the world react to the idea of “de-development?

 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTIONS

1. How do we improve our lives and yet reduce consumption?

 ACTIVITY
Watch the video clip titled The Magician's Twin: CS Lewis and the Case against Scientism.
Reflect on the notions of development that may evolve into scientism. Take note of your thoughts
on the video clip with the following guide questions.

1. What is scientism?
2. How is science comparable to magic?
3. Why is science more dangerous than magic?
4. What is the presented essence of modernity and its consequence?
5. What do we need for the sciences to be good?

MODULE 6
The Good Life

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. explain the concept of the good life as posited by Aristotle;
2. define the good life in their own words; and
3. examine shared concerns that make up the good life to come up with innovative and
creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards.

Everyone is in pursuit of the good life. We do certain things because we want to achieve a life
which will make us happy and content. By studying and working hard, we try to attain this goal not only
for ourselves but also for our loved ones and the rest of humanity. People's definition of the good life
may vary and differ in the particulars. In general, however, we recognize universal truths that cut across
our differences.

NICOMACHEAN ETHICS AND MODERN CONCEPTS

Aristotle, an important ancient Greek philosopher whose work spans from natural philosophy to
logic and political theory, attempted to explain what the good is. His definition may be useful in our
pursuit of the truth. In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle stated:
All human activities aim at some good. Every art and human inquiry, and similarly every action
and pursuit, is thought to aim at some good; and for this reason the good Figure 2.1 Aristotle has been
rightly declared as (384-322 BC) that at which all things aim (Nicomachean Ethics 2:2).
Everyone is moving towards the good. Thus, completing one's studies, training for a sport, or
taking a rest is a good. The good is expressed and manifested in many various ways for different persons
and circumstances. The good life, however, is more than these countless expressions of what is good. It
is characterized by happiness that springs from living and doing well.
 ……..both the many and the cultivated call it happiness, and suppose that living well and
doing well are the same as being happy (Nicomachean Ethics 1:4).
The ancient Greeks called this concept of "living well and doing well" as eudaimonia. The word
came from the Greek word eu meaning "good" and daimon meaning "spirit." Taken together, it
generally refers to the good life, which is marked by happiness and excellence. It is a flourishing life filled
with meaningful endeavors that empower the human person to be the best version of himself/herself. If
one is a student, then he/ she acts to be the best version of a student by studying well and fulfilling the
demands of school. If one is an athlete, then he/ she strives to be the best version of an athlete by
training hard as well as joining and winning in sports competitions.
Furthermore, according to Aristotle, happiness is the ultimate end of human action. It is that
which people pursue for its own sake. Financial stability for one's family, the power achieved from
winning the elections, or the harmony and peace as a reward for taking care of the environment—all
these and more are pursued for the sake of happiness.
Now such a thing as happiness above all else, is held to be; for this we choose always for
itself and never for the sake of something else, but honor, pleasure, reason, and every virtue we
choose indeed for themselves, but we choose them also for the sake of happiness, judging that
by means of them we shall be happy. Happiness, on the other hand, no one chooses for anything
other than itself (Nicomachean Ethics 2:7).

Happiness defines a good life. This happiness, however, is not the kind that comes from sensate
pleasures. It is that which comes from living a life of virtue, a life of excellence, manifested from the
personal to the global scale.
It is the activities that express virtue that control happiness, and the contrary activities
that control its contrary (Nicomachean Ethics 1:10).
For example, making sure that one avoids sugary and processed foods to keep healthy is an
activity that expresses virtue. The resulting health adds to one's well-being and happiness. Another
example is taking care of the environment through proper waste management which results in a clean
environment and adds to people's well-being and happiness. These virtuous actions require discipline
and practice. On the other hand, activities contrary to virtue are those which do not result in happiness.
The lack of discipline in eating healthful food eventually makes one sick. The lack of concern for the
environment destroys the Earth we live in. Thus, disregard for virtuous actions, especially for the sake of
convenience and gratification, does not contribute to happiness. The good life is marked by happiness
brought about by virtuous human actions and decisions that affect the individual self and the greater
community. It is characterized by a life of flourishing of oneself and of others. The good life does not
happen in a bubble where only one person is flourishing; others have to be in it, too.
Virtue plays a significant role in the living and attainment of the good life. It is the constant
practice of the good no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. Virtue is the excellence of
character that empowers one to do and be good. Such virtue is cultivated with habit and discipline as it
is not a one-time deed, but a constant and consistent series of actions. Everyone has the capacity within
himself/herself to be good, but he/she also has to be disciplined to make a habit of exercising the good.
Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtue in the main owes its
birth and growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while moral virtue
comes about as a result of habit (Nicomachean Ethics 2:1).
The onward progress of science and technology is also the movement towards the good life.
Science and technology are one of the highest expressions of human faculties. They allow us to thrive
and flourish in life if we so desire it. Science and technology may also corrupt a person, but grounding
oneself in virtue will help him/her steer clear of danger.
To Do
 Written Report
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. In your opinion, what constitutes a good life?

2. What does Aristotle say about the good life? Does it still stand in the contemporary world?

3. How is the progress of science and technology a movement towards the good life?

 ACTIVITY
View the short documentary film titled “That Sugar Film”. Write a reflection on how
production and consumption of sugar affect your journey towards the good life. How does
unreflective consumption of goods—in this case, sugar—affect human life?

MODULE 7
When Technology and Humanity Cross

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. evaluate contemporary human experience to strengthen the human person
functioning in society;
2. discuss the importance of human rights in the face of changing social conditions and
technological development; and
3. identify laws or policies in the country that protect the well-being of the person in
technological advancement and ethical dilemmas.

The good life entails living in a just and progressive society whose citizens have the freedom to
flourish. The human person has the autonomy to make choices which may enable the flourishing of
his/her self and society. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) on December 10, 1948 as the global standard of fundamental human rights for
universal recognition and protection. The UDHR begins, "Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity
and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice and peace in the world" (UDHR Preamble). As implied, everyone has absolute moral
worth by virtue of being human. Human dignity is an ultimate core value of our existence. When we fully
recognize and appreciate this truth in ourselves and in all the persons around us, regardless of their
status in life, then we pave the way for a just and progressive society. It is in this kind of society that we
are able to become fully human—more free, more rational, and more loving. Human beings become
more free when we are empowered to make choices for our flourishing. We become more rational
when we are able to value and apply the principles of logic and science in our lives. We become more
loving when we ensure that human dignity lies at the foundation of our endeavors, whether scientific or
not. It entails knowing one's fundamental human rights that must always be protected in the face of
changing conditions.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The UDHR explicates the fundamental human rights in 30 articles. It outlines inalienable human
rights that are vital and necessary in the pursuit of the good life. These are the freedoms everyone is
entitled to and guaranteed by virtue of being human. The first article states the essential principle of
being human in a just, free, and rational society. Everyone is born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The common experience, however, does not always manifest such truth. More often than not, those
who have more to offer are given special treatment. The good life, nevertheless, as a life of justice,
demands not just equal treatment of human beings but also preferential treatment to those who have
less or are disadvantaged. The first seven articles of the UDHR encapsulate the spirit of this so-called
"milestone document in the history of human rights." They are as follows:

ARTICLE I
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason
and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

ARTICLE 2
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without
distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or
social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of
the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs,
whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

ARTICLE 3
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

ARTICLE 4
No one shall be 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. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and
against any incitement to such discrimination.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has a long, bloody history. Crafted in 1948, after
World War Il, the UDHR now serves as a common understanding of what each person's fundamental
rights are. These rights apply to everyone, everywhere. It is imperative that we all know and live these
rights to prevent injustice and oppression.

HUMANS VS. ROBOTS

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 become more and
more sophisticated. Robots, usually designed like human beings, are created to perform complex,
repetitive, or dangerous tasks.
With the development of artificial intelligence (Al), robots may also eventually act and decide
like humans. In the possibility that machines adopt the nature of humans, there is a need to reflect on
the ethical problems posed by such development.
AIhough the Philippines has not yet reached the point of producing robots on a commercial
scale for household use, it still behooves us to ponder the ramifications of replacing persons with
machinery. Much as the BBC News has reported that experts in South Korea are crafting ethical
guidelines to prevent humans from exploiting robots and vice versa (Evans, 2007), and that roboticists in
Europe are lobbying for government legislation, such reality is generally unheard of in the Philippines. To
Filipinos, artificial intelligence seems like the stuff of science fiction movies. Be that as it may, its use in
the country is surely gaining ground, especially in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
Technology enables the growth of the BPO industry but it seems that it is also technology that will kill
the industry as we know it. Investors and business people find as a sure return of investment the use of
business analytics provided by artificial intelligence. Business analytics is a means by which consumer
and industry data are used to come up with better decision-making. With the help of Al, decisions now
arise from sophisticated statistical analyses made from massive data. As of August 2017, it is estimated
that a million Filipino BPO workers may be affected and lose their jobs with the adoption of artificial
intelligence (Santos, 2017).

Unemployment is only one of the many ethical considerations in the widespread use of Al. What
does this mean for human beings who can be replaced by machines? Is the value of the person inversely
proportional to that of a machine exhibiting artificial intelligence? How do we guard against mistakes
committed by machines? points are but a sample of the questions that should be resolved when
faced with technology that may become a threat to human dignity and security. In the future, when
machines and robots become more human-like, with all the attendant feelings and thoughts, people
may also have to consider the ethical treatment for Al.
It is also interesting to note that as machines and robots approach having a human-like nature,
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. The internet has become an instant go-to tool for answers to
questions. More often than not, people accept what the search engine, like Google, spews out in byte
sizes and forget how to process, read, think further, or put things in context. As the internet gets more
intelligent, we are in danger of becoming less so. In the article, "Is Google making us stupid?" Nicolas
Carr (2008) asserted that "as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world,
it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence."
The development of society along with science and technology gives rise to more and more
complex issues. What is vital is that, at the very least, we are able to protect and exercise human rights
for everyone in our pursuit of the good life. It is important that amid these developments, human beings
become more free, more rational, and more loving in our practice of science and technology.
As we examine contemporary issues in science and technology—information, genetically
modified organisms, nanotechnology, and climate change—we keep in mind that the building of a just
and progressive society entails the constant practice of the good. It may be exhibited in exceptional
scientific methodologies, personal virtue, social responsibility, and global concern.

WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US

Chief scientist and corporate executive officer of Sun Microsystems, Bill Joy, wrote in 2000 a
controversial essay, "Why the future does not need us." In his work, he contended that our most
powerful 21st-century technologies—genetics nanotech, and robotics (GNR)—are threatening to make
humans an endangered species. This possible extinction of the species may largely come about due to
the unreflective and unquestioning acceptance of new technologies by humans. Joy also asserted that:
Accustomed to living with almost routine scientific breakthroughs, we have yet to come
to terms with the fact that the most compelling 21st-century technologies— robotics, genetic
engineering, and nanotechnology—pose a different threat than the technologies that have come
before. Specifically, robots, engineered organisms, and nanobots share a dangerous amplifying
factor: They can self-replicate. A bomb is blown up only once—but one bot can become many,
and quickly get out of control.
Each of these technologies also offers untold promise: The vision of near immortality
drives us forward; genetic engineering may soon provide treatments, if not outright cures, for
most diseases; and nanotechnology and nanomedicine can address yet more ills. Together they
could significantly extend our average life span and improve the quality of our lives. Yet, with
each of these technologies, a sequence of small, individually sensible advances lead to an
accumulation ofgreat Power and, concomitantly, great danger (Joy, 2000).

Humans should have learned the lesson in the atomic bombings of the Japanese cities of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 that killed over a hundred thousand people. Brilliant physicists, led by J.
Robert Oppenheimer, brought into existence
a deadly nuclear weapon. A definite testament to the success of science and technology, the atomic
bomb was also a fatal reminder of its destructive power. Now with GNR, we are called to be circumspect
and questioning of technology. Again, as Heidegger (1977) propounded, it is in questioning that we build
a way. GNR today is accessible to small groups and individuals and does not require funding and facilities
as huge as those needed by the nuclear weapons of mass destruction. This makes GNR more prone to
accidents and abuses. It is scary to imagine that such accidents and abuses may self-replicate and spin
out of control, especially when placed in the hands of extremist groups and individuals.
Science and technology may be the highest expression of human rationality. People are able to
shape or destroy the world with it. 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:

I have felt it myself. The glitter of nuclear weapons. It is irresistible if you come to them as a
scientist. To feel it's there in your hands, to release this energy that fuels the stars, to let it do
your bidding. To perform these miracles, to lift a million tons of rock into the sky. It is something
that gives people an illusion of illimitable power, and it is, in some ways, responsible for all our
troubles—this, what you might call technical arrogance, that overcomes People when they see
what they can do with their minds.

Human nature may be corrupted when the powers of our mind, our rationality, and our science
and technology become manifest. If we are not able to rein in the vanity and arrogance that such
powers unleash, then we are on the way to destroying the world.

The wasteland grows; woe unto him who harbors the wasteland within. -Friedrich Nietzsche

To Do
 Written Report
 Movie Review ‘AI”, Isaac Asimovev, “I Robot”
 Make a Reflection on “Is Google Making US Stupid: 2008. Nicholas Carr”
 http://www.theatlantic.com/,agazine/archive/2008/07/Is google making us stupid/306868
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. How does science and technology affect contemporary life and vice versa?
2. How do we protect our human rights in the face of technological advancements and ethical
dilemmas?
3. Do you believe that Google makes people stupid? Cite at least three examples to support
your assertion.
4. Read the entirety of Joy's article. Why doesn't the future need us?

 ACTIVITY
Research for national policies or laws that address the ethical and moral concerns in the
technological era.

MODULE 8
Information Society

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. determine the human and social impacts of the developments in the information age;
2. discuss the evolution of technology from the ancient times up to the present; and
3. illustrate how social media have affected their lives.

Humans are surrounded on all sides by technology claiming to supply information: television,
smart phones, and internet devices, among others. However, do they all provide information or just
noise? More voices are trying to get our attention but how can we be sure that they share knowledge
and the truth?
To answer this basic question, a short historical backgrounder might prove useful.
Before the printed word, the written word was prevalent. Yet, the intent to carry information
has always been present.

INFORMATION
A word is a combination of sounds that represents something. It is this significance which makes
words distinct from just any kind of vocal utterance. Words are made up of sounds and yet they transmit
something more significant. They transmit a message. The words are "informed" because they carry
"information" (Chaisson, 2006; Ben-Naim, 2015). Words are informed with meaning given by the
speaker and intended for the listener. Simply put, they communicate meaning.

THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE

In the human quest for understanding the natural world, the ability to name and classify objects
found in nature was seen as a first step in knowing. Thus, the scientific search for truth early on
recognized the usefulness of language and the ability it gave to make sense of nature. For the ancient
Greeks, language was an object worthy of admiration. Words have power.
 This kind of knowing sprang from the Greek fascination and wonder at the power of words and
language. How is it possible that one's idea can simultaneously exist in his/her mind and in another's?
How is it possible that human beings can communicate through words and thus form a community?
Does the power of the communicated word come from the speaker, who is the thinker and the source,
or from the listener, who is the recipient of the communication? However you answer these points, it is
clear that thinking in terms of a common system being generated by the speaker and received by the
listener is useful in the pursuit of knowledge. Science, from the Latin word scire (meaning to know), is
one kind of knowledge the Greeks wanted to understand.
The idea of comprehending words as more than just combinations of sounds led the Greeks to
seek out the principles of everyday language. When talking to other people, for example, a meaningful
message is created using ordinary sounds. Its meaning is also not diminished by multiplication— the
speaker can use the same words over and over again to talk to ten, a hundred, or even a thousand
people separately or at the same time. Nevertheless, the same message will be received by everyone.
Words, therefore, can function across space and time without reducing their meaning.
The first philosophers, as they thrashed about groping for and seeking a unifying principle in
nature, sometimes hit upon things such as fire or water. But they believed that something was common
in all of these. The many seemingly different things in the natural world must have a unifying factor.
There was an inside to be "understood." They sought for this meta phusis, literally meaning "after
nature" (De Chardin, 1965).

Plato's principle of "One and the Many" refers to the underlying unity among diverse beings in
the natural world. For Plato, there is a common intrinsic nature shared by different objects, which
determines their real sense. Biologists devised a way to illustrate this principle using a system
differentiating between genus and species. Many species belong in one genus.
In the 21st century, we are aware more than ever that there is rich diversity in nature, which
technology has allowed us to discover (BANWA Natural Science, 2008).

MATHEMATICS AS THE LANGUAGE OF NATURE

Technology in the modern world is the fruit of science. Because the scientific method helped
people discover how nature behaves, they were able to control nature with technology. A more
accurate statement is: Since people have discovered the laws and language of nature, they can develop
technology that uses these laws and language for their benefit. This language is, of course, mathematics,
the great contribution of Isaac Newton. Nature can be understood because it speaks in the language of
mathematics and the human brain, to a certain extent, can comprehend this language (Wigner, 1960).
Unfortunately, this fact is not always appreciated.

TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD
The ability to think and conceptually comprehend nature and the principles it follows eventually
leads to science. Even in ancient times, Western thinkers harnessed the forces of nature after
understanding them better. Lost in antiquity is the first sailing vessel that worked through the power of
the wind. Similarly, it was never recorded when the early people realized that fire has its own power and
energy. Not all early inventions are lost in time, however. Hero of Alexandria, for instance, would invent
a primitive steam engine in the first century (Davies, 1990).

The Printing Press and Beyond

The power of the eidos, or idea, would be witnessed in the succeeding centuries of development
in the West. The ancient fascination with language gave rise to the preservation of the words of earlier
people at the same time when the West weakened itself due to internecine warfare and conflicts.
Throughout this dark period, the importance of the word—the power to be informed as a human being
— led to the transmission of ideas through hand-copying. From this manual action would arise the
technology that would transform cultures—the printing press. The development of the printing press,
which may be regarded as the beginning of a true revolution, could be dated to the 15th century.
Through this technology, the ancient Greek idea that knowledge should be shared and communicated
among humans would actually be done on a scale unimagined by its thinkers. Using the printing press,
people on different sides of the world could share their thoughts and ideas with each other, forming
communities of thinkers across space and time (Connell, 1958).
The world has never looked back. This technological invention allowed words and scientific ideas
to establish a view of nature anchored in scholarly works and studies. For instance, new discoveries
about the phenomenon of electricity were eagerly absorbed by fellow scientists who then utilized the
science to create other technological products. The radio was built upon the wave nature of electricity
and magnetism, and from there, television followed.
In the age of information, the transmission of ideas has undergone changes. Meaning and depth
are no longer conveyed strictly by rhetoric but rather by its electronic replacement, the digital signal or
digit. Such a digital world is a direct offspring of the progressing world of technology built upon the
many advances in science (Toffler, 1984).

THE WORLD WIDE WEB

A more modern example of technology feeding upon itself is the 20th-century tour de force: the
World Wide Web through the internet. Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented it as a way of addressing data
processing and information sharing needs among scientists for the European Organization for Nuclear
Research (CERN). CERN's atom smasher produces a huge amount of scientific data every second. It thus
required better data analyzers to work on the gathered information in coordination with each other.
While the telegraph and telephone had allowed the transmission of information to transcend physical
boundaries, processing a veritable ocean and mountain of scientific data generated by the atom
smasher needed a new medium.
With the ease of sharing information at present, its reliability becomes compromised. Anyone
with a connection to other people can produce contents which are showing half-truths or even lies,
giving rise to disinformation. Social media also encourages building a community of like-minded people.
The creation of these groups often reinforces biases and beliefs based only on the content that they
allow within the community, forgoing the variation and clash of ideas provided in real life. Worse, these
communities can be tapped by people in power who may take advantage of these mechanisms—
controlling public opinion and harassing those who present opposing views—for their own advantage.
Meanwhile, the easy access to personal information makes one susceptible to online predation, identity
theft, and scamming, among others. Thus, it pays to be vigilant in utilizing these modern devices at all
times.
The technology applied when a sailor rigs up a piece of cloth to catch the wind is the same one
that produces modern machines and devices, albeit less complex. Nevertheless, human beings have
always found a way to address their needs and discover new frontiers with scientific thinking.
Considering the many benefits we get from these technologies, we must also be responsible in utilizing
them to avoid harming others and ourselves.

To Do
 Written Report
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
 1. Which developments in the information age brought significant changes in the way you live
your life today?
2. How did the transmission of information evolve from the ancient times up to the present?
3. How did the printing press change the course of history? What ideas were spread using this
invention?
4. Social media is a technology which facilitates the sharing of information, ideas, and other
content in different parts of the globe. If social media was deactivated for a month in the
country, what could possibly happen?
5. Social media also poses certain risks especially in the dissemination of false information. As
a student, how will you use social media to ensure that you do not propagate inaccurate and
unreliable information?

MODULE 9
Biodiversity

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. determine the interrelatedness of society, the environment, and health;
2. explain the process of genetic engineering; and
3. discuss the ethics, implications, and potential future impacts of GMOs.

From the early times, when ancient philosophers of nature tried to explain all things as coming
from the elements of water, fire, air, or earth, science sought for the common characteristic, a unifying
element, in all of nature's many phenomena. There was a growing awareness of how all living things are
related to each other, an idea called biodiversity. This recognition started when naturalists began to
classify organisms in the natural world using taxonomy, a system devised by Swedish scientist Carl
Linnaeus. Still used in the biological sciences today, taxonomy is the hierarchical system of classifying
and naming organisms. It builds on the ability of the mind to find the common in the diverse, the One in
the Many. It is a system commonly used today and shows that though the living organisms in the world
are so diverse, they still share many traits.
Where several different species and genera cohabitate, there is rich biodiversity. One of the
basic laws of the living is that of self-preservation. An organism will sacrifice all it has to ensure its
survival. However, with a limited amount of resources, how do the many living organisms of a diverse
region survive? The answer lies in the way the available energy supply in the world is shared among the
different species through the various ecological relationships. The energy needed to live is shared
among the elements of the living world, or passed on from one to another.

The 2010 International Year of Biodiversity

Steffen Thorsen
 The United Nations (UN) declared 2010 to be the International Year of
Biodiversity, the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, and the
International Year of Youth.
Biological diversity, also known as biodiversity, is the term given to the variety of
life on earth and the natural patterns it forms. This diversity is often understood in terms
of the variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. About 1.75 million species are
identified, mostly small creatures such as insects. Some scientists believe that there are
actually about 13 million species, though estimates range from three to 100 million.
The loss of biodiversity threatens food supplies, opportunities for recreation and
tourism, and sources of wood, medicines, and energy. It also interferes with essential
ecological functions. on December 20, 2006, the UN General Assembly declared 2010 as
the International Year of Biodiversity. It designated the secretariat of the Convention on
Biological Diversity as the event's focal point. The assembly also invited the secretariat
to work with other UN bodies, environmental agreements, and organizations to bring
greater international attention to the continued loss of biodiversity.
The International Year of Biodiversity focuses on boosting awareness of
biodiversity's importance by promoting actions to foster biodiversity worldwide. Various
partners have committed to actively participating in or organizing activities and projects
for this year-long event.
Source: Thorsen, S. (2010) 2010: UN International Year of Biodiversity. Time and Date AS.
Retrieved from https://www.timeanddate.com/ year/2010/biodiversity.html
BIOTECHNOLOGY
The Biodiversity International has released a module titled "Law and policy of relevance to the
management of plant genetic resources" (Bragdon et al., 2005) which aims to help professionals in
managing, conserving, and using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The module provides
the following definitions:
1. Biotechnology uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or
modify products or processes for a specific use.
2. 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 (GMO)
3. Modern biotechnology gives scientist molecular tools for obtaining a better understanding
of the structure and function of genes in the living organisms.

Modern biotechnology paves the way for new developments on food and agriculture.
Particularly it aims to develop new precision tools and diagnostics; speeds up breeding gains and
efficiency; develop pest and disease resistant crops; combat salinity, drought and problems of
agriculture; enhance the nutritional quality of food; increase crop varieties and choice; reduce inputs
and production costs; and increase profits (Bragdon et al., 2005)

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

Based on evolutionary theory, the concept of survival of the fittest implies that living organisms
have a natural spectrum of characteristics such as size, mass or length. The characteristics of an
organism and its successor s can be modified today by modern technology, giving rise to what we called
genetically modified microorganisms or GMOs (Mayr, 2001)
A GMO is a plant, animal, microorganism, or other organism whose genetic makeup has been
modified using recombinant DNA methods (also called gene splicing), gene modification, or transgenic
technology. It is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are
extracted and artificially inserted into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal, also called genetic
engineering (GE) or genetic modification (GM). Because this process involves the transfer of genes,
GMOs are also known as "transgenic" organisms.
Genetic modification aims to address issues with regard to food security, agriculture, drug
production, and nutrition.

GENETIC MODIFICATION
The information about the microbe and its reproduction mechanism are contained in its gene
structure. The first step in the process is the identification of the desired trait from another organism. A
gene containing this trait is first isolated and replicated. Next, the insertion of the trait happens. What is
being transferred from one organism to another is not the whole gene but only sections of the gene that
carry the particular characteristic that will be integrated into the adult organism. After the successful
insertion, the modified organism should be able to grow and replicate.
In the process of recombinant DNA technology, the needed information for an organism can be
"borrowed" from another. Such a process means that a farmer can "design" an organism to have the
characteristics necessary to address particular issues. For example, a farmer may want the crops to have
less chance of getting bruised due to rough handling. If an organism containing a gene that prevents
bruising in the mature fruit (employing the science of genetics) could be found, then this characteristic
could then be used to modify the crops through the process of recombinant gene technology.

However, because GMOs are novel life forms, biotechnology companies were also able to obtain
patents which restrict their use. As a result, some companies that make GMOs could have the power to
sue farmers whose fields are contaminated with these organisms, even when it is the result of inevitable
drifting from neighboring fields (Nicholson, 2014). GMOs, therefore, may pose a serious threat to farmer
sovereignty and to the food security of a country.
The promise of better food that is more resistant to spoilage, pest invasiveness, and harsh
weather conditions has made transgenic crops enticing to many people. It is a truly debatable topic for
the people of the 21st century, given the promise of this technology and yet the fact that it is very new.
Should it be embraced as a saving grace or is it to be feared as a possible threat to a sustainable food
supply?

CARTAGENA PROTOCOL ON BIOSAFETY

The case above contextualizes the country's signing of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The
Protocol is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport, and use of
living modified organisms (LM0s) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on
biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. It takes a precautionary approach by
making sure that countries are provided with the data necessary to make informed decisions before
agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory.
The Philippines recognizes the technologies that can be of particular help for its development.
Since the Philippines is one of the biodiversity "hotspots" in the world, it is helpful to know how
biotechnology will progress in the country. Figure 3.8 points out that the country is not alone in this
interest in food and biotechnology.

To Do
 Written Report
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. What role does the environment play in addressing the needs of a society?
2. How can people maintain the rich biodiversity in nature?
 3. In your own words, how is an organism's genome manipulated?
4. What are the pros and cons of genetically modifying crops?
5. Will you eat GMOs? Why or why not?

MODULE 1 0
The Nano World

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. define the major potential and realized impacts of nanotechnology on society;
2. analyze nanotechnology through the conceptual STS lenses; and
3. examine the costs and benefits to society of nanotechnology.

In the pursuit of science and technology, humans are now dealing more and more with a world
not seen by the naked eye. This is no surprise as the study of science keeps leading us beyond the world
of everyday. The information we search for is always available in nature but we need tools to harvest it.
The nano world, like the other scientific principles, provides both knowledge and instrument to control
nature.

WHY NANO?
The term "nano" refers to a unit meaning one billionth or ten raised to negative nine (10-9). For
example, a nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Hence, "nano" expresses a very tiny amount or size.
Figures 3.8 and 3.9 compare objects of different sizes. A particle of beach sand is almost ten times larger
than a pollen grain. Nanostructures can be found in nature. Catalysts, minerals, and other particles are
measured on a nano scale. A single strand of DNA is about three nanometers wide. Nanoscience,
therefore, deals with materials that are very small using specialized microscopes and other nanodevices.
Just as we are not aware of the air we breathe or the molecules constantly feeding our cells at
every second, we are also not conscious of these very little particles. Since the nano world cannot be
seen by the naked eye, it was only recognized and identified after technology has allowed for the
discovery of nanostructures. Without the microscope and its attendant technology, people would not
even be aware of how this tiny world surrounds and affects us. But what is the purpose of dealing with
such small entities?
Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of matter on an atomic or subatomic scale. Some
innovations developed in this field include microprocessors and strain-resistant fabrics. In the future, as
nanoscience and nanotechnology progress, more breakthroughs are expected to arise in the different
fields of science, hopefully resolving problems in health, environment, and security, among others.

To Do
 Written Report
 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. What are other examples of nanostructures?
2. What tools can manipulate nanostructures?
3. How can nanotechnology address problems in the environment?
4. How can nanotechnology be used in the prevention and treatment of illnesses?
5. What is another example of a nanotechnology and how does it work?

 ACTIVITY
Watch the video on YouTube titled "The Next Step in Nanotechnology (George Tulevski)" by
TED Talks. Reflect and discuss the following questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Ds_rzoyyfF0
1. Why is nanotechnology likened to creating a statue out of a pile of dust?
2. What science governs nanostructures? Why is it different?
3. Why is nanotechnology a difficult science?
4. What does nature show about building organisms from the bottom up?
5. How can chemistry help in nanotechnology?
 MODULE 11
Gene Therapy

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. describe gene therapy and its various forms;
2. discuss the prevalence of gene therapy in daily life; and
3. explore the opportunities that may be opened by gene therapy in the future.

The last technology that will be tackled in this book is gene technology. In the previous chapter,
the nano world that contains atoms and molecules was introduced. This chapter will now focus on the
developments in the nano world as applied to the animate or the living.
When identifying the contribution of technology to biology, the first place to look would be the
field of human health. The whole vast concerns of human health including aging, disease treatment and
prevention general lifestyle have greatly benefited from technology. Medicine is one example of a
scientific and technological innovation that made a breakthrough in the area of human health. Before
aspirin was ever understood at the nano level, it had been known for its effects. Pain of various forms
could be relieved and softened by this medicine. The aspirin was already an "old" technology at the
beginning of the 21st century. The more recent findings in the areas of nano and gene science can be
incorporated to medicine. If new discoveries on the areas of molecular and atomic physics are applied to
the biological basic building blocks—the genes—even greater technologies for human health may be
found.
Suppose scientists would like to fashion a gene to counter cancer cell growth. After several steps
of developing the technology, its success would still depend on its science and implementation. To
achieve the goal, the harmful gene has to be found among the 46 such structures in the ordinary cells of
the person. The specific part of that gene doing the problem should be identified. Afterwards, that
section of the gene must be removed and replaced with the "correct" or developed gene part to
complete the therapy. This process would then correct the misinformation encoded in the whole gene.

What we should know about stem cell treatment in the PH

 Totel de Jesus
MANILA, Philippines—ln recent years, it's common to hear beauty doctors in the
Philippines offering stem cell therapy as if it is a newfound medical fountain of youth, the answer
to all medical worries.
In various media platform, there are bombardment of advertisements from various
hospitals and clinics packaging stem cell therapy as "cure-all" remedy.
With such medical breakthrough, it begs the question on how equipped we are in
offering such services. We can't help but ask the parameters on distinguishing the real experts
from seemingly fly-by night clinics and medical centers.
Filipino-American doctor-lawyer Samuel Bernal, an expert in the fields of regenerative
medicine and regulatory law, said the public should take a lot of precautions.
"Be careful. Number one, stem-cell therapy is not a 'cure-all' (medical procedure)," he
said in an interview with the INQUIRER a few weeks after receiving the 2012 Presidential Award
for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas at the Malacafiang Palace.
"The goal of stem-cell therapy is not a longevity-anti-aging program. Stem cell therapy is
actually trying to allow the body to heal itself," he said.

Educated at Johns Hopkins' and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Bernal is currently Professor
Emeritus of Medicine at the University of California—Los Angeles, member of American
Association of Clinical Oncologists, the American Association of Cancer Researchers, and a
recognized cancer investigator with the US National Institutes of Health.
As a lawyer, his legal expertise includes cases on medical malpractice, medical product
liability, as well as Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission's (FTC)
regulations in the testing, approval, advertising, and marketing of health products.
He explained stem cell treatment requires “analyzing at the molecular level what is
causing the problem or (what could be done to prevent the problem.”)
“Stem cell are just a small part of the molecular approach to medicine”. (2013).
Source: De Jesus, T.V What we should know about stem cell treatment in the PH.
Inquirer.net

To Do
 Written Report
 Questions for Reflection
1. Research on the various types of gene therapy. How are they done?
2. What are the recent developments in gene therapy?
3. Stem cell treatment has been a subject of debates since the early 21 st century. What
do you think about the current development in stem cell treatment?
4. What health condition do you think urgently needs to be treated by gene therapy?
Justify your answer.
5. Do you think the average human lifespan will change years from now? Why or why
not?
 MODULE 12
Climate Change

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the students should be able to:
1. explain how climate change happens;
2. provide pieces of evidence to affirm the presence of climate change; and
3. discuss the implications of climate change.

All the discussions regarding the interaction among science, technology, and society will
conclude with a current controversial topic - climate change. It is current in a sense that it has been put
under international spotlight since the start of the 21st century. Data that have been accumulated are
used by scientists to determine if there really is a significant change in the earth's climate. But what does
climate change mean? Doesn't the climate always change?
Climate is not similar to weather which is constantly changing. Climate refers to the long-term
weather patterns prevailing over a given area of the planet. The term comes from a Greek word klinein
meaning "to slope." It evolved into klima, connoting a zone or region of the Earth as characterized by its
atmospheric conditions. In ancient Greece, the orb of the sun stood at a high angle in the sky at
noontime as ships sailed toward the north, and the daytime temperature of the air would get colder.
Hence the klima in the north was colder than in the south.
Another consideration in explaining climate change is the interaction between the sun and the
Earth. The best way to visualize this relationship is to look at the orbit of the Earth around the sun. With
the sun in the center, the Earth moves in an elliptical motion.

EARTH'S MOVEMENT AROUND THE SUN

While the orbit remains an ellipse, its position or orientation in space changes over time. Due to
the tilt of the Earth, the whole area does not receive an equal amount of sunlight. The Earth spins
around its own axis, an imaginary line from the North Pole to the South Pole, which dips and wobbles
gradually. The Earth could then be imagined like a spinning top or trumpo, turning and wobbling in its
path about the sun.
The elements in this interaction between the sun and the Earth are defined as follows:
 1. Aphelion refers to the point in the orbit of the Earth farthest from the sun.
2. Perihelion is the point in the orbit of the Earth closest to the sun.
3. Earth's axial tilt is the inclination angle of the Earth's rotational axis in relation to a line
perpendicular to its orbital plane.
4. Precession is the change of the orientation of the rotational axis of the Earth.
5. Equinox refers to the time the sun at noon is directly over the equator. It happens twice a year
and causes an almost equal length of day and night.
6. Solstice happens when the sun at noon sits above the Tropic of Cancer or Tropic of Capricorn.
The Summer solstice has the longest period of daylight in the year and the winter solstice has
the shortest period.
7. Precession of the equinoxes refers to the motion of the equinoxes relative to the precession of
the Earth's axis of rotation. It happens over thousands of years.

The center of the Earth's orbital motion is the sun but the angle or orientation of the planet
around the sun makes all the difference. In discussing global warming or climate change, it makes sense
to start considering the orbit of the Earth. Sunlight falling upon the Earth warms the planet. The amount
of sunlight, however, is not constant since the orientation of the Earth to the sun changes.
There have been eras of climate change in the past. Is it possible that the 21st century may
introduce yet another dramatic changes in climate? Is there enough information to answer the age-old
question of "what will the weather be tomorrow" (Ciliberto, 2015)? There is a growing body of data
suggesting that the climate, not just the local day-to-day weather, is changing all over the world. In fact,
since the end of the 20th century, many scientists have asked if the Earth is headed for another Ice Age
(Sparks & Hawkesworth, 2004).
This concern raises the question as to what causes such dramatic changes in the day-to-day
weather and climate. It was addressed as early as the 1930s by Slovak scientist and meteorologist
Milutin Milankovitch. His interest in the daily weather patterns led him to investigate the deeper issues:
Do weather and climate come ultimately from the sun so that it is the sun and its relation to the Earth
that accounts for the change in the climate? Is it possible that as the distance of the sun to the Earth
changes, the Earth is affected enough to cause climate to change? He knew that it has long been said by
astronomers that the distance from the sun to the Earth is constant as shown by the orbital radius of the
Earth. Likewise, the tilt of the North Pole of the Earth has always been relative to the plane of the solar
system. Finally, the North Pole of the Earth is also relative to the stars as the Earth circles the sun over
many years. But could all of these very small changes in the amount of radiation reaching the Earth from
the sun bring about the huge change in the climate of the Earth?
His contemporary scientists critiqued his work, saying that the effects of the change in the radius
of the Earth's orbit, the change in the tilt of the spin of the Earth, and the wobble in the spin axis (now
called the Milankovitch parameters), while real, were each so small that they could not alter the amount
of sunlight reaching the Earth enough to cause a phenomenon like the Ice Age. They felt he had a good
idea but it was not enough to explain the event that was being addressed. Milankovitch's calculations
indicated that there would indeed be a change but seemed far too small to cause an Ice Age. Even the
cumulative effect Milankovitch as a student would simply be too tiny to matter. It could not be proven
that one caused the other and hence could not be qualified as a scientific fact or genuine theory.
Milankovitch believed he was on to something so much that he wanted to validate his
theoretical calculations. The work was time-consuming and tedious. Since this was the early 20th
century, no modern computing devices were available for him to use. Even the electronic adding
machine was not invented yet. With the technology at hand, he could not prove that the mathematics
was correct (Gleick, 1987).
 Nevertheless, the mathematical expressions of the Laws of Nature as first enunciated by Isaac
Newton in the 17th century have some subtle features that might help explain the role of the
Milankovitch parameters in changing climate.
The equations of the Laws of Nature allow for cumulative or summative effects. If the sun
warms a small piece of land, it can warm a larger piece of land in the same way. If a cup of water can be
heated by one degree, two cups can be heated in the same way, one cup after another. But what if the
two cups are added together? Can the sum be heated with the same amount of energy? No, twice as
much heat would then be needed. The laws of science seem quite consistent and reasonable. But
French mathematical physicist Henri Poincare showed that mathematically, this simple cumulative or
summing process need not be as straightforward as it might seem (Zeh, 2007).
Using the computer, scientists went back to the mathematical equations that described how the
sun-Earth relationship causes the climate to change over thousands and even millions of years. They
have come to realize that changing the Milankovitch parameters over long periods of time can indeed
have a cumulative effect far greater than it appears at first glance. This discovery is part of what has
been called a "new" science called Chaos theory (Gleick, 1987).
In summary, it can thus be seen that science has been reviewing for decades the issue of how
and why the climate changes, especially with regard to explaining the Ice Age. Milankovitch studied
whether or not the direct amount of sunlight falling on Earth was the cause of the Ice Age. He reasoned
that over thousands of years, the relative position of the Earth and sun changes, causing variations in
the solar
radiation reaching the Earth over thousands of years. He knew that the change would be very small at
any one time but he wanted to see if the cumulative effect could be sufficient to cause the ice in the
North Pole region to grow massively enough over time to lead to the Ice Age. By the end of the century,
the mathematics had advanced and more data became available. As a result, scientists are more open to
new theories that could be verified by examining if the data and predictions conform to one or more
mathematical theories. With the advent of chaos theory, it seems that the Milankovitch theory might in
fact be relevant to the question of long-term climate change (Stewart, 2002).

GLOBAL WARMING
The Milankovitch parameters seem to be part of the cause of climate change, though not the
only cause. Some other factor seems to be needed. Today, as the world considers climate change and its
implications on food security and national development, many nations are taking a deeper look at the
science behind the issue.
Most of the scientists who study climate change agree that the average temperature of the
Earth's atmosphere has been increasing by over 90% in the latter part of the 20th century. What are the
causes of this phenomenon (Rees, 2001)?
There are two opposing arguments on the issue of whether or not this global warming is just
"natural." One side states that nature, simply acting according to its laws with no reference to human
beings and their actions, is the main reason. For the purveyors of this belief, global warming will happen
as naturally as the suns rises and sets. Meanwhile, the other side maintains that global warming is
caused or greatly abutted by the actions of human beings. It lays the blame on the actions of humanity,
past and present.

GREENHOUSE GASES
The so-called greenhouse effect refers to how certain gases in the atmosphere trap the heat of
the sun. As early as 1859 British engineer John Tyndall wrote:
 As dam built across a river causes a local deepening of the stream, so our atmosphere,
thrown across the terrestrial (Infrared] rays, produces a local heightening of the
temperature at the Earth's surface (quoted in Wcart, 2003, p. 4).
His words mean that the atmosphere contains certain gases that naturally capture the heat from
the sun and hold it in so that the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere becomes hotter than it would
be otherwise. This mechanism is good for the biosphere because without it, the earth's atmosphere
would be like that of Mars or Antarctica—extremely cold. Life can be sustained at planet Earth due to
these gases and other elements.
In the middle of the 19th century, Tyndall noted that the most prevalent of these greenhouse
gases is water vapor. Meanwhile, the amount of C0 2 was miniscule. Tyndall, however, was concerned as
to what would become of the Earth's atmosphere if industrialization became widespread.
Industrialization is the conversion of an agrarian economy into an industrialized one on a large scale.
Since machines are primarily used in an industry, the production of electricity by means of burning fossil
fuel—usually coal—increases. In Tyndall's time, manufacturing plants were not as widespread so the by-
product of burning fossil fuel, C02, was not great enough to be an issue.
In a century's time, the situation changed. With the Second World War and the changes in the
geo-political arena, the industrialization of many nations has directly affected the amount of C02 in the
atmosphere. This led Charles David Keeling, an American scientist in the mid-20th century, to find out if
the increased burning of fossil fuel and the consequent release of CO 2 in the atmosphere of a place far
away from the industrialized nations – on an extinct volcano on the island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean
(Weart, 2003).
Scientists turned to history and technology to substantiate that there is a causal relationship
between high C02 and high temperature levels. A major part of that debate hinges on what really is
happening and causing the global warming. This issue concerns many nations since not burning fossil
fuels may mean not industrializing or modernizing.

FUTURE ACTIONS
Another area of debate is centered on the predictions as to what will happen to the climate of
the world in the future. This is a difficult question to answer since the climate is a chaotic system that
can only be understood using computer models. However, a computer model is only as good as the data
it used to do the calculations. Thus, the challenge is to assemble sufficient and well-established data
from all over the world to make the predictions as accurate as possible (Sparks & Hawkesworth, 2004).
Some scientists take the issue further by setting "tipping points," specifying values of meteorological
parameters in which irreversible changes will take place. Upon reaching the tipping point, a new state
would replace the old one. In chaos theory, it means that the Earth-atmosphere relationship would
become a chaotic region where uncertainty would exist.
As presented in this book, however, this issue has implications on the environment and on the
economy—burning of fossil fuels is one of the major sources of electricity but also leads to higher
amounts of CO. All factors must then be considered when resolving this issue or debate. If we want to
industrialize but at the same time protect the environment, then a balanced plan must be created.
Science has given humanity a tool for modernization. It allows for the emergence of technology
that spreads and applies knowledge for the attainment of the good life. It must be realized that science
is more like a cookbook than a blueprint. It is open for experimentation, innovation, and refinement. So
like any good chef, reading it requires a fine sense of taste.

To Do
 Witten Report
 Research, present and make a stand on S&T issues that currently affect Philippine Society
  QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Why does the average temperature of the atmosphere rise? What might have caused the
unprecedented increase in its level?
2. Aside from the rise in mean temperature and CO 2 levels, what are some other pieces of
evidence for global warming?
3. How does climate change affect biodiversity?
4. What can people and nations do to fix global warming? Give five contributions you can
personally achieve and three potential contributions on a national or international scale.
5. If climate change denial persists, what could possibly happen to the Earth and humanity after
20, 50, and 100 years considering the current trend?

REQUIRED PAPERS
Reflection Paper
Written Report (Topic Summary)
Written Activities (Activity Sheet)
Summary Report on Game Implementation
Research/Project

GRADING POLICY
Projects 10%
Written Activities 20%
Written Report 10%
Reflection 20%
Major exams/Research/Project 40%
100%

REFERENCES
Daniel Joseph Mcnamarra, SJ et.al,(2018) “Science, Technology and Society”

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/sep/23/developing-
poorcountires-de-develop-rich0countries-sdgs

Is Google Making US Stupid: 2008. Nicholas Carr

http://www.theatlantic.com/,agazine/archive/2008/07/Is google making us stupid/306868

History of Science and Technology in the Philippines by Olivia Caoili