GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

UNIT 1
INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS
THAT DEFINED SOCIETY

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the student must have:
A. Defined Science, Technology, and Society;
B. Discussed the interrelationship of Science, Technology, and Society within the
context of social concerns and issues.
C. Identified inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the course of
history; and
D. Discussed the scientific and technological developments in the Philippines.

Lesson 1: DEFINING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

“Science” and “Technology” have been defined for us in our formative years through
different learning media. Both are pervasive in society and thus are usually taken for
granted. We often compartmentalize them, and rarely critically examine their
relationship to and in society.
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Generally, we take “Science” to mean “an organized body of knowledge”, and

“Technology” as the “application of this organized body of knowledge for the benefit of
humankind”. However, and as you hopefully realize, they mean a whole lot more, and
how they are understood plays a crucial role in social processes, societal histories, and
current and future societal undertakings.
Research on the different views and perspectives in defining science and technology.
Write the meanings of Science, Technology, and Society to the table below. You may
include your prior knowledge that pertains to each.

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY

A methodical, empirically- It is referred to the Is the term to describe

based pursuit and modification and human beings together.
application of knowledge manipulation of the human
and understanding of the environment, is the
natural and social world. application of scientific
knowledge to the practical
goals in human life.

Based on the definitions you have presented above, create a definition for Science,
Technology, and Society.
 Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an integrated field that focuses on the
conditions that lead to the production, dissemination, and application of rational
knowledge and inventive frameworks, as well as the effects that these processes
have on various social groups.
Science
Science is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world
following a systematic methodology based on evidence (British Science Council, 2009).
Science can be divided into different branches based on the subject of study. The
physical sciences study the inorganic world and comprise the fields of astronomy,
physics, chemistry, and the Earth sciences. The biological sciences such as biology and
medicine study the organic world of life and its processes. Social sciences like
anthropology and economics study the social and cultural aspects of human behavior.

Technology

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life
or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

environment. Its purpose is to is either to enhance human capabilities (e.g., with a

hammer you can apply a stronger force to an object) or to enable humans to perform
tasks they could not perform otherwise (with a pot you can transport larger amounts of
water; with your hands, you cannot).

According to Kumar et al. (1999) as cited by Mutalif (2013), technology consists of two
primary components:
1) a physical component that comprises items such as products tooling, equipment,
blueprints, techniques, and processes; and
2) the informational component which consists of know-how in management,
marketing, production, quality control, reliability, skilled labor, and functional
areas.

Science contributes to technology in at least six ways:

1) new knowledge which serves as a direct source of ideas for new technological
possibilities;
2) source of tools and techniques for more efficient engineering design and a
knowledge base for evaluation of the feasibility of designs;
3) research instrumentation, laboratory techniques, and analytical methods used in
research that eventually find their way into design or industrial practices, often
through intermediate disciplines;
4) practice of research as a source for development and assimilation of new human
skills and capabilities eventually useful for technology;
5) creation of a knowledge base that becomes increasingly important in the
assessment of technology in terms of its wider social and environmental
impacts;
6) knowledge base that enables more efficient strategies of applied research,
development, and refinement of new technologies.

Society

Society can be defined as a group of people involved with each other through persistent
relations, or a large social grouping sharing the same geographical or social territory,
typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

Science, Technology, and Society

Scientific and technological activities refer to the elucidation of unknown phenomena,
and to the creation of new knowledge through the discovery of new natural laws and
principles, and the new knowledge obtained is then utilized in the real society. The
essence of how science and technology contributes to society is the creation of new
knowledge, and then utilization of that knowledge to boost the prosperity of human lives,
and to solve the various issues facing society.
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

The study of “Science, Technology and Society” (STS) examines the roles of science
and technology in society, how science and technology reflect social, economic, and
cultural values and the human and ethical implications of emerging technologies. It also
considers how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and
technological innovation, and how these, in turn, affect society, politics, and culture
(Bueno, 2018).

Name: Lina Joy R. Fortaleza Course: BS CRIM 1-C

Module Tasks:
1. Discuss the relationship between Science and Technology.

 Technology and science support each other's growth. Researchers use logical
information to create new technologies. Researchers are frequently able to
explore nature in new ways and make fresh discoveries thanks to new
developments. Technological advances inspire science advancements, which in
turn spur technological advancements. The telescope and the magnifying lens
are just two examples of technological developments that have aided science's
advancement.

2. We all know that science and technology contribute to society. The interrelationship
of the two create knowledge for the progress and success of human lives. Science can
be considered as the foundation strength of societies that is continuously built upon. But
what really is the importance of science and technology in contemporary society? Can
you give an example?

 In essence, science and technology have made us familiar with the principles
behind contemporary human advancement. This development has a significant
impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives. People can participate in these
outcomes as a result, which makes life more carefree and enjoyable.

3. Has your personal experiences/relations with “Science” and/or “Technology” been good or
bad, and what are these?

 The sector of education has seen great investment from science and technology.
Applications for technology are intertwined with scientific progress. By providing
us with logical information, we are able to address practical problems, make wise
decisions, and promote innovation. Contrarily, these developments have
damaged our reality in two key ways: contamination and the depletion of
common resources.
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Lesson 2: SOME INTELLECTUALS AND THEIR REVOLUTIONARY IDEAS

The scientific revolution was the period of enlightenment when the developments
in the fields of mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed
the views of society about nature. It explained the emergence or birth of modern
science as a result of these developments in the disciplines mentioned. The ideas
generated during this period enabled the people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their
beliefs and their way of life. There is no doubt that it ignited vast human interests to
rethink how they do science and view scientific processes.
The scientific revolution was the golden age for people committed to scholarly life
in science but it was also a deeply trying moment to some scientific individuals that led
to their painful death or condemnation from the religious institutions who tried to
preserve their faith, religion, and theological views. Some rulers and religious leaders
did not accept many of the early works of scientists. But these did not stop people
especially scientists to satisfy their curiosity of the natural and physical world.
To further understand what exactly happened during the Scientific Revolution, it
is important to examine the different individuals whose ideas have shaken and
contested the dominant theories and ideas during this period – the truths of their time.
For sure, there were many scientists who worked before and after these individuals.
However, it is important to note that the ideas of these individuals had shaken the world.

NICOLAUS COPERNICUS
In the early days, people questioned the creation of days and night (the most
common observable change and one cause for evolution to happen). They wanted to
understand heavenly bodies like stars, moon, and planets and their movements.

Many Greek philosophers and intellectuals wrote about planets in an attempt to

explain the movement of heavenly bodies and their effects on the world as they knew it.
Many of these philosophers agreed that planets moved around a circular motion and
these movements created night and day.

Claudius Ptolemy, a famous Greco-Roman philosopher and astronomer, wrote

that the planets, as well as the sun and the moon, moved in a circular motion around
the earth, a concept known as Geocentrism (earth as the center of the solar system).
Ptolemy’s geocentric model was widely accepted by the people and was one of the
greatest discoveries of that time.

Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish mathematician and astronomer, challenged the

Ptolemaic model. He introduced a new concept known as Heliocentrism. Copernicus
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

placed the Sun to be the centerpiece of the solar system. The Earth and all the planets
are surrounding or orbiting the Sun each year. The Moon, however, would still be seen
orbiting the Earth. Copernicus's model of the Earth orbiting around the Sun
automatically positioned the planets into a logical sequence.

Although the Copernican model makes sense now, during those times, it was
judged to be heretic. Hence, it was an unacceptable idea to be taught to Catholics since
their religious belief had taught them that the Earth was created before all other things.

CHARLES DARWIN
Charles Darwin is famous for his theory of evolution. He changed our concept of
the world's creation and its evolution. Darwin published his book “The Origin of
Species” in 1589. This book is considered to be one of the most important works in
scientific literature. Darwin collected many significant materials in order to present his
theory with overwhelming evidence. His book presented evidence of how species
evolved over time and presented traits and adaptations that differentiate species. Like
many other scholars, Darwin accumulated many pertinent materials and data that he
could ever possibly need to substantiate his theory
Darwin's observational skills as a scientist were extraordinary that moved beyond
the realms of plants and animals into the realms of humans. His book “The Descent of
Man” was so impressive yet very controversial. He introduced the idea of all organic
life, including human beings, under the realm of evolutionary thinking. This replaced the
dominant views of 9 religious or biblical design that places human beings in a privileged
position of having been created by God. Darwin's theory of evolution scientifically
questioned this view.
Darwin's accomplishments were so diverse that it is useful to distinguish two
fields to which he made major contributions: evolutionary biology and philosophy of
science. More than these works, what made Darwin truly remarkable was his courage to
challenge religious and unscientific ideas that are deemed to be prominent during those
days. His unorthodox way of pursuing science gave more value to evidence-based
science. Darwin provided a different framework for doing scientific activities. It is a
science marked by observation and experiment.

SIGMUND FREUD
In the late 19th century Sigmund Freud was able to change people’s perception
of psychology as a scientific endeavor with this theory of psychoanalysis. In the past,
the field of psychology was always classified under philosophy (art rather than science).
Psychoanalysis is the study that explains human behavior. Freud explained that
there are many conscious and unconscious factors that can influence behavior and
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

emotions. He also argued that personality is a product of three confliction elements: id,
ego, and super ego.
Science hardliners brushed off the legitimacy of psychoanalysis as a science as
its concepts were 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 continue to work on refining his theory and in fact
tried to explain how psychoanalysis can be a clinical method in treating some mental
disorders.

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.

Name: Lina Joy R. Fortaleza Course: BS CRIM 1-C

Activity
Compete the table below.
Nicolaus Charles Darwin Sigmund Freud
Copernicus

Theory/Belief He Darwin published Psychoanalysis

introduced a new his book “The is the study that
concept known as Origin of explains human
Heliocentrism. Species” in 1589. behavior. Freud
Copernicus placed This book is explained that there
the Sun to be the considered to be are many conscious
centerpiece of the one of the most and unconscious
solar system. The important works in factors that can
Earth and all the scientific influence behavior and
planets are literature. Darwin emotions. He also
surrounding or collected many argued that personality
orbiting the Sun significant is a product of three
each year. The materials in order confliction elements: id,
Moon, however, to present his ego, and super ego.
would still be seen theory with
orbiting the Earth. overwhelming
Copernicus's evidence.
model of the Earth
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

orbiting around the Darwin's

Sun automatically observational
positioned the skills as a scientist
planets into a were
logical sequence. extraordinary that
moved beyond the
realms of plants
and animals into
the realms of
humans. His book
“The Descent of
Man”

Criticisms or Even though the His book “The Science

Controversies to Copernican model Descent of Man” hardliners brushed off
their Theory/Belief makes sense was so impressive the legitimacy of
today, it was yet very psychoanalysis as a
considered controversial. He science as its concepts
heretical at the introduced the were philosophical and
time. Catholics idea of all organic supernatural. Many
had been taught to life, including believed that Freud’s
believe that the human beings, theory had no scientific
Earth was created under the realm of basis as no empirical or
before all other evolutionary experimental data
things, so it was thinking. This could support it.
unacceptable for replaced the
this idea to be dominant views of
taught to them. 9 religious or
biblical design that
places human
beings in a
privileged position
of having been
created by God.
Darwin's theory of
evolution
scientifically
questioned this
view.

Impact on Modern The heliocentric Darwin's ideas Despite

Society theory is about "natural criticisms, Freud still
significant today selection" paved continue to work on
because it the way for refining his theory and
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

improved the additional in fact tried to explain

physical and scientific how psychoanalysis
mathematical discoveries and can be a clinical
astronomical improved method in treating
instruments' perceptions of the some mental disorders.
accuracy and natural world. The
changed how Descent of Man The most notable effect
scientists think by Charles Darwin of Freud was to alter
about the structure challenged widely- how society viewed
of our solar held beliefs about and treated mental
system. the origin of the illness. Prior to Freud's
human species, invention of
the age of the psychoanalysis, mental
earth, and illness was almost
humans' always thought to be
supposedly "organic," meaning that
unique role in the it was believed to result
universe. It had a from a type of brain
significant impact disease or
on scientific and degeneration.
religious thought
in the 19th
century.

1. What made the early works of scientists in the scientific revolution controversial?
What consequences do they have to face?

Because the church holds that God is the creator of all things and does not accept
the scientific theory mentioned in the lesson, this causes controversies. People in a
society frequently criticize and question them.

2. Why did the people accept these new discoveries despite being contradictory to
what was widely accepted at that time?

People accept these new discoveries because they are based on theories that
have undergone extensive research and have facts and evidence supporting them,
even though they are contradictory in some cases.

3. How did the scientific revolution transform societies?

GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

New knowledge systems, social hierarchies, and networks of thinkers were produced
as a result of the Scientific Revolution. Production and distribution were also impacted.
Because it illustrated the capacity of the human mind, the Scientific Revolution had an
impact on the emergence of individualistic values during the Age of Enlightenment.
Scientists' independence from institutional authority and ability to draw their own
conclusions validated their abilities and value.

LESSON 3: CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN MESOAMERICA

Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico
up to the border of South America. There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region is
rich in culture and knowledge prior to the arrival of its European colonizers.
The Maya civilization is one of the famous civilizations that lasted for
approximately 2,000 years. These people are known for their works in astronomy. They
incorporated their advanced understanding of astronomy into their temples and other
religious structures. This allows them to use their temples for astronomical observation.
For example, the pyramid at Chichén Itzá in Mexico is situated at the location of the Sun
during the spring and fall equinoxes.
Mayan knowledge and understanding of celestial bodies were advanced for their
time, as evidenced by their knowledge of predicting eclipses and using astrological
cycles in planting and harvesting. The Mayans are also known for measuring time using
two complicated calendar systems, these calendars were very useful for their lives,
especially in planning their activities and in observing their religious rituals and cultural
celebrations,
The Mayans also developed the technology for growing different crops and
building elaborate cities using ordinary machinery and tools. They built a hydraulics
system with sophisticated waterways to supply water to different communities.
Furthermore, they used various tools and adapt themselves to innovations,
especially in the field of arts. The Mayans built looms for weaving cloth and devised a
rainbow of glittery paints made from a mineral called mica. They are also believed to be
one of the first people to produce rubber products 3,000 years before Goodyear
received its patent in 1844.
The Mayans are considered one of the most scientifically advanced societies in
Mesoamerica. They are also famous as one of the world's first civilizations to use a
writing system known as the Mayan hieroglyphics. They were also skilled in
mathematics and created a number system based on the numeral 20. Moreover, they
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

independently developed the concept of zero and positional value, even before the
Romans did.
The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica. The Incas made advanced
scientific ideas considering their limitations as an old civilization. The following were
scientific ideas and tools that they developed to help them in everyday life:
1. roads paved with stones,
2. stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters;
3. irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all
types of land;
4. calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for
planting season;
5. the first suspension bridge;
6. quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret;
and
7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.
Following the Inca, the Aztec civilization also made substantial contributions to
science and technology and to society as a whole. Some of their contributions are the
following:
1. Mandatory education. The Aztec puts value on education; that is why their
children are mandated to get an education regardless of their social class,
gender, or age. It is an early form of universal or inclusive education.
2. Chocolates. The Aztecs in Mexico developed chocolate during their time. In the
Mayan culture, they used it as currency. The Aztec valued the cacao beans
highly and made it as part of their tribute to their gods.
3. Antispasmodic medication. They used a type of antispasmodic medication that
could prevent muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help during
surgery.
4. Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the
land was divided into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
5. Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals, and planting
season.
6. Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for traveling in water systems

DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN ASIA

Asia is the biggest continent in the world and the home of many ancient
civilizations. It is a host to many cultural, economic, scientific, and political activities of
all ages. In the field of science, technology, and mathematics, great civilizations have
stood out: India, China, and the Middle East civilizations. These civilizations were
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

incomparable in terms of their contributions to the development of knowledge during

their time

India
India is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by
huge mountains in its northern borders. The Indians creatively developed various ideas
and technologies useful in their everyday lives.
They are known for manufacturing iron and metallurgical works. Their iron steel
is considered to be the best and held with high regard in the whole of the Roman
Empire.
India is also famous for medicine. For example, Ayurveda, a system of traditional
medicine that originated in ancient India before 2500 BC, is still practiced as a form of
alternative medicine. They discovered some medicinal properties of plants that led them
to develop medicines to cure various illnesses. Some ancient texts, like the Susruta
Samhita, describe different surgical and other medical procedures famous in Ancient
India.
Ancient India is also notable in the field of astronomy. They developed theories
on the configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth, and the year of
360 days with 12 equal parts of 30 days each.
Ancient India is also known for their mathematics. Bisht (1982) noted that the
earliest traces of mathematical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent appeared in the
Indus Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization, according to Bisht (1982), tried
to standardize the measurement of length to a high degree of accuracy and designed a
ruler, the Mohenjodaro ruler.
Clifford (2008) and Bose (1998) pointed out that Indian astronomer and
mathematician Aryabhata (476-550), in his Aryabhatiya, introduced a number of
trigonometric functions, tables, and techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra. In 628
AD, another Indian, Brahmagupta, also suggested that gravity was a force of attraction,
and lucidly explained the use of zero as both a placeholder and a decimal digit, along
with the Hindu-Arabic numeral system now used universally throughout the world
(Clifford, 2008; Bose, 1998). Another Indian named Madhava of Sangamagrama is also
considered as the founder of mathematical analysis (Joseph, 1991).

China
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

China is one of the ancient civilizations with substantial contributions in many

areas of life like medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts, philosophy, and
music, among others. Chinese civilizations have greatly influenced many of its neighbor
countries like Korea, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia. Myanmar, and
other countries that belong to the old Silk Road.
The Chinese are known for traditional medicines, a product of centuries of
experiences and discovery of the Chinese people. They discovered various medical
properties and uses of different plants and animals to cure human illness. An example is
the practice of acupuncture.
In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to develop many tools. Among
the famous discoveries and inventions of the Chinese civilizations were the compass,
papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools that became known in the West only by the
end of the Middle Ages (Davies, 1995). They also invented other tools like the iron
plough, wheelbarrow, and propeller, among others. They developed designs for
different models of bridges (Zhongguo ke xue yuan, 1983), invented the first
seismological detector, and developed a dry dock facility (Needham et al., 1971).
In the field of astronomy, the Chinese also made significant records on
supernovas, lunar and solar eclipses, and comets, which were carefully recorded and
preserved to understand better the heavenly bodies and their effects on our world
(Mayall, 1939). They observed the heavenly bodies to understand weather changes and
seasons that may affect their daily activities. They used lunar calendars, too. The
Chinese are also known for seismology. This made them more prepared in times of
natural calamities.
China made substantial contributions in various fields. The list of their discoveries
and inventions is overwhelming. These contributions were made along with
mathematics, logic, philosophy, and medicine. However, cultural factors prevented
these Chinese achievements from developing into modern science. According to
Needham (1986), it may have been the religious and philosophical framework of
Chinese intellectuals that made them unable to accept the ideas of laws of nature.

Middle East Countries

The Middle East countries are dominantly occupied by Muslims. With the spread
of Islam in the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of Muslim scholarship, or what is called
the Golden Age of Islam lasted until the 13th century. Muslim scientists placed greater
value on science experiments rather than plain-thought experiments. This led to the
development of the scientific method in the Muslim world and made significant
improvements by using experiments to distinguish between competing scientific
theories set within a generally empirical orientation. A Muslim scientist named Ibn al-
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Haytham is also regarded as the Father of Optics, especially for his empirical proof of
the intromission theory of light.
In mathematics, the mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi gave his
name to the concept of the algorithm while the term algebra is derived from al-jabr, the
beginning of the title of one of his publications. What is now known as the Arabic
Numeral System originally came from India, but Muslim mathematicians did make
several refinements to the number system, such as the introduction of decimal point
notation.
Muslim chemists and alchemists also played an important role in the foundation
of modern chemistry (Durant, 1980). In particular, some scholars considered Jābir ibn
Hayyān to be the "Father of Chemistry" (Derewenda, 2007; Warren, 2005).
In the field of medicine, Ibn Sina pioneered the science of experimental medicine
and was the first physician to conduct clinical trials (Jacquart, 2008). His two most
notable works in medicine, the Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine, were used
as standard medicinal texts in both the Muslim world and in Europe during the 17th
century. Among his many contributions are the discovery of the contagious nature of
infectious diseases and the introduction of clinical pharmacology (Craig & Walter, 2000).
There are numerous Muslim scholars who made significant contributions in the
field of science, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and even the field of social
sciences. The decline of this golden age of Islam started in the 11th to 13th century due
to the conquest of the Mongols whereby libraries, observatories, and other learning
institutions were destroyed.

Development of Science in Africa

Africa is blessed with natural and mineral resources. Science also emerged in
this part of the planet long before the Europeans colonized it. The history of science and
mathematics shows that similar to other ancient civilizations, the early civilizations in
Africa are knowledge producers, too.
The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed immensely and made
significant advances in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. For
example, the development of geometry was a product of necessity to preserve the
layout and ownership of farmlands of the Egyptians living along the Nile River. The rules
of geometry were developed and used to build rectilinear structures, the post of lintel
architecture of Egypt. These early Science activities in Egypt were developed to
improve the quality of life of the Egyptians especially in building their early homes and
cities. The great structures of the Egyptian pyramids and the early dams built to divert
water from the Nile River are some proof of their advanced civilization.
Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which is known as the medieval
forerunner of chemistry. They tried to study human anatomy and pharmacology and
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

applied important components such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and

prognosis for the treatment of diseases. These components displayed strong parallels
to the basic empirical method of studying science.
Astronomy was also famous in the African region. For instance, documents show
that Africans used three types of calendars: lunar, solar, and stellar, or a combination of
the three.
Metallurgy was also known in the African regions during ancient times. North
Africa and the Nile Valley imported iron technology from the Near East region that
enabled them to benefit from the developments during the Bronze Age until the Iron
Age. They invented metal tools used in their homes, in agriculture, and in building their
magnificent architectures.
Mathematics was also known to be prominent in the life of early people in the
African continent. The Lebombo Bone from the mountains between Swaziland and
South Africa, which may have been a tool for multiplication, division, and simple
mathematical calculation or a six-month lunar calendar, is considered to be the oldest
known mathematical artifact dated from 35,000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians are good at the
four fundamental mathematical operations and other mathematical skills. They have
knowledge of the basic concepts of algebra and geometry. The Islamic regions in Africa
during the medieval period were also benefiting from mathematical learning, which is
considered advanced during those times, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Name: Lina Joy R. Fortaleza Course: BS CRIM 1-C

Self-evaluation
Identify the origin of the following tools/inventions/practices. Choose among the
choices given and write the letter of your answer in the space provided.
Mayan Civilization India African Continent
Inca Civilization China
Aztec Civilization Egypt

African Continent 1. Lebombo Bone

India 2. Mohenjodaro ruler
Egypt 3. It is known as the center of Alchemy.
Mayan Civilization 4. They devised glittery paints made from mica.
Inca Civilization 5. Quipo
Egypt 6. Geometry
Aztec Civilization 7. Chinampa
India 8. Hindu-Arabic numeral system
China 9. Compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Maya Civilization 10. Incorporated astronomy in their temples

Supplemental Activities
Select only one civilization or country as discussed in this module and fill up the
discoveries/inventions. Use the table below to answer this activity.
Cradle of Early Science: DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE IN MESOAMERICA (AZTEC
CIVILIZATION)
Discovery/Inventions with Developers/Inventor Use/Purpose
Pictures

Aztecs has developed

Invention of the canoe special boats called
canoes which made
transportation through
Aztecs People streams and rivers easier.
This mode of transportation
was thus extensively used
throughout the Aztec
Empire. They dug many
small canals for the
transportation of canoes.

Chocolates The Aztec valued the

The Aztecs in Mexico cacao beans highly and
developed chocolate made it as part of their
during their time tribute to their gods.
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Chinampa

A technique used in
Mesoamerican agriculture
Chinampas were invented which relied on small,
by the Aztec civilization rectangular areas of fertile
arable land to grow crops
on the shallow lake beds.

Aztec Calendar

Developed by the one of This enabled them to plan

the earliest of the their activities, rituals,
Mesoamerican people, and planting season.
the Olmecs.

Antispasmodic medication

They used a type of

antispasmodic medication
Aztecs People that could prevent muscle
spasms and relax muscles,
which could help during
surgery.
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

In your own opinion, what discovery/invention discussed in this module has made a big
impact on your life? Why?

Ancient civilization made a great number of inventions and discoveries, and I

believe that each of those discoveries has had a positive influence on not only my life
but also the lives of everyone else who is still learning about and putting these
wonderful discoveries into practice in order to make the world a better place. And I am
aware that science, technology, and society have much in common with ancient history.
.

SUMMARY
Scientific revolution is a golden age in the history of science. It marked the birth of
science as a discipline and as a field of inquiry and gave birth to the development of the
scientific method. It was a time in the history of science where many scientific ideas and
discoveries, which were considered innovative and useful, were developed. Some of
these ideas were also controversial in the scientific community and in the political arena.
The scientific revolution significantly changed how people study science and do
scientific activities. It inspired human creativity and critical thinking, moving away from
thought experiments to data-driven and experiment-based ideas.
There were many intellectuals who made essential contributions in science during the
period of scientific revolution. Nicolaus Copernicus developed a model of the universe in
which everything moved around a single center at unvarying rates. He placed the Sun in
the center of the universe and all the planets were surrounding or orbiting it.
Copernicus's model of planets orbiting around the Sun automatically positioned the
planets into a logical sequence. Charles Darwin made significant contribution in the field
of evolutionary biology and philosophy of science. His theory of evolution by natural
selection is very useful in many fields until now. Sigmund Freud developed the idea of
psychoanalysis that helped in understanding human behavior especially neurological
conditions.
Science also developed in different parts of the world: in Asia, Europe, Mesoamerica,
and Africa. People in these continents invented tools to help them in everyday life,
discovered medicines to cure diseases, observed heavenly bodies, built structures,
discovered many things, and invented mathematics as a tool and as a discipline.
Science provided different ancient civilizations the means to survive and understand the
natural and physical world. It also enabled human beings to develop various
technologies that helped them in their everyday tasks.

Name: Lina Joy R. Fortaleza Course: BS CRIM 1-C

GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Reflection:
1. How did society shape science and how did science shape society?

Science's knowledge and worldview have an impact on society. Many people in society
have their perspectives on themselves, others, and the environment influenced by
scientific knowledge and the methods used by scientists. Science's impact on society is
neither entirely positive nor entirely negative.

2. How do the political and cultural landscapes of the society affect the development of
scientific culture, science activities, and science literacy?

The political and cultural landscapes have a significant impact on the development
of scientific culture, activities, and literacy.
The first thing to recognize is that the core of science is a process of developing a
hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, gathering evidence, comparing results, and
repeating the process. The scientific method is all about learning about the world
around us and how things work.
Following that, one must consider the importance of tradition in culture and politics.
Specifically, whether religious or not, most cultures despise questioning in favor of
obedience. Science cannot be done without questions.
When the landscape is that of religion and tradition, science suffers. When the
landscape encourages questions and discovery, science thrives.

3. Considering the current state of our society, do you think science literacy among
people has contributed to the growth of our economy?

Yes, science literacy has shown that there is a lot of science in the world, and
technology is one of the factors driving economic growth. Science literacy enables
people to look forward to improving our world rather than accepting it for what it is.

References:
Brittanica.com
Brooks, Harvey. “The Relationship Between Science and Technology.” Research Policy, vol.
23. (1994): 477-486
British Science Council (2009). Our Definition of Science. Retrieved at
https://tinyurl.com/yxoeqnv3
GE 7 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Bueno, D.C. (2018). Science, Technology and Society. Retrieved at https://tinyurl.com/2a58pfs3

Grübler, A. (2003). Technology and global change. Cambridge university press.
McNamara, DJ., Valvarde, VM., and Beleno, R. III (2018). Science, Technology and Society.
Philippines. C& E Publishing, Inc.
Mutalif, M. H. A. (2013). A Study on the Effectiveness of Technology Transfer Towards the
Work Performance in SME's (Doctoral dissertation, UMP).
Serafica, JPJ., Pawilen, GT., Caslib, BN, Jr., Alata, EJP (2017). Science, Technology, and
Society. Rex Bookstore
ScienceDaily.com