SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY (GECC125)

Midterm Learning Module #2: Technology as a Way of Revealing

Prepared by: DANIELA L. PRIETOS
Learning Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

 Explain the concept of human condition before science and technology;

 Identify the change that happened in human condition after science and technology;
 Evaluate the benefits and long-term effects of technological advancements;
 Explore on the impact of these developments to everyday life;
 Identify the negative impact of these advancements on varied levels.

Comparing the lives of people before and now will reveal the changes in society not just in terms of culture,
language, or rights but more importantly, changes in people’s way of life due to the existence of science and technology.

 Generation gap - a term attributed mainly to the changes brought about by technology. Mostly those belonging to
the older generation thinks of technology as too complicated to operate as they have been used to living simplier in
the past. It cannot be denied that not everyone is comfortable in using the different kinds of technology despite the
original idea that technology is supposed to help everyone across age and culture. For them, technological devices
are difficult to puzzle despite it being very appealing.
 This gap, instead of being viewed as a villain, is considered as a challenge for science and technology to make
technological advancements more accessible and less confusing. Also, this is a challenge to younger generation
to take the older generation to an exciting journey in science and technology. Thus, everyone gets to
experience living with ease and comfort because of the availability of modern technology.
 People has always been fascinated with S&T, leading to numerous magnificent inventions that people in the present
are able to enjoy and benefit from. People get to experience what it really means to live through science and
technology.
 People living in the past and present all have different views of what it means to flourish relative to the time and
period one is in. Our way of life and how society works affects how one construes the concept of human flourishing.
 There has been a drastic change not only in the conception of human flourishing but as well as to people’s actual
human condition. These changes were brought about by the interplay of different factors but essentially, by science
and technology.

The Human Condition Before Common Era

 The motivation to make things easier has been around since human are.
 Gifted with brains more advanced than other creatures, our ancestors’ are able to utilize abundant materials for their
own ease and comfort. Their primal need to survive paved way for the invention of several developments.
 Homo erectus(upright man- the first relatives to the human-like body proportions with shorter arms and longer
legs relative to its torso. They are known as the “species of firsts”) - been using fire to cook, through chipping one
flint over the other to produce a spark, all the whole without realizing the laws of friction and heat.
 Stone Age - marks a period in prehistory in which humans used primitive tools. Lasting roughly 2.5 million year and
ended around 5,000 years ago when humans began working with metals and making tools and weapons made of
bronze(History.com, 2021).
 Homo sapiens(300, 000 ago- present, “wise man” ), during the stone age, started to use tools from stone and
flints.
 humans began to sharpen stones as one would a knife, and example of this is the simple machine called wedge.
 this particular period proved to be difficult for our ancestors in a remarkably distinct way. The scarcity of written
accounts except for several cave drawings and unearthed artifacts from various parts of the world that narrate how
culture came to be proves that there is little capacity to contemplate and perceive things outside our ancerstors’
“selves” in a more reflective manner.
Ex. Venus figure that depicts a voluptuous woman out of ivory or stone, is a miniature statue during the
Paleolithic period excavated in different parts of Europe. The reason for this is unknown due to lack of conclusive
evidence that hinders its study to progress further. We can only imply there is a certain fixation on the female anatomy
by the humans of yesterday and we do not know why.
 Soon enough, the discovery of mineral(naturally occurring substance with distinctive chemical and physical
properties, composition, and atomic structure) which led to forging metalwork, made our ancestors realize that these
substances are more durable, malleable, and have more luster than the previous material(stone).
Primarily, our ancestors started using fur clothing and animal skin out of necessity and comfort against harsh winds as
they are able to draw connection between their being naked and vulnerable due to some lack of protective covering.
These necessity gradually developed as they begib adding several more to their garments. Found in excavations are
reminiscent of early accessories, suggesting that our ancestors have been deeply engaged in concept of beauty.
Ex. Liking a certain shiny stone, or perfectly shaped bone, and wanted to wear it as trophy.
What does it tell of them and their philosophy? Were they perhaps proud to show off their hunt and how good of
a hunter they were? Were they concerend with social standing and stratification? How about the meaning of life? Were
they curious about the explanation of certain phenomena?
 Based on the excavated evidences on the latter half of the Stone Age, it seems that they fave found their answer in
the person of religion. Severial figures thought to be ceremonial or were used in honor of some deity. People, then
and as it is now, resorted to these primitive gods (which includes objects they encounter through their day-to-day
lives) to make sense of events happening outside their contro.
 Different tribes may have different gods: a. those who lived alongside majestic creatures, such as elephants and
mammoths, might have been awed by their size and worshipped them as the owner of the land, asking them for
blessings in their hunting ground; b. in windy places, they might’ve had a mountain god to explain wind currents and
ask for provisions; c. those living in the coastal areas might have water gods they asked for good catch or: d. they
shared several generic gods, such as the sun.
 It can positively be inferred that like people of today, our ancestors found the need to explain things in a way that
makes sense to them, justifying things outside their control as being a work of a supernatural being.
 Throughout history, religion remains the greatest contender of science arguably due to its being the most
easily grasped.

The Human Condition in the Common Era

 for a long time, humans were content with their relationship with nature.
 Earliest case of man-made extinction occurred over 12,000 years ago, possibly brought upon by hunting and
territorial disputes.
 The Anthropocene extinction also called as the sixth extinction occurred as early as between 100, 000 to 200,
000 years up to the present. It pertains to the ongoing extinction of several species- both flora and fauna-- due to
human activity.
 Growing population necessitated finding additional resources, leading to overhunting and overfishing common prey,
some of which were endemic to the area.
 Formation of communities caused humans to expand more in territory and more people to feed; large, separate
communities hailing from the same ancestors and residing in the same large community paved way for civilization.
 People then realized that although they were at most self-sufficient, they were in constant need of resources and the
early solution they thought of seemed to be waging war against other tribes but 5000 years ago they were able to
find out that engaging in peaceful negotiation was possible and less bloody.
 They could get hold of things not present in their towns by offering something of same value present in theirs-- the
process of trade emerged. Initial needs then extended to wants.
 Their new objective was to gather as much products as possible turning to wealth as one of the ultimate goals as
humans and civilizations for they perceived those who have many, live comfortably and thus are generally happier
than those who do not have sufficient wealth. They now turned to profit. If they can’t sell products, they then turned
to using their skills and got compensated for it-- bringing forth a specialized group of artisans.
 In searching for the good life, people were able to come up with creations that would make life easier, more
comfortable, and more enriching.
 The good life envisioned before might be paler in comparison to the multifariousness of today but it offers us the
initial intricacies of how today came to be. Medicine was born out of people’s unpleasant perception of death which
led them to concoction of potions to ward off evil. Chemistry emerged from its primitive form, not quite distinct from
alchemy.

Below are some notable comparisons then and now:

 Mortality Rate - due to technology, lesser death and thus a robust population and strong workforce is
assured. Medical care ensures infant survival and mother’s full recovery.
 Average Lifespan - aside from the fact that people engage in less combat, they are also less likely to die in
treatable diseases. Science, such as in vaccination developments, is able to prolong life.
 Literacy Rate - Access to education provided to more individuals generally creates a more informed public and
could determine a more just society.
 Gross Domestic Product(GDP) - although not an indicator of an average person’s lifestyle in a certain
country, it is often to determine the value of the country’s goods and services produced within the territory
given a certain time period. Higher country income brought usually upon by high productivity is an indicator of
presence of technology.

As human needs and demand continue to evolve, the demand for technology changes as well. This has then impacted
human lives in both ways, positive and negative.

The Benefits of Technological Advancements

 In Business
 Technology guarantees increased productivity. Technology had a major impact in the modern workplace
as it revolutionized the method by which businesses conduct daily activities. The automation of tasks resulted in
over-all efficiency in production. Even small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are now able to create a
workforce that is more efficient and innovative with technologies. Workplace tasks are performed using
manufacturing tools that permit control of machinery using computers. This reduces costs for the production of
goods as well as the delivery of services using software and devices.
  Technology facilitates greater collaboration among workers. Business success requires collaboration
among its workforce. Utilizing group messaging and team chats allows greater exchange of ideas among
workers. Technology allows the use of greater innovative venues to bring workers together to collaborate and
find solutions to problems and even create new products. Open sourced or free cloud-based note taking
technologies can be accessed across varied devices in specific geolocation during virtual meetings.

 Technology simplifies business operations. Technologies enable businesses to manage their inflow and
outflow in simplified ways. There are software and programs that are efficient for bookkeeping and auditing
purposes. Accounting systems are now automated which are more precise and instant. Business operation and
performance are easily monitored across the years as important data are stored in a remote and secured facility
which is accessible anywhere.

 Technology improves business database and file management. Technologies enable more efficient
organizing and securing of customer and business files. This can be very essential to keeping company
credibility and integrity while enabling easy and authorized access. Whilst the data are being backed up and
recovered, technology provides protection of data for peace of mind among entrepreneurs.

 In Communication
 Technology supports productive relationships. Emails and other messaging tools help keep us in touch
with significant people demanding immediate performance of tasks. These communication tools facilitate
efficient workflow, instant decision making as well as delivery of services. These are productive as technology
allows effective communication solutions through open sharing of ideas and greater collaboration.

 Technology changes the marketing platform. Any consumer who wants to avail products and services is
directed onto website URLS (Uniform Resource Locator). This rapid development made innovations in marketing
strategies custom-tailored to fit the needs of consumers who are equipped with mobile devices. This only means
that people search answers for everyday questions through their computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

 Technology increases global connectivity. The development of a macro-system of interconnected networks

through the World Wide Web is a result of greater information resources, which are accessible to almost every
netizen around the world. These communication technologies give everyone access to libraries, government
sites, banks, schools and almost all institutions everywhere.

 In Medicine
 Technology keeps efficient patient records. Since most healthcare professionals use hand-held devices to
keep real-time patient data also known as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to replace outdated paper records.
These records are used to check, monitor and share patient medical record and history. All of these patient data
are secured in a centralized area for use in researches on medical breakthroughs. These valuable are much
needed especially in the fight against diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020.

 Technology facilitates better ways to fight diseases. The continuous increase in population requires
improved strategies to develop treatment plans, conduct medical researches, and monitor health epidemics
efficiently meet the increased demands on the healthcare system. These developments introduced the use of
surgical robots assisting humans in the operating room. Robotic surgery is largely utilized to aid surgeons
ensuring precision, control and flexibility in performing complex procedures.

 Technology for simulation. 3D printing is considered very helpful in replicating specific organs, which
prepares surgeons in the actual procedure. Surgeons can now work on 3D printed models to simulate different
operation approaches before conducting actual surgery. This is also cost-effective to develop prosthetic limbs for
orthopedics patients. The same is also used in dental practice specifically in orthodontics to replicate problematic
areas among dental patients.

 In Education
 Technology motivates greater learning. Technology applied in education encourages and engages through
sights and sounds which enhances individual learning through gamification. This promotes engagement as it
allows students to work on set of activities and processes to solve given problems.

 Technology makes teaching and learning paperless. Grading applications are available in mobile devices
like those for iPad. These grading programs have completely changed the way teachers evaluate test and
examinations in varied subjects. Electronic papers are marked electronically which greatly reduces the use of
paper and school resources.

 Technology facilitates online learning. Technology facilitates interactive education through learning
applications that students enjoy. It opened institutional boundaries, which permitted employment abroad
through education that meets international standards.

Learning can now happen online through Learning Management Systems (LMS) and platforms which promote
individual and team learning. Using the Internet, desktops, laptops and mobile devices, students can now access
 virtual learning environments. Collaboration among students is possible through interactive discussions. Teachers
can use digital whiteboard to engage the learners. Learners' are enhanced in multitudes of ways through Word
applications, blogs, games that can all be part of the teacher's resources to promote meaningful learning
experience.

 Technology supports special education. People with disabilities are provided assistive technology (AT) to
accomplish school tasks that are difficult to perform due to their disability. Advancement in technology like
iPads, learning Applications (Apps) helps Children with Autism (CWA) to communicate efficiently; deaf students
can easily express themselves through mobile text messaging; those with visual impairment read texts through
computer-generated voice from their computers. All of these simplify learning and promote engagements
among these types of learners. Through these ndividuals with disabilities are able to perform functions that
promote greater learning while participating in educational activities.

Consequences of Technological Advancements

Technology has changed the human life and function. Technology has its downsides, as human lives have been
technology-infused through time. It has sapped humans of scarce time and attention due to lack of healthy technology
habits.
 In Business - technology makes business data insecure, as records are stored in a centralized remote
database. Hackers lurk everywhere in search for ways to challenge 'firewalls'. This is the case of most
businesses, which fall prey to online theft. Breaches in security are highly probable as hackers are evolving
along with technology and security systems are outdated. worker relationships are crucial to greater workplace
productivity but it also has suffered due to disconnection' among employees. Over-dependence on technology
extinguished f2f (face-to-face) interaction. Feeling of 'monotony', dissatisfaction and 'burnt out' is observed
among workers as they feel less involved due to automation.

 Technology and Communication - The 'superficial communication' is the experience among teams using
devices that are deficient of tone, emotion and empathy. Younger employees have not only lost their ability to
converse spontaneously. Serious social difficulties and a low social well-being arise as these young workers have
too little time interacting with co-workers in the same room because of technology-centric work culture.

 In the Classroom - For one, these technologies have created distraction among learners. Smartphones and
other mobile devices have enormously distracted students through entertainment and social media platforms.
Considering that everyone can be trained in the use of technology it is a fact that not every learner can afford
devices that can facilitate online learning in virtual environments.

 Technology and Human Health - Its symptoms include blurred vision, dry eyes, migraine or headaches, neck
and back pain which can persist in varying degrees. It wan also cause sleep problems. Even mental health is
adversely affected by technology specifically constant exposure to the social media. This exposure results to the
feeling of inadequacy as we begin to compare our lives with the lives of significant others. Online users are
highly affected by FOMO or the 'Feeling of Missing Out.'

Activity #2: Role-Playing

Instructions:
1. Group yourselves into four(4).
2. Create a short play depicting how your day-to-day life would be like in a world without technology.
3. Do this by illustrating a scenario where a certain technological innovation does not exist.
4. Below are possible examples:
A. Watch
B. Phone
C. Light bulbs
D. Cars
E. Printing press
F. Electricity