Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar
Website: uep.educ.ph; Email: [email protected]

GE 7: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND

SOCIETY First Semester, SY 2020 – 2021

Prepared and Compiled by:

RUTH L. SAYDE
PAULA MAE M. CAPARIC
JERICK BESALO
IRVIN MORALES
CAC, Part-Time Lecturers

NAME OF STUDENT:
_______________________________________________________________ COURSE & YEAR:
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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION ………..

3 MODULE 8 – WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS...………………..…………....

4 INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………………

4 OUTCOMES ………………………………………………………………………………………...

4 LET’S TAKE A BREAK

1.0. Overview ………………….………………………………………………………………. 5

2.0 Historical Development of Technology …………………..………………………….. 6

3.0 Television Sets, Mobile Phones, Computers, and Humanity …………………….. 7

4.0 Ethical Dilemma Faced By These Technological Advancement ………………. 8

5.0 Robotics and Humanity …………………………………………………………………. 9

6.0 Ethical Dilemma Faced by Robotics …………………………………………………. 10

LET’S TAKE A BREAK ……………………………………………………….………………… 10

Summary ………………………………………………………………………………………..... 12

References ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 13

Suggested Readings …………………………………………………………………………… 13

GE7
 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 2
UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

UNIT 2
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY AND THE
HUMAN CONDITION

GE7

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 3

UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
 8
WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS

INTRODUCTION

HI! How are you?

I hope you have a good day.
Ok, let us get ready for today’s discussion.

In this lesson, several technological devices will be properly introduced, the

roles they play in society and their effects, particularly to the lives of the people will
be identified, and the problems they face will be examined thoroughly.

OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify different technology and give their pros and cons to the people;

2. Examine some technological advancement and their ethical issues they

cause; and,

3. Discuss the interplay between technology and humanity.

LET’S TAKE A BREAK!

Learning Exercise #1

Before we proceed to our lesson, you’ll have first a preparatory activity.

Direction:
Make a graphic organizer and list down some technology you see or use at
home, at school or in your local community and in social media. After which,
categorize them according to their purpose. It could be for transportation,
communication, education, etc. Then describe briefly how you and your community
use these technologies.
 GE7
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 4
UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
Space for your graphic organizer

Now, let’s begin our discussion!

1.0 OVERVIEW

For years, technology has

been
considered as one of the most
successful
creations of humans. Almost
every day,
new technology is being
introduced to
the masses. May it be new invention or
an upgrade to a prior creation. With
todays’ generation wherein people’s
movement are totally dependent onto
things they can possess, number of technological devices can be easily found
anywhere. May it be in the office or home, and even in the streets, technology is
everywhere. These different technologies make the life of the people nowadays
even more comfortable than before.
 Easy and convenient daily living, that’s what technology does to humanity.
Created with different functions, but has one thing in common, it gives pleasure and
happiness to people. Inventions which passed through several trials and errors
became on its fame and glory in the present, and for sure still and always on it in the
future. With so many benefits it gives to man-kind, society cannot deny the fact that
brings vast of changes in the people’s lives.

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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 5
UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

On that note, it can be easily concluded that these different devices are
some of the most commonly used types of technology across all age groups. To
name a few, society has TV sets, mobile phones and computers. People around the
world use these devices almost every day in different circumstances.

In general, as years goes by, technology keeps on progressing. Results of the

brilliant mind of the human creates different high technological devices. Made to
make people’s lives adapt to ever changing society. But society must not forget
what too much may bring to humanity. It must always be remembered that too
much in everything is dangerous. It may give satisfaction, but it can also bring harm
to anyone around it.

2.0 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

Inventions and innovations in the field of science and technology came

about because of people’s needs. Curiosity and talent with creativity and brilliance
resulted to inventions of different things with purposes in their respective field. In this
topic, we will list some of technologies invented way back many years ago up to this
time.

Technology begins even before the beginning of our own species. Sharp
flakes of stone used as knives and larger unshaped stones used as hammers. These
tools were made 3.3 million years ago and thus were likely used by an ancestor such.
During Neolithic period, people also began to use clay for pottery and bricks.
Clothing began to be made out of woven fabrics. Clothes were likely made out of
necessity by the people to cover themselves from cold due to changing weather.

In 6000 BCE, first irrigation systems were used in the civilization of the Tigris
Euphrates River Valley in Mesopotamia and Nile River. People also began to sail ships
on the Nile River. In 850 CE, Gunpowder was invented in China an alchemist. A
product of their research for life-extending elixirs. With the invention of such
technology, it spread throughout Europe and was used in several wars. Thanks to
China for their creation.
 As technology progressed, nearly 5,000 years after the first sailing ships, wind
was first used to operate a mill. More complex type of technology by this time was
introduced. First windmill was in Persia, created with horizontal windmills in which
blades were set on a vertical shaft. It was later used in Europe. First mechanical clock
began to appear in Europe toward the end of 13 th century and were used in
cathedrals.

In 1765, during the time of Industrial Revolution, the Steam Engine became
one of the most important inventions. In 1804, Steam engine by James Watt were
used in railways for transportations by Richard Trevithick. Years later, steam engine
was used in water for steamboat. In 1831, Reaper was introduced to people.
Invention of mechanical reaper lessen the work of the labor in harvesting. Later
became well
known to the world.

GE7
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 6
UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

In 1844, electric telegraph was used. Information is sent through a wire in the
form of dots and dashes. Then in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first
telephone call.

These are but some of those many mechanical devices created early in our
history by humans out of their curiosity and brilliance. Devices that are still present up
to this day though in different form, they were built differently in a more complex
ways to do more complex things.

3.0 TELEVISION SETS, MOBILE PHONES, COMPUTERS, AND HUMANITY

People used mainly TV sets for

entertainment and information
dissemination.
Even up to this day, it is still considered to
be the
most convenient portal for advertisement
companies not only in the Philippines, but
also all
over the world. It also serves as a recreational
devices and good stress reliever to most families
especially to Filipino. Globally, about 1.4 billion
households own at least one TV set, representing
79 percent of total households.

It is also a good platform for information dissemination as it reaches vast

number of people who cannot actually purchase a newspaper for daily news in a
daily basis. In today’s time, TV sets are mostly used for campaigns and advocacies.
Especially during election period, TV ads from different political actors are common
for its cheap yet it reaches thousands of people around the country, hence,
convenient way in reaching out the voters for their votes.

For communication purposes, todays’

generation has
mobile phones that offers a variety of services like
texting and
calling. In the past decades, texting and calling were
the only
main functions of mobile phone but as technology
progressed, there have been many additional features
included on mobile phones. In present time, people used
mobile phone not only for texting and calling but also for
surfing the internet and taking pictures. This is the very reason
why most people prefer to buy smart phones over old model
phones. With such features and characteristic of
being portable, it makes even more appealing to the
masses to purchase such device. Example of which is
the I-phone that has great camera features. One of
the leading smartphones in the world owned by the
apple company with so many features. Today, there
are about 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world.
That is almost every third person worldwide.

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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Computers and laptops, like

smart
phones, can also be used to surf the
internet and communicate. For a lot
of
people, they prefer to do their job
using
either computer or a laptop than a smart
phone. PC or personal computer and
laptop has wide keyboard, wide screens
and separate keyboards than mobile
phones. The availability of a mouse or a touchpad made these two technological
devices easier to use than a mobile phone. Lastly, for todays’ generation who are
considered to be the tech-gen, they mostly prefer these two rather than mobiles
phones especially when playing video games because of its comfort and
convenience. Nowadays, people also used PC for business purposes. They offer
computer services for those people who cannot owned a PC at their home.

4.0 ETHICAL DILEMMA FACED BY THESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

While it is true that these technologies are useful and beneficial to people,
there are several issues that these devices are being faced. One of it is that, most
parents believe that it causes laziness and malnutrition. They argue that because of
these devices, their children would prefer not to eat on time. They waste their time
mostly facing their mobile phones surfing the internet or computers playing video
games. Especially nowadays, wherein children and even adults are addicted to
video games, it does not only consume time and health, but also money. Hence,
they become unaware of the time for they start their day by facing and scrolling
social media through phone and computer and end their day in the same process.

These are but the same person who are vulnerable to alienation because they
do not have much time going outside and socialize with other people. Also, one of
the most alarming issues that these devices give, are different illnesses and sickness to
people. Caused by too much exposure to technologies, laziness and unhealthy
living. There are no one to be blamed off than themselves, they locked up
themselves in web-world where they think that it gives them pleasure and brings
positive where in fact, it made them worst and kill themselves.

Another dilemma faced by

these
technological devices is the moral
dilemma. People especially children
who
are not yet capable of rational
thinking
are freely exposed to different things on
TV, mobiles phones, laptops or computers.
Because of its availability and easy access,
children can just easily search the web
and go to different websites without any
restrictions. This allows them to see, read and hear things not even suitable for their
age. This makes them very vulnerable to character change and can greatly affect
the way they view the world around them or worst, vulnerable to perpetrator. On
that note, it is just to say that the adult is blameworthy for this dilemma for they are
the one

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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

who are capable of deciding which is good and bad. They must not allow the
children to have access to such devices in the first place without any supervision.
Hence, parental guidance is strictly advice.

5.0 ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY

Robots and humanity. A robot as

defined
is a machine capable of carrying out
complex
series of actions automatically. In its
simpliest
meaning, as defined by one of the
characters of
the famous bollywood movie, machine is
anything that simplifies human works. Robots
were created to give ease to people.

If we traceback our history, even during

B.C.E, there were already concceptions of robots from the Egyptians. There different
mechanical devices created to carry out different functions. From that time on,
people became more curious to create a more complex robots with specification as
the robots we have today. One remarkable change in the field of technology is the
Industrial Revolution in Europe, where robots already considered as inventions this
time, that is, machines.

Machines to be more specific were

invented that affects the lives of the people.
There were so many breakthrough during this
revolution. The creation of steam engines,
railroads or even the telephone- all this had an
impact on certain jobs. It affects so many job. For
example, the invention of telephone, number of
mailmans lost their job for they were not anymore
needed in sending messages. These are but
machines that perform or make the job of the
human more easier.
 As time goes by, several machines
were
invented. Day by day, Robots are getting
more
versatiles than ever before. They become
more
smarter. The job of the people are in
jeopardy.
One day, robot might put us out of work and on
the streets for they are more capable of doing
things. For example, factory owners before tend
to hire more workers to make their products
manually. In todays time, most of the factory
owners prefer to purchase a robot (industrial robot) or machine that will do the work
of human. Hence, it makes them save more money and at the same time double
and even increase there productivity rate of their products to 300% and can record
less deffects.

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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Robots play a vital role in the society. It was created to give satisfaction and
ease the workload of the human being. It was also created to assist their creator to
make them feel less stressful and make life more efficient. Capable of doing things
that human cannot do. Robots give also pleasure and enjoyment to human, hence,
they are childfriendly. That is one of the reasons why robots are very satisfying to
people especially this day that robots even appear in different movies, such as MCU
character, Iron Man. Thus, it became part of our daily lives and time will come that
this thing will become a huge part of our society.

As what most people think that machines may overthrow human in some field
of works, science and technology is pretty sure that it won’t happen, rather,
machines will compliment to humanity.

6.0 ETHICAL DILEMMA FACED BY ROBOTICS

Though robots were made to assist humans, creators cannot deny the fact
that like any other technological devices, it faces also different issues.One main issue
that these robots faced is that, it is a man-made stuff that is capable of danger.
Since they are programmable and cannot do things unless programmed, they may
comprimise the safety of the humans around them.

To make things clear, technology creator or user must always see too it that
the robots they are using are well programmed since they are the ones who give the
robots the ability to think-through programming it. They must always be aware of the
possible consequences it may bring if not handled well. If it goes the other way
around, hence, creator is the one to be blamed off.

Okay! Take a deep breath and sharpen your pencil for another learning

exercise. LET’S TAKE A BREAK!

Learning Exercise #2

Choose one.

A. In relation to Robots and humanity topic, this activity is titled “Work Roboter”.
Student will create a model of their own robot using any material or stuff they could
find in their home. See table below for criteria in making your own robot. Enjoy!

B. “My Ideal Technology”. Think of an issue and come up with a technology that
would somehow address the issue. Give a description of the features of your
technology. What are its benefits and drawbacks to the society.

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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Learning Exercise #3

1. Now that the world is battling a global crisis which is the COVID-19 and students
are at home, what are the ethical dilemmas brought by technological
advancements to them? As a student, does it also affect your life? How?
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2. How do you reconcile the ‘need’ for technology and the dilemma/s it faces?
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3. As some would argue, technology has become a necessity for people and it is
now impossible for technology and humanity not to cross paths. If you agree
with this, do you think there should be an ethics of technology?
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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

Below is the criteria for written requirements.

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1

Organization Information is very Information is slightly Information is The information

organized in a well organized in a well organized but appears to be
constructed paragraph or constructed paragraph paragraph(s) are not disorganized.
paragraphs. or paragraphs. well-constructed.
 Content Information relates to the Information relates to Information partially Information has little
topic. It provides a lot of the topic. It provides relates to the topic. or nothing to do with
supporting details and/or few supporting details No details and/or the topic.
examples. and/or examples. examples are given.

Development Main points well Main points well Main points are Main points lack
developed with high developed with quality present with limited detailed
quality and quantity supporting details and detail and development. Ideas
support. Reveals high quantity. Critical development. Some are vague with little
degree of critical thinking is weaved into critical thinking is evidence of critical
thinking. points. present. thinking.

Grammar Essay is free of distracting Essay has few Most spelling, Spelling, punctuation,
& Mechanics spelling, punctuation, and punctuation and punctuation, and and grammatical
grammatical errors; grammatical errors grammar correct errors create
absent of fragments, allowing reader to follow allowing reader to distraction, making
comma splices, and run- ideas clearly. Very few progress through reading difficult;
ons. fragments or run-ons. essay. Some errors fragments, comma
remain. splices, run-ons
evident. Errors are
frequent.

Format Meets all formal and Meets format and Meets format and Fails to follow format
assignment requirements assignment assignment and assignment
and evidences attention requirements; margins, requirements; requirement; cover
to detail; all margins, spacing, and generally correct format, incorrect
spacing and indentations indentations are correct; margins, spacing, indentations;
are correct; essay is neat essay is neat and and indentations; neatness of essay
and correctly assembled correctly assembled. essay is neat but needs attention.
with professional look. may have some
assembly errors.

SUMMARY

In modern times, there are different technological advancement 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 everyone in the world. It is
not completely impossible to say that each person in the world owns at least one
technological device. 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 the 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
be still enforced in the field of technology so as to ensure the safety and morality of
these devices to people.
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UNIT-2 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

REFERENCES

∙ Cnbc.(2019). “smartphones: mobile usage statistics”. Accessed October ∙

Serafica, Pawilen, Caslib, Alata. “Science, Technology and Society”. 2018. RBS.
pp. 63-74
∙ Statista. (2020). “ Philippines: consumer TV usage”. Accessed October 17,2020.
www.statista.com
∙ United Naitons Human Rights. (2019). “New Digital technologies produce
unprecented levels of child abuse material online”. Study. Accessed October
17,2020. https://ww.ohchr.org
∙ www.builtin.com

∙ www.Researchgate.net

∙ www.Shuttershock.com

SUGGESTED READINGS

Hooray! Congratulate yourself for completing Module 8.

Of course, you can now take a break!
Do the things you love and enjoy!

A DAILY REMINDER:

And when it gets

tough, remember that
you once prayed for it.

You don’t give up on

things you waited for
so long.
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY |RUTH L. SAYDE, LPT 13