Science Technology and Society (GE106)

• Science is as old as the world itself. There is no individual that can exactly identify when and where science has existed. It is always interwoven with society.
• Science as an idea


  Includes ideas, theories, and all available systematic explanations and observations about the natural and physical world
• Science as an intellectual activity


  Encompasses a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical world involving systematic observation and experiment
• Science as a body of knowledge


  A subject or discipline that deals with the process of learning about the natural and physical world, referred to as school science
• Science as a personal and social activity


  Explains that science is both knowledge and activities done by human beings to develop a better understanding of the world around them, a means to improve life and survive
• Scientific Revolution was the period of enlightenment when developments in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry transformed society's views about nature, explaining the emergence of modern science
• The ideas generated during the period of Scientific Revolution enabled people to reflect, rethink, and reexamine their beliefs and way of life, igniting vast human interest to rethink how they do science and view the scientific process
• Scientific Revolution was a golden age for people committed to scholarly life in science but also a deeply trying moment for some scientific individuals that led to their painful death or condemnation from the religious institution
• Some rulers and religious leaders did not accept many of the early works of scientists, but this did not stop people, especially scientists, from satisfying their curiosity of the natural and physical world
• Scientific Revolution is very significant in the development of scientific ideas, transformation of society, and in the formulation of scientific investigation, experiments, and observations. It also led to the creation of new research fields in science and prompted the establishment of a strong foundation for modern science
• In many ways, the Scientific Revolution transformed the natural world and the world of ideas
• 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 truth of their time. Scientists in all periods of time are driven by their curiosity, critical thinking, and creativeness to explore the physical and natural world. Their love for science is driven by their deep passion to know and discover
• Scientists are not driven by clamor for honor and publicity. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some scientists were never appreciated during their times, some were sentenced to death, while others were condemned by the Church during their times. In spite of all the predicaments and challenges they experienced
• CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE - The Development of Science in Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of South America
• CRADLES OF EARLY SCIENCE - The Development of Science in Mesoamerica

  • Mesoamerican Civilizations
  • Mayan
  • Incan
  • Aztec
• Mayan Civilization


  One of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000 years, known for their works in astronomy and advanced understanding of celestial bodies
• Mayans had knowledge of predicting eclipses and used astrological cycles in planting and harvesting
• Mayans measured time using two complicated calendar systems for planning activities, observing religious rituals, and cultural celebrations
• Mayans developed technology for growing crops, building cities, hydraulics systems, looms for weaving cloth, and glittery paints made from mica
• Incan Civilization


  Famous in Mesoamerica, made advanced scientific ideas including roads, stone buildings, irrigation systems, calendars, suspension bridges, quipu, and textiles
• Aztec Civilization made substantial contributions to science and technology including mandatory education, chocolates, antispasmodic medication, Chinampa agricultural farming, Aztec calendar, and inventions
• Medical advancements

  • Acupuncture
• Contributions of Chinese civilization

  • Compass
  • Papermaking
  • Gunpowder
  • Printing tools
• Asia is the biggest continent in the world and the home of many ancient civilizations
• Great civilizations in Asia: India, China, and the Middle East
• India is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by huge mountains in its northern borders
• Indians creatively developed various ideas and technologies useful in their everyday lives
• India is famous in medicine, for example, Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that originated in ancient India before 2500 BC
• Ancient India is notable in the field of astronomy
• Ancient India is known for their mathematics
• Chinese civilization has made substantial contributions in many areas like medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts, philosophy, and music
• Chinese traditional medicine is a product of centuries of experiences and discovery of the Chinese people
• Chinese civilization developed tools such as the compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools
• They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things
• Some scientists were never appreciated during their times, some were sentenced to death, while others were condemned by the Church during their times
• In spite of all the predicaments and challenges they experienced, they never stopped experimenting, theorizing and discovering new knowledge and ideas
• Nicolaus Copernicus was one of the Renaissance men, particularly in the field of Science
• Copernicus had been appointed as a canon at Frombork Cathedral in Poland
• Despite his duty as a canon, Copernicus had plenty of time to sustain his interest in astronomy
• Copernicus was strongly influenced by the book entitled "Epitome" published in 1496 by the German author, Johanes Muelier