General Concepts and Historical Events in Science, Technology and Society
Lesson 1 Intellectual Revolutions That Defined the Society
explain scientific revolution; discuss how the ideas postulated by Copernicus, Darwin and Freud contributed to the spark of Scientific Revolution; and analyse how scientific revolution is done in various parts of the world like Latin America, East Asia, Middle East and Africa.
How can science be defined?
Science as an idea. It includes ideas and theories, and all available systematic explanations and observations about the natural and physical world.
It encompasses a systematic and practical study of the natural and physical world. This process of study involves systematic observations and experimentation. Science as an intellectual activity.
It is a subject or a discipline, a field study or a b ody 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. Science as a body of knowledge.
This explains that science is both knowledge and activities done by human beings to develop better understanding of the world around them. It is a means to improve and to survive in life. It is interwoven with people’s lives. Science as a personal and social activity
Scientific Revolution
Scientific Revolution a period of drastic change in scientific thought that took place during the 16th and 17th centuries . Period of enlightenment when the developments in the fields of Mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology and chemistry transformed the views of society about nature. It explained the emergence of modern science as a result of these developments from the disciplines mentioned. It was the golden age for people committed to scholarly life in science but it was also 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. Some rulers and religious leaders did not accept many of the early works of scientist. It is very significant in the development of human beings, transformation of the society, and in the formulation of scientific ideas. It improved the conduct of scientific investigations, experiments and observations. It led to the creation of new research fields in science and prompted and established a strong foundation of modern science
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. Scientists are not driven by clamor for honor and publicity. Some scientist were never appreciated during their times, some were sentenced to death, while others were condemned by the Church during their time. In spite of the predicaments and challenges they experienced, they never stop experimenting, theorizing and discovering new knowledge and ideas.
Three Notable Scientists Nicolaus Copernicus Charles Darwin Sigmund Freud
Nicolaus Copernicus Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) was a mathematician and astronomer who proposed that the sun was stationary in the center of the universe and the earth revolved around it. His idea negated the Ptolemy’s geocentric theory (having Earth as the center of universe). He wanted a model of universe in which everything moved around single center at unvarying rates. He placed the sun to be the centrepiece of the universe. His idea and model of universe was essentially complete in 1510.
Nicolaus Copernicus Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) was a mathematician He circulated a summary of his ideas to his few close friends in a manuscript called Commentariolus (Little Commentary). The publication of his book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) in 1543 is often cited as the start of scientific revolution. Copernican model was judged to be heretic and was unacceptable idea to be taught to Catholics. The catholic church banned the Copernican model and was ignored by Rome for the rest of 16th century. The Copernican Revolution was the paradigm shift from the Ptolemaic model of the heavens, which described the cosmos as having Earth stationary at the center of the universe, to the heliocentric model with the Sun at the center of the Solar System
Copernican Revolution , shift in the field of astronomy  from a geocentric  understanding of the universe, centred around Earth, to a heliocentric  understanding, centred around the Sun, as articulated  by the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus  in the 16th century. This shift marked the start of a broader Scientific Revolution  that set the foundations of modern science  and allowed science to flourish as an autonomous  discipline  within its own right.
Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science. He joined a voyage through the HMS Beagle on the Island of Galapagos and collected many significant materials in order to present his theory with overwhelming evidence. Charles Darwin
He published his book The Origin of Species in 1589, his book presented evidences evolved overtime and presented traits and adaptations that differentiate species. His book The Descent of Man was so impressive yet very controversial. He introduced the idea of all organic life, including human beings, under the realm of evolutionary thinking. This replaced the dominant views of a religious or biblical design that places human beings in privileged position of having been created by God. Two fields to which Darwin made a major contributions--- evolutionary biology and philosophy of science. Charles Darwin
His courage to challenge religious and unscientific ideas that are deemed to be prominent during those days made him more remarkable His unorthodox way of pursuing science gave more value to evidence]-based science. He provided different framework for doing scientific activities-------observation and experiment. The ―Darwinian revolution‖ remains an acceptable phrase to describe the change in thought brought about by the theory of evolution, provided that the revolution is seen as occurring over an extended period of time. Charles Darwin
In 1859, there was a groundbreaking revolution in both the scientific and religious realms: the origin of species, authored by Charles Darwin, was published. The book changed how people approach biology forever, and has fundamental impacts on modern science, religion, and other aspects of the society.
Sigismund Schlomo Freud (6 May 1856 – 23 September 1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. For Him, this method is a scientific way to study the human mind and neurotic illness. It is no doubt that amidst all questions on his works that led to some sort of academic controversy, his method of psychoanalysis had great impact on the scientific way of understanding human nature. The fact remains that Freudian ideas and theories are still considered nowadays as great inspiration to examine human mind and behaviour in a more scientifically accepted way. Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist who is perhaps most known as the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud developed a set of therapeutic techniques centered on talk therapy that involved the use of strategies such as transference, free association, and dream interpretation. Sigmund Freud
Cradles of Early Science
Development of Science in Mesoamerica
Mesoamerica Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central America from Southern Mexico up to the border of South America. There is no doubt that the Mesoamerican region is rich in culture and knowledge prior to the arrival of its European colonizers.
Maya Civilizations (Mayans) One of the famous civilizations that lasted for approximately for 2000 years. T hese people are known for their works in astronomy. Incorporated their understanding in astronomy into their temples and other religious structures. Knowledge about celestial bodies was advanced, predicted eclipse and used astrological cycles in planting and harvesting. Known for measuring time using two complicated calendar systems.
Maya Civilizations (Mayans) Developed technology for growing different crops and building elaborate cities using ordinary machineries and tools. Built hydraulic system with sophisticated waterways to supply water to different communities.
Maya Civilizations (Mayans) Used various tools and adapt themselves to innovation especially on the field of arts. Built looms for weaving cloth and devised a rainbow of glittery paints made from a mineral called mica.
Maya Civilizations (Mayans) They are believed to be the first people to produce rubber products. Used a writing system known as Mayan hieroglyphics.
Maya Civilizations (Mayans) Created a number system based on the numeral 20. Independently developed the concept of zero positional value, even before the Romans did. Considered to be one of the most scientifically advanced in Mesoamerica.
Inca Civilizations (Incas) Made advanced scientific ideas considering their limitations as an old civilization
Inca Civilizations (Incas) Scientific ideas and tools they developed: a. Road paved with stones b. Stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and other disasters
Inca Civilizations (Incas) Scientific ideas and tools they developed: c. Irrigation system and technique for storing water for their crops to grow in all types of land; d. Calendar with 12 months to mark their religious festivals and prepare them for planting season;
Inca Civilizations (Incas) Scientific ideas and tools they developed: e. The first suspension bridge; f. Quipu , a system of knotted ropes to keep records that only experts can interpret; and
Inca Civilizations (Incas) Scientific ideas and tools they developed: g. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially prized artistic achievements.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Mandatory Education. Aztecs put value on education; their children are mandated to get education regardless of their gender, sex, age, and social class.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Chocolates. Aztec in Mexico develop chocolates during their times. They valued the cacao beans and made it as part of their tribute to their gods.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Antipasmodic medication. They used this to prevent muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help during surgery.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Chinampa . It is a form of Aztec technology for agricultural farming in which the land was divided into rectangular areas and surrounded by canals.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their activities, rituals and planting season.
Aztec Civilizations Their contributions: Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for travelling in water system.
Development of Science in Asia Asia is a host to many cultural, economic, scientific and political activities of all ages. In the field of science, technology and mathematics, great civilizations have stood out: India, China , and the Middle East Civilizations.
India Known for manufacturing iron and in metallurgical works. Their iron steel is considered to be the best and held with high regard in the Roman empire. Famous in medicine, example, Ayuverda , an alternative form of medicine originated in ancient India before 2500 BC.
India Also notable in the field of astronomy—developed theories of configuration of the universe, the spherical self-supporting Earth, and the year of 360 days with 12 equal parts 30 days each. Ancient India is also known for their Mathematics. Bisht (1982) noted that the earliest traces of mathematical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent appeared in the Indus Valley Civilization. The people of this civilization tried to standardize measurement of length to a high degree of accuracy and designed a ruler- the Mohenjo-daro ruler.
India Arabhatiya , an Indian astronomer introduced a number of trigonometric functions, tables, techniques, as well as algorithms of algebra. The Indian, 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.
India Madhava of Sangamagrama is considered as the founder of mathematical analysis.
China One of the civilizations with substantial contributions in many areas of life like medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics, arts, philosophy, and music, among others. Greatly influenced many of its neighbour countries like Korea, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and other countries.
China Known for traditional medicines: Discovered various medical properties and uses of different plants and animals to cure human illnesses. An example is the practice of acupuncture.
China In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to develop many tools. a. Compass, papermaking, gunpowder, and printing tools were some of their famous invention and discoveries.
China In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to develop many tools. b. They also invented other tools like iron plough, wheelbarrow, and propeller