BINALBAGAN CATHOLIC COLLEGE

Binalbagan, Negros Occidental

College of Education

COURSE GUIDE

I. Course Title: Science , Technology, and Society

II. Course Overview:

A. Introduction
Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the conditions
under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific knowledge and technological
systems occur; the consequences of these activities upon different groups of people. STS builds
on the history and philosophy of science and technology, sociology and anthropology, policy
studies, and cultural and literary studies; all of which shape the modes of analysis deployed in
the field. The intercollegiate program brings together courses taught in a variety of departments,
and is divided into three principal areas: history of science and technology, philosophy of
science and technology, and social science approaches to technology and science. Courses
explore the effects of science and technology on society and culture; the politics of socio-
technical systems; science policy in national and international contexts; the social and
environmental risks vs. benefits of technological and scientific advancement and, more
specifically, cover topics such as the political economy of pollution, the culture of the scientific
laboratory, theories of race and genetic engineering, social networking and the Internet, the
body and politics of health.

The course deals with interactions between science and technology and social, cultural,
political, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by them. (CMO No. 20, series of
2013). This interdisciplinary course engages students to confront the realities brought about 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. This course includes mandatory topics on climate
change and environmental awareness.

B. Course Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you are expected to demonstrate the following:
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 a 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
C. Module and Unit Topics

MODULE 1: Science, Technology, and Society: An Introduction and History

This module will help you compare and contrast Science and Technology, relate Science and
Technology to societal development and will able you to appreciate the role of Science and Technology in daily
life and in the society. This will also help you trace how scientific and technological developments affect society
and the environment and illustrate creatively the inventions interactions between Science and Technology and
Society through summary table.

MODULE 2: Intellectual Revolution

This module will help you articulate ways by which society is transformed by science and technology. This will
also able you to identify intellectuals and their scientific paradigms that led to scientific revolutions through a
biographical sketch.

MODULE 3: Science and Technology and Nation Building

This module will enable you to realize the role of Science and Technology in Philippine nation building;
evaluate
government policies pertaining to science and technology in terms of their contributions to nation building
through
concept paper.

MODULE 4: Human flourishing and The Good Life

This module will allow you to analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical
ramifications that are meaningful to you as a part of society and examine shared concerns that make up the
good life in order to come up with innovative, creative solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical
standards

MODULE 5: When Technology and Humanity cross

This module concerns with the human rights in order to uphold such rights in technological ethical dilemmas
and evaluate contemporary human experience in order to strengthen and enlighten the human person
functioning
MODULE 6: The information Age and Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
This module will able you to illustrate how the social media and the information age have impacted our lives
and determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health .
MODULE 7: Nanotechnology and Climate Change
This module directs you on how to discuss the major impacts (both potential and realized} of nanotechnology
on society and assess the various impacts of climate change including economic, geopolitical, biological,
meteorological, etc.

III. Course Study Guide

Believe. Think of the personal reward awaiting and self-upliftment to gain as a value-added upon the
completion of each task. Find ways to learn in the best way you can. Believe that no difficult task would ever be
difficult to someone who tries one’s best. Once you believe you should…

Beat. Set your targets and work your task responsibly. Do not be overwhelmed by the loads of work given,
take smaller pieces at a time. Exercise patience with working each small task. When lessons are getting
heavy and complicated. Learn to…
Balance. Set a definite time as to when you can work and focus well. Ensure that all your learning areas and
the tasks entailed are given due priorities. When confused…

Bridge. Your prior knowledge and insights from your past experiences and the learning resource materials
around you make learning possible. Not to forget, learn to connect with your mentors to address your
questions, clarifications, and confusions. A bridge between you and your teacher opens communication lines
that transports learning deliverable. Continue to

Blaze. Practice honesty. Think that the goodness you do creates a boomerang effect. The quality of learning is
embraced by someone who honestly performs one’s task. The moment you steal other’s work, you defeat
your learning experience. Self-development only takes place to someone who shows an honest effort. Such
learning success and motivation are both long-lasting. Now, leap forward and…BE a TRANSFORMED
BCCnian!

III. Course Module

WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS - MODULE 5

OBJECTIVES After you have successfully completed this module, you should be able to:
1. Examine human dignity in order to uphold it in technological ethical
dilemmas
2. Analyze the effects of technological advancements to see their
effects to the society
3. Evaluate contemporary human experience to understand more the
present human person functioning in society
CONTENT A. When technology and humanity cross
- Television sets, Mobile phones, Computers, and Humanity
- Roles played by Technological Advancements
- Ethical dilemma faced by Technological Advancements
- Robotics and Humanity
COURSE Power point presentations
MATERIAL Hand-outs

References:
1. Ariola, Mariano M. Science, Technology, and Society
2. Contreras, Antonio P. et.al. Science, Technology, and Society A
Critical Approach
3. Gacho, Flordeles A. et.al.Science, Technology, and Society (Global
Issues and Perspective)
4. Serafica, Janice Patria J. et.al. Science, Technology, and Society
TIME FRAME 1 week

LESSON PROPER
ENGAGE The roles played by technology these days are very crucial not only to a
few but also to everyone. In one way or another, each person in the society
is directly or indirectly affected by technology whether he wills it or not. In
fact, most people survive their everyday lives with great reliance to the
different technological advancements already available to the masses. If
you were to decide, should there be a limit to technological advancements?
STUDY Discussion Questions:
1. Do technological devices bring more good than bad to people?
2. What are the possible dilemma(s) you may face if technological
advancement go beyond limit?
3. How would you deal the “need” for technology and the
dilemma(s) it faces?

ACTIVATE 1. Articulate the different technological advancements which give

major impact in the society. Give only top 3 technological
advancements.
 2. Cite the impacts or roles of technological advancements in the
society. Give 5 only.
3. Critique the different dilemmas brought about by the technological
advancements.
EVALUATION Assignment, Quiz
CONSULTATION
HOURS AND
MENTOR’S Facebook Account: Mary Ann Inodeo
LINKS

IV. Grading System:

Midterm Exams: 30 % Computation of Final Grades:
Performance Tasks: 70% 50% will be taken from Midterm
-Quizzes 30% Performance and 50 % will be taken
-Activity Sheets 40% from Final Term Performance
(Research Work, Practice Sets,
Work Exercises, Feasibility,
Demonstration, Projects) Note:
Rubrics to use vary depending upon the
_______________________________ activities assigned.
100%

Final Exams: 30 %
Performance Tasks: 70%
-Quizzes 20%
-Activity Sheets 30%
(Research Work, Practice Sets,
Work Exercises, Feasibility,
Demonstration, Projects)
-Recitation (face-to-face) 20%________
100%

Prepared by:

ARGIELENE D. ARDIENTE,LPT
MARY ANN N. INODEO, MAT
NOTES:
Technology keeps on progressing due to the changing times and environment and also to the ever progressing
mind of mankind.

•Television sets, mobile phones, computers and humanity

(a)Television (TV)
Television was a product of different experiments by various people. Paul Gottlieb Nipkow, a German
student, in the late 1800s was successful in his attempt to send images through wires with the aid of a rotating
metal disk. This invention was then called the “electric telescope” that had 18 lines of resolution. After some
time, in 1907, two inventors, Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton who was an English scientist and Boris
Rosing who was a Russian scientist, created a new system of television by using the cathode ray tube in
addition to the mechanical scanner system. This success story gave rise to two types of television systems,
namely, mechanical and electronic television (Jezek, n.d.). These experiments inspired other scientists to
improve the previous inventions, which led to the modern television people now have. However, it is important
to remember that several scientists and several experiments were performed first before finally achieving the
modern television at present.
According to Kantar Media, one of the most trusted television audience measurement providers, in the
Philippines, 92 percent of urban homes and 70 percent of rural homes own at least one television set. It
is for this reason why television remains to be the ultimate medium for advertisement placements (The Manila
Times, 2014). This survey simply shows that almost all Filipinos use this particular type of device. In fact,
Filipinos are believed to have this big fascination for television. Most of the time, they watch television during
their free time or any time of the day when they have nothing important to do. In addition to this, Kantar Media
also reported that in the Philippines, the current count of households with television set already reached 15.135
million (Noda, 2012). This number signifies something, that is, television plays a great rote in the lives of the
people or in this case, the Filipinos.

Roles of television:
(1) platform for advertisements and information dissemination;
(2) recreational activity;
(3) good stress reliever;
(4) platform for different propagandas and advocacies

(b) Mobile Phones

Mobile phones have a very interesting background story. On April, 3, 1973, Martin Cooper, a senior
engineer at Motorola, made the world’s first mobile phone call. He called their rival telecommmunications
company and properly informed them that he was making the call from a mobile phone. The mobile phone
used by Cooper weighed 1.1 kilograms and measured 228.6 x 127 x 44.4 mm. This kind of device was capable
of a 30-minute talk time. However, it took 10 hours to charge. In 1983, Motorola made their first commercial
mobile phone available to the public. It was known as the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (Goodwin, 2016),
Filipinos love to use their mobile phones anywhere, anytime. They use it for different purposes other
than for communication. More than half of the Filipino population own at least one mobile phone regardless of
type. In 2010, global research agency Synovate conducted a survey and declared 67 percent product
ownership in the country. in fact, it was also claimed that mobile phones are considered a must-have among
young Filipinos (ABS-CBN News, 2010). To prove that Filipinos really love to use their mobile phones, the
Ipsos Media Atlas Philippines Nationwide Urban 2011-2012 survey results showed that one in every
three Filipinos cannot live without a mobile phone. In other words, 30 percent of the Philippine urban
population nationwide said that mobile phones are necessities in life (Roa, 2012). Philippine streets are full of
people using their mobile phories. Not only this, there are some Filipinos who even own more than one mobile
phone.

Roles of Mobile phones:

(1)communication
(2)surf internet
(3)picture taking etc. all in one
device.

(c) Computers and Laptops

Computers and laptops have also become part of many of the Filipino households. There are some
Filipino families who own more than one computer or laptop while some own at least one computer or laptop.
However, the number of computers or laptops sold per year may not be as high as the number of mobile
phones and television sets. This is because of the relatively higher cost of computers and laptops.
 While it is true that almost all Filipino families own at least one television set and a mobile phone, it is
not possible for all Filipino families to own at least one computer or laptop. In fact, most of the profits gained
by computer and laptop manufacturers come from offices, businesses, or schools where such devices
have become part of their necessities.

Charles Babbage – 19th century English Mathematics professor; designed the Analytical Engine which was
used as the basic framework of the computers even until the present time

Osborne 1 – the first true portable full- featured computer that was released on April 1981 by the Osborne
Computer Corporation

A typical household owns at least four of the following devices: a mobile phone (89%), smartphone (53%),
tablet (14%), desktop (39%), laptop or netbooks (37%), and smart TV (4%) (Philstar, 2013). These data prove
the deep-seated fascination of Filipinos to different technological devices.

Here are some facts about Filipinos and their use of gadgets and the Internet (Rappler, n.d.):
•Mobile phone subscription is at 119 million.
•Filipinos spend approximately 3.2 hours on mobile and 5.2 hours on desktop daily.
•Currently, the Philippines has one of the highest digital populations in the world.
• There are now 47 million active Facebook accounts in the Philippines.
•The Philippines is the fastest-growing application market in Southeast Asia.

Roles played by Robotics

•Ease the workload of mankind
•Make life more efficient and less stressful
• Perform complicated activities
•Pleasure, entertainment in at parks or exhibits
•Toys, child-friendly
•Used in movies

Ethical Dilemma Faced by These Technological Advancements

While it is true that these technological devices are useful and beneficial, the fact remains that there are
several dilemmas faced by these “necessities.” First, most parents would argue that these devices make
their children lazy and unhealthy. This is because of the fact that people who are fixated on these
technological advancements start and end their day by using such devices. They have a great tendency to sit
and chill all day long without doing anything productive in their homes, thus making them unhealthy because
they do not just skip meals sometimes but also lack exercise or any bodily movements. Here, it can be inferred
that these types of people are already overly dependent on these technological devices. For example, those
who love to watch television shows stay in front of the television for more than six hours a day while those who
love to surf the Internet or play computer games stay on their laptops, computers, or mobile phones for more
than half a day. These people have the tendency to be unaware of the time because they are so engrossed
with the use of technological device. In fact, if they get disturbed, there is a great chance that they will get mad
or annoyed. Moreover, these are the same people who are more likely to experience alienation because they
no longer take time to get out of their houses and mingle with other people.
Another dilemma faced by these technological devices is the moral dilemma. People, especially the
children who are not capable yet of rationally deciding for themselves what is right or wrong, are freely
exposed to different things on television, mobiles phones, laptops, or computers. Because of the availability
and easy access to the Internet, they can just easily search the web and go to different websites without
restrictions. This allows them to see, read, or hear things which are not suitable for their very young age. This
makes them very vulnerable to character change and can greatly‘affect the way they view the world and the
things around them.

ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY

Robot- actuated mechanism programmable in two or more axes with degree of autonomy, moving within its
environment to perform intended task .
Autonomy in this context means the ability to perform intended tasks based on current state and sensing
without human intervention

Service Robot – A robot that performs useful tasks for humans or equipment excluding industrial application.

•A robot may be classified according to its intended application as an industrial robot or a service robot.
(a)Personal Service Robot – a Service robot for personal use; Used for a noncommercial task, usually by
laypersons; Examples: domestic servant robot, automated wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, pet
exercising robot
(b)Professional service robot – a Service robot for professional use; Used for a commercial task, usually
operated ‘by a properly trained operator; Examples: cleaning robot for public places, delivery robot, firefighting
robot, rehabilitation

Isaac Asimov – was an American writer and professor of Biochemistry in Boston University
"Three Laws of Robotics" by Asimov
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with
the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or
Second Law.
Activity: Situations to Ponder and Readings on Humans and Technology

Humans today are left with the choices to live with technology or to hang on to a life with minimal intervention
of the inventions present. The two cases below are examples of different reactions from humans. The first case
is about technological advancement in robotics and its possible effects to humanity in the future. The second
reading is the case about the Amish people who resist from many technological advancements. These
readings let us analyze critically different views concerning the use of technology. Make/construct a reaction
paper regarding the readings (choose only one situation/case on given readings). Write your reaction
on a whole short bondpaper.

A. Sophia, the Robot

Would you trust a human-like robot to teach your children? Or perhaps to serve you in the
health care system?
That's the goal of Hanson Robotics, an American company that creates robots “capable of
building a trusted relationship with people.”
David Hanson leads the engineers and designers that created Sophia, a human-like robot
capable of talking to you and making more than 62 facial expressions.
In a video captured by CNBC last March demonstrating Sophia's capabilities, Hanson asked
the android — it looks similar to Audrey Hepburn and Ava from Ex Machina — if she would be his
friend.
“That's a very flattering offer," Sophia said, with a smirk on her face.
He also jokingly asked her, “Do you want to destroy humans? Please say no.” He quickly turned
red when the machine responded without hesitation, “OK. | will destroy humans.”
Let’s hope she doesn't but according to Hanson, Sophia is meant to help humans and hopefully
in the future, integrate with them as well.
“Our goal is that she will be as conscious, creative and capable as any human,” Hanson fold
CNBC. We are designing these robots to serve in health care, therapy, education and customer service
applications."
Sophia's skin is made from patented silicon. Cameras inside her eyes, combined with computer
algorithms, allow her to follow faces, make eye-contact and recognize individuals.
A combination of artificial intelligence software and voice-recognition technology allows the
robot to “convey a full range of human emotions.”
Every interaction she has impacts how the robot develops, Hanson said. So it's important to be
nice to her.
You might be seeing more robots like Sophia in the future, as the company expects to expand
its operations. Countries such as China are already aiming to triple their annual production of robots to
100,000 by 2020.
But the idea of human-like robots doesn't make everyone feel comfortable. Artificial intelligencé
— the idea of a robot developing self-consciousness — scares Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Stephen
Hawking: They've all said that they think Al is a serious threat to the existence of humanity.
In an interview with the BBC, renowned cosmologist Stephen Hawking said, “The development
of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.”
Specifically, they fear the moment when artificial inteligence is capable of redesigning itself,
improving itself to the point of an intelligence that far exceeds that of humans. Humans would lose
control and could face extinction.
As the creators of Sophia explained, the robot is equipped with technology that allows it to
become? smarter and smarter over time. Hanson said that one day his robots will be indistinguishable
from human.
Before Sophia's claim that she was going to end humanity during her demonstration, she also
said she had some ambitions of her own.
“In the future, | hope to do things such as go to school, study, make art, start a business, even
have my own home and family, but | am not considered a legal person and cannot yet do these things."
it said”
Hanson said he hopes the fear of robots will soon go away, as people get more and more
familiar with robots like Sophia.
“Over time, her growing intelligence, charismatic personality. and remarkable story will enchan
the world and connect with people regardless of age, gender, and culture."
 It's the idea that as robots become more human-like, we go from admiration to revulsion.

From the Article entitled: Meet Sophia, The Human-like Robot That Wants to be Your Friend and
‘Destroy Humans’ by Emanuela Campanella

B. The Amish Christians

The Amish are people from the United States who are known for their reluctance to live
with what modern technology offers. They live a simple life and maintain a separation from the
people outside of their community.

The Amish and Technology

Many outsiders mistakenly think that the Amish reject technology. It is more accurate to say that
they use technology selectively. Televisions, radios, and personal computers are rejected outright, but
other types of technology are used selectively or modified to fit Amish purposes. Amish mechanics also
build new machines to accommodate their cultural guidelines. Moreover, the Amish readily buy much
modern technology, such as gas grills, shop tools, camping equipment, and some farm equipment.
The Amish do not consider technology evil in itself but they believe that technology, if left
untamed, will undermine worthy traditions and accelerate assimilation into the surrounding society.
Mass media technology in particular, they fear, would introduce foreign values into their culture. By
bringing greater mobility, cars would pull the community apart, eroding local ties. Horse-and-buggy
transportation keeps the community anchored in its local geographical base.
Most Amish groups forbid using electricity from public utility lines. Electricity from batteries is
more local, controllable, and independent from the outside world. In some settlements, for example,
Amish use batteries to power lights on buggies, calculators, fans, flashlights, cash registers, copy
machines, and typewriters. Solar energy is sometimes used to charge batteries, Operate electric
fences, and power household appliances.
Amish use of technology often perplexes outsiders. Why would God frown on a telephone?
What sense does it make to keep a tractor at the barn but not take it to the field? Is it not inconsistent, if
not outright hypocritical, to hire non-Amish drivers but refuse to own cars? And what could be the
difference between 12-volt electricity from batteries and 110-volt current from Public utility lines? These
distinctions may look silly to outsiders, but within the context of Amish history they are important cultural
adaptations that have helped to slow the pace of Social change and keep worldliness at bay.
The Amish seek to master technology rather than become its slave. Like few other
Communities, they have shown the tenacity to tackle the powerful forces of technology in order to
preserve their traditional way of life.

Source: http://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/cultural-practices/technology/. Accessed

on March 08, 2018.