General Education:

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

GENERAL EDUCATION
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course deals with interactions between science and technology and
social, cultural, political, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped
them. (CMO No. 20, series of 2013).
This interdisciplinary course engages the 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.

COURSE OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
Knowledge
1. Articulate the Impacts of science and technology on society,
specially 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 student’s
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
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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 goof 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

COURSE OUTLINE AND TIMEFRAME

WEEK TOPICS
GENERAL CONCEPTS AND STS HISTORICAL
DEVELOPMENTS
1-3 Historical antecedents in which social considerations changed
the course of science and technology
4 Intellectual revolutions that defined society
5-6 Science technology and nation building
STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
7-8 The Human Person flourishing in terms of science and
technology
9 The Good Life
10 When technology and humanity cross
11-12 Why the future does not need us
SPECIFIC ISSUES IN STS
13 The Information Age
14-15 Biodiversity and the healthy society
16 The nano world
17-18 Gene therapy, Culminating activity

Grading System:
60% passing mark/transmutation of raw scores or cumulative related scores
(for College of Engineering and Architecture)
1. Major Examinations/Assessment (Preliminary, Midterm, Semi-Final,
and Final Examination) – 50%
2. Class Standing – quizzes, class participation/ assignments/other
outputs/performances) - 50%

Classroom Policies
1. Attendance (excerpt from Student Handbook)

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2. Punctuality
3. Policy for students on official travel and academic credits
4. Others:
a. Students must come to class prepared and have accomplished
assignments due that day.
b. CHEATING is strictly prohibited. A student caught cheating and the
student who allowed his/her work to be copied will both be given a
grade of 5.0 for that exam. If this happens again for the same students,
they will be given a grade of 5.0 for the finals.

Special examinations are only given to students with valid reasons such as
when the student is very sick or is representing the University for any Event
that will be held outside the school campus (Refer to classroom Policies 3).
However, a document that will prove the given reason is to be passed to the
instructor. As for other excuses, the instructor will determine its validity.

REFERENCE LISTS:
 Serafica, J., et.al. (2018). “Science, Technology, and Society.” Rex
Bookstore.
 Article: “The politics of Golden Rice” (Dubock, Adrian GM Crops &
Food. Jul-Sep2014, Vol5 Issue 3 p 210-222 13p.)
 Caoli, Olivia. “A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines,
“in Analysis of Conditions for National Scientific and Technological
Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation, Quezon City: University of the
Philippines, 1986.
 Dayrit, Fabian. “Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm for
the 21st Century, in Stellar Origins, Human Ways: Readings in Science,
Technology, and Society, ed. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City:
Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011.
 http://www.flowhistory.com.readings
 https://www.youtube.com/watch

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CHAPTER I

GENERAL CONCEPTS AND

HISTORICAL EVENTS IN SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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Lesson 1
HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Lesson Objectives:
a. Explain how science and technology affected the society and
environment and vice versa;
b. Identify inventions and discoveries that changed the world over the
course of history;
c. Discuss the scientific and technological developments in the
Philippines
d. Discuss the interactions between science technology and society
throughout history
e. Discuss how scientific and technological development affect society
and the environment
f. Identify the paradigm shifts in history
INTRODUCTION
SCIENCE
 Came from the Latin word “Scientia” meaning “knowledge”
 A systematic attempt to discover facts through observation and
reasoning
 Involves a pursuit of knowledge covering general truths or the
operations of fundamental laws
 Concerted human effort to understand, or to understand better the
history of the natural world and how the natural world works, with
observable physical evidence as the basis of that understanding.
 Done through observations of the natural phenomena, and/or through
experimentation that tries to simulate natural processes under
controlled conditions.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
 SCIENCE: knowledge about or study of the natural world based on
facts learned through experiments and observation.
 TECHNOLOGY: science or knowledge put into practical use to solve
problems or invent useful tools.
HOW IS SCIENCE USED IN TECHNOLOGY?
 Science is the pursuit of knowledge about the natural world through
systematic observations and experiments. Through science, we
develop new technologies.
 Technology is the application of scientifically gained knowledge for
practical purpose.
 Scientists use technology in all their experiments.

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THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Alter the way people live, connect, communicate and transact, with
profound effects on economic development.
2. Key drivers to development, because technological and scientific
revolutions underpin economic advances, improvements in health
systems, education and infrastructure.
3. The technological revolutions of the 21st century are emerging from
entirely new sectors, based on micro-processors, tele-communications,
biotechnology and nano-technology. Products are transforming
business practices across the economy as well as the lives of all who
have access to their effects. The most remarkable breakthrough will
come from the interaction of insights and applications arising when
these technologies converge.
4. Have the power to better the lives of poor people in developing
countries
5. Differentiators between countries that are able to tackle poverty
effectively by growing and developing their economies, and those that
are not.
6. Engine of growth.
7. Interventions for cognitive enhancement, proton cancer therapy and
genetic engineering.
SOCIETY
 The sum total of our interactions as humans, including the interactions
that we engage in to figure things out and to make things.
 A group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a
large social group sharing the same geographical or social territory,
typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural
expectations.
WHAT DOES SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY MEAN?
 Science and technology studies, or science, technology and society
studies (STS) is the study of how society, politics, and culture affect
scientific research and technological innovation, and how these, in turn,
affect society, politics and culture.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
STS is relatively recent discipline, origination in the 60s and 70s,
following Kuhn’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962).
STS was the result of a “sociological turn” in science studies.
STS makes the assumption that science and technology are essentially
intertwined and that they are each profoundly social and profoundly
political
HOW SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AFFECT SOCIETY

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 Science and technology have had a major impact on society, and their
impact is growing.
 Bay making life easier, science has given man the chance to pursue
societal concerns such as ethics, aesthetics, education, and justice; to
create cultures; and to improve human conditions.
 Science influences society through its knowledge and world view.
Scientific knowledge and the procedures used by scientists influence
that way many individuals in society think about themselves, others,
and the environment. The effect of science on society in neither entirely
beneficial nor entirely detrimental.

HOW SCIENCE CAN HAVE AN EFFECT ON SOCIETY?

 Science influences society through its knowledge and world view.
Scientific knowledge and the procedures used by scientists influence
the way many individuals in society think about themselves, others,
and the environment.
 The effect of science on society is neither entirely beneficial nor entirely
detrimental.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SOCIETY?

 The impact of science and technology on society is evident. But
society also influences science.
 There are social influences on the direction and emphasis of scientific
and technological development, through pressure groups on specific
issues, and through generally accepted social views, values and
priorities.
PRE-HISTORIC SCIENCE
The primitive man must have:
 Conceived that the earth is flat and limitless.
 Observed that changing of the seasons in connection to the shifting of
the sun.
 Recognized the fundamental distinction between living and non-living
things.
 Practice instructive therapeutics.
STONE AGE
- The Stone Age marks a period of prehistory in which humans used
primitive stone tools.
- Stone Age humans were hunter-gatherers who lived in small nomadic
groups.
- Neanderthals (70,000 BCE) – stone tool
- Cro-Magnons (35 000 BCE) – hafting (head and haft)

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THE NEOLITHIC REVOLUTION (C.15 000 BCE)

- From Hunters to Settlers: transition from nomadic hunter-gatherers to
agrarian communities.
- Started in the Fertile Crescent a Boomerang shape in the Middle East
(Cradle of Civilization)
DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DURING
ANCIENT TIMES
1. Transportation and Navigation
- Significant during that time because people were trying to go to
places and discover new horizons.
- They travel to search for food and find better place for their
settlements. They also travelled to their surplus goods in exchange
for things that they lacked.
- Assisted them in their journeys to unfamiliar and strange areas in
the world. It allowed them to return home after they discovered new
places or completed an important trade with another group of
people.
2. Communication
- Was also essential in their endeavors to discover and occupy new
places. They needed a way to communicate with the natives of the
areas they visited so as to facilitate trade and prevent possible
conflicts.
3. Record-Keeping
- Was also important since they needed to remember the places they
had been to and document the trades they made with each other. It
was also vital to keep records of their history and culture so they
could establish their identities as they tried to relate with other
cultures and civilizations.
4. Mass Production
- the increase in size and number of nations connoted INCREASED
DEMAND FOR FOOD AND OTHER BASIC NECESSITIES. This
condition also implied that people must be able to produce food at a
given time and space since resources were getting unusual as
more people struggled to share the basic necessities. The people
need a form of technology that would enable them to increase food
supplies and other survival needs without them travelling more or
working harder.
5. Safety and Protection
- Weapons and armors were important as well in the discovery of
new places or the establishment of new alliances with other tribes.
At the time, there was always a risk of conflict when people met
others with different culture and orientations. Conflicts were
common especially if different groups struggled to control vital
resources. Stronger nations tended to invade weaker ones so they

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could take much need resources. As such, the development of

weapons and armors for security and protection was considered a
major achievement.
6. Health
- Conservation of life. The early people might have been successful
in harnessing the rich resources that the world could provide, but
their survival posed a great problem. Different illnesses an
diseases, both natural and man-made, hampered the full potential
of a human being. Given predicament, science and technology
played a major role in the discovery of cures to, if not the prevention
of, illnesses.
7. Architecture
- The development in engineering also ushered in the introduction
ARCHITECTURE. Others might see architecture as a mere style,
but during the ancient times, elaborate architectural designs were
signs of technological advancement of a particular civilization. In the
generations to come, nations of how advanced their technology is.
It may also establish the identity of a nation.
8. Engineering
- Moreover, in order to integrate their needs- for better transportation,
establishment of structures for protection from human attacks and
natural disasters, and construction of bigger and stronger
infrastructure-people offered into what is now known as the field of
Engineering. The development in this field allowed humans to build
structures that would address their specific needs and wants. Some
of the structures built during the ancient times still exist today and
continually awe people.
9. Aesthetic
- The people were not contented on beautifying only the
infrastructures and surroundings, being able to prolong life
technology, as well as raise the quality of life by making
complicated and difficult tasks easier, humans later on developed
people looked more visually presentable and appealing by adding
some features and decorations in their body.
MAJOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
1. SUMERIANS
- Known as cooperative, developed many things connected with
Science and Technology
- Explored the practice of the scientific hypothesis
- Engage in technological innovation
- Created the earliest written language
- Developed mathematics, astronomy and astrology
- Fashioned the concept of time
a. Cuneiform
- First writing system

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- Word pictures and triangular symbols

- Carved clay by using wedge instruments and then left to dry
b. Uruk City
- First true city in the world
- Built using mud or clay on the river mixed with sun baked bricks
- They used bricks to make houses that protected them from the
harsh weather
- Prevented wild animals and neighboring raiders from entering
c. The Great Ziggurat of Ur
- Also called “The Mountain of God,” was built in the same manner
that they constructed the City of Uruk
d. Irrigation and Dikes
- As population increased, so did the demand for food.
- They created dikes and irrigation canals to bring water to farmlands
and at the same time control the flooding of the rivers
- Dikes and canals were able to enjoy year-long farming and
harvesting, which increase food production
e. Sailboats
- The invention of the sail which most likely began simply through the
observation of the wind’s effect on a piece of cloth.
- Wheel was not yet invented; the main mode of transportation was
through waterways such as rivers and seas.
- They needed a mode of transportation that did not require much
human resources.
- Sailboats were essential in transportation and trading as well as in
fostering.
f. Wheel
- Developed from a need to make better pottery in less time. The
potter’s wheel was them adapted to create carts and chariots for
transporting goods and for traveling.
- The first wheels were not made for transportation but for farm work
and food processes.
- With the use of the wheel and axle, mass production was made
easier. Farmers were able to mill grains with less effort in less time.
g. Roads
- Invented in order to facilitate faster and easier travel, the Sumerians
developed the first roads using sun-baked bricks.
-
2. BABYLONIANS (c. 2300 BCE)
Ancient Babylon were among the early people to develop:
 Astronomy and Astrology
- Babylonian astronomy represented the melding of science and
religion
- Babylonian astrology consisted of making temporal predictions and
decisions based on the movement of the celestial bodies.

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 Mathematics- first to use fractions

 Cartography
 Jewelry-making
 Calendar system – lunisolar calendar

a. HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON

- One of the seven wonders of the ancient world
- Made up of layers of plants, tress, and vines.
- Its exact location is unknown. Many said it was just a product of the
creative imagination. If it really existed, it must have been destroyed
by war, erosion, or an earthquake and considered as one of the
greatest engineering and architectural achievement of the world
that is almost impossible to replicate.

3. EGYPTIANS
- Developed along the Nile River
- Egyptians built grand monuments and temples.
- They made advances in engineering, architecture, agriculture,
medicine, astronomy, and even in art and literature.
a. PAPER OR PAPYRUS
- Egypt was not the first to develop a system of writing, they were
able to make writing easier for the world. Clay tablets were used.
However, safe keeping and transporting them were a major
problem.
- Papyrus was a plant that grew abundantly in Egypt. This invention
was a major accomplishment in Egyptian record-keeping and
communications. Therefore, it was easier to keep them away from
raiders who often destroyed records of the nations they invaded.
b. INK
- When the Egyptians invented the papyrus or the paper, engraving
concluded to be used in writing. As a result, the Egyptians invented
ink by combining soot with different chemicals to produce inks of
different colors.
c. HIEROGLYPHICS
- The Egyptians also developed a system of writing using symbols,
known as hieroglyphics.
- They believed that this writing system was provided to them by their
gods.
- It was the language that tells the modern world of the history and
culture of the ancient Egyptians.
d. COSMETICS
- The Egyptians also invented the use of cosmetics.
- Their functions in ancient Egypt was for both health and aesthetic
reasons. Egyptians wore Kohl around the eyes to prevent and even
cure eye disease.
e. WIG

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- During the ancient Egyptian times, wig were worn for health and
wellness rather than for aesthetic purposes.
- The wigs were used to protect the shaved heads of the wealthy
Egyptians from the harmful rays of the sun.
- Prevent accumulation of head lice, and it allows heat to escape
rather than scarf.
f. WATER CLOCK / CLEPSYDRA
- This device utilizes gravity that affects the flow of water from one
vessel to the other. The amount of water remaining in the device
determines how much time has elapsed since it is full. In the
process, time is measured.
4. GREEK CIVILIZATION
a. Alarm Clock
- The purpose was just to tell an individual when to stop or when to
start.
- They made use of water (or sometimes small stones or sand) that
dropped into drums which sounded the alarm clock to signal the
start of his lecture.
b. Watermill
- Commonly used in agricultural processes like milling of grains
which was a necessary form of food processing during that time.
Because milling was made possible by the use of watermills, the
mass production of rice, cereals, flours, and the like became
common.
- They only requires access to rivers or flowing water where a
mechanism of a large wheel with small buckets of water attached to
it could be installed.
5. ROMAN CIVILIZATION
a. Newspapers
- The first newspapers, known as gazettes, contained
announcements of the Roman Empire to the people. Made before
the invention of paper, the gazettes were engraved in metal or
stone tablets and then publicly displaced.
- When paper was invented, it became easier for the Romans to
publish matters that needed the attention of the Roman Citizens.
b. Bound Books or Codex
- The earlier covers were made of wax but were later on replaced by
animal skin which proved to be stronger and longer-lasting.
- With the papyrus pages bounded together and covered by animal
skin, the ancient Roman Empire was able to produce the first books
or codex.
c. Roman Numerals
- Although other number system had already been established before
the Roman numeral, these old systems could not keep up with high
calculation requirements due to the increasing rate of
communication.

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- Roman numeral is no longer widely used today due to its inherent

limitations.
d. Roman Architecture
- The quality of majestic Roman structures can be seen by the way
they withstood time and the harsh elements of the environment.
Today, people of the world still enjoy these marvels. These
structure are proofs of ancient Roman technology.
6. Chinese Civilization
a. Silk
- One of the things that connected China to the world in silk. Chinese
were the ones who developed the technology harvest the silk and
process it to produce paper and clothing.
- Silk production is the creation of the product for trade.
b. Tea Production
- Tea is a beverage produced by pouring hot or boiling water over
crushed or shredded dried tea leaves.
- China became known for is tea exports aside from its silk products.
- Chinese may have resulted in making tea as one of the most
popular beverages in the world today.
c. Great Wall of China
- Once considered the only man-made structure that could be seen
from outer space, the Great Wall of China is said to be the largest
and most extensive infrastructure that the nation built.
- It was constructed to keep out foreign invaders and control the
borders of China. Made with stone, brick, wood, earth, and other
materials, it showcased the extent of Chinese engineering
technology at that time.
d. Gun Powder
- The gunpowder is one of the most interesting inventions in China.
- Originally, it was developed by Chinese alchemists who aimed to
achieve immortality. They mixed charcoal, sulfur, and potassium
nitrate, but instead of creating an elixir of life, they accidentally
invented a black powder that could actually generated large
amounts of heat and gas in an instant.
- Ironically, instead of prolonging life, gunpowder is widely used to
propel bullets from guns and cannons which cause countless death.
- Gunpowder is also used in fireworks during important celebrations
in China.
MEDIEVAL/MIDDLE AGES
- Most innovative minds came from this period.
1. Printing Press
- Johann Guttenberg was able to invent the printing press, a more
reliable way of printing using a cast type.
- He utilized wooden machines extracted juices from fruits, attached
them a metal impression of the letters, and pressed firmly the cast

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metal into a piece of paper, which then made an exact impression

on paper.
- This general invention soon evolved to be the mechanical printing
press which was eventually used all over the world. The printing
press was invented to address the need for publishing book.
2. Microscope
- With this device, people were able to observe organisms that were
normally unseen by the naked eye. The microscope was key in
discovering new means in preventing and curing illnesses. Because
they needed a device that could magnify things invisible to the eye
to develop proper medicines for illnesses, experts must understand
the sickness through an investigation.
3. Telescope
- Since the Middle Aged was also unknown as the Age of
Exploration, the need for nautical inventions was high.
- Considering the vast and empty oceans that separated lands, ship
captains needed to see far and wide for them to navigate or to void
dangers at sea.
4. War Weapons
- In close range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear
something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation
of iron body armors.
- In close range hand-to-hand combat, soldiers should wear
something to protect themselves, a need addressed by the creation
of iron body armors. However, body armors were heavy and limited
their movements. The problem was eventually solved by the
invention of the chainmail.
MODERN TIMES
1. Pasteurization
- It is the process of heating dairy products to kill the harmful bacteria
that allow them to spoil faster.
- Through this process, milk could be stored and consumed for a
longer period. It also prevented illnesses caused by harmful
bacteria.
2. Petroleum Refinery
- Samuel M. Kier was able to invent kerosene by refining petroleum.
Kerosene was later on referred to as the “illuminating oil” because it
was used at first to provide lighting homes. After some time, it was
applied for heating purposes. The development of kerosene
established the petroleum refinery industry. At the present,
petroleum it widely used in powering automobiles, factories, and
power plants, among others.
3. Telephone
- The more people got connected by trade and exploration the more
they needed a way to easily maintain these connections and

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communicate with each other in real time. Government likewise

needed some kind of communication system which would to
administer their states well.
- Important day-to-day decisions must be discussed and addressed
at the faster time possible. Thus, the development of the telephone
by Alexander Graham Bell was one of the most important
inventions at that time.
4. Calculator
- Although an earlier version of the calculator had already been
developed, circumstances in the modern time required a faster way
to compute more complicated equations. Computing devices must
also be easy to carry since they would be utilized on a day to day
basis.
- The creation of modern calculators did not only pave the way for
easier arithmetic calculations, but also resulted in the development
of more complex processing machines like the computer.
HISTORY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
 Science and technology in the Philippines had experienced periods of
intense growth as well as long periods of stagnation.
 The main managing agency responsible for science and technology is
the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
 Numerous national scientists have contributed in different fields of
science including Fe del Mundo in the field of Pediatrics, Eduardo
Quisumbing in the field of plant taxonomy, Gavino Trono in the field of
tropical marine Phycology, Maria Orosa in the field of Food technology
and many more
PRE-SPANISH ERA
 Even before the colonization by the Spaniards in the Philippines, the
natives of the archipelago already had practices linked to science and
technology.
 Filipinos were already aware of the medicinal and therapeutic
properties of plants and the methods of extracting medicine from herbs.
 They already had an alphabet, number system, a weighing and
measuring system and a calendar. Filipinos were already engaged in
farming, shipbuilding, mining and weaving.
 The Banaue Rice Terraces are among the sophisticated products of
engineering by Pre-Spanish era Filipinos.
SPANISH COLONIAL ERA
 The colonization of the Philippines contributed to growth of science and
technology in the archipelago.
 The Spanish introduced formal education and founded scientific
institution.

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 During the early years of Spanish rule in the Philippines, Parish

schools were established where religion, reading and writing, arithmetic
and music was taught.
 Sanitation and more advanced methods of agriculture was taught to
natives.
 Later, the Spanish established colleges and universities in the
archipelago including the oldest existing university in Asia, the
University of Santo Tomas.
 The Galleon Trade have accounted in the Philippine colonial economy.
 Trade was given more focus by the Spaniard colonial authorities due to
the prospects of big profits.
 Agriculture and industrial development on the other hand were
relatively neglected.
 The opening of the Suez Canal saw the influx of European visitors to
the Spanish colony and some.
 Filipinos were able to study in Europe who were probably influenced by
the rapid development of scientific ideals brought by the Age of
Enlightenment.
AMERICAN PERIOD
 The progress of science and technology in the Philippines continued
under American rule of the islands.
 On July 1, 1901, The Philippine Commission established the Bureau of
Government Laboratories which was placed under the Department of
Interior. The Bureau replaced the Laboratorio Municipal, which was
established under the Spanish colonial era. The Bureau dealt with the
study of tropical disease and laboratory projects.
 On October 26, 1905, the Bureau of Government Laboratories was
replaced by the Bureau of Science and on December 8, 1933, the
National Research Council of the Philippines was established.
 The Bureau of Science became the primary
 Science during this period was inclined towards agriculture, food
processing, forestry, medicine and pharmacy. Not much focus was
given on the development of industrial technology due to free trade
policy with the United State which nurtured an economy geared
towards agriculture and trade.
 In 1946, the Bureau of Science was replaced by the Institute of
Science. In a report by the US Economic Survey to the Philippines in
1950, there is a lack of basic information which were necessities to the
country’s industries, lack of support of experimental work and minimal
budget for scientific research and low salaries of scientists employed
by the government. In 1958, during the regime of President Carlos P.
Garcia, the Philippines Congress passed the Science Act of 1958
which established the National Science Development.
POST COMMONWEALTH-ERA

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 During the 1970s, which was under the time of Ferdinand Marcos’
presidency, the importance given to science grew.
 Under the 1973 Philippine Constitution, Article XV, Section 1, the
government’s role in supporting scientific research and invention was
acknowledged.
 In 1974, a science development program was included in the
government’s Four-Year Development Plan which covers the years
1974-1978.
 Funding for science was also increased. The National Science
Development Board was replaced by the National Science and
Technology Authority under Executive Order No. 784. A Scientific
Career in the civil service was introduced in 1983.
 In 1986, during Corazon Aquino’s presidency, the National Science
and Technology Authority was replaced by the Department of Science
and Technology, giving science and technology a representation in the
cabinet.
 Under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan for the years
1987-1992, science and technology’s role in economic recovery and
sustained economic growth was highlighted.
 During Corazon Aquino’s State of the Nation Address in 1990, she said
that science and technology development shall be one of the top three
priorities of the government towards an economic recovery.
 In August 8, 1988, Corazon Aquino created the Presidential Task
Force for Science and Technology which came up with the first
Science and Technology Master Plan or STMP. The goal of STMP was
for the Philippines to achieve newly industrialized country status by the
year 2000.
 The Congress did not put much priority in handling bills related to
science and technology. The Senate Committee on Science and
Technology was one of the committees that handles the least amount
of bills for deliberation.
 Former Science and Technology secretary, Ceferin Follosco, reported
that the budget allocation for science and technology was increased to
1.054 billion pesos in 1989 from the previous year’s 464 million pesos.
 However, due to the Asian financial crisis, budget allocation for the
years 1990 and 1991 were trimmed down to 920 and 854 million pesos
respectively. Budget allocation were increased to 1.7 billion pesos in
1992.
PHILIPPINE INVENTIONS
1. Salamander Amphibious Tricycle
- H20 technologies headed by Dominic Chung, Lamberto Armada,
together with chief Designer Victor “Atoy” Llave, was able to invent
the Salamander, and amphibious tricycle that can cross not only
flooded streets but also rivers and lakes. It may also utilized to
travel from island to island. Since the Philippines is an archipelago

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and flooding is a common occurrence in many areas in the country.

The salamander is a useful invention that has a lot of potentials.
2. Salt Lamp
- One of the major needs in the Philippines, as a developing nation,
is electrification. Electricity powers various types of machines,
including light sources. In many rural areas in the country, activities
would cease when it gets dark. It also becomes more dangerous to
travel. Filipinos have resorted to using candles and kerosene lamps
but they carry certain risks as they are fire hazards.
- Aisa Mijeno was able to invent a lighting system that utilizes a
material abundant in the Philippine-saltwater. She invented
Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) lamp, an environmental-
friendly light source that runs and emits no toxic gases.
3. Medical Incubator
- Dr. Fe del Mundo, a Filipino pediatrician and the first Asian woman
admitted into Harvard Medical School, devised a medical incubator
made form indigenous and cheap materials which did not run on
electricity. Dr. del Mundo’s incubator was made by placing a native
laundry basket inside a bigger one. Hot water bottles were inserted
between the baskets to provide warmth and makeshift hood to allow
oxygen circulation.
4. Mosquito Ovicidal/ Larvicidal Trap System
- In 2010, the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute
was able to introduce the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal Trap System,
also known as OL Trap. This trap system is made of natural
ingredients that are lethal to mosquito but safe for humans and the
environment.
- Insecticide resistance has evolved in some mosquito populations.
Likewise, using insecticides is harmful not only to humans bust also
to the environment.
5. Ejeepney
- Diesel powered jeepney produces large quantities of black smoke,
and is usually a major contributor of noise population due to its
primitive exhaust system. To counter these disadvantages, the
electric jeepney (eJeepney) was developed. This modern type of
transportation utilizes electricity instead of the more expensive
diesel. It is environmental-friendly since it does not emit any smoke
and noise.
PARADIGM SHFTS IN HISTORY

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 A typical example or pattern of something.

 A distinct set of concepts or thoughts patterns, including theories,
research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitutes
legitimate contributions to a field.
WHAT IS A PARADIGM SHIFT?
 A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
 A concept identified by the American physicist and philosopher
Thomas Kuhn
 A fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental
practices of a scientific discipline. Kuhn presented his notion of a
paradigm shifts in his influential book The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions (1962).
WHY ARE PARADIGM SHIFTS IMPORTANT?
 Paradigm shift is another expression for more significant changes
within belief systems.
 Within philosophy of science this concept is sometimes considered
important and is sometimes given great attention within education.
KUHN’S PARADIGM
THOMAS SAMUEL KUHN
Thomas Samuel Kuhn (July 18,
1922-June 17,1996) was an
American physicist, historian and
philosopher of science whose
controversial 1962 book The
Structure of Scientific
Revolutions was influential in
both academic and popular
circles,

THE STRUCTURE OF SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTIONS

 A book about the history of science by the philosopher Thomas S.
Kuhn.
 Its publication was a landmark event in the history, philosophy, and
sociology of scientific knowledge.
THE KUHN CYCLE

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 A simple cycle of progress

describe by Thomas Kuhn
in 1962 in his seminal work
The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions.
 In Structure Kuhn
challenged the world’s
current conception of
science, which was that it
was a steady progression of
the accumulation of new
ideas.

KUHN’S PARADIGM
Kuhn showed his viewpoint was wrong.
Science advanced the most by occasional revolutionary explosions of
new knowledge, each revolution triggered by introduction of new ways
of thought so large they must be called new paradigms.
Kuhn argues that paradigms change in scientific revolutions. Scientists
go through a crisis and transition to a new paradigm, a new way of
seeing the world. It is not possible to compare paradigms and it is not
possible to say whether one is more right than the other.
Kuhn argues that science is not moved by a rational process but more
by a social unity. In contrast with Popper then Kuhn presents a
descriptive theory in which Kuhn try to observe the factual scientific
fields in order to understand how they function in practice.
THE STEPS OF THE KUHN CYCLE
PRE-SCIENCE
Also called the pre-paradigm stage,
The pre-step to the main Kuhn Cycle. In Prescience there is not yet a
model of understanding (the field’s paradigm) mature enough to solve
the field’s main problems.
The field has no workable paradigm to successfully guide its work.
NORMAL SCIENCE
Means research firmly based upon one or the more past scientific
achievements, achievements that some particular scientific community
acknowledges for a time as supplying the foundation for its further
practice.

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Identified and elaborated on by Thomas Kuhn in the Structure of

Scientific Revolutions, is the regular work of scientists theorizing,
observing, and experimenting within a settled paradigm or explanatory
framework.
Where the field has a scientifically based model of understanding (a
paradigm) that works.
MODEL DRIFT
The model of understanding starts to drift, due to accumulation of
anomalies, and phenomenon, the model cannot explain.
MODEL CRISIS
The most important step of them all in the Kuhn Cycle.
The model Drift becomes so excessive the model is broken. It can no
longer serve as a reliable guide to problem solving. Attempts to patch
the model up to make it work fail. The field is in anguish.
MODEL REVOLUTION
Begins when serious candidates for a new model emerge. It’s a
revolution because the new model is so radically different from the old
one.
A field’s model is understanding is undergoing revolutionary change.
The old model failed, which caused the Model Crisis step. The Model
Revolution step begins when one or more competing new models
emerge from the crisis.
PARADIGM CHANGE
Also called a paradigm shift
Earlier steps have created the new model of understanding (the new
paradigm).
In the Paradigm Change step the new paradigm is taught to
newcomers to the field, as well as to those already in it. When the new
paradigm becomes the generally accepted guide to one’s work, the
step is complete. The field is now back to the Normal Science step and
a Kuhn Cycle is complete.

HISTORICAL EXAMPLES OF PARADIGM

SOCIETY/ETHICS
Slavery is acceptable to now slavery being unacceptable
Role of Children in Society – Child labor was, now is not acceptable
Male Superiority – Beating wives was, now is not acceptable
Reading and the Control over information – Invention of the printing
press (& other major inventions) allowed for the elites control over
reading / writing to end.

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The Reformation – broke monopoly of Catholic Church and Christian’s

“relationship” with God.
NATURAL SCIENCES
Darwin’s theory of evolution
Plate Tectonics – create a physical model of the Earth’s structure
Albert Einstein’s space-time is not fixed or objective – subject to
observer’s state of motion relative to other object.
HUMAN SCIENCES
Psychology: Sigmund Freud – we are not fully in control of our
behavior – a subconscious part operate
Economics – government intervention in economy is now accepted.
THE ARTS
The Realist paradigm: the purpose of art is to copy reality.
Shakespeare’s impact on drama/theater
Jazz & Rock revolutionizing music
Suggested Reading:
 Anderson, Philip W. “More is Different – One More Time,” in More is
Different: fifty Years of Condensed Matter Physics, ed. N. Phuan Ong
and Ravin N. Bhatt, Princeton University Press, 2001.

ACTIVITY:
1. Watch the following videos on you tube, after watching, write an
essay about insights you get from the videos.
a. STEPHEN COLBERT’S INTERVIEW WITH NEIL TYSON
b. WORLDS GREATEST INVENTIONS
c. PHILIPPINE GREAT INVENTIONS
d. SCIENTIFIC REDUCTIONAISM
e. WHAT IS A PARADIGM
Note: Use long bondpaper. Hand written.

Lesson 2
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INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS THAT DEFINED SOCIETY

LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Discuss how the ideas postulated by Copernicus, Darwin, and Freud
contributed to the spark of scientific revolution; and
 Analyze how scientific revolution is done in various part of the world
like in Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
INTRODUCTION
This lesson will give light to the development of science and scientific
ideas in the heart of the society. It is the goal of this lesson to articulate ways
by which society is transformed by science and technology.

SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
Since the world began science already existed. There’s no such person
can pin point when and where science began. It is always link with the
society. Here are some definitions of science:
1. Science as an idea. It includes ideas, theories, and all available
systematic explanations and observations about the natural and
physical world.
2. Science as an intellectual activity. It uses our mind in order to
process all the experimentations and observations in our natural and
physical world.
3. Science as a body of knowledge. It is a subject or a discipline, a field
of study, or a body of knowledge that deals with the process of learning
about the natural and physical world. This is what we refer to as school
of science.
4. Science as a personal and social activity. This explains that science
is both knowledge and activities done by human beings to develop
better understanding of the world around them. It is means to improve
life and to survive in life. It is interwoven with people’s lives.

 Human beings have embarked in scientific activities in order to know

and understand everything around them. They have persistently
observed and studied the natural and the physical world in order to find
meanings and seek answers to many questions. They have developed
noble ideas, later known as philosophy, to provide alternative or
possible explanations to certain phenomena. Humans also used
religion to rationalize the origins of life and all lifeless forms.

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 The idea of scientific revolution claimed to have started in the early 16 th

century in Europe because the invention of the printing machine and
the blooming of intellectual activities done in various places and
learning, and the growing number of scholars in various fields of
human interests
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
 Was the period of enlightenment when the developments in the field of
science and 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 from the discipline mentioned.
 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.

SCIENCE
IDEAS

SCIENTIFIC

REVOLUTIONS

HUMANS SOCIETY
Figure 1. Influences to Scientific Revolution
 It is very significant in the development of human beings,
transformation of the society, and in the formulation of scientific ideas.
 It significantly improved the conduct of scientific investigations,
experiments, and observations.
 It also led to the creations of new research fields in science and
prompted the establishment of a strong foundation for modern science.
 In many ways, it transformed the natural world and the world of ideas.
SOME INTELLECTUALS AND THEIR REVOLUTIONARY 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 truths of their time. Scientists in all periods of time are driven by
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their curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity to explore the physical and
natural world. Their love for science is driven by their deep passion to know
and to discover.

Creativity SCIENCE IDEAS

SCIENTISTS

Passion to know SCIENCE

Curiosity
DISCOVERIES
Passion to
discover TECHNOLOGY
Critical Thinking

Figure 2. Variables that Influence the Development of Science Ideas,

Science Discoveries, and Technology
Scientists – are not driven by clamor for honor and publicity
 They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
 Some of them 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.
What is intellectual revolution?
 Refer to Greek speculation about the “nature” in the period before
Socrates (roughly 600 to 400 BCE).
“pre Socratic” or “non-theological” or “first philosophy”. - more on
physics and logic
 Showed how society was transformed by science and technology
Questions
 What created day and night?
 What heavenly bodies are like stars, moons and planets are?
 What was actually out there at the outer space?
3 NOTABLE SCIENTISTS
1. NICOLAUS COPERNICUS (Copernican revolution)
 Famous Greek philosopher and astronomer
 One of the Renaissance men, particularly in the field of science
 In one important way he resembled the Greek ancient philosophers or
thinkers - he did not do anything extensive such as observing heavenly
bodies or inviting people to test his ideas.
 His ideas were an example of what is presently called as thought
experiment.
 He was a canon at Frombork Cathedral in Poland

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 He was strongly influenced by a book entitled Epitome published in

1496 by a German author, Johannes Mueller which contains Muellers
observations of the heavens and some commentary on earlier works
especially that of Ptolemy.
 His ideas and model of the universe was essentially complete in 1510
 The publication of his book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On
the Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres) in 1543 is often cited as the
start of the scientific revolution.
 In his book he wanted a model of the universe in which everything
moved around a single center at unvarying rates (Gribbin, 2003).
 He placed the sun to be the centerpiece of the universe.
 All planets including the moon are orbiting the sun.
2 kinds of planetary motion
1. The orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside the orbit of the Earth,
thus, closer to the sun, thus, have a shortest time to orbit around
the sun

2. The orbits of Mars, Saturn, Jupiter lay outside the Earth’s orbit,
thus, farther from the Sun – have the longest time to orbit the sun

 One of the great problems in the Copernicus model was the position of
the stars.
 The Catholic Church banned the Copernican Model and was ignored
by Rome for the rest of the 16th century.
Think About these Questions
1. What is the contribution of Copernicus in the Philosophy of science?
2. Do you think thought experiment is still useful in science in the present
time?
3. Do you think the Church should intervene in scientific activities?
2. CHARLES DARWIN
- An English naturalist, biologist and geologist
- All life is related and has descended from a common ancestor: the
birds and the bananas, the fishes and the flowers - - all related
- Famous for his theory of evolution
o Population pass through a process of natural selection in which
only the fittest would survive.
o Organisms have the ability to adapt to their environment and
would gradually change into something that would be more
competitive to survive-evolution.
- He is a genius who came from a line of intellectually gifted and wealthy
family
- He like taking long walks to observe his surroundings.

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- He developed his interest in natural history during his time as a student

at Shrewberry School
- He struggled in his study in medicine and ministry, which his father has
imposed to him.
- He’s life changed when one of his professors recommended him to join
a five year voyage through the HMS Beagle on the Island of
Galapagos.
- He published his book The Origin of Species in 1589.
- This book is considered to be one of the most important works in
scientific literature.
o His book presented evidence on how species evolved over time
and presented traits and adaptation that differentiate species.
o Complex creatures evolve from more simplistic ancestor
naturally over time
- His book The Descent of Man was so impressive yet very
controversial.
- This replaced the dominant views of a religious or biblical design that
places human beings in privileged position of having been created by
God.
- His accomplishments were so diverse that it is useful to distinguish two
fields to which he made major contributions: evolutionary biology and
philosophy of science.
- He was remarkable to challenge religious and unscientific ideas that
are deemed to be prominent during those days.
THINK ABOUT HESE QUESTIONS
1. What is Darwin’s contribution to modern science?
2. How can Darwin’s evolutionary theory influence the following fields
in modern times:
 Economy
 Agriculture
 Political Science
 Religion
3. SIGMUND FREUD
- Famous figure in the field on psychology
- Emphasized the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.
- Believed that the human mind was composed of three conflicting
elements: the id, the ego and the superego

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- Rosenfels (1980) described him as a towering literary figure and a very

talented communicator who did his share to raise the consciousness of
the civilized world in psychological matters.
- He made a significant contribution in the scientific world through the
development of an important observational method to gather reliable
data to study human’s inner life.
- Method of psychoanalysis is a scientific way to study the human mind
and neurotic illness
- According to Weiner (2016), his method of psychoanalysis was proven
to be effective in understanding some neurological conditions that were
not understood by medicine at that time.
- His method was unorthodox – focusing on human sexuality and the evil
nature of man.
- He was born in a much later period from the scientific revolution but his
contribution to knowledge can be seen in many aspects of the human
scene, including art, literature, philosophy, politics, and psychotherapy.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. By looking for other sources and literatures, what are the controversies
or questions on Freud’s ideas?
2. How can you describe Freudian ideas as a scientist?
3. If Freud is still alive, what do you think are the major changes he would
make to his theory?
4. Why do you think were most intellectual ideas controversial?
5. Why did people accept these new discoveries despite being
contradictory to what was widely accepted at that time?
6. How does intellectual revolutions transform societies?
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

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that the Mesoamerican region is rich in culture and knowledge prior to

the arrival of its European colonizers.
CIVILIZATIONS
1. MAYA CIVILIZATION
- One of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately 2000
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.
- Example is the pyramid at Chichen Itza in Mexico is situated at the
location of the Sun during the spring and fall equinoxes.
- They have knowledge in predicting eclipse and using astrological
cycles in planting and harvesting.
- They are known for measuring time using two complicated calendar
systems.
- They built hydraulics system with sophisticated waterways to supply
water to different communities
- 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.
- They 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 in the numeral 20.
- They independently developed the concept of zero and positional
value, even before the Romans did.
2. INCA CIVILIZATION
- Made advanced scientific ideas considering their limitations as an old
civilizations.
SCIENTIFIC IDEAS AND TOOLS THEY DEVELOPED
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. Quipo, a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts
can interpret; and

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7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic
achievements.
3. AZTEC CIVILIZATION
- Also made substantial contributions to science and technology and to
the 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 education regardless of their
social class, gender, or age. It is an early form of universal or
inclusive education.
2. Chocolates. The Aztec 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 the host of 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.
INDIA
- Is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies of water and fortified by
huge mountains in its northern boarders.
- They are known for manufacturing iron and in metallurgical works.
- Their iron steel is considered to be the best and held with high regard
on the whole Roman Empire.
- Famous in medicine
- Example is the Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that
originated in ancient India before 2500BC, and is still practiced as a
form of alternative medicine.
- Ancient texts, like the Susruta Samhita, describes different surgical
and other medical procedures famous in Ancient India.

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- 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.
- Sama (2008) noted that their interest in astronomy was also evident in
the first 12 chapters of the Siddhanta Shiromani, written in the 12th
century. This ancient text covered topics such as: mean longitudes of
the planets; true longitudes of the planets; the three problems of diurnal
rotation; syzygies; lunar eclipses; solar eclipses; latitudes of the
planets; rising and settings; the moon’s crescent; conjunctions of the
planets with each other; conjunctions of the planets with the fixed stars;
and the paths of the Sun and Moon.
- They 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,
tried to standardize measurement of length to a high degree of
accuracy and designed a ruler, the Mohenjo-daro ruler.
- ARYABHATA (476-550) – Indian astronomer and mathematician
-in his Aryabhatiya, introduced as number of
trigonometric functions, tables, and techniques, as well as
algorithms of Algebra
- BRAHMAGUPTA – 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; Bosse, 1998).
- MADHAVA OF SANGAMAGRAMA – considered as the founder of
mathematical analysis (Joseph, 1991)
CHINA
- 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.
- Chinese are known for traditional medicines, a product of centuries of
experiences and discoveries.
- 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 compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing
tools that became known in the West only by the end on the Middle
Ages (Davies 1995)
- They also invented other tools like iron plough, wheelbarrow, and
propeller, among others.

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- They developed a design of different models of bridges, invented the

first seismological detector, and developed a dry dock facility.
- 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 to our world.
- According to Needham (1986), it may have been the religious and
philosophical framework of the Chinese intellectuals that made them
unable to accept the ideas of laws of nature.
MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES
- Dominantly occupies by Muslims.
- Muslim scientists placed greater value on science experiments rather
than plain-thought experiments.
- Ibn al-Haytham – Muslim scientists who also regarded as the Father
of Optics, especially for his empirical proof of the intromission theory of
light.
- Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi – a mathematician who gave his
name to the concept of the algorithm while the term algerbra is derived
from al-jabr, the beginning of the title of one of his publications.
- Muslim chemists and alchemists also played an important role in the
foundation of modern chemistry ( Durant, 1980). In particular, some
scholars considered Jabir ibn Hayyan to be the “Father of Chemistry”
- Ibn Sina – known in the field of medicine who pioneered the science of
experimental medicine and was the first physician to conduct clinical
trials. His 2 notable works in medicine, the Book of Healing and The
Canon of Medicine, were used as standard medicinal texts in both
Muslim world and in Europe during the 17th century.
- The decline of this golden age of Islams started in the 11 th to 13th
century due to the conquest of the Mongols whereby libraries,
observations, and other learning institutions were destroyed.
Development of Science in Africa
- Africa is blessed with natural and mineral resources.
- The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed immensely and made
significant advances in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, and
medicine.
- 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 applied
important components such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and
prognosis for the treatment of diseases.
- Astronomy was also famous
- Used three types of calendar: lunar, solar, and stellar or a combination
of the three

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- Metallurgy was also known in the African regions during the ancient
times.
- 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.
- Egyptians are good in the four fundamental mathematical operations
and other mathematical skills,
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 since 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
order 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.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS

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1. How did society shape science and how did science shape society?
2. How do social and human issues influence science?
3. How do the political and cultural landscapes of the society affect the
development of scientific culture, science activities, and science
literacy?
4. Considering the current state of our society, do you think science
literacy among people has contributed to the growth of our economy?
5. How can science influence government policies?
ACTIVITY
1. Review the history of science and make a timeline highlighting the
major discoveries and developments in science.

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Lesson 3
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND NATION-BUILDING
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Discuss the role of science and technology in the Philippine nation-
building;
 Evaluate government policies pertaining to science and technology in
terms of their contributions to nation-building; and
 Identify actual science and technology policies of the government and
appraise their impact on the development of the Filipino nation.
BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN
THE PHILIPPINES
The history of science and technology in the Philippines started way back
before the country gained its independence from the American colonizers.
PRE-SPANISH
- Science is embedded in the way of life of the people
- Technology is used by people in building houses, irrigations, and in
developing tools that they can use in everyday life.
- All these ancient practices in science and technology are considered
now as indigenous science and folk science.
SPANISH ERA
- They brought with them their own culture and practices.
- They established schools for boys and girls and introduced the concept
of subjects and disciplines.
- Learning of science in school focuses on understanding different
concepts related to the human body, plants, animals, and heavenly
bodies.
- Life during this era slowly became modernized, adapting some
Western technology and their ways of life.
- The galleon trade has brought additional technology and development
in the Philippines.
- Philippines was considered to be one of the most developed places in
the region.
- Although the country is blessed with these development, the
superstitious beliefs of the people and the Catholic doctrines and
practices during the Spanish era halted the growth of science in the
country.
AMERICAN
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- More influence in the development of science and technology in the

Philippines compared to Spaniards.
- They established the public education system, improved the
engineering works and the health conditions of the people.
- Established modern research university, the University of the
Philippines, and created more public hospitals
- Transportation and communication systems were improved, though not
accessible throughout the country.
- In basic education, science education focuses in nature studies and
science and sanitation, until it became a subject formally known as
“Science”.
- Researches were done to control malaria, cholera, and tuberculosis
and other tropical diseases
WORLD WAR II
- Has destabilized the development of the country in many ways.
- Institutions and public facilities were turned into ashes, houses were
burned, and many lives were destroyed.
- The reparation money from Japan was also concentrated on building
highways and providing technological training and human resource
development in the country
NEW REPUBLIC
- The whole nation has been focusing on using its limited resources in
improving its science and technological capabilities.
- Used of ODA to help the country improve its scientific productivity and
technological capability.

Internal Influences

- Survival
- Culture
- Economic activities
Development of Science
and Technology in the
Philippines
External Influences

- Foreign Colonizers
- Trades with Foreign countries
- International Economic
demands

Figure 1. Influences in the Development of Science and Technology in the

Philippines
Science and technology may have significant impact on the lives of
the people and in the development on the Philippine society. However,
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improving the quality of science education still remains as a big challenge in

the country. School science from basic education to graduate education is
improving slowly, and there are only few students enrolling in science and
technology courses.

THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS

1. What are the significant contributions of the Spaniards and Americans
to the development of science and technology in the Philippines?
2. What can you say about the state of science and technology during the
Spanish and American period?
3. How does school science shape science and technology in the
country?
Activity
1. Read and reflect on the suggested reading.
 Caoli, Olivia. “ A History of Science and Technology of the
Philippines,” in Analysis of Conditions for National Scientific
and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation,
Quezon City: University of the Philippines, 1986
 Government Documents: 1 NEDA, National Development
Agenda, Regional Agenda
GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Philippine government introduced and implemented several
programs, projects, and policies to boost the area of science and technology
Padilla-Concepcion (2015) reported that in 2015, in response to
the ASEAN 2015 Agenda:
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has sought the
expertise of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) to
consult various section in the society to study how the Philippines can prepare
itself in meeting the ASEAN 2015 goals.
The NRCP clustered these policies into 4
1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and
Governance
• Integrating ASEAN awareness in basic education without adding to
the curriculum
• Emphasizing teaching in the mother tongue
• Developing school infrastructure and providing for ICT broadband
• Local food security
2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and Space
Sciences, and Mathematics
 Emphasizing degrees, licenses, and employment opportunities

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 Outright grants for peer monitoring

 Review of R.A. 9184
 Harnessing science and technology as an independent mover of
development
3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences
 Ensuring compliance of drug-manufacturing firms with ASEAN-
harmonized standards by full implementation of the Food and
Drug Administration
 Creating an education council dedicated to standardization of
pharmaceutical services and care
 Empowering food and drug agencies to conduct evidence-based
research as pool of information
 Allocating two percent of the GDP to research
 Legislating a law supporting human genome projects
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry
 Protecting and conserving biodiversity by full implementation of
existing laws
 Use of biosafety and standard model by ASEAN countries
 Promoting indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous
people’s conservation
 Formulation of common food and safety standards
PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT
THROUGH THE DOST
1. Providing funds for basic research and patents related to science and
technology
2. Providing scholarships for undergraduate studies of the students in the
field of science and technology
3. Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High School
System for training young Filipinos in the field of science and
technology
4. Creating science and technology parks to encourage academe and
industry partnerships
5. Balik scientist program
6. Developing science and technology parks in academic campuses
7. The establishment of the National Science Complex and the National
Engineering Complex within the UP Diliman campus.
The Philippine – American Academy of Science and Engineering
(PAASE, 2008) identified several capacity-building programs such as:
1. Establish the national centers of excellence
2. Manpower and institutional development programs
3. Establish of regional centers to support specific industries that will lead
the country in different research and development areas
4. Establish science and technology business centers

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5. Strengthen science education at an early age

PHILIPPINE – CALIFORNIA ADVANCED RESEARCH INSTITUTE (PICARI)
- Allows several higher education institutions in the Philippines and some
US-based laboratories
- This project is hoped to strengthen the STEM competitiveness of the
country
AREAS AND FIELDS THAT THE COUNTRY IS LOOKING FORWARD TO
EMBARK VARIOUS RESEARCH AND PROJECTS:
1. Use of alternative and safe energy
2. Harnessing mineral resources
3. Finding cure for various diseases and illness
4. Climate change and global warming
5. Increasing food production
6. Preservation of natural resources
7. Coping with natural disasters and calamities
8. Infrastructure development

National Goals
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
International Treaty- Policies
- Programs
- Projects
Legal Frameworks

Social Needs, Issues, and

Problems

Figure 2. Development of Science and Technology Policies in the

Philippines
As shown in the diagram, the development of policies in science
and technology is shaped or influenced by several variables: policies need to
be aligned to national goals, consider international commitments based on
legal frameworks, and respond to various social needs, issues, and problems.
Science and technology policies ensure that the whole country and all people
will experience progress that science can bring. Policies are guides to direct
all efforts to a goal of developing a scientifically advanced country.
FAMOUS SCIENTISTS
People who devote their time studying science are called
scientists. The following are some famous scientists
1. Aristotle (384-322B.C.) was the first natural philosopher in the ancient
world. He laid the foundation for modern scientific thought.
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2. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a Benedictine nun. She was an

outstanding scientist in the Middle Ages. She wrote the medical books
CAUSEA ET CURAE and PHYSICA which were about diseases and
their cures. These were considered the greatest scientific works of the
Middle Ages.
3. Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) was a Polish scientist considered
to be the founder of modern astronomy. He advanced the theory that
the sun is the center of the solar system and that all of the planets
revolve around the sun. This model of the solar system is now known
as the Copernican system.
4. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was a mathematician, physicist and
astronomer. He proposed laws that described the motions of falling
bodies, projectiles and the pendulum. He studied heavenly bodies
using the telescope.
5. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) was an astronomer who formulated the
laws of planetary motion.
6. Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was an English mathematician, physicist
and astronomer. He formulated the laws of gravity and motion.
7. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was an English scientist. His greatest
work was The Origin of Species where he discussed the theory of
evolution and natural selection.
8. Marie Curie (1867-1934) is the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize
in Physics. She was awarded this prize for her discovery of radium in
1903. She discovered it with her husband Pierre Curie and their
colleague Henri Becquerel. She was also the first person to receive two
Nobel awards. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911
for isolating pure radium.
9. Louis Pastuer (1822-1895) was a French scientist who became
known for his work on biological fermentation and decay. This led to his
formulation of the germ theory of disease and the discovery of
sterilization of food through the use of heat.
10. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) proposed the theory of relativity. This
theory debunked the Newtonian belief that time was absolute.
Surprisingly, he won the Nobel Prize for his work on photoelectric effect
and not the theory of relativity.
FAMOUS FILIPINOS IN THE FIELD OF SCIENCE
1. RAMON CABANOS BARBA – outstanding research on tissue culture
in Philippine mangoes
-Inventor of horticulturist, induce more flowers in
mango trees using ethnel and potassium
2. JOSEPHINO CACAS COMISO – for his works on observing the
characteristics of Antarctica by using satellite images
3. JOSE BEJAR CRUZ JR. – known internationally in the field of
electrical engineering; was elected as officer of the famous Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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4. LOURDES JUNSAY CRUZ – notable for her research on sea snail

venom
- Therapeutic products for pain
5. FABIAN MILLAR DAYRIT – research on herbal medicine
6. RAFAEL DINEROS GUERO III – research on tilapia culture
7. ENRIQUE MAPUA OSTREA JR. – for inventing the meconium drug
testing
-Drug testing for infants / new born
8. LILIAN FORMALEJO PATENA – for doing research on plant
biotechnology
9. MARI-PANGANIBAN RUIZ – for being an outstanding educator and
graph theorist
10. GREGORY LIGOT TANGONAN – for his research in the field of
communications technology
- Inventor of analog messaging in sending
messages using Fiber Optics
11. CLARE R. BALTAZAR – the author of the book Philippine Insects. Her
works on insects were very useful for research on insect control. Her
other scientific contributions include discovering 8 species and 1
subgenus of the insect Hymnoptera. She also discovered 108 new
species of Philippine parasitic wasps.
12. FILOMENA CAMPOS – known for her work on cotton in the
Philippines. Her studies helped develop a technology was developed
within a short period – 3 years. She is also involved in research on
sunflowers as a possible source of edible oil and livestock feed (feed
for cows, goats, etc.)
13. LUZ OLIVEROS-BELARDO – a chemist and researcher. She studied
essential oils that can be collected from Philippine plants. These
essential oils have many uses. They may be used as flavoring,
fragrance materials, and medicine and energy sources. She loved her
work so much that she spent 50 years of her life studying these
essential oils. She was able to collect 33 new Philippine essential oils
and studied their physical and chemical properties.
14. EDUARDO A. QUISUMBING – is known for his studies in botany. He
was one of the first researchers to study Philippine medicinal plants
and orchids. He wrote the book Medicinal Plants of the Philippines,
which is considered one of the first books on this area. He has also
written 129 scientific articles.
15. BIENVENIDO O. JULIANO – studied the characteristics of grains and
proteins and how these affect the quality of rice. He showed that the
amount of a substance called amylose determines the quality of rice
grains in Asia. The less of this substance that rice has, the less sticky it
will be.
16. MELECIO S. MAGNO - is a physicist. He conducted studies on the
absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy of rare earth crystals, the

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effects of typhoons on atmospheric ozone, sky, luminosity, atmospheric

radiation and gravitation.
17. EMIL Q. JAVIER – is known for his very practical solutions to
agricultural problems. Because he knows that many farmers have very
limited resources, he thought of practical methods of improving crop
production using cheap materials.
18. ALFREDO C. SANTOS – did research on the chemistry of the natural
products and the medicinal properties of Philippine plants. His work on
herbs showed the properties of substances in local plants. His concern
for poor Filipinos who cannot afford expensive drugs spurred him to
conduct studies on local materials needed for the development of
drugs.
19. GREGORIO T. VELASQUEZ – is known for his work in phycology.
Phycology is the study of algae. He devoted 30 years of his life to
studying an algae called Myxophyceae. He was able to produce 47
basic and 77 valuable scientific papers on the subject. Dr. Velasquez
was also a good educator. He taught and developed generations of
good Filipino biologists, some of whom became members of the
National Academy of Science and Technology.
20. GREGORIO Y. ZARA – is noted for his contributions in engineering.
His inventions are a source of pride for us Filipinos. His inventions
include the video phone, an alcohol-fueled airplane, a solar energy
absorber, an aircraft propeller that is made up entirely of wood, a
wooden microscope and semi-automatic propeller-making machine.
21. CESAR A. SALOMA – an internationally renowned physicist
- Professor of physics of NIP National Institute of
Physics UP-D
22. EDGARDO GOMEZ – famous scientist in marine science
23. WILLIAM PADOLINA – chemist and president of National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST) – Philippines.
24. ANGEL ALCALA – marine science. Known for his fieldwork to build
sanctuaries and to promote biodiversity in the aquatic ecosystems
Many of these Filipino scientists are products of good school
science. It means they were taught and inspired by great teachers. Their
interests in science started to manifest during their childhood years. Their
natural environment ignited their curiosity to learn more about the natural
and physical environment. Schools and the laboratories where they
studied and worked nurtured this.

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Individual Interests in
Science

SCHOOL SCIENCE
SCIENCE
LABORATORIES
Family
(TEACHERS AND
LEARNINIG
(REAL-LIFE CONTEXT)
ENVIRONMENT)

Natural Environment

FILIPINO SCIENTISTS

Figure 2. Factors that Influence the Development of Filipino Scientists

SUMMARY
This lesson discussed the influence of science and technology in the
development of the Philippines as a country. Even before the time of Spanish
colonization in the Philippines, various people and communities already
practiced science. They invented tools and built structures, studies the
medicinal uses of plants, observed heavenly bodies to predict seasons and
weather, and used indigenous science in agriculture. These are considered
indigenous science, which one of the foundations of modern science.
The growth of science and its development as a field in the country
is a hybrid of indigenous and foreign ideas. Spain and the United States,
being the former colonial masters of the country, played an important role in
building the foundation of science in the Philippines. To further strengthen the
science program in the Philippines, the government establishes various
science programs, policies, and projects.
Through the years, many Filipinos were able to establish themselves
as scientists and science educators in various scientific areas and fields.
Invention and innovations were done by these Filipino scientists. Finally, the
demands of globalization, especially the ASEAN economic agenda, prompted
the Philippines to invest in science and technology programs and projects.

Watch and Reflect

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- Great Filipino Inventions

THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. Identify several issued in the Philippines. What science and
technology-related policies could be developed and implemented to
solve these issues?
2. What can you say about the implementation of some science and
technology policies and projects in the country?
3. What are the laws related to science and technology in the Philippines
from the year 2000?
4. How are these laws implemented?
ACTIVITY
1. Identify several Filipino scientists.
2. Research on their contributions in the field of science.
3. Examine what made them pursue a career in science.
4. Present the result of your work in class.

LESSON 4

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SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Discuss the concept of science education; and
 Identify science schools established to promote science education in
the Philippines.
INTRODUCTION
The Philippines is trying its best to improve the state of science
education in the counry.One strategies is to estalish science schools that will
encourage students to pursue their career in science and technology and to
nurture their gifted potentials in science.
THE CONCEPT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
Science education focuses on:
1. Teaching science – involves developing ways on how to effectively
teach science
- Exploring pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers
teach scientific concepts and processes effectively.
2. Learning science – includes both pedagogy and the most interesting
aspect, which is helping students understand and love science.
3. Understanding science – implies developing and applying science-
process skills and using science literacy in understanding the natural
world and activities in everyday life.
JOHN DEWEY (2001) – stressed the importance of urilizing natural
environment to teach students
- Nature must indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of
meaning through social activities and thinking.
MARX (1994) – opines that science is soing to be one of the most
important school subjects in the future.
SCIENCE EDUCATION IN BASIC AND TERTIARY EDUCATION
BASIC EDUCATION
- science education helps stuents learn important concepts and facts
that are related to everyday life including important skills such as
process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills taht are needed in
coping up with daily life activities.
- It also develops positive attitude such as: the love for knowledge,
passion for innovative things, curiosity to study about nature, and
creativity.

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- Develop strong foundation for studying science and for considering

science-related careers in the future.
- This is an investment for the country to develop a scientifically
cultures and literate citizenry.
TERTIARY EDUCATION
- Science education deals with developing students’ understanding
and appreciation of science ideas and scientific works.
- This is done through offering basic science courses in the General
Education Curriculum.
- Focuses on the preparation of science teachers, scientists,
engineers, and other professionals in various science-related fields
such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences.
- The state provides scholarships to encourage more students to
pursue science courses.
SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES
1. PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM (PSHSS)
- This is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines.
- It is service institute of the DOST whose mandate is to offer free
scholarship basis for secondary course with speciale emphasis on
subjects pertaining to sciences, with the end view of preparing its
students for a science career (RA 3661)
- PSHSS students have proven to be a beacon of excellence,
courage, and hope for the contry.
- When the students graduate from the schoo, they are expected to
pursue degrees in science and technology at various colleges and
universities locally and abroad.
2. SPECIAL SCIENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (SSES) PROJECT
- It is pursuance to DepEd Order No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order
No, 51 s. 2010.
- Startted in June 2007 with 57 identified elementary schools that
participated or were identified as science elementary schools in the
country
- More than 60 schools nationwide
- Its mission is to:
a. Provide a learning environment to science-enclined children
through a special curriculum that recognizes the multiple
intellegence of learners;
b. Promote the development of lifelong learning skills; and
c. Foster the holistic development of the learners.
- Science and health is taught in Grade 1 with a longer time
compared to other subjects: 70 minutes for Grades 1-3 and 80
minute from Grades 4-6.
3. QUEZON CITY REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

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- Establishe on Sept. 17, 1967

- Originally named Quezon City Science High School
- Turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital
Region in 1999.
- The focus of the curriculum is on sciece and technology.
4. MANILA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL (MSHS)
- Established on Oct. 1, 1963
- It is the first science high school in the Philippines
- The organization and the curriculum of the schools puts more
emphasis on science and mathematics.
- Aims to produce scientists with souls
- The school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High
School Admission Test (MSAT), for students who wish to enroll.
5. CENTRAL VISAYAN INSTITUTE FOUNDATION (CVIF)
- It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school based innovation
known as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP).
- DLP – is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical theories
adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and
productivity.
- Takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP)
established in 1992, which organizes small international workshops
to foster the informal but intense exchange of ideas and
perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.
SUMMARY
Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and
in helping the public develop science literacy. This is important in the
promotion and development of science and technology in the country.
Science education deals with the development of people in science, which is
the heart of science, technology, and society.
This lesson focused on discussing the concept of science education
and introduced science education in the Philippines from basic education to
tertiary education. To promote science education, science schools were
established to develop gifted students in science and mathematics. Science
programs and projects were organized and develop to nurture innovation in
science in the country, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers and
research in science and technology.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. What other government projects and programs are available for
science education in the Philippines?
2. Are there private schools with outstanding science education
programs? Identify and compare their science education programs with
public science schools.

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ACTIVITY
1. Discuss science-related issues and problems in the country.
2. Identify science and technology policies that could be adapted or
implemented in the Philippines

LESSON 5
INDIGENOUS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES
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LESSON OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Discuss the concept of indigenous science; and
2. Discuss the contribution of indigenous science in the development of
science and technology in the Philippines
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM
Indigenous Knowledge – is embedded in the daily life experience of young
children as they grow up.
 Their parents and other old folks served as their first teachers and their
methods of teaching are very effective in transmitting cultural
knowledge in their minds.
Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are taught and practiced by
the indigenous people
 Predicting weather conditions and seasons using knowledge in
observing animals’ behavior and celestial bodies;
 Using herbal medicine;
 Preserving foods;
 Classifying plants and animals into families and groups based on
cultural properties;
 Preserving and selecting good seeds for planting;
 Using indigenous technology in daily lives;
 Building local irrigation systems;
 Classifying different types of soil for planting based on cultural
properties;
 Producing wines and juices from tropical fruits; and
 Keeping the custom of growing plants and vegetables in the yard.
INDIGENOUS SCIENCE
- It is a part of the indigenous knowledge system practiced by different
groups of people and early civilizations.
- It includes complex arrays of knowledge, expertise, practices, and
representations that guide human societies in their enumerable
interactions with the natural milieu: agriculture, medicine, naming and
explaining the natural phenomena, and strategies for coping with
changing environments (Pawilen, 2005).
- Ogawa (1995) claimed that it is collectively lived in and experienced by
people of a given culture.
- Cajete (2004) includes everything, from metaphysics to philosophy and
various practical technologies practiced by indigenous people both past
and present.
- Iaccarino (2003) science is a part of culture, and how science is done
largely depends on the cultural practices of the people.

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- Indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values that are relevant or

consistent to scientific attitudes as identified by Johnston (2000):
1. Motivating attitudes
2. Cooperating attitudes
3. Practical attitudes
4. Reflective attitudes
- Pawilen (2005) explained that it has developed diverse structures and
contents through the interplay between the society and the
environment.
- Kuhn (1962) developmental strategies of both sciences are
characterized by continual competition between a number of distinct
views of nature, each partially derived from, and all roughly compatible
with the dictate of scientific observation and method.
- Sibisi (2004) pointed out that it provides that basics of astronomy,
pharmacology, food technology, or metallurgy, which were derived
from traditional knowledge and practices.

INDIGENOUS SCIENCE

Uses guided by composed of

Community Culture Traditional

Science Process Skills
and Values Knowledge

Figure 1. The concept of indigenous science

1. Indigenous science uses science process skills such as observing,
comparing, classifying, measuring, problem solving, inferring,
communicating, and predicting.
2. Indigenous science is guided by culture and community values such as
the following;
 The land is the source of life. It is a precious gift from the
creator.
 The Earth is revered as “Mother Earth”. It is the origin of their
identity and the people.
 All living and non-living things are interconnected and
interdependent with each other.
 Human beings are stewards or trustee of the land and other
natural resources. They have a responsibility to preserve it.
 Nature is a friend to human beings – it needs respect and proper
care.
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional knowledge practiced and
valued by people and communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-
medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk astronomy

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SUMMARY
This lesson discussed the concept of indigenous knowledge and its
influence to the development of indigenous science. The communities in the
Philippines have maintained vast amounts of indigenous knowledge, cultural
practices, traditions, and beliefs. These include beliefs and practices ranging
from different areas such as health, environment, peace and order,
agriculture, food production, astronomy, music, and literature. The indigenous
knowledge system of the people served as the foundation for the
development of indigenous science.
Even before the time of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines,
various people and communities already practiced science. They invented
tools and built structure, studied the medicinal uses of plants, observed
heavenly bodies to predict seasons and weather, and used indigenous
science in agriculture. These considered indigenous science, which is one of
the foundations of modern science.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. What is the role of indigenous knowledge in the development of
indigenous science?
2. What is the role of indigenous science in the development of science
and technology in the Philippines?
3. How do society and culture influence the development of science and
technology?
ACTIVITY
1. Identify Filipino indigenous knowledge.
2. Research on the connection of indigenous knowledge to science
and technology.
3. Present the result to the class.

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CHAPTER II

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND

SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN
CONDITION

LESSON 1
HUMAN FLOURISHING
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LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Identify different conceptions of human flourishing;
 Determine the development of the scientific method and validity
of science; and
 Critic human flourishing vis-a-vis progress of science and
technology and be able to define for themselves the meaning of
a good life
Watch and reflect on the following video and Film
- The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the case against scientism
(Youtube)
- Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams “Village of Watermills” (Film)
INTRODUCTION
Eudaimonia – “good spirited” is a term coined by renowned Greek
philosopher Aristotle to describe the pinnacle of happiness that is attainable
by humans.
- This has been translated into “human flourishing” in literature, arguably
likening humans to flowers achieving their full bloom.
Flourishing – a state where people experience positive emotions, positive
psychological functioning and positive social functioning, most of the time,
“living” within an optimal range of human functioning.”

Human Flourishing – an effort to achieve self-actualization and fulfillment

within the context of a larger community of individuals, each with the right to
pursue his or her own such efforts.
- Involves the rational use of one’s individual human potentialities,
including talents, abilities, and virtues in the pursuit of his freely and
rationally chosen values and goals.
Nicomachean Ethics – Aristotle’s human flourishing arises as a result of
different components such as phronesis, friendship, wealth, and power.

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- In the Ancient Greek society, they believe that acquiring

theses qualities will surely bring the seekers happiness, which in effect
allows them to partake in the greater notion of what we call the GOOD.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN FLOURISHING

- Every discovery, innovation, and success contributes to our pool of
human knowledge.
- Human flourishing is deeply intertwined with goal setting relevant to
science and technology.
- The end goals of both science and technology and human flourishing
are related, in that the good is inherently related to the truth.

SCIENCE AS METHODS AND RESULTS

In school, the scientific method is introduced in the earlier part of
discussions. Even though the number of steps varies, it presents a general
idea on how to do science:
1. Observe and determine if there are unexplained occurences unfolding.
2. Determine the problem and identify factors involved.
3. Through past knowledge of similar instance, formulate hypothesis
that could explain the sain phenomenon. Ideally, the goal is to reject
the null hypothesis and accept alternative hypothesis for the study
“to count as significant” (can also be separated into additional steps
such as “ to generate prediction” or “to infer from past experiments”).
4. Conduct experiment by setting up dependent and independent
variables, and trying to see how independent ones affect dependent
ones.
5. Gather and analyze results throughout and upon culmination of the
experiment.
6. Formulate conclusion and provide recommendation in case others
would want to broaden the study.
VERIFICATION THEORY
- The earliest criterion that distinguishes philosophy and science
- The idea proposes that a discipline is science if it can be confirmed or
interpreted in the event of an alternative hypothesis being accepted.
- VIENNA CIRCLE – a group of scholars who believed that only those
which can be observed should be regarded as meaningful and reject
those which cannot be directly accessed as meaningless.

FALSIFICATION THEORY

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- Asserts that as long as an ideology is not proven to be false and can

best explain a phenomenon over alternative theories, we should accept
the said ideology.
- Karl Popper – known proponent of this view.
-he was notorious for stating up-and-coming theories of the time
such as Marx’s Theory of Social History and Sigmund Freud’s
Psychoanalysis, are not testable and thus not falsifiable, and
subsequently questioning their status at scientific.
SCIENCE AS SOCIAL ENDEAVOR
- Several philosophers such as Paul Thagard, Imre Lakatos, Helen
Longino, David Bloor, and Richard Rorty, presented an alternative
demarcation that explores the social dimension of science and
effectively, technology.
- Science cease to belong solely to gown-wearing, bespectacled
scientists at laboratories.
- It presents an alternative notion that goes beyond the boundaries of
cold, hard facts of science and instead projects it in a different light,
such as manifestation of shared experience forging solidarity over
commmunities.
SCIENCE AND RESULTS
- For the most part, people who do not understand science are won over
when the discipline is able to produce results.
- Science is not entirely foolproof, such that it is correct 100% of the
time.
- It can be then concluded that science does not monopolize the claim
for definite results.
SCIENCE AS EDUCATION
- Discoveries in physics, specifically in quantum mechanics, appeared to
have debunked the idea of objectivity in reality, subscribing instead to
alternative idea called intersubjectivity.
- If one is really in pursuit of human flourishing, it would make sense for
them to pursue it holistically.
- Aristotle’s eudaimonic person is required to be knowledgeable about
science, among other things of equal importance.
- A true eudaimon recognizes that flourishing requires one to excel in
various dimensions, such as linguistic, kinetic, artistic, and socio-civic.
Thus, he understands the he should not focus on one aspect alone.
HOW MUCH IS TO MUCH
- In 2000, world leaders signed the Millenium Development Goals (MDG)
that targets eight concerns, one of which states that they should be
able to forge a global partnership for development.

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- Economists believe that growth is the primary indicator of development,

as both go hand in hand, and has put forth their resources in trying to
achieve such.
- Technology has been a primary insrument in enabling them to pursue
said goal, utilizing resources, machineries, and labor.
- The rapid race of technological growth allows no room for nature to
recuperate on, suggesting that developed countries should not push
forth more growth instead adopt “de-development” policies or else,
everybody loses.
- The rapid pace of technological growth allows no room for nature to
recuperate, resulting in exploitation and irreversible damages to nature.
- Right now, we are experiencing repercussions of said exploits in the
hands of man-made climate change, which would snowball and affect
majority of flora and fauna, driving half of the latter extinct in less than a
hundred year from now.
- If this continues in its currently alarming rate, we might bring about our
own extinction.
SUMMARY
Human flourishing is defined being “good spirited” in the classical
Aristotelian notion. Humans generally have a notion on what it means to
flourish; albeit in the advent of science and technology, they chose to hinge
their ends alongside the latter’s results. While it is true that science equips its
knowers some details about the world, its main claim to objectivity and
systematic methodology is at the very least flawed. However, that does not
stop institutions to favor those who excel in said discipline. Finally, the
economic perception of enrichment, otherwise known as growth, is heavily
fueled by technology and should be impeded. We have to rethink of our
perception of a good life apart from one presented in this regard.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. Is our reverence of science justified? Explain.
2. Were we successful so far in trying to tie down technology with what
we conceive as human flourishing?
3. What do you think constitutes human flourishing?
Read and Reflect
- Forger ‘developing’ rich countries, its time to ‘de-develop’ rich
countries. By Jason Hickel
http://www.theguardian.com/global/development-professionals-
network/2015/sep/23/developing-poor-countries-de-develop-rich-
countries-sdgs.
- Sustainable Development: An evolving Paradigm for the 21st Century
by Fabian Dayrit in Stellar Origins, Human Ways (2011)

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ACTIVITY
1. State a brief history or discovery that brought about the invention or
discovery of things stated below. State their contributions in our
scientific development.
a. Gravity
b. Telescope
c. Processed Food
d. Microscope
e. Radio
f. Benzene Ring
g. Large Hadron Collider
h. Guns
i. Internet
j. Cellphones

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LESSON 2
TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Explain the concept of human condition before science technology;
 Identify the change that happened in human condition after science
and technology; and
 Name ways on how technology aided in revealing the truth about
human being.

Watch and Reflect on it.

“The Question Concerning Technology” Martin Heidegger
INTRODUCTION
- Comparing the lives of the people before and now will make anyone
realize the changes that happened 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.
- The term “generation gap” is attributed mainly to the changes brought
about by technology.
- Even before, people are already fascinated with science and
technolowgy.
- People who lived in the past and people who are living in the present
all have different views of what it means to flourish, primarily due to the
kind of environment and the period one is in.
- Changes were brought about by the interplay of different factors but
essentially, it was brought about by science and technology.
THE HUMAN CONDITION BEFORE COMMON ERA
- Our early ancestors’ primal need to survive paved way for invention of
several developments.
- HOMO ERECTUS – have been using fire to cook, through chipping
one flint over the other to produce a spark, all while without realizing
the laws of friction and heat.
- HOMO SAPIENS – tools from stone and flints marked the era of the
Stone Age and humans began to sharpen stones as one would a knife,
an example of this is the simple machine called wedge.
- Soon enough, people discovered minerals and began forging
metalwork.
- Fur clothing and animal skin are primarily used for comfort against
harsh winds – our ancestors are able to draw the connection between
their being naked and vulnerable due to some lack of fur or protective
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covering which would otherwise allow them to withstand extreme

weather conditions.
- Excavations on the latter half of the Stone Age include several figures
thought to be ceremonial, meaning, that perhaps some people of the
time had also painstakingly wrought and hewed said figures of honor of
some deity.
THE HUMAN CONDITION IN THE COMMON ERA
- Earliest case of man-made extinction occure over 12,000 years ago,
possibly brought upon by hunting and territorial disputes.
- THE HALOCENE EXTINCTION – also called the sixth extinction
- ANTHROPOCENE EXTINCTION – occure from as early as between
100,000 to 200,000 years up to present
- Growing population aslo necessited 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 civilizations.
- People then had new objective – gather as much products as possibe.
- They have turned to wealth as one of their goals as humans and
ultimately as civilizations, for they percieved that those who have
many, live comfortably and thus are generally happier than those who
do not have suffecient wealth.
- Humanity became more complex.
- The primary goal was not merel to survive, but to live a good life.
- Technology has been instrumental in all of these because in searching
for the good life, people were able to come up with creations that would
make life easier, more comfortable, and more enriching.
- Due to different races, belief and abundance of resources and/ or
territory, wars were always being waged, leading communities to
allocate resources to the militia.
- Physical strength was valued at most, although there appeared to be
as many intellectually gifted figures just the same.
Some of the notable comparisons then and now
1. Mortality Rate
2. Average Lifespan
3. Literacy Rate
4. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

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HUMAN CIVILICATIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY
- Human person as both the bearer and beneficiary of science and
technology.
- Human flourishes and finds meaning in the world that he/she builds.
- Human may unconsciously acquire, consume or destroy what the world
has to offer.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- Must be treated as part of human life that needs reflective and
meditative thinking
- Must be examined for their greater impact in humanity as a whole.

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TECHNOLOGY AS A MODE OF REVEALING

MARTIN HEIDEGGER
- A German philosopher and a
seminal thinker in the Continental
tradition of philosophy.
- Widely acknowledged to be one of
the most original and important
philosophers of the 20th century.

Heidegger’s View on Technology

- He strongly opposes the view that technology is “a means to an end” or
“a human activity.”
- These two approaches, which he calls, respectively, the “instrumental”
and “anthropological” definitions, are indeed “correct”, but do not go
deep enough; as he says, they are not yet “true.”
- Heidegger points out, technological objects are means for ends, and
are built and operated by human beings, but the essence of technology
is something else entirely.
- Since the essence of a tree is not itself a tree, he points out, so the
essence of technology is not anything technological.
What, then, is technology, it is neither a means to an end nor a human
activity?
- Technology, according to Heidegger must be understood as “a way of
revealing” (Heidegger 1977, 12).
- Revealing is his translation of the Greek word aletheuein, which means
“to discover” – to uncover what was covered over. Related to this verb
is the independent noun aletheia, which is usually translated as “truth”,
though Heidegger insists that a more adequate translation would be
“unconcealment.”
What is reality?
- According to Heidegger, it is not given the same way in all times and all
cultures (Seubold 1986, 35-6).
- Not something absolute that human beings can ever know once and for
all
- Is relative in the most literal sense of the world – it exists only in
relations.
- Inaccessible for human beings. As soon as we perceive or try to
understand it, it is not “in itself” anymore, but “reality for us.”

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How can technology be a way of revealing?

1. What does this have to do with technology?
2. What does Heidegger mean when he says that technology is “a
way of revealing”?
- Everything we perceive or think of or interact with “emerges out of
concealment into unconcealment,
- By entering into a particular relation with reality, reality is “revealed” in
a specific way.
- Technology is the way of revealing that characterizes our time.
- Technology embodies a specific way of revealing the world, a revealing
in which humans take power over reality.
- While the ancient Greeks experienced the “making” od something as
“helping something to come into being” – as Heidegger explains the
modern technology is rather a “forcing into being”.
- Technology reveals the world as raw material, available for production
and manipulation.
WHY IS TECHNOLOGY NOT A HUMAN ACTIVITY?
- According to Heidegger, there is something wrong with the modern,
technological culture we live in today. In our “age of technology” reality
can only be present as a raw material (as a “standing reserve”). This
state of affairs has not been brought about by humans; the
technological way of revealing was not chosen by humans.
- Rather, our understanding of the world – our understanding of “being”,
of what it means “to be” – develops through the ages. In our time
“being” has the character of a technological framework, from which
human approach the world in a controlling and dominating way.
- Every attempt to climb out of technology throws us back in. The only
way out for Heidegger is “the will not to will”.
- We need to open up the possibility of relying on technologies while not
becoming enslaved to them and seeing them as manifestations of an
understanding of being.
THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Modern humans are reliant on technology in their search for the good
life.
- People see ways and means from nature to utilize and achievve growth
– a goal that we believe would bring forth betterment.
- MARTIN HEIDEGGER – argued that technology’s essence, or
purpose, and being are different from each other.
-he was able to expound on this point upon identifying that
technology can either be perceived as:
a. to achieve man’s end

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b. constitute human activity – it paints technology in such a way

that each period reveals a particular character regarding man’s
being.
- A good life is one which is practical in essence; a life which makes use
of our labor and which we get compensated fairly upon.
- It is a looming fear, however that the path we are treading will not take
us to the right direction, leading us in endless circles instead in our
pursuit of the good life.
BACKTRACKING THE HUMAN CONDITION
Technology’s initial promises proved to be true, regardless of its
ramifications. All in all the human condition improved, only if by improving we
measure the level of comfort, various scientific breakthroughs, and improved
lifestyles of those who had luxury to afford to do so. Different machineries aid
in prolonging lives – assisting those with disabilities, honing efficiency in
industrial workplaces, and even exploring the universe for places we can
thrive once all Earth’s resources depleted. As to the initial aims, it appears
that things really did not much differ. Some places in the world are still battling
for their daily survival – diseases, tribe wars, lack of habitable territories, and
competitions on resources are several factors contributing to such. People still
wage wars on the basis of races, belief, and abundance of resources and/or
territory; except that now, they are able to inflict such in a global scale. A lot of
people still subscribe to religion in explaining things that they do not know. For
those who have ceased to do so, they have turned their worships to
reverence of science. Whether science or religion, these people are still bent
on trying to make sense of the events happening in the world on the basis of
either of these two paradigms. They are still trying to discover and rediscover
things that would give meaning to their lives – whether it be honor, strength,
or merit. People are still trying to make sense of their existence in the world,
and technology does little aid them in their pursuit of life’s meaning.
It seems that human condition, although more sophisticated is nothing
but a rehashed version of its former self. Nothing much has changed since
then, and it appears that nothing will change in the times to come if we fail to
shift our view elsewhere. While it is true that technology offered us one
compelling notion of the truth and the good, we should be staunch in our
resolve if we want to know the real one. For starters, we might begin with
considering other concepts, which corresponds to the GOOD, such as
Aristotle’s conception of human flourishing. His notion entertains the idea of
holistic enrichment of a person situated in his society. A notable distinction on
Aristotle’s idea is his subscription on evaluative concepts called virtues and
their role in achieving the good life. Technological advancements are
seemingly occurring in a rapid pace that our morality cannot quite keep up; no
such consideration was given in this approach in achieving the good life.

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SUMMARY
Science and technology has been part of human activity since the
beginning of our species. It has aided us in survival and helped us outsmart
our adversaries, provided as comfortable living, allowed us to explore the
world, and assisted us in discovering more about ourselves and the truth.
However, it aalsoleads us to a paradox in which we are only able to see the
world in the lenses of technological innovations. In our pursuit of growth, we
had conveniently forgotten that technology only presents one approach in
viewing the world. This forgetfulness leads us to evaluate objects as
consumable or not – transcending to other human beings, determining their
capacity to be productive. Our valuation of things became one-dimensional,
geared toward production of goods for more consumption, which we believe
would lead us to the good life. This is only one conception of technology, as
Heidegger also proposed that technology is what humans do. Advancements
in the field expose us to previously unknown predicaments, effectively helping
us to reveal our own natures and enforcing one perspective in finding the
truth. Now that it is acknowledged, we can try and divert our search to other
approaches.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. What would have happened to humankind if technology did not exist?
2. Do you agree with Martin Heidegger in his idea that technology should
only be seen as one of the approaches in perceiving truth? What are
the possible approaches we should consider?
Read and Reflect
- McNamara, Daniesl J. in “A Return to the Beginning,” in Stellar Origins,
Human Ways: Readings in Science, Technology, and Society, ed. Ma.
Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City: Anteneo de Manila University
Press, 2011.
ACTIVITY
1. Try to imagine the world without technology. How do you think your
day-to-day life would be? Do this by making a comic skit. Below are
examples you could use:
a. Watch
b. Phone
c. Light bulbs
d. Cars
e. Printing press
f. Electricity

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LESSON 3
THE GOOD LIFE
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Examine what is meant by a good life;
 Idetify how humans attempt to attain what is deemed to be a
good life; and
 Recognize possibilities available to human being to attain the
good life.
Watch and Reflect
That Sugar Film (2015) documentary
INTRODUCTION
- In Ancient Greece, long before the word “science” has been coined, the
need to understand the world and reality was bound with the need to
understand the self and the good life.
- For Plato, the task of understanding the things in the world runs parallel
with the job of truly getting into what will make the soul flourish.
- It was Aristotle who gave a definitive distinction between the theoritical
and practical sciences.
-theoretical disciplines: logic, biology, physics, and metaphysics
-practical: ethics and politics
- Whereas “truth” is the aim of the theoretical sciences, the “good” is the
end goal of the practical ones.
- Rightly so, one must find the truth about what the good is before one
can even try to locate that which is good.
ARISTOTLE AND HOW WE ALL ASPIRE FOR A GOOD LIFE
- Aristotle – first thinker who dabbled into the complex problematization
of the end goal of life:happiness.
2 world by Plato
1. World of matter – things are changing and impermanent
2. World of forms - the entities are only copies of the ideal and the
models, and the forms are the real entities.
-things are red in this world because they participate in what it
means to be red.
- Aristotle, for his part, disagreed with his teacher’s proposition and
forwarded the idea that there is no reality over and above what the
senses can perceive.
- Change is a process that is inherent in things.

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- Aristotle extends this analysis from the external world into the provine
of the human person and declares that even human beings are
potentialities who aspire for their actuality.
- Every human person according to Aristotle, aspires for an end.
HAPPINESS AS THE GOAL OF A GOOD LIFE
- In the eighteenth century, John Stuart Mill declared the Greatest
Happiness Principle by saying that an action is right as far as it
maximazes the attainment of happiness for the greatest number of
people.
- Mill said that individual happiness of each individual should be
prioritized and collectively dictated the kind of action that should be
endorsed.
1. MATERIALISM
- Democritus and Leucippus led to a school whose primary belief is that
the world is made up of and is controlled by the tiny indivisible units in
the world called atomos or seeds.
- For Democritus and his disciples, the world, including human beings, is
made up of matter.
- Atomos simply randomly to form the things in the world.
2. HEDONISM
- The Hedonist, for their part, see the end goal of life in acquiring
pleasure.
- Pleasure has always been the priority of the hedonists.
- Led by Epicurus, this school of thought also does no buy any notion of
afterlife like the materialists.
3. STOICISM
- Another school of thought led by Epicurus, the stoics espoused the
idea that to generate happiness, one must learn to distance oneself
and be apathetic.
- Apatheia – precisely means to be indifferent.
- For stoics – happiness can only be attained by a careful practice of
apathy.
4. THEISM
- Most people find the meaning of their lives using God as a fulcrum of
their existence
- The ultimate basis of happiness for theists is the communion with God.
- The world where we are in is only just a temporary reality where we
have to maneuver around while waiting for the ultimate return to the
hands of God.
5. HUMANISM
- Another school of thought espouses the freedom of man to carve his
own destiny and to legislate his own laws, free from the shackles of a
God that monitors and controls.
- For humanists, man is literally the captain of his own ship.

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- Humanists see themselves not merely a stewards of the creation but

as individuals who are in control of themselves and the world outside
them.
As a result of motivation of the humanist current, scientists eventually
turns to technology in order to ease the difficulty of life as illustrated in the
previous lessons. Scientists of today meanwhile are ready to confront more
sophisticated attempts at altering the world for the benefit of humanity. Some
people now are willing to tamper with time and space in the name of
technology. Social media, as an example, has been so far a very effective
way of employing technology in purging time and space.
Technology allowed us to tinker with our sexuality. Biologically male
individuals can now undergo medical operations if they wish for sexual
reassignment. Breast implants are now available and can be done with
relative convenience if anyone wishes to have one. Hormones may also be
injected in order to alter sexual chemicals in the body.
Whether or not we agree with these technological advancements,
these are all undertaken in the hopes of attaining the good life. The balance,
however, between the good life, ethics, and technology has to be attained.
SUMMARY
Man is constantly in pursuit of the good life. Every person has his
perspective when it comes to what compromises the good life. Throughout
history, man has worked hard in pointing out what amounts to a good, happy
life. Some people like the classical theorists thought that happiness has to do
with the insides of the human person. The soul, as the seat of our humanity,
has been the focus of attention of this end goal. The soul has to attain a
certain balance in order to have a good life, a life of flourishing. It was only
until the 17th century that happiness became a centerpiece in the lives of
people, even becoming a full-blown ethical foundation in John Stuart Mill’s
utilitarianism. At present, we see multitudes of schools of thought that all
promise their own key to finding happiness. Science and technology has
been, for the most part, at the forefront of man’s attempts at finding this
happiness. The only question at the end of the day whether science is taking
the right path toward attaining what it really means to live a good life.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. What is the good life?
2. What is the relationship between the good life and science?
3. Does technology always lead us to the good life? How and why?
Read and Reflect
- What is and what should be the role of scientific culture in modern
society – Richard Feynman in the Pleasure of Finding Things Out: The

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Best Short Works of Richard Feynman 1999 Peseus 1999 Book. USA
pp 97-115.
- “The Concept of Public Good: A View from a Filipino Philosopher,” In
the Making of a Filipino Philosopher and other essays.
ACTIVITY
1. Good life Collage. Cut out pictures in magazines or newspapers that
demonstrate how technology has made the man’s desire for a happy
life more realizable. You may also opt to print out pictures from
websites and other sources. Explain how these technological
advancements have made the campaign for the attainment of good life
easier or otherwise.

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LESSON 4
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
a. Know the different technological advancements in society;
b. Discuss the development of science and technology in the Philippines;
c. Discuss the effects of the interplay between technology and humanity
through the dilemma(s) they face.
Watch and Reflect
Movie: “A I” Isaac Asimov, “I Robot”
INTRODUCTION
In our ever-developing society, people see technology as form of
necessity rather than wants. Technology came from the Greek work techne
and logos which mean art and word. In 17 th century both concept were used
to talk about applied arts. As the world evolved technology also evolved that it
is not merely on the range of art but it also includes machines and tools.
People nowadays, rely their everyday tasks to technology, it helps
people to do tasks easily. As time goes by people invented many
technological advancements in order to ease the difficulties in their specific
tasks. Technology also gives leisure to humankind such as, listening to music,
watching movies and many more.
In general, technology keeps progressing not only because of the
changing time and environment but also to the ever-progressing mind of
mankind. However it is also important to note that anything too much is bad.
People who are aware of the possible dangers of the use of technology are
not keeping still.
In this lesson, several technological devices will be properly introduced
and their roles played in the society and in the life of the people.
TELEVISION SETS, MOBILE PHONES, COMPUTERS AND HUMANITY
Many technological devices can be easily found at home. Almost all
households have these common technological devices if not all. These are
televisions sets, mobile phones and computers. Almost all people around the
world use these devices in order to accomplished specific tasks and duties.

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TELEVISION SETS
According to Kantar Media, one of the most trusted television audience
measurement providers in the Philippines, 92% of urban homes and 70% of
rural homes owns at least 1 television set. It shows that almost all Filipinos
used this particular type of device.
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.
MOBILE PHONES
People nowadays uses their mobile phones every day, anywhere,
anytime, they use this it for different purposes other than for communication.
30% of the Philippine population nationwide said that mobile phones are
necessities in life (Roa, 2012).
Mobile phones have very interesting background story.
- On April 3, 1973, Martin Cooper, a senior engineer at Motorola, made
the world’s first mobile phone call. The mobile phone used by Cooper
weighed 1.1 kl and measured 228.6 x 127 x 44.4 mm. This kind of
device was capable of a 30 min. talk time and it took 10 hrs. to charge.
In 1983, Motorola made their first commercial mobile phone available
in the market. It was known as the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X (Godwin,
2016).
COMPUTERS AND LAPTOPS
It is also part of every Filipinos households, some Filipinos own more
than one computer or laptops. However, the number of computers or laptops
sold per year may not be as high as mobile phones and television sets, since
it is more costly.
Just like television sets and mobile phones, computers and laptops
also have a long background history of trial and error.
- It was Charles Babbage, a 19 th century English Mathematics professor,
who designed the Analytic Engine which was used as basic framework
of the computers even until at present time.

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- Computers can be classified into three generations. Each generation of

computers was used for a certain period of time and each gave people
a new and improved version of the previous one (Steitz, n.d.)
- Laptops have been available to the public for even less time than
personal computers. The first true portable computer was released in
April 1981. It was called Osborne 1. From that moment on, the
evolution of laptops continued until the present time where various
designs and models are already available.
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, 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 THESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
TELEVISIONS
- Mainly used as a platform for advertisements and information
dissemination.
- It remains to be the most used avenue by different advertising
companies not only in the Philippines but also all over the world.
- It also serves as a recreational activity and good stress reliever to most
families.
- It is also a good platform for different propagandas and advocacies.
MOBILE PHONES
- Primarily used for communication.
- Offers texting and calling
- In the present, people use their mobile phones to surf Internet and to
take pictures more than to text or call people.
- It is very portable and convenient because it can fit into any space.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS AND LAPTOPS
- Although almost functions are found in these technological devices are
now also available in mobile phones, they still offer their own unique
features that make them attractive.
- Personal computer or a laptop has a wide keyboard than using a
mobile phone, especially when the mobile phone has a small screen.

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- The availability of a mouse or a touchpad made these two

technological devices easier to maneuver than mobile phones.
- It cannot also be denied that some would prefer laptops over personal
computers for the reason that personal computers are not portable and
there are times when they need to bring such devices to different
places.
ETHICAL DILEMMA FACED BY THESE TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCEMENTS
It is true that these technological devices are useful and beneficial, the
fact remains that there are several dilemmas faced by these “necessities”
1. Most parents would argue that these devices make their children
lazy and unhealthy.
- It can be said that the agents using the devices are the ones to be
blamed for the undesirable consequences, namely, laziness and
unhealthiness.
2. Moral dilemma, 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, mobile phones, laptops, or
computers.
- In this dilemma, the ones to be blamed are the adults who allowed the
children to have access to such devices in the first place without any
supervision.
Digging deeper, it can be said that devices somewhat unethical
because they bring undesirable consequences to people. However, it can be
argued that this is not the fault of the technological devices but the agents
using them or the ones making them.
The word “responsibility” in the sense of being accountable for and
accountable to is very appropriate to the ethics of technology because it
makes each and every person in the scientific-technological development a
proxy with reference to one another. In other words, each person must
indicate the priorities, values, norms, and principles that constitute the
grounds for one’s action and define one’s contribution to the specific-
technological event.
However, it is also important for the people in the scientific world to
inform the masses of the dangers of their contributions to the world of
technology. In this way people will be aware of what to do and not to do.
ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY
Another great products invented by innovative mind people is the robot.
There are so called service robots that do specific tasks but focus mainly in
assisting their masters in their everyday tasks. The International Federation of
Robotics (IFR) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

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(UNECE) made it their task to formulate a working definition for service

robots. A preliminary extract of the relevant definition is (IFR, 2012);
 A robot is an actuated mechanism programmable in two or more
axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its environment,
to perform intended task. Autonomy in this context means the
ability to perform intended tasks based in current state and
sensing without human intervention.
 A service robot is a robot that performs useful tasks for humans
or equipment excluding industrial automation application. Note:
A robot may be classified according to its intended application
as an industrial robot or service robot.
 A personal service robot or a service robot for personal use is a
service robot used for a noncommercial task, usually by
laypersons. Examples are domestic servant robot, automated
wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, and pet exercising
robot.
 A professional service robot or a service robot for professional
use is a service robot used for a commercial task, usually
operated by a properly trained operator. Examples are cleaning
robot for public places, delivery robot in offices or hospitals, fire -
fighting robot, rehabilitation robot, and surgery robot in hospitals.
In this context, an operator is a person designated to start,
monitor, and stop the intended operation of a robot or a robot
system.
Germany was one of the first countries to develop service robots.
DESIRE (Deutsche Servicerobotik Initiative-Germay Service Robotics
Initiative) which was launched on October 1, 2005 has the ff. individual
objectives (DESIRE, 2009):
 To achieve technological edge toward attaining key functions
and components that are suited for everyday use.
 To create a reference architecture for mobile manipulation
 To promote the convergence of technologies through integration
into a common technology platform
 To conduct pre-competition research and development activities
for new products and technology transfer in start-up enterprises
in the field of service robotics
Some of the expected work to be performed by DESIRE are the ff:
1. “clear up the kitchen table” – all objects on top of the kitchen table will
be moved to where they belong;
2. “fill the dishwasher” – the dirty dishes will be sorted correctly into the
dishwasher;
3. “Clear up this room” – all objects that are not in their proper places will
be moved to where they belong ( Mock, n.d.)

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ROLES PLAYED BY ROBOTICS

Robots play different roles not only in the lives of the people but also in the
society as a whole. They are primarily used to ease the workload of mankind.
Just like people living in the society, robots also have their own set of
rules and characteristics that define what a good robot is. These laws were
formulated by Isaac Asimov back in the 1940s, when he was thinking of the
ethical consequences of robots. These are the following (Stanford, n.d.)
Law One:
A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a
human being to come to harm.
Law Two:
A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where
such orders would conflict with the First Law.
Law Three:
A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does
not conflict the First or Second Law.

ETHICAL DILEMMA/S FACED BY ROBOTICS

Just like other technological advancements, robotics also faces
different problems and dilemmas.
1. Safety. Who should be held accountable if someone’s safety is
compromised by a robot? Who should be blamed, the robot, the agent
using the robot, or the maker/inventor of the robot? It is important to
know who should be blamed and who should be held responsible if
such thing happens.
- Using Asimov’s law for robots, it can be concluded that robots are
ethical but only if they strictly follow the laws specified.
- Service robots only follow what their masters tell them to do with great
consideration to the laws formulated by Asimov.
- If the agent using the technology misuses the robot to achieve personal
agendas, then without a doubt, the agent should be held accountable
for any consequences it may bring. It is also important to note that this
is under the assumption that the robot strictly followed the laws
specified without any form of deviation.
- If the problems arise when the robot deviates from the laws specified,
then the maker or the inventor of the machine should be blameworthy.
- Other problems may arise when the machine develops the ability to
think for itself. In this case, the one that should be blame can both be
the maker or inventor and the robot itself. This is because, in the first
place, the maker gave the robot the capacity to think for itself so he
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should be very much aware of its possible consequences. To put it in

another way, the maker programmed the robot in such a way that it can
already think for itself even without the active participation from a
human being. In addition, since the robot thinks for itself, whatever
decision it makes and whatever consequence it may bring, the robot
itself should be held responsible.
2. Emotional component. This may seem a little absurd as of the
moment, but looking at how fast technology progresses nowadays, it is
not completely impossible for robots to develop emotions (Evans,
2007).
- It is just right for the robots to be given their own set of rights should
they develop the ability to feel different kinds of emotion.
Partial autonomy – includes active human-robot interaction
Full autonomy – excludes active human – robot interaction in other words
robot can perform actions or activities even without a master telling it what
should be done or what should be performed next (IFR, 2012).
SUMMARY
In modern times, there are different technological advancements in all
forms and sizes may it be inside the home, the workplace, the learning place,
or simply on the streets. It is now very accessible to almost anyone in the
world. It is not completely impossible to say that each person in the world
owns at least one technological devices. Besides, technology is not enclosed
to expensive and high-end devices. Simple types of machines that can
perform simple task regularly can already be considered a form of technology.
However despite its usefulness and beneficial characteristics, there are still
some problems faced by these different technological advancements. To be
more specific, these problems are ethical in nature that involve not only the
machine but also mankind. It is now impossible for technology and humanity
not to cross paths because as some would argue, technology has become a
necessity for people. At the end of the day, ethics should still be enforced in
the field of technology so as to ensure the safety and morality of these
devices to people.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. Do people really need technology in their lives? Is it really a necessity?
2. How do you reconcile the “need” for technology and dilemma/s it
faces?
3. Should there be an ethics of technology?
Read and Reflect
- Why Does the Future not need us?
ACTIVITY

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1. SKIT. Show your stand on technological dilemma through a skit. Do

not forget to show the roles played by the technological advancement
in the lives of the people.
Suggested topics:
a. Robot that are capable of having emotions
b. Google and stupidity
c. Filipino’s addiction to different technologies
d. Waze application

CHAPTER III

SPECIFIC ISSUES IN SCIENCE,

TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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LESSON 1
THE INFORMATION AGE
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
 Define Information Age;
 Discuss the history of Information Age; and
 Understand the factors that need to be considered in checking website
resources.
INTRODUCTION
Life is accompanied by endless transmission of information that takes
place within and outside the human body.
 According to Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary,
information is “knowledge communicated or obtained concerning a
specific fact or circumstance.”
 Information is a very important tool for survival.
Information age - is defined as a “period starting in the last quarter of the 20 th
century when information became effortlessly accessible through publications
and through the management of information by computer networks”
 It is also called the Digital Age and New Media Age because it was
associated with the development of computers.
James R. Messenger – proposed the Theory of Information age in 1982
-the Information Age is a new age based upon the
interconnection of computers via telecommunications, with these
information systems operating both a real-time and as-needed basis.
Furthermore, the primary factors driving this new age forward are
convenience and user-friendliness which, in turn, will create user
dependence.
HISTORY

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The table below traces the history and emergence of the Information
Age (United States American History, n.d.).
Table 1. Timeline of the Information Age
YEAR EVENT
3000 BC Sumerian writing system used pictographs to represent
words
2900 BC Beginnings of Egyptians hieroglyphic writing
1300 BC Tortoise shell and oracle bone writing were used
500 BC Papyrus roll was used
220 BC Chinese small seal writing was developed
100 AD Book (parchment codex)
1455 Johannes Guntenberg invented the printing press using
movable metal type
1755 Samuel Johnson’s dictionary standardized English spelling
1802  The Library of Congress was established
 Invention of the carbon arc lamp
1824 Research on persistence of vision published
1830s  First viable design for a digital computer
 Augusta Lady Byron writes the world’s first computer
program
1837 Invention of the telegraph in Great Britain and the United
States
1861 Motion pictures were projected into screen
1876 Dewey Decimal system was introduced
1877 Earweard Muybridge demonstrated high-speed photography
1899 First magnetic recording were released
1902 Motion pictures special effects were used
1906 Lee DeForest invented the electronic amplifying tube
(triode)
1923 Television camera were invented by Zvorkyn
1926 First practical sound movie
1939 Regularly scheduled television broadcasting began in the
US
1940s Beginnings of information science as a discipline
1945 Vannevar Bush foresaw the invention of hypertext
1946 ENIAC computer was developed
1948 Birth of field-of-information theory proposed by Claude E.
Shannon
1957 Planar transistor was developed by Jean Hoerni
1958 First integrated circuit
1960s Library of Congress developed LC MARC (Machine-
readable code)
1969 UNIX operating system was developed, which could handle
multitasking
1971 Intel introduced the first microprocessor chip
1972 Optical laserdisc was developed by Philips and MCA
1974 MCA and Philips agreed on a standard videodisc encoding

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format
1975 Altair Microcomputer Kit was released; first personal
computer for the public
1977 RadioShack introduced the first personal computer
1984 Apple Macintosh computer was introduced
Mid 1980s Artificial intelligence was separated from information
science
1987 Hypercard was developed by Bill Atkinson recipe box
metaphor
1991 Four hundred fifty complete works of literature on one CD-
ROM was released
January RSA (encryption and network security software) Internet
1997 security code cracked for a 48-bit number

SOME FACTS ON THE INFORMATION AGE ACCORDING TO ROBERT

HARRIS IN HIS ARTICLE “TRUTHS OF THE INFORMATION AGE”
1. Information must compete.
2. Newer is equated with truer.
3. Selection is viewpoint.
4. The media sells what the culture buys.
5. The early word gets the perm.
6. You are what you eat and so is your brain.
7. Anything in great demand will be counterfeited.
8. Ideas are seen as controversial.
9. Undead information walks ever on.
10. Media presence creates a story.
11. The medium selects the message.
12. The whole truth is a pursuit.
COMPUTER
- Among the most important contributions of advances in the Information
Age society.
- It is an electronic device that stores and processed data (information).
Types of Computer
1. Personal Computer (PC)
- It is a single user instrument. Were first known as microcomputers
since they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than
the enormous systems operated by most businesses.
2. Desktop Computer
- A work station is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful
processor, additional memory, and enhanced capabilities for
performing special group of tasks, such as 3D graphics or game
development.

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3. Laptops
- There are portable computers that integrate the essentials of a desktop
computer in a battery-powered package, which are somewhat larger
than a typical hardcover book.
4. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
- There are tightly integrated computers that usually have no keyboards
but rely on a touch screen for user input.
5. Server
- It refers to a computer that has been improved to provide network
services to other computers.
6. Mainframes
- These are huge computer systems that can fill an entire room.
- They are used especially by large firms to describe the large,
expensive machines that processes millions of transactions every day.
7. Wearable computers
- They involve materials that are usually integrated into cell phones,
watches, and other small objects or places.
THE WORL WIDE WEB (Internet)
Internet – is a worldwide system of interconnected networks that facilitate data
transmission among innumerable computers.
- It was developed during the 1970s by the Department of Defense.
Sergey Brin and Larry Page – directors of a Stanford research project, built a
search engine that listed results to reflect page popularity when they
determined that the most popular result would frequently be the most usable.
APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Bioinformatics – the application of information technology to store, organize,
and analyze vast amount of biological data which is available in the form of
sequences and structures of proteins-the building blocks of organisms and
nucleic acids- the information carrier.
- While the initial databases of protein sequences were maintained at
individual laboratories, the development of a consolidated formal
database, known as SWISS-PROT protein sequence database, was
initiated in 1986.
- Computers and software tools are widely used for generating these
databases and to identify the function of proteins, model structure of
proteins, determine the coding regions of nucleic acid sequences, find
suitable compounds from a large pool, and optimize the drug
development process by predicting possible targets.
- The sequence information generated by the human genome research,
initiated in 1988, and has now been stored as a primary information
source for future applications in medicine.

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- From the pharmaceutical industry’s point of view, bioinformatics is the

key to rational drug discovery. It reduces the number of trials in the
screening of drug compounds and in identifying potentials drug targets
for a particular disease using high-power computing workstation and
software like an insight.
- In plant biotechnology, bioinformatics is found to be useful in the areas
of identifying diseases resistance genes and designing plants with high
nutrition value.
HOW TO CHECK THE RELIABILTY OF WEB SOURCES
- The internet contains a vast collection of highly valuable information
but it may also contain unreliable, biased information that mislead
people.
1. Who is the author of the article/site?
2. Who published the site?
3. What is the main purpose of the site? Why did the author write it and
why did the publisher post it?
4. Who is the intended audience?
5. What is the quality of information provided of the website?
EXAMPLES OF USEFUL AND RELIABLE WEB SOURCES
1. AFA e-Newsletter (Alzheimer’s Foundation of America newsletter)
2. American Memory – the Library of Congress historical digital
collection.
3. Bartleby.com Great Books Online – a collection of free e-books
including fictions, nonfictions, references, and verses.
4. Chronicling America – search and view pages from American
newspapers from 1880-1922.
5. Cyber Bullying – a free collection of e-books from ebrary plus
additional reports and documents to help better understand, prevent
and take action against this growing concern.
6. Drug information websites:
- National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus
- Drugs.com
- PDRhealth
7. Global Gateway: World Culture & Resources (from the Library of
Congress)
8. Google Books
9. Googlescholar.com
10. History sites with primary document:
 AMDOCS: Documents for the study of American History
 Avalon Project: Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy (Yale
Law School)
 Internet Modern History Sourcebook: Colonial Latin America
 Teacher Oz’s Kingdom of History

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11. Illinois Digital Archives – the Illinois State Library working with
libraries, museums, and historical societies in Illinois provides this
collection of materials related to Illinois history.
12. Internet Archive – a digital library of Internet sites and t=other cultural
artifacts in digital form.
13. Internet Archive for CARLI digitized resources
14. Internet Public Library
15. Ipl2 – a merger of Librarians’ Internet Index and Internet Public Library.
Special interest may include the “Literary Criticisms” page which can
be found after clicking on the “Special Collections” link
16. Librarians Internet Index
17. Making of America – a digital library of primary sources in American
social history.
18. Maps – from the University of Texas at Austin collection. Includes
historical and thematic maps.
19. NationMaster – a massive central data source and a handy way to
graphically compare nations. It is vast compilation of data from such
sources as the CIA World Factbook, UN, and OECD.
20. Nursing sites:
 AHRQ (www.ahrq.gov)
 National Guidelines Clearinghouse (www.guideline.gov)
 PubMed (www.nlm.nih.gov)
21. Project Gutenberg – the first and largest single collection of free
electronic books with currently over 20,000 e-books available.
22. Shmoop – literature, US history, and poetry information written
primarily by PhD and masters students from top universities like
Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and Yale.
23. StateMaster - a unique statistical database which allows you to
research and compare a multitude of different data on US states using
various primary sources such as the US Census Bureau, the FBI, and
the National Center for Educational Statistics. It uses visualization
technology like pie charts, maps, graphs, and scatter plots to provide
data.
24. Virtual Reference – selected web resources compiled by the Library of
Congress.
SUMMARY
Nowadays, information could be shared or transferred quickly. People
are becoming more interested in sharing information about themselves.
Various aspects of our society are also being influenced by the Information
Age especially communication, economics, industry, health, and the
environment. The rapid upgrade of information poses both positive and
negative impacts to our society. Therefore, we need to carefully check our
motives before disseminating information and we also need to verify
information before believing them and using and sharing them. We should
share information that could help improve our lives and others.

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THINK AND ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1. Who are the contributors of the technological advances of the
Information Age?
2. Aside from communication, what other aspects of the society is/are
being influenced in the Information Age?
3. What other technological advancements can possibly be developed in
the future?
Read and Reflect
- Nature’s Longest Threads by Janaki Balakrishnan and BV Sreekantan
- How we decide by Jonah Lehrer
- Information: The New Language of Science (Hans Christian von
Baeyer)
ACTIVITY
1. CREATIVE WORK. Think of a device with special features that you
can develop to help improve lives of the people in our society. It could
be something that you can develop to help in communication,
transportation, health, and the like. Illustrate your device in a long bond
paper and explain the use the device.

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LESSON 2
BIODIVERSITY AND THE HEALTHY SOCIETY
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson the students should be able to:
 Determine the interrelatedness of society, environment, and health;
 Create a diagram that would show the relatedness of species in
forming up a diverse and healthy society without compromising one
another; and
 Identify everyday tasks and evaluate whether they contribute to the
wellness and health of biodiversity and society or not.
INTODUCTION
- Decrease in biodiversity in eminent worldwide.
- Marco Lambertini, the General Director of WWF International,
described that the disappearance of wildlife is at an unprecedented
rate.
- Earth might enter the sixth mass extinction event according to
experts.
- Mass extinction is described as the disappearance of species at a
rate of 1,000 faster than usual.
- The disappearance of species in a certain environment causes an
imbalance in the ecosystem, producing more chaotic changes that
harm the entire ecosystems.
BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
Biodiversity – is defined as the vast variety of life forms in the entire Earth. It
encompasses all kinds of life forms, from the single-celled organisms to the
largest multi-celled organisms.
- The variability among living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological
complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within
species, between species, and of ecosystems.
- It is the source of the essential goods and ecological services that
constitute the source of life for all and it has direct consumptive
value in food, agriculture, medicine, and in industry.
It is true that people will always depend on biodiversity on the wholeness of
our being and in our everyday lives.

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CHANGES IN BIODIVERSITY
- Alteration in any system could bring varied effects.
- A change in biodiversity could have erratic effects not only in wildlife
or in marine life but also in human beings.
- When our ecosystem is not well taken care of, biodiversity
encounters changes that may impact human health on such
different levels.
THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY
There are major threats to biodiversity that were identified by the
United Nations’ Environment Programme (WHO, n.d.). These are the
following:
1. Habitat loss and destruction
2. Alteration in ecosystem composition
3. Over exploitation
4. Pollution and contamination
5. Global climate change
CONSEQUENCES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS
- Even the improvement of technology and science at present, we
still have a lot to learn about biodiversity, more so about the
consequences of biodiversity loss.
- Intact ecosystems function best since the organisms composing
them are specialized to function in that ecosystem to capture,
transfer, utilize and ultimately, lose both energy and nutrients.
- As stated by Tilman, “The Earth will retain its most striking feature,
its biodiversity, only if humans have the prescience to do so. This
will occur, it seems, only if we realize the extent to which we use
biodiversity (Rainforest Conservstion Fund, 2017).”
NUTRITIONAL IMPACT OF BIODIVERSITY
- According to the World Health Organization, biodiversity is a vital
element of a human beings nutrition because of its influence to food
production.
- Nutrition and biodiversity are linked at many levels: the ecosystem,
with food production as an ecosystem service; the species in the
ecosystem; and the genetic diversity within species.
- Nutritional composition between foods of among
varieties/cultivars/breeds of the same food can differ dramatically,
affecting micronutrient availability in the diet.
- Habitat simplification, species loss, and species succession often
enhance communities, vulnerabilities as a function of environmental
receptivity to ill health (WHO, 2007).
HEALTH, BIOLOGY, AND BIODIVERSITY

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- Almost living organisms are dependent to their environment to live

and reproduce.
- Basic needs of living organisms such as air, water, food, and
habitat are provided by its environment
- Advances in agriculture, sanitation, water treatment, and hygiene
have a far greater impact on human health than medical
technology.
- Although the environment sustains human life, it can also cause
diseases.
- Environmental hazards increase the risk of cancer, heart disease,
asthma, and many other illnesses.
- These hazards can be physical, such as pollution, toxic chemicals,
and food contaminants, or they can be social, such as dangerous
work, poor housing conditions, urban sprawl, and poverty.
- The interrelation between human health and biological diversity is
considerable and complex. With the current biodiversity loss at
unprecedented rates, the delicate balance between human health
and biological diversity is at risk.
ENVIRONMENT-RELATED ILNESSES
- Some illnesses that are found to be related with its environment
include Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity,
occupational injuries, dysentery, arthritis, malaria, and depression.
- By contrast, activities that promote health and extend human life
could have adverse environmental effects.
- A reduction in mortality from starvation or disease can lead to
overpopulation, which stresses the environment in many different
ways – increasing use of fossil fuels, clearing of land, generating
pollution and waste, and so on.
- According to experts, climate change could also have a serious
impact on human health and could deteriorate farming systems and
reduce nutrients in some foods.
- Relationships between human health and the environment raise
many ethical, social, and legal dilemmas by forcing people to
choose among competing values.
- No issue demands greater care in balancing benefits and risks than
global warming.
- Climate change is likely to cause tremendous harm to the
environment and human health, but taking steps to drastically
reduce greenhouse gases could have adverse consequences for
global, national and local economies.
- When drafting and implementing environmental health regulations,
it is important to consider vulnerable subpopulations.

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- Vulnerable subpopulation – is a group with an increased

susceptibility to the adverse effects of an environmental risk factor,
due to their age, genetics, health status or some other condition.
- If an environmental regulation is designed to protect average
members of population, it may fail to adequately protect vulnerable
subpopulations.
- Public health strategies pit the rights of individuals against the good
of society, such as mandatory treatment, vaccination, or diagnostic
testing; isolation and quarantine; and disease surveillance.
- Human rights issues also come up with research on environmental
health that involves human subjects.
- A mitigating plan and a workable plan of action should be studies in
order to not compromise biodiversity, while at the same time,
promote good health among the society.
SUMMARY
Most of the time, it may seem impossible to really value species singly
or in a detailed manner. But we have to consider the entire Earth as a single
unit. A loss of single-celled species or a family of wild grass could have
adverse effects in the entire biosphere. Biodiversity seen in macro level
seems to be still vast and rich, yet if we look at it in micro-level, per species,
we have to lost too much. Eventually, in the near future, this biodiversity loss
will have a great negative effect especially to us humans. “The value of
biodiversity is the value of everything”(Rainforest Conservation Fund, n.d.).
We must recognize the value of organisms with which we share the
planet. As Costanza et al. (1997) put it, “We must begin to give the natural
capital shock that produces these services adequate weight in the decision-
making process, otherwise, current and continued future human welfare may
drastically suffer… many ecosystem services are literally irreplaceable.” We
do not, and probably cannot, ever evaluate such services adequately, but we
can value the ecosystems of the world appropriately (Rainforest Conservation
Fund, n.d.).

Think and answer the following questions.

1. How would you reconcile the emerging needs of human beings
regarding their health and the need to protect the growth of
biodiversity?
2. Do you think the Earth can exist without human beings taking care of
it? Or biodiversity also needs human beings for it to be in a continuous
growing process?
3. What are small ways that you think would promote safekeeping our
biodiversity? What do you think are the common human activities that
can harm biodiversity? What would be the consequences if these
human activities might be stopped and prohibited?
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Activity
1. Advocacy writing. You think of an advocacy that is timely, knowing
that in our emerging needs to endure in this world, biodiversity
collapses and suffers just to provide our necessities for survival.

2. Concept Mapping. List down several concepts that the society or

human beings benefit from biodiversity. On the other circle, enumerate
the different challenges and disadvantages that biodiversity suffers as
we work our way to acquire the benefits. On the other space where two
circles meet, list down possible ways and strategies on how we could
acquire these benefits and needs without compromising the growth
process of biodiversity.

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LESSON 3
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: SCIENCE, HEALTH
AND POLITICS
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Identify issues on genetically modified organisms (GMOs);
 Discuss different implications and impact of GMOs; and
 Create a research paper on the impact of GMOs in the Philippine
context.
INTRODUCTION
In 2001, Rosalie Ellasus, a former overseas Filipino worker in
Singapore turned farmer, attended the Integrated Pest Management –
Farmers Field School and was introduced to Bt Corn, a genetically modified
corn that is resistant to the destructive Asian corn borer. Ms.Ellasus
volunteered for demo testing in her field. Bt Corn yield 7.2 tons per acre as
compare to regular year of 4.2 tons per hectare. No insecticide spraying was
needed. This one of the success stories of genetically modified organisms.
(GMOs) (Ongkiko, 2016).
Genetic engineering has been with the human society since selective
breeding was introduced to humankind and when animals were domesticated.
Yet the process of genetic alteration is all but natural.
GENETIC ENGINEERING - in 1951 it was coined by Jack Williamson, author
of science fiction novel Dragon’s Island
 Through continuous search for development, it no longer stayed in
science fiction novel. It became reality in science laboratories. The
general process of genetic engineering is the deliberate manipulation
of the organism’s genes, where it may involve transfer of genes from
other organisms.
An antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria was created in 1973. To date, there
are ongoing researches on GMOs such as using genetically modified male
mosquitoes as pest control over female mosquito carriers of Zika virus.
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM
Genetically modified organism (GMO) – is the term used for
organism created through genetic engineering.

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 World Health Organization (WHO), 2014 defines it as an “organism,

either plant, animal or microorganism, in which the genetic material
(DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally in
mating or natural recombination.”
The development of GMOs was perceived to help in the advancement of
technology for the benefit of humans in different industries like agriculture
and medicine.

GMOs IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE INDUCTRIES

The Center for Eco genetics and Environmental Health (CEEH, 2013)
identified the following roles of GMOs in the food and agricultural industries:
1. Pest resistance – genetically modified plants to resist certain pests.
 An example is Bt Corn. The DNA (genome) of the Bt Corn has been
modified with the gene of Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium that
produces proteins which is toxic to corn borers (worms).
2. Virus resistance – genetically modified plants to resist certain viruses.
 An example is GM papaya or rainbow papaya. The papaya ring spot
virus (PRSV) is known to be detrimental to papaya plants. The protein
of PRSV was introduces to the papaya plant through plant tissue which
turned out to be resistant to the virus itself. The effect was like the
vaccine humans have against measles or influenza virus.
3. Herbicide tolerance – genetically modifies plants to tolerate herbicide.
 An example is Roundup Ready soybean. Glyphosate, an herbicide for
weeds, was introduced to soybeans making it tolerant to the herbicide
itself. Farmers then can spray the herbicide killing the weeds but not
the soybeans.
4. Fortification – genetically modified plants fortified with certain
minerals.
 An example is Golden Rice. Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A,
was introduced through biosynthesis genes to the rice, making the rice
grains fortified with vitamin A.
5. Cosmetic preservation – genetically modified plants resist natural
discoloration.
 An example is Arctic Apple. The apple variety was genetically modified
to suppress the browning of apple due to superficial damage.
6. Increase growth rate – a genetically modified organism that has
higher yield growth than normal specie.
 An example is AquAdvantage salmon. A gene from an ocean pout, an
eel-like fish was introduced to Pacific Chinook salmon, making the
salmon grow faster that its normal rate.
GMOs IN NON-FOOD CROPS AND MICROORGANISMS

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1. Flower production – GMOs in flower production are seen in modified

color and extended vase life of flowers.
 Examples are Blue Roses. The so-called “blue” roses, which are, in
reality lilac or purple, contained cyaniding 3,5-diglucoside, together with
large amounts of flavonols. The introduction of the flavonoid 31, 51-
hydroxyglase gene into pelargonidin- or cyaniding- producing rose
cultivars diverts the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway toward the
production of delphinidin glocusides and the flower color to blue
(Elomaa & Holton, 1994).
2. Paper production – modified characteristics of trees for higher yield of
paper production.
 Examples are poplar trees. Lignin is a complex polymer in trees that
removed from wood to make paper through kraft process, through
inserting genes that code for ferulic acid in young poplar trees, the
lignin structure is modified, making lignin easier to breakdown (Veniza,
2014).
3. Pharmaceutical productions – modified plants to produce
pharmaceutical products.
 Examples are periwinkle plants. Bacterial genes were added to the
periwinkle plant to enhance the production of vinblastine, an alkaloid
usually added to drugs for cancer treatments like Hodgkin’s lymphoma
(Runguphan, 2010).
4. Bioremediation – use of modified plants that can assist in
bioremediation of polluted sites.
 Example is shrub tobacco. Nicotiana glauca, or shrub tobacco
genetically modified with phytochelatin TaPCSI1, is used for
bioremediation. It shows high level accumulation of zinc, lead,
cadmium, nickel, and boron and produces high biomass.
5. Enzyme and drug production – use of modified microorganisms that
can produce enzymes for food processing and medicines.
6. GMOs in the medical field – genetic engineering is playing a
significant role from diagnosis to treatment of human-dreaded
diseases. It helps in the production of drugs, gene therapy, and
laboratory researches.
BENEFITS OF GMOs
1. Higher efficiency in farming – with the use of
pesticide-resistant/herbicide-tolerant GMO crops, there will be less use
for herbicides/pesticides, and lower cost for labor and cultivation.
2. Increase in harvest – GMO crops resistant to pests and diseases
means increase in potential growth and harvest.
3. Control in fertility – controlling the purity of the hybrid seeds (GMO
seeds) ensures higher yields.
4. Increase in food processing – altered characteristics of GMO crops
help ease food processing.

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5. Improvement of desirable characteristics – GMOs offer longer shelf

life, enhanced color and taste, enhanced production or reduction of
enzymes, and other modified characteristics of plants, animals, and
microorganisms.
6. Nutritional and pharmaceutical enhancement – GMO crops like
maize fortified with lysine and Golden Rice fortified with Vitamin A and
iron. There are now edible vaccines for viral and diarrheal diseases.
7. Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF GMOs
Despite the promising claims of GMOs, the opponents of GMOs claim
otherwise. For example there are studies that shows a link in the adaption of
pesticide-resistant GMO crops to the significant growth of super weeds that
became pesticide-resistant, too. This caused additional problem to more than
12 million acres of farms in the United States.
Opponents of GMOs have the following major concerns:
1. Since genetic engineering is still a young branch science, there are
inadequate studies on the effects of GMOs to humans and the
environment.
2. Genetic engineering promotes mutation in organisms which the long
term effect is still unknown.
3. Human consumption of GMOs might have the following effects:
o More allergic reactions – GMO food may trigger more allergic
reactions, more so create new ones, as side effect of the gene
alteration.
o Gene mutation – GMO food may develop abnormalities and
mutation, more than the desired product of the gene alteration.
o Antibiotic resistance – GMO food contains antibiotic-resistant
genes, this may cause disease-causing bacteria likely to be
more antibiotic-resistance too, increasing the possibility of
widespread of the disease.
o Nutritional value – GMO food may have change in their
nutritional value.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS CAUSED BY GMOs
Karki (2006) summarized the perceived potential environmental risk caused
by GMOs. The identified major risks are the following:
1. Risk in gene flow – there is a potential risk of the modified gene to be
transferred from the GMO crop to its wild relative or organism in the
soil and human intestine (when ingested).
2. Emergence of new forms of resistance and secondary pests and
weed problems – GMO crops resistance to certain pesticides may
trigger new form of pest resistance while GMO herbicide-tolerant crops

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may lead to the over use of the herbicides which may trigger new form
of weed resistance.
3. Recombination of Virus and Bacteria to Produce new Pathogens –
the modified gen can be transferred and integrated in the viral or
bacterial genes which may lead to viral or bacterial gene modification
or mutation. This living modified virus and bacteria may then cause
new disease that may affect other organisms including human beings.
Other direct and indirect environmental risks caused by GMOs
(Molfino & Zucco, 2008):
1. Direct environmental risks are:
 Introduction of the GMOs in the natural environment may cause
disruption of the natural communities through competition or
interference;
 The possibility of unexpected behavior of the GMOs in the environment
if it escapes its intended use and may post threats or become pest;
 May cause harmful effects of ecosystem processes if GMOs interfere
with the natural biochemical cycles; and
 The persistence of GMO genes after its harvest which may cause
negative impacts to the consumer of GMO products.
2. Indirect environmental risks are:
 Alteration of agricultural practices like managing negative
impacts of GMOs to the environment such as evolution of
insects, pests, and weeds that became resistant to GMO crops;
 May have impacts to biodiversity caused by the alteration in
agricultural practices; and
 May have varied environmental impacts due to GMOs
interaction and release in the natural environment.
POTENTIAL HUMAN HEALTH RISKS CAUSED BY GMOs
A major concern in the use of consumption of GMOs is its effects on
human beings, primarily on human health. Some potential human health risks
are identified (Akhter, 2001) such as:
 Consumption of GMOs may have adverse effects since it is not
naturally or organically produced;
 Consumption of GMOs may after the balance of existing
microorganisms in the human digestive system;
 Production of toxins may be detrimental to human health; and
 Production of allergens may have adverse effects on humans.

Worldwide, there are many groups that campaign against GMO food
consumption. They encourage people to boycott GMO products and to be
vigilant in checking if the food they buy has GMO ingredients. In the

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Philippines, the Supreme Court has ruled against the use of Bt eggplant,
another genetically modified crop (Ongkiko, 2016).
Other potential risks that raise major concern are:
 Human Genome Project (HGP) – mapping of human genes to
provide framework for research and studies in the field of medicine.
It was feared that the ability to produce human genetic information
would create biases and give much power to people holding the
information and to the disadvantage of those who do not have the
genetic information.
 Mutation of genetically engineered microorganisms –
Genetically modified bacteria and viruses may mutate to become
more resistant or virulent that may cause more dreadful diseases
for human beings.
 Cloning – The asexual reproduction of an organism using parent
cell through genetic engineering. In February 24, 1997, the first
mammal, Dolly, a sheep from Scotland, was born through cloning.
With its celebrated success came the fear of human cloning. It
emerged the ethical issue of man playing God.
BIOSAFETY ON GMOs
There are initiatives for the protection of the general human population
regarding the issues and concerns about GMOs. International organizations
developed principles and treaties that somehow ensure biosafety on GMOs.
Some of these are as follows:
 The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex). The Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO) together with the World Health
Organization (WHO) created The Codex Alimentarius Commission
(Codex).
- it is an intergovernmental body that develops the Codex
Alimentarius, know us the International Food Code.
- It is responsible for the development of standards, codes of
practices, guideline, and recommendations on food safety.
 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Established in 2003, Cartagena
Protocol is an international environmental treaty that regulates the
Trans boundary movements of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). The
Cartagena Protocol requires exporters to seek consent from the
importers before its first shipment of LMOs (WHO, 2014).
 International Trade Agreement on Labeling of GM food and food
products. The agreement requires exporters of GM food and food
products to label their products and give rights to importing parties to
reject or accept the GM products. The premise of this policy is that
consumers have the right to know and the freedom to choose GM or
non-GM products (Whitman, 2000).

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The World Health Organization (WHO, 2014) claims that all GM products
that are available in the international market have passed safety assessment
by national authorities. The safety assessments basically look at the
environmental and health risk factors and food safety usually allows the
Codex Food Code.
GMOs IN THE PHILIPPINE CONTEXT
Introduction of GMOs in our country created issues and controversies
similar to other countries with GMOs. There are of course, proponents and
opponents of these issues.
- The GMO concern started in the 1990s with the creation of the
National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) through
E.O No.430 of 1990. The Philippines was marked to be the first
country in Asia to approved commercial cultivation of GMOs when
GM corn planting was approved in 2002 (Serapio & Dela Cruz,
2016).
- From December 2002 to present, there are 70 GMO applications
approved by the Department of Agriculture for the release to the
environment, 62 GMOs of which are approved for food feed and
processing and the remaining 8 were approved for propagation
(Aruelo, 2016).
- In 2004, the Philippines was classified by International Service for
acquisition of agri-biotech applications as one of the fourteen
biotech-mega countries which grow 50,000 hectares or more of
GMO crops annually (James, 2004). In that same year, Senator
Juan Flavier authored a bill on the mandatory labeling of food and
food products with GMOs. The senate did not pass the bill.
- In 2006, the Philippines became part of the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety. In the same year, Executive Order No. 514 was issued to
address the biosafety requirements of the Cartagena Protocol and
the establishment on the National Biosafety Framework (NBF).
- In 2010, the Organic Agriculture Act was issued, encouraging
organic agriculture than GMO-related agriculture. Prior to this act,
there are several provinces like Negros Occidental and Negros
Oriental which agreed support organic agriculture. There was the
establishment of the Negros Organic Island through a
memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two provinces in
2005. With this MOA, the two provinces were able to ban the entry
of GMOs and living GMOs to their provinces through provincial
ordinance. Similar to this case, Davao city passed the Organic
Agriculture Ordinance in 2010. This city ordinance helps the
prevention of field testing of GM Bt eggplant in the UP Mindanao
Campus (Aruelo, 2016).
- In 2012, Representative Teddy Casiño, together with other
congressmen, filed a bill pushing for the mandatory labeling of GM

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food and food products. To date, there is no Philippine biosafety

law, only biosafety regulations formed under NBF.
- In December 2015, the Supreme Court ordered to put an end to the
field testing of GMO Bt eggplant and declared Administrative Order
No. 8 series of 2002 of the Department of Agriculture as null and
void. This means that any actions or procedures related to GMO
importations and propagation is temporarily put to stop until a new
administrative order is issued in accordance with the law.
- In March 7, 2016, five government agencies namely, the
Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of
Health and Department of the Interior and Local Government,
passed a Joint Department Circular No. 1 series of 2016 on rules
and regulations for the research and development, handling and
use, trans boundary movement, release in the environment, and
management of the genetically modified plant and plant products
derived from the use of modern biotechnology. This joint
department circular paves way to issuance of new permits for
planting and importing GM crops in the country.

SUMMARY
Genetic engineering is an emerging field of science. Its quests are to
preserve and prolong life. In more than four decades since the first genetically
modified bacteria was produced, thousands of genetically modified organisms
have been created and propagated. Some are approved by experts and
government authorities for human use and consumption while others are kept
in institutional research laboratories subject for more experiments.
There are advantages and disadvantages in using genetic engineering
in both fields of medicine and food agriculture, there are controversies that are
still debatable up to the present. Major concern of the opponents in the long-
term effect of GMOs to humans while the proponents’ flagship is the success
stories of the GMO recipients.
There is still a long way to go for GMOs to prove itself, as humans seek
answers to life’s predicaments or as humans play like God.

THINK AND ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

1. How would you reconcile the advantages and disadvantages that
GMOs bring to humans?
2. When do you think should the pursuit of GMOs research stop?
3. Is genetic engineering a pure scientific process or it is indeed an act of
humans playing like GOD?
Read and Reflect

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- The Politics of Golden Rice

- Ethics in Research with Vulnerable Populations and Emerging
Countries: The Golden Rice Case.
ACTIVITIES
1. AGREE OR DISAGREE. Discuss the topics below according to your
opinion.
a. Use of genetically modified milk from animals for human baby
consumption
b. Economic concerns over moral issues on GM food and food
products

LESSON 4
THE NANO WORLD
LESSON OBJECTIVE:
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
a. Define nanotechnology;
b. Characterize nanoscale;
c. Describe the various uses of nanotechnology;
d. Discuss concerns on the use of nanotechnology; and
e. Explain the status of the use of nanotechnology in the Philippines.
Watch and Reflect
- How Technology will Transform Us (Ray Kurzwell)
INTRODUCTION
Scientific researchers have developed new technological tools that
great improve different aspects of our lives. The use of nanoscale is one
important interdisciplinary area generated by advancement in science and
technology.
Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and technology
conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers (NNI, 2017).
Nanoscience and nanotechnology employs the study and application of
exceptionally small things in other areas of science including materials
science, engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry (NNI, 2017).
On December 29, 1959, the concepts of nanotechnology and
nanoscience sarted when Physicist Richard Feynman discussed a method in
which scientists can direct and control individual atoms and molecules in his
talk “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” during the American Physical
Society meeting at the California Institute of Technology. The term

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“nanotechnology” was coined by Professor Norio Taniguchi a decade after the

dawn of the use of ultra-precision machining (NNI, 2017).
HOW SMALL IS A NANOSCALE?
A nanometer is a billionth of a meter. Manipulation of nanomaterials
needs an adept understanding of their types and dimensions. The various
types of nanomaterials are classified according to their individual shapes and
sizes. They may be particles, tubes, wires, films, flakes, or shells that have
one or more nanometer-sized dimensions. One should be able to view and
manipulate them so that we can take advantage of their exceptional
characteristics.
HOW TO VIEW NANOMATERIALS
Scientists use special types of microscopes to view minute
nanomaterials. During the 1930’s, scientists used electron microscopes and
field microscopes to look at the nanoscale.
1. Electron microscope
- German engineers Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll built the first
electron microscope during the 1930s. This type of microscope
utilizes a particle beam of electrons to light up a specimen and
develop a well magnified image. Electron microscopes produce
higher and better resolution than older light microscopes because
they can magnify objects up to a million times while conventional
light microscopes can magnify objects up to 1,500 times only.
Scanning electron Microscope (SEM) and transmission electron
microscope (TEM) are the two general types of electron
microscope.
2. Atomic force microscope (AFM)
- It was first developed by Gerd Binig, Calvin Quate, and Christoph
Gerber in 1986. It makes use of mechanical probe that gathers
information from the surface of a material.
3. Scanning tunneling microscope
- This special type of microscope enables to view and manipulate
nanoscale particles, atoms, and small molecules. In 1986, Gerd
Binig and Heinrich Rohrer won the Nobel Prize in Physics because
of this invention.
NANOMANUFACTURING
It refers to scaled-up, reliable, and cost effective manufacturing of
nanoscale materials, structures, devices, and systems. It also involves
research, improvement, and incorporation of processes for the construction of
materials. Therefore, nano manufacturing leads to the development of new
products and improved materials.
2 FUNDAMENTAL APPROACHED TO NANOMANUFACTURING

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1. BOTTOM – UP FABRICATION
- It manufactures products by building them up from atomic- and
molecular-scale components. However, this method can be time-
consuming. Scientists and engineers are still in search for effective
ways of putting up together molecular components that self-
assemble and from the bottom-up to organized structure.
2. TOP – DOWN FABRICATION
- It trims down large pieces of materials into nanoscale. This process
needs larger amounts of materials and discards excess raw
materials.

NEW APPROACHES TO THE ASSEMBLY OF NANOMATERIALS BASED

FROM THE APPLICATION OF PRINCIPLES IN TOP DOWN AND BOTTOM
UP FABRICATION:
 Dip pen lithography
It is a method in which the tip of an atomic force microscope is
“dipped” into a chemical fluid and then utilized to “write” on a surface,
like an old fashioned ink pen onto paper.
 Self-assembly
It depicts an approach wherein a set of components join
together to mold an organized structure in the absence of an
outside direction.
 Chemical vapor deposition
It is a procedure wherein chemicals act in response to form very
pure, highly-performance films.
 Nanoimprint lithography
It is a method of generating nanoscale attributed by “stamping”
or “printing” them onto surface.
 Molecular beam epitaxy
It is one manner for depositing extremely controlled thin films.
 Roll-to-roll processing
It is a high-volume practice for constructing nanoscale devices
on a roll of ultrathin plastic or metal.
 Atomic layer epitaxy
It is a means for laying down one-atom-thick layers on a surface.
With the use of these techniques, nanomaterials are made more
durable, stronger, lighter, water-repellent, ultraviolet- or infrared- resistant,
scratch-resistant, electrically conductive, antireflective, antifog, antimicrobial,
self-cleaning, among others.

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It is not impossible that in the near future, computers that are better,
more efficient, with larger storage of memory, faster, and energy saving will
be developed. Soon, the entire memory of a computer will be saved in a
single tiny chip. Moreover nanotechnology has the potential to construct high
efficiency, low-cost batteries and solar cells.
DISTINCT FEATURES OF NANOSCALE
Nanotechnology involves operating at a very small dimension and it
allows scientists to make use of the exceptional optical, chemical, physical,
mechanical, and biological qualities of materials of that small scale (NNI,
2017). The following are distinct features of nanoscale:
1. Scale at which much biology occurs.
Various activities of the cells take place at the nanoscale. The
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) serves as the genetic material of the cell and is
only about 2 nanometers in diameter. Furthermore, the hemoglobin that
transports oxygen to the tissues throughout the body is 5.5 nanometers in
diameter.
A good number of modern researches focus on advancing procedures,
therapies, tools, and treatments that are more accurate and custom-made
than traditional methods and cause no adverse effects on the body.
An example of this is the bio-barcode assay, which is a fairly inexpensive
approach for identification of specific disease markers in the blood despite
their small number in a particular specimen.
2. Scale at which quantum effects dominate properties of materials.
Particles with dimensions of 1-100 nanometers have properties that are
significantly discrete from particles of bigger dimensions. Quantum effects
direct the behavior and properties of particles in this size scale. The properties
of materials are highly dependent on their size. Among the essential
properties of nanoscale that change as a function of size include chemical
reactivity, fluorescence, magnetic permeability, melting point, and electrical
conductivity.
One example is the nanoscale gold, which is not only the yeloow-colored
element we are used to seeing but it can also appear red or purple. Gold’s
electrons display restricted motion in the nanoscale. Practically, nanoscale
gold particles selectively build up in tumors, where they permit both precise
imaging and targeted laser destruction of the tumor while avoiding damage on
healthy cells.
3. Nanoscale materials have far larger surface areas than similar
masses of larger scale materials.

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As we increase the surface area per mass of a particular material, a

greater amount of the material comes in contact with another material and can
effect its reactivity.
If 1 cubic centimeter is filled with micrometer-sized cubes – a trillion
(1012) of them, each with a surface area of 6 square micrometers – the total
surface area amounts to 6 square meters, or about the area of the main
bathroom in an average house. When that single cubic centimeter of volume
is filled with 1 nanometer-sized cubes – 1021 of them, each with an area of 6
square nanometers – their total surface area comes to 6,000 square meters.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY IN DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES (DAYRIT, 2005)
1. U.S National Nanotechnology Initiative
 The best-known and most funded program is the National
Nanotechnology Initiative of the United States. The NNI was
established in 2001 to coordinate U.S. federal nanotechnology R&D.
The NNI budget in 2008 and 2009 were $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion,
respectively.
2. European Commission
 In February 2008, the EC officially launched the European
Nanoelectronics Initiative Advisory Council (ENIAC).
3. Japan (Nanotechnology Research Institute, under the National Institute
for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, AIST)
4. Taiwan (Taiwan National Science and Technology Program for
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)
5. India (Nanotechnology Research and Education Foundation)
6. China (National Center for Nanoscience and Technology)
7. Israel (Israel National Nanotechnology Initiative)
8. Australia (Australian Office of Nanotechnology)
9. Canada (National Institute for Nanotechnology or NINT)
10. South Korea (Korea National Nanotechnology Initiative)
11. Thailand (National Nanotechnology Center or NANOTEC)
12. Malaysia (National (Malaysia) Nanotechnology Initiatives or NNI)
POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE
PHILIPPINES (DAYRIT, 2005)
1. ICT and semiconductors
2. Health and medicine
3. Energy
4. Food and agriculture
5. Environment
NANOTECH ROADMAP FOR THE PHILIPPINES (FUNDED BY PCAS-TRD-
DOST)
1. ICT and semiconductors

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2. Health and biomedical

3. Energy
4. Environment
5. Agriculture and food
6. Health and environmental risk
7. Nano-metrology
8. Education and public awareness
BENEFITS AND CONCERNS OF USING NANOTECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology has various applications in different sectors of the
society and environment. Salamanca-Buentello et al. (2005) proposed an
initiative called “Addressing Global Challenges Using Nanotechnology” to
accelerate the use of nanotechnology to address critical sustainable
development challenges. They suggested a model that could help figure out
the possible contributions of the community in overcoming global challenges
that pose risk on health and other aspects of peoples’ lives. However, there
are concerns that need to be addressed before using and promoting materials
derived from nanotechnology (Dayrit, 2005)
1. Nanotechnology is not a single technology; it may become pervasive.
2. Nanotechnology seeks to develop new materials with specific
properties.
3. Nanotechnology may introduce new efficiencies and paradigms which
may make some natural resources and current practices uncompetitive
or obsolete.
4. It may be complicated to detect its presence unless one has the
specialist tools of nanotechnology.
Table 1. Benefits and Concerns of the Application of Nanotechnology in
Different Areas
Examples of Areas Possible Benefits Concerns
Affected by
Nanotechnology
 Improved  High reactivity
detection and and toxicity
Environment removal of  Pervasive
contaminants distribution in the
 Development of environment
benign industrial  No nano-specific
processes and EPA regulation
materials
 Improved  Ability to cross
medicine cell membranes
Health and translocate
in the body
 No FDA approval
needed for

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cosmetics or
supplements
 Better products  Redistribution of
 New jobs wealth
Economy  Potential cost of
cleanups and
healthcare
 Accessibility to
all income levels
(Source: University of Washington, n.d.)
SOCIAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH
ON NANOTECHNOLOGY
1. Who will benefit from it? On the other hand, who won’t?
2. For whom and what are your objectives for developing your product?
3. How will it affect social, economic, and political relationships?
4. What problem is your “product” trying to solve?
5. Who will have access to it? Who will be excluded?
6. Are there dangers involved with its development (e.g., safety, health,
pollution)? How can you minimize them?
7. Who will own it? How can you assure access to it?
(Source: University of Washington, n.d.)

SUMMARY
Nanotechnology is an advanced interdisciplinary field that
encompasses science and technology that manufactures materials of great
help to the improvement of various areas of society especially health care,
environment, energy, food, water, and agriculture. It is a field that needs to be
explores, not only by known experts but also neophytes, in order to advance
our knowledge of science and technology, and more importantly, to help
improve our quality of life. But, before we engage in nanotechnology, we need
to take into account the social, ethical, and environmental concerns of using
such nanomaterials.

THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS

1. What are nanomaterials and how are they made?
2. What are the factors that need to be considered before manufacturing
materials through nanotechnology?
3. What are the contributions of nanotechnology for the improvement and
sustainability of our environment?
Read and Reflect

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- “Nanoethics: The Ethical and Social Implications of

Nanotechnology”
- “Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology and its Product.”
- Can we build a culture of science through nanotechnology? Fabian
Dayrit (2013)
ACTIVTIES
1. CREATIVE WORK. Illustrate or design a product or output that is
made up of nanomaterial’s you want to create. Explain the raw
materials that make up your product, the steps involved for developing
your product, and the specific use of the final product. What is the
significance of your output for the society?
2. PORTFOLIO. Conduct a research on the recent innovations or
advancements in nanotechnology on different countries. Cut out
pictures and provide descriptions.

LESSON 5
THE ASPECT OF GENE THERAPY
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:
a. Describe gene therapy and its various forms; and
b. Assess the issue’s potential benefits and detriments to global health
Watch and Reflect
- Science Friction: Stem Cell Research (Youtube)
- Tedtalk: Susan Lim on “Transplant Cells Not Organs”
- Tedtalk: Juan Enriquez on “The Next Species of Humans”
INTRODUCTION
Medical science has detected many human diseases related to
defective genes. These types of diseases are not curable by traditional
methods by taking readily available medicines. Gene therapy is a potential
method to either treat or cure genetic-related human illnesses.
In 2015, a team of researchers at the Harvard Medical School and the
Boston Children’s Hospital stated that they were able to restore basic hearing
in genetically deaf mice using gene therapy. The Boston Children’s Hospital
research team also reported that they have restored at higher level of hearing

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– down to 25 decibels which is actually equivalent to a whisper. They used an

improved gene therapy vector developed at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear
that was identified as “Anc80” which enables the transfer of genes to the
inaccessible outer hair cells when introduced into the cochlea (Fliesler, 2017).
Human gene therapy was actually first realized in 1971 when the first
recombinant DNA experiments were planned. It can be simply viewed as
insertion foreign DNA into a patient’s tissue that hope to successfully
eradicate the targeted disease. It was actually inspired by the success of
recombinant DNA technology which occurred over the last 20 years. Without
a doubt, gene therapy is the most promising yet possibly unfavorable medical
field being studied.
THE BASIC PROCESS
There are several approaches to gene therapy. These are the following
(Fliesler, 2017):
 Replacement of mutated gene that causes disease with a healthy copy
of the gene
 Inactivation of a mutated gene that is functioning improperly
 Introducing a new gene into the body to help fight a disease
In general, a gene cannot be directly inserted into a human gene or cell. A
gene is inserted into another gene using a carrier or vector. At present, the
most common type of vectors are viruses that have been genetically changed
to carry normal human DNA. Viruses have evolved pathogenic manner
(Science Daily, 2017).
TWO TYPES OF GENE THERAPY
1. SOMATIC GENE THERAPY
- Involves the manipulation of genes in cells that will be helpful
to the patient but not inherited to the next generation
(Nimsergen, 1988)
2. GERM-LINE GENE THERAPY
- Which involves the genetic modification of germ cells or the
origin cells that will pass the change on the next generation
(Your Genome, 2017).

STEM CELL GENE THERAPY

Stem cells are mother cells that have the potential to become any type
of cell in the body. One of the main characteristics of stem cell is their ability
to self-renew or multiply while maintaining the potential to develop into other
types of cells. Stem cells can become cells of the blood, heart, bones, skin,
muscles, brain, among others. There are different sources of stem cells but all
types of stem cells have the same capacity to develop into multiple types of
cells.

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Stem cells are derived from different sources. Two of which are
embryonic and somatic stem cells.
The embryonic stem cells are derived from a four- or five day-old
human embryo that is in the blastocyst phase of development. The embryos
are usually extras that have been created in IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics
were several eggs are fertilized in a test tube then implanted into a woman
(Crosta, 2013).
The somatic stem cells are cells that exist throughout the body after
embryonic development and are found inside of different types of tissue.
These stem cells have been found in tissues such as the brain, bone marrow,
blood, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, skin, and the liver. They remain in a
non-dividing state for years until activated by disease or tissue injury. These
stem cells can divide or self-renew indefinitely, enabling them to generate a
range of cell types from the originating organ or even regenerate the entire
original organ. It is generally thought that adult or somatic stem cells are
limited in their ability to differentiate based on their tissue of origin, but this is
some evidence to suggest that they can differentiate to become other cell
types (Crosta, 2013).
THE BIOETHICS OF GENE THERAPY
There are ethical issues involved in gene therapy. Some of the
inquiries cited are (Genetics Home Reference, 2017):
1. How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished?
2. Who decides which traits are normal and which constitute a disability or
disorder?
3. With the high costs of gene therapy make it available only to wealthy?
4. Could the widespread use of gene therapy make society less accepting
of people who are different?
5. Should people be allowed to use gene therapy to enhance basic
human traits such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability?
Another controversy involves the germ line therapy. As discusses, germ
line therapy is genetic modification of germ cells that will pass the change on
to the next generation. There are a lot of questions on the effects of the gene
alteration to the unborn child and the next generation, since the alteration can
be passed on, in the United States, the government does not fund researches
on human germ line gene therapy.
SUMMARY
Gene therapy is a method that may treat or cure genetic-related human
illnesses. There are two forms of gene therapy. One is somatic gene therapy
which involves the manipulation of genes in cells that will be helpful to the
patient but not inherited to the next generation. The other is germ line gene
therapy which involves the genetic modification of germ cells or the origin
cells that will pass the change to the next generation.

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There are many ethical issues on gene therapy. Some of these issues
are about on whose authority or power to decide which human traits should
be altered; other concerns are the discriminatory effects of those who may not
or cannot avail gene therapy.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. Would you subject yourself for gene therapy without its 100%
assurance of effectiveness or future negative side effects?
2. Should gene therapy be limited to medical concerns only or could it be
used for aesthetic purposes?
ACTIVITIES
1. Flow Chart. Make a flow chart of the basic process of gene therapy.
Explain each part of the process. You may use references for your
guide.
2. Concept mapping. Using a Venn diagram, differentiate the two forms
of gene therapy.

LESSON 6
CLIMATE CHANGE
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:
 Identify the causes of climate change;
 Understand the effects of climate change on the society; and
 Illustrate how the community helps in mitigating the hazards caused by
climate change.
Watch and Reflect
- An Inconvenient truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global
Warming and what we can do about it (AI Gore) (youtube)
- BUHOS: A Climate change documentary by Loren Legarda
INTRODUCTION
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United
Nations body that evaluates climate change science, released its report on
global climate change. The report’s important conclusions were the following:
world’s climate has changed significantly over the past century; the significant
change has human influence; using climate models and if the trend continues,
the global mean surface temperature will increase between 1⁰C and 3.5⁰C by
2100.
Why should a few degrees of warming be a cause for a concern?
According to experts, global climate change could have a greater potential to
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change life in our planet than anything else except a nuclear war. These
changes will also lead to a number of potentially serious consequences.
Climate change refers to the statistically significant changes in climate
for continuous period of time. Factors that contribute to climate change can be
natural internal process, external forces, and persistent anthropogenic
changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use. It can be also
due ti natural occurrences or contributed by acts of human beings.
CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE
NATURAL CAUSES
VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS
Volcanic eruptions are one of the natural causes of climate change.
When volcanoes erupt, it emits different natural aerosols like carbon dioxide,
sulfur dioxides, salt crystals, volcanic ashes or dust, and even a
microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The volcanic eruption can cause a
cooling effect to the lithosphere because its emitted aerosol can block a
certain percentage of solar radiation. This cooling effect can last for 1 to 2
years.
What happens in violent volcanic eruptions is the release of ash
particles in the stratosphere. The volcanic ashes which have sulfur dioxide
combine with water vapor. It then forms to sulfuric acid and sulfurous
aerosols. The sulfurous aerosols then are transported by easterly or westerly
winds. Volcanoes located near the equator are more likely to cause global
cooling because of the wind pattern. Volcanoes located near to north or south
poles are the less likely to cause cooling because of pole wind pattern, the
sulfurous aerosols are confined in pole area.

ORBITAL CHANGES
Earth’s orbit can also cause climate change. This was proposed the
Milankovitch theory. This theory states “that as the Earth travels through
space around the Sun, cyclical variations in three elements of Earth-Sun
geometry combine to produce variations in the amount of solar energy that
reaches Earth (Academic Emporia, 2017).
The three elements are the following
1. Eccentricity
- Is a term used to describe the shape of Earth’s orbit around the
sun. the impact of variation is a change in the amount of solar
energy from perihelion (around January 3) to aphelion (around July
4). The time frame for the cycle is approximately 98,000 years.
Currently Earth’s eccentricity is 0.016 and there is about a 6.4%
increase in insolation from July to January. Academic Emporia
(2017) states, “The eccentricity influences seasonal differences:
when Earth is closest to the Sun, it gets more solar radiation. If the
perihelion occurs during the winter, the winter is less severe. If a

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hemisphere has its summer while closest to the Sun, summers are
relatively warm.”
2. Obliquity
- Is the variation of the tilt of Earth’s axis away from the orbital plane.
As this tilt changes, the seasons become more exaggerated. The
obliquity changes on a cycle taking approximately 40,000 years.
Academic Emporia (2017) states “the more tilt means more severe
seasons – warmer summers and colder winters; less tilt means less
severe seasons – cooler summers and milder winters.”
3. Precession
- Is the change in orientation of Earth’s rotational axis. The
precession cycle takes about 19,000 to 40,000 years. Precession is
caused by two factors: a wobble of Earth’s axis and a turning
around of elliptical orbit of Earth itself (Academic Emporia, 2017).
Obliquity affected the tilt of Earth’s axis, precession affects the
direction of Earth’s axis. The change in the axis location changes
the dates of perihelion (closest distance from the Sun) and aphelion
(farthest distance from the Sun), and this increases the seasonal
contrast in one hemisphere while decreasing it in the other
hemisphere (Academic Emporia, 2017). Currently, Earth is closest
to the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere winter, which makes the
winters there less severe (Academic Emporia, 2017). Another
consequence of precession is a shift in the celestial Doles. Five
thousand years ago, the North Star was Thuban in the constellation
Draco. Currently, the North Star is Polaris in the constellation Ursa
Minor.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the theory fell into disrepute due to
radiocarbon dating, indicating a lag in cooling versus insolation and to a scale
problem with high frequency glacial advances (Academic Emporia, 2017). The
theory was revived several times throughout the late 1960s to the present
(Academic Emporia, 2017).
THE CARBON DIOXIDE THEORY
Carbon dioxide is added when power and heat are produced by
burning coal, oil, and other fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is transparent to
sunshine but not invisible to infrared (heat) radiation leaving the ground.
Carbon dioxide absorbs part of the infrared radiation in the air and returns it to
the ground keeping the air near the surface warmer than it would be if the
carbon dioxide did not act like a blanket. Doubling the carbon dioxide raises
the temperature to 2⁰C to 3⁰C.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Human activities contribute to climate change. The largest known
contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon
dioxide gas to the atmosphere. Since the start of the industrial era, the overall

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effect of human activities on climate change has been a warming influence.

The human impact on climate during this era greatly exceeds that due to
known changes in natural processes, such as solar changes and volcanic
eruptions. Human activities result in emissions of four principal greenhouse
gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and the halocarbons (a group
of gases containing fluorine, chlorine and bromine). These gases accumulate
in the atmosphere, causing concentrations to increase with time
(www.c02now.org).
The greenhouse gases mentioned are natural gases. However, the
high level of these gases in the atmosphere contributes to the greenhouse
effect. The increasing amount of these gases is due ti human activities. High
level of carbon dioxide comes from fossil fuel use in transportation; and the
building, heating, cooling, and manufacture of cement and other goods.
Deforestation released carbon dioxide and reduces its uptake by plants. High
methane emission is related to agriculture, natural gas distribution, and
landfills. High nitrous oxide also emitted by human activities such as fertilizer
use and fossil fuel burning. Halocarbon gas concentrations have increased
primarily due to human activities. Principal halocarbons include the
chlorofluorocarbons (e.g., CFC-11 and CFC-12) which were used extensively
as refrigeration agents and in other industrial processes before their presence
in the atmosphere was found to cause stratospheric ozone depletion. The
abundance of chlorofluorocarbon gases is decreasing as a result of
international regulations designed to protect the ozone layer (The
Encyclopedia of Earth, 2016).
Ozone is another greenhouse gas that is continually produced and
destroyed in the atmosphere by chemical reactions. In the troposphere,
human activities have increased ozone through the release of gases such as
carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide, which chemically react to
produce ozone.
Halocarbons released by human activities destroy ozone in the
stratosphere and have caused the ozone hole over Antarctica. While water
vapor is the most abundant and important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere,
human activities have only a small direct influence on the amount of
atmospheric water vapor. Indirectly, humans have the potential to affect water
vapor substantially by changing climate. Human activities such as surface
mining and industrial processes have increased dust in the atmosphere
(IPCC, 2007). On September 16, 1986, an international treaty was adapted. It
is called the Montreal Protocol. The treaty aimed to regulate the production
and use of chemicals that contribute to Ozone layer depletion (Britannica,
2017).
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SOCIETY
Climate change could cause severe effects to all life forms around our
planet. It direct affects the basic elements of people’s lives like water, food,
health, use of land, and the environment.
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With the average global temperature which is predicted to raise by 2 to

3⁰C within the next fifty years, glaciers will continue to melt faster. Melting
glaciers will increase flood risk during the wet season and strongly reduce dry-
season water supplies to one-sixth of the world’s population, predominantly in
the Indian subcontinent, parts of China, and the Andes in South America.
Declining crop yields due to drought, especially in Africa, are likely to leave
hundreds of millions without the ability to produce or purchase sufficient food.
At mid to high latitudes, crop yields may increase for moderate temperature
rises (2 to 3⁰C), but then decline with greater amounts of warming. Ocean
edification, a direct result of rising carbon dioxide levels, will have, major
effects on marine ecosystems, with possible adverse consequences on fish
stocks (Stern, 2007).
Climate change will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition’s and
heat stress. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever could
become a more widespread if effective control measures are not in place.
Rising sea levels may result in more flooded areas each year with a warming
of 3 to 4⁰C. There will be a serious risks and increasing pressures for coastal
protection (Stern, 2007).
Ecosystems will be particularly vulnerable to climate change, with one
study estimating that around 15 to 40% of species face extinction with 2 ⁰C of
warming. The consequences of climate change will become disproportionately
more damaging with increased warming. Higher temperatures will increase
the chance of triggering abrupt and large scale changes that lead to regional
disruption, migration, and conflict. Warming may induce sudden shifts in
regional weather patterns like the monsoons or the El Niño. Such changes
would have severe consequences for water availability and flooding in tropical
regions and threaten the livelihood of billions. Melting or collapse of ice sheets
would raise sea levels and eventually threaten at least 4 million of land, which
today is home to 5% of the world’s population (Stern, 2007).
SUMMARY
Climate change is a worldwide issue that we have to face. Climate
change is referred as statistically significant climate variation persisting for an
extended period of time. The continuous climate change could bring drastic
effects to living and nonliving forms on Earth.
Climate change is brought by several factors like natural processes
and persistent human activities. Global warming is one of the major effects of
climate change. Global warming threatens all life forms on Earth. It has drastic
effects on water availability, food source, health issues, land use, and
ecosystems.
THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS
1. What significant contribution can individuals make in response to
climate change?

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General Education:
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

2. Is climate change preventable?

3. What should be the significant contribution of the society as well as the
government in mitigating the hazards caused by climate change?
Read and Reflect
- “The Tragedy of the Commons” by Garrett Hardin
- “Scientists tackle of thunderstorm that strike at night” (NCAR)
- “Reigning in the Weather” (Webster, Donovan, Discover 02747529,
Jun 2008, Vol 29, Issue 6)
ACTIVITY
1. Individual Work. Create an advocacy campaign by making a poster
via social media that tells about how the community will help mitigate
the hazards caused by climate change.

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