GEC 007 – SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY communicate, interact, and share information; however, this

tends to put people's privacy at risk. Indeed, science and

1.1 WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO STS: technology have served a predominantly double-edged function.
Definition of Terms
Science- the word came from the Latin "scientia," meaning As problems in science and technology continue to rise and
"knowledge." It refers to the systematic and methodical activity become more observable, the need to pay attention to their
of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe interactions with various aspects of human life, e.g. social,
behaves through observation, experimentation, or both. political, and economic, becomes even more necessary. How the
different aspects of society shape and influence the progression
According to famous American science historian, John Heilbron and further developments of science and technology in the area
(2003), " Modern science is a discovery of regularity in nature, of concern of a relatively new academic discipline called Science,
enough for natural phenomena to be described by principles and Technology, and Society.
laws. he also explained that science required invention to devise
techniques, abstractions, apparatuses, and organizations to Science and Technology and Society is a relatively young field
describe these natural regularities and their law-like that previously independent and older disciplines, such as the
descriptions. history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of
science. As an academic field, STS, according to Harvard
Technology- it is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, University's Kennedy School (2018) traces its roots from the
and principles to produce services, materials, tools, and interwar period and the start of the cold war. It was during the
machines aimed at solving real-world problems. it came from the period when historians and scientists found interest in the
Greek word techne, meaning 'art, skill, or cunning of hand.' interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems,
and society. The rise of STS as an academic field resulted from
Society- is composed of a group of people living together in a the recognition that many schools today do not really prepare
more or less ordered community. students to respond critically, reflectively, and proactively to the
challenges posed by science and technology in the contemporary
Wolpert (2005) made an interesting comparison between world.
science and technology that is helpful in the study of their
interaction with society, Wolpert explained that reliable Summary
scientific knowledge has no moral or ethical value. It is meant In summary, we had discussed the concepts of science,
simply to explain how nature and the universe work and that the technology, and society. Also, we mentioned that STS applies
obligation of the scientists, besides studying the nature of the methods from history, philosophy, and sociology to study the
universe, is to explain the possible uses and applications of such nature of science and technology and ultimately judge their
scientific knowledge. Along this line, Wolpert made it clear that value and place in society. As an interdisciplinary field, the
science is not the same as technology. Scientists are not emergence of STS was a result of the question about science and
responsible for the application of knowledge in technology. He technology's dynamic interaction with various aspects of society
further explained that the very nature of science is that it is not and was thus viewed as a socially embedded enterprise, Thus,
possible to predict scientific discoveries and how these STS seeks to bridge the gap between traditionally exclusive
discoveries may be applied. While scientists are not responsible cultures-humanities and natural science-so that humans will be
for the reliable conduct of the scientific inquiry and its honest able to better confront the moral, ethical, and existential
interpretation and dissemination, technological applications of dilemmas brought about by the continued developments in
science are influenced by other sectors such as politics and science and technology.
governance, religion, and business.
1.2 ETHICAL DILEMMAS
Nowadays, advancements in science and technology have What is Dilemma?
become pervasive. They are manifested in the activities that It is a situation where a person is forced to choose between two
humans pursue and the tools they use every day. The beauty of or more conflicting options neither of which is acceptable.
this is that an advancement builds upon itself. As such, humans What are Ethical Dilemmas?
today live more productive and more exciting lives than their Ethical/Moral Dilemmas -are situations where persons, who
predecessors. are called "moral agents" in ethics, are forced to choose
between two or more conflicting options, neither of which
However, the dynamism and immensity of scientific and resolves the situation in a morally acceptable manner.
technological progress also pose challenges and drawbacks to Three Conditions that must be present in Moral Dilemmas
the way humans live. The introduction of machines 1. The person or agent of moral action is obliged to make a
tremendously cut the need for the human workforce and gave decision about which course of action is best.
rise to the question of whether machines will eventually replace 2. There must be different courses of action to choose from.
humans. The invention of drugs that cured the previously 3. No matter what course of action is taken, some moral
incurable diseases introduced new strains of bacteria and viruses principles are always compromised.
that are resistant to the very same drugs that once fought them-
take an antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea as an example.
The rise of social media drastically changed the way humans Ten Emerging Ethical Dilemmas
1. Helix- a digital app store designed to read genomes. and patterns abound for products both benign and malicious,
2. BlessU-2 Popper- first robot priest and monk and that cut out the manufacturing sector completely.
3. Emotion-Sensing Facial Recognition- a software being 5. Adaptation to climate change
developed to assess your reactions to anything such as The differential susceptibility of people around the world to
shopping and playing games. climate change warrants an ethical discussion. We need to
4. Ransomware- a way of holding data hostage through the identify effective and safe ways to help people deal with the
backing and requiring a ransom to be paid. effects of climate change, as well as learn to manage and
5. Textalyzer- a device that analyzes whether a driver was manipulate wild species and nature in order to preserve
using his or her phone during an accident. biodiversity. Some of these adaptation strategies might be
6. Social Credit System- a system of scoring citizens through highly technical (e.g. building sea walls to stem off sea-level
their actions by placing them under constant surveillance. rise), but others are social and cultural (e.g., changing
7. Google Clips- a hands-free camera that lets the user agricultural practices).
capture every moment effortlessly. 6. Low-quality and counterfeit pharmaceuticals
8. Sentencing Software- a mysterious algorithm designed to Until recently, detecting low-quality and counterfeit
and courts in sentencing decisions. pharmaceuticals required access to complex testing equipment,
9. Friendbot- an app that stores the deceased's digital often unavailable in developing countries where these problems
footprint so one can still chat with them. abound. The enormous amount of trade in pharmaceutical
10. Citizen App- an app that notifies users of ongoing crimes intermediaries and active ingredients raise a number of issues,
or major events in a specific area. from the technical (improvement in manufacturing practices
1.3 SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF DILEMMAS and analytical capabilities) to the ethical and legal (for example,
What is Social Implication? India ruled in favor of manufacturing life-saving drugs, even if it
The social implications of an event or action are the results, on violates U.S. patent law).
society or part of society, of the event or the action. The idea 7. Autonomous systems
of social implications can also be extended to a law or a policy, Machines (both for peaceful purposes and for warfighting) are
that is, a planned set of repeated actions. increasingly evolving from human-controlled to automated, to
For further information on the topic, I would like you to first autonomous, with the ability to act on their own without
click the link below on " Emerging Ethical Dilemmas in Science human input. As these systems operate without human control
and Technology and Their Implications." and are designed to function and make decisions on their own,
1. Personalized genetic tests/personalized medicine the ethical, legal, social and policy implications have grown
Within the last 10 years, the creation of fast, low-cost genetic exponentially. Who is responsible for the actions undertaken by
sequencing has given the public direct access to genome autonomous systems? If robotic technology can potentially
sequencing and analysis, with little or no guidance from reduce the number of human fatalities, is it the responsibility of
physicians or genetic counselors on how to process the scientists to design these systems?
information. What are the potential privacy issues, and how do 8. Human-animal hybrids (chimeras)
we protect this very personal and private information? Are we So far scientists have kept human-animal hybrids on the cellular
headed toward a new era of therapeutic intervention to level. According to some, even more, modest experiments
increase the quality of life or a new era of eugenics? involving animal embryos and human stem cells violate human
2. Hacking into medical devices dignity and blur the line between species. Is interspecies
Implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, are susceptible research the next frontier in understanding humanity and
to hackers. Barnaby Jack, of security vendor IOActive, recently curing disease, or a slippery slope, rife with ethical dilemmas,
demonstrated the vulnerability of a pacemaker by breaching toward creating new species?
the security of the wireless device from his laptop and 9. Ensuring access to wireless and spectrum
reprogramming it to deliver an 830-volt shock. How do we make Mobile wireless connectivity is having a profound effect on
sure these devices are secure? society in both developed and developing countries. These
3. Driverless Zipcars technologies are completely transforming how we
In three states -- Nevada, Florida, and California -- it is now legal communicate, conduct business, learn, form relationships,
for Google to operate its driverless cars. Google's goal is to navigate, and entertain ourselves. At the same time,
create a fully automated vehicle that is safer and more effective government agencies increasingly rely on the radio spectrum
than a human-operated vehicle, and the company plans to for their critical missions. This confluence of wireless
marry this idea with the concept of the Zipcar. The ethics of technology developments and societal needs presents
automation and equality of access for people of different numerous challenges and opportunities for making the most
income levels are just a taste of the difficult ethical, legal, and effective use of the radio spectrum. We now need to have a
policy questions that will need to be addressed. policy conversation about how to make the most effective use
4. 3-D printing of the precious radio spectrum, and to close the digital access
Scientists are attempting to use 3-D printing to create divide for underserved (rural, low-income, developing areas)
everything from architectural models to human organs, but we populations.
could be looking at a future in which we can print personalized 10. Data collection and privacy
pharmaceuticals or home-printed guns and explosives. For now, How often do we consider the massive amounts of data we give
3-D printing is largely the realm of artists and designers, but we to commercial entities when we use social media, store
can easily envision a future in which 3-D printers are affordable discount cards, or order goods via the Internet? Now that
microprocessors and permanent memory are inexpensive 2. Paper- Roughly around 3000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians
technology, we need to think about the kinds of information began writing on papyrus, a material similar to thick paper.
that should be collected and retained. Should we create a Papyrus is made from the pith of the papyrus plant cyperus
diabetic insulin implant that could notify your doctor or papyrus. It is lightweight, strong, durable, and portable.
insurance company when you make poor diet choices, and Before the Egyptians invented the papyrus, writing was
should that decision make you ineligible for certain types of done on stone. With the advent of the papyrus,
medical treatment? Should cars be equipped to monitor speed documentation, and record-keeping become efficient,
and other measures of good driving, and should this data be widespread, and vast. Through its use, information
subpoenaed by authorities following a crash? These issues dissemination became exponentially faster. records were
require appropriate policy discussions in order to bridge the gap kept and stood the test of time.
between data collection and meaningful outcomes.
11. Human enhancements 3. Shadoof- The shadoof was an early tool invented and used
Pharmaceutical, surgical, mechanical, and neurological by Egyptians to irrigate the land. It is a hand-operated
enhancements are already available for therapeutic purposes. device used for lifting water. Its invention introduced the
But these same enhancements can be used to magnify human idea of lifting things using counterweights. Because of this
biological function beyond the societal norm. Where do we invention, irrigation and farming became much more
draw the line between therapy and enhancement? How do we efficient. The shadoof is also believed to be an ancient
justify enhancing human bodies when so many individuals still precursor of more sophisticated irrigation tools. Please
lack access to basic therapeutic medicine? click the video to watch how the shadoof is being made
and used.
2.1 Historical Antecedents in the Course of Science and
Technology 4. Antikythera Mechanism- Even before the invention of the
One of the key interests of STS as an academic field is antecedents of the modern computer, the Greeks had
the history of science and technology. As a strand of STS, the already invented the ancient world's analog computer
history of science and technology focuses on how science and orrery. Discovered in 1902 and retrieved from the waters
technology have changed across time. Also, it explores the of Antikythera, Greece. Antikythera mechanism is similar
impacts of scientific and technological innovations on the to a mantel clock and it is known as the antecedent of
prevailing social, cultural, political, and economic contexts modern clockwork.
throughout history. Conversely, it also pays attention to the
conditions that shaped science and technology. Quite often, 5. Aeolipile- Also known as the Hero's engine, the aeolipile is
interests lie in historical antecedents of scientific and widely believed to be the ancient precursor of the steam
technological innovations. engine. It is a steam-powered turbine that spun when the
What is Antecedent? water container at its center was heated, thus making it
Antecedent- it is defined as a precursor to the unfolding or practically the first rudimentary steam engine.
existence of something.
Thus, historical antecedents in science and technology are 2.1.2 MEDIEVAL
factors that paved the way for the presence of advanced and Some Inventions During the Medieval Times
sophisticated scientific and technological innovations today. 1. Heavy Plow- This is one of the most important
Knowledge of the history of science and technology in use in technological innovations during the middle ages. The
appraising these innovations today. By understanding how heavy plow turned European agriculture and economy on
previous generations influenced and were influenced can come its head. Clay soil, despite its being more fertile than the
up with informed decisions on the proper application of science lighter types of soil, was not cultivated because of its
and technology to daily life. heavyweight. However, through the invention of the plow,
it became possible to harness clay soil. Professor Thomas
2.1.1 ANCIENT Bernebeck Andersen of the University of Southern
Some Inventions During Ancient Times Denmark succinctly describes the impact of the invention
1. Ancient Wheel- People from ancient civilizations used of the heavy plow: "The heavy plow turned the European
animals for transportation long before the invention of the agriculture and economy on its head. Suddenly, the field
wheel. No one knows who exactly invented the wheel and with the heavy, fatty, and moist clay soil became those
when. There is, however, a general agreement that the that gave the greatest yields." Because of this, Europe,
ancient wheel grew out of a mechanical device called the particularly its northern territories, saw rapid economic
potter's wheel- a heavy flat disk made up of hardened clay prosperity. the heavy plow stirred an agricultural
that was spun horizontally on an axis. The invention of the revolution in Northern Europe marked by higher and
wheel is often credited to the Sumerians since no other healthier agricultural yields.
ancient civilization used a similar device at the time. Today,
cars, carts, bicycles, and trucks are just some of the many 2. Gunpowder- Around 850 A.D., Chinese civilization's
offshoots of the wheels invented by the Sumerians. alchemists accidentally invented black powder or
gunpowder. Multiple accounts suggest that the gunpowder
might have been an unintended byproduct of attempts
made by the Chinese to invent the exilir of life, which is
 why the Chinese called it huoyao or translated as "fire end of the tube, can be magnified far larger than what a
potion." Prior to the invention of gunpowder, swords and simple magnifying lens can do. Jansen's compound
spears were used in battles and wars. Towards the end of microscope was an important progression from a single
the 13th century, explosive invention crept into most parts lens microscope. It was capable of magnifying objects
of Europe and Asia. Since its invention, gunpowder has three times their size when fully closed and up to ten times
allowed for more advanced warfare. from fiery arrows to when extended to the maximum. Today, the compound
cannons and grenades, gunpowder has prompted microscope is an important instrument in many scientific
the foundation for the functionality of almost every new studies, such as in the areas of medicine, forensic studies,
weapon used in war since its invention. It ushered in an tissue analysis, atomic studies, and genetics.
unprecedented advancement in warfare and combat
throughout the Middle Ages.
2. Telescope- Perhaps the single, most important
3. Paper Money- Although it was not until the 17th century technological invention in the study of astronomy during
that banknotes began to be used in Europe, the first the Modern Ages was the practical telescope invented by
known versions of paper money could be traced back to Galileo Galilei. This invention could magnify objects 20
the Chinese in the 17th century AD as an offshoot of the times larger than the Dutch perspective glasses. It was
invention of block printing, which is similar to stamping. Galileo who first used the telescope skyward and made
Before the introduction of paper money, precious metals, important astronomical discoveries, and identified the
such as gold and silver were used as currency. However, presence of craters and mountains in the moon. Galileo's
the idea of assigning value to a marked piece of paper did remarkable technological contribution drastically changed
not immediately become popular. in fact, when the the study of astronomy. For the first time, it became clear
Mongols attempted to introduce paper money into the that the universe is far larger than previously imagined and
Middle East market in the 13th century, it did not gain the earth far smaller compared to the entire universe.
immediate success. Nonetheless, traders and merchants
eventually realized the huge advantage of using paper 3. Jacquard Loom- As the industrial Revolution reached full
money because it was easier to transport around speed, the Jacquard loom was considered as one of the
compared to the previous forms of currency. most critical drivers of the revolution. Built by French
4. Mechanical Clock- Although devices for timekeeping and weaver Joseph Maxie Jacquard, the Jacquard loom
recording sprung from ancient times, such as the simplifies textile manufacturing. Built by French weaver
Antikythera mechanism, it was not until the middle ages Joseph Maxie Jacquard, the Jacquard loom simplifies
that clockwork technology was developed. The textile manufacturing. Prior to the invention of the
development of mechanical clocks paved the way for Jacquard loom, a drawloom was used which required two
accurately keeping track the time. individuals to operate- the weaver and a "drawboy"- if
figured on textiles were needed. As such, intensified
5. Spinning Wheel- A machine used for transforming fiber manual labor and greater effort had to be exerted to
into thread or yarn and eventually woven into cloth on a produce complex designs. In 1801, Jacquard demonstrated
loom. Please click the link to watch the video about the the ingenuity of his version of a loom in which a series of
Spinning Wheel of India. The Spinning Wheel encouraged cards with punch holes automatically created complex
the development of the industry of fabrics, clothes, and textile designs and made mass production easier. The
related products. Jacquard loom is also an important antecedent of modern
computer technology as it demonstrated the use of
punched cards to instruct a machine to carry out complex
6. Printing Press- After the Chinese developed woodblock tasks. For further information on a Jacquard loom, please
printing, Johann Guttenberg was able to invent the printing click the link to watch the video.
press, a more reliable way of printing using a cast type. He
utilized wooden machines that extracted juices from fruits, 4. Engine- Powered Airplane- Orville Wright and Wilbur
attached to them a metal impression of the letters, and Wright are credited for designing and successfully
pressed firmly the cast metal into a piece of paper, which operating the first engine-powered aircraft. The Wright
then made an exact impression on paper. This general brothers approached the design of powered aircraft and
invention soon evolved to be a mechanical printing press flight scientifically. Orville and Wilbur proved the air crafts
which was eventually used all over the world. could fly without airfoil-shaped wings. Their pioneering
2.1.3 MODERN AGE success marked an age of powered flights. Sans modern
knowledge on aerodynamics and a comprehensive
Some Inventions During the Modern Age understanding of the working of the aircraft wings, the
Wright brothers were brilliant scientists who paved the
1. Compound Microscope- A Dutch spectacle maker named way for modern aircraft technology.
Zacharias Jansen is credited for the invention of the first
compound microscope in 1590. Together with his father 5. Television- The Scottish engineer John Logie Baird is largely
Hans, Zacharias began experimenting with lenses by credited for the invention of modern television. Baird
putting together several lenses on a tube. This led to an successfully televised objects in outline in 1924,
amazing discovery that an object, when placed near the recognizable human faces in 1925, and moving objects in
 1926, and projected colored images in 1928. Baird's 7. Roberto del Rosario- He invented karaoke in 1975.
television technology caught on really swiftly. In fact, the Roberto del Rosario developed a sing-along system in 1975
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) used this for its and was patented in the 1980s called his sing-along
earliest television programming in 1929. Despite being the system "Minus-One," now holds the patent for the device
first television invented. Baird's television was later on now commonly known as the" karaoke machine."
criticized for its fuzzy and flickering images, primarily
because it was mechanical compared to electronic versions 8. Juan Salcedo Jr. -He developed the" Enriched Rice," a
that were developed much later. variety of rice fortified with vitamins B1, which helps
prevent beriberi. His discovery helped in the prevention
3.1 PHILIPPINE TECHNOLOGIES AND INVENTIONS and reduction of beriberi in the Philippines and in other
countries.
1. Gregoria Zara- He invented the first videophone. A native
of Lipa, Batangas and enrolled at the Massachusetts Other Inventions by Filipino Scientists
Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, and
The Philippines boasts of its own history and tradition of scientific
graduated with a degree in BS in Mechanical Engineering in
and technological innovations. Filipinos have long been known for
1926. The two-way televisions or videophones 1955 were
their ingenuity. As with all inventions, necessity has always been
patented as a "photophone signal separator network."
the mother of Philippine inventions. Most of the inventions
2. Agapito Flores- He invented the fluorescent lamp, which is appealed to the unique social and cultural context of the
the most widely used source of lighting in the world today. archipelagic nation. Throughout Philippine history, Filipinos are
The fluorescent lamp reportedly got its name from Flores. responsible for developing many scientific and technological
The fluorescent lamp, however, was not invented in a innovations focused on navigation, traditional shipbuilding, textiles,
particular year. it was the product of 79 years of the food processing, indigenous arts and techniques, and even cultural
development of the lighting method that began with the inventions. The following are some of the most important inventions
invention of the electric bulb by Thomas Edison. by Filipino scientists.

3. Daniel Dingel- He invented the water-powered car. Daniel 1. Electronic Jeepney (e-jeepney)- The jeepney is perhaps
Dingel started working on a water-powered car and one of the most recognizable national symbols of the
prototype in 1969. His hydrogen reactor uses electricity Philipines and the most popular mode of transportation in
from a 12-volt car battery to transform ordinary tap water the country. It is also perhaps one of the most enduring
with salt into deuterium oxide or heavy water. However, symbols of Filipino ingenuity. Jeepneys were designed and
Dingel's car has never been patented and commercialized improvised from scratch out of military jeeps that the
because of what he suspects is an anti-Dngel car Americans left in the country after WW II.
conspiracy by multinational companies.
2. Erythromycin- One of the most important medical
4. Eduardo San Juan- He invented Lunar Rover. Eduardo San inventions is Erythromycin. The Ilonggo scientist Abelardo
Juan's invention is known as the Moon Buggy. The Moon Aguilar invented the antibiotic out of the strain of
Buggy was the car used by Neil Armstrong and other bacterium called Streptomyces erythreus, from which this
astronauts when they first explored the moon in 1969. He drug derived its name.
worked for Lockheed Corporation and conceptualized
3. Medical Incubator- World-renowned Filipino pediatrician
the design of the Moon Buggy that the Apollo astronauts
and national scientist, Fe del Mundo, is called for the
used while on the moon. As a NASA engineer, San Juan
invention of the incubator and jaundice relieving device.
reportedly used his Filipino ingenuity to build a vehicle that
Del Mundo was the first woman pediatrician to be
would run outside the Earth's atmosphere. he constructed
admitted to the prestigious Harvard University School of
its model using homemade materials. However, San Juan
Medicine. Del Mundo's incubator was particularly
was not listed as the inventor of the Moon Buggy in
outstanding as it addressed the state of Philippine rural
American Scientific journals, instead, it was attributed to a
communities that had no electricity to aid the regulation of
Polish inventor.
body temperatures of newborn babies.
5. Diosdado Banatao- He invented the GUI (Graphical User
4. Mole Remover- In 2000, a local invention that had the
Interface). Banatao is known for introducing the first
ability to easily remove moles and warts on the skin
single-chip graphical user interface accelerator that made
without the need for any surgical procedure shot to
computers work a lot faster and for helping develop
fame. Rolando Dela Cruz is credited for the invention of a
the Ethernet controller chip that made the internet
local mole remover that made use of extracts of cashew
possible. In 1989, he pioneered the local bus concept for
nuts, which are very common in the Philippines.
personal computers and in the following year developed
the first Windows accelerator chip. Intel is now using the 5. Banana Ketchup- Filipino food technologist, Maria Orosa,
chips and technologies developed by Banatao. is credited for the invention of banana ketchup, a variety of
ketchup different from the commonly known tomato.
6. Angel Alcala- He invented the artificial coral reefs. This
was used for fisheries in Southeast Asia.
WEEK 2: 4.1 INTELLECTUAL REVOLUTIONS AND SOCIETY
Intellectual Revolution
The intellectual revolution changed the way people perceive the
influence of science on society in general. It focuses on three of
the most important intellectual revolutions in history:
Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian. By discussing these
intellectual revolutions in the context of science, technology, and
society, the attention of students is drawn again toward the
complex interplay of the various social contexts and the
development of modern science.
Now, let us proceed to the three prominent scientists who
contributed to the field of science and technology.

The picture above is Nicolaus Copernicus, one of the three

famous scientists. He postulated a model, known as the
"heliocentric model." To give you a little background about the
biography of Copernicus and his model, please click the video As you can see from the image, the sun is at the center of the
solar system instead of the earth as postulated by Ptolemy.
The Copernican Revolution
The Copernican Revolution refers to the 16th-century 4.1.2 DARWIN
paradigm shift named after the Polish mathematician and Charles Darwin
astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Copernicus formulated the Famous for his theory of evolution, which posited that
heliocentric model of the universe. At the time, the belief was populations pass through a process of natural selection in which
that the earth was the center of the solar system based on the only the fittest would survive. He published his book The Origin
geocentric model of Ptolemy. of Species in 1589. His book presented evidence of how species
Copernicus introduced the heliocentric model in a 40-page evolved over time and presented traits and adaptations that
outline entitled Commentariolus. He formalized his model in the differentiate species.
publication of his treatise, The Revolution of Celestial Spheres in In his book The Descent of Man, he introduced the idea of all
1543. In his model, Copernicus repositioned the earth from the organic life, including human beings, under the realm of
center of the Solar System and introduced the idea that the earth evolutionary thinking. His unorthodox way of pursuing science
rotates on its own axis. The model illustrated the earth, along gave more value to evidence-based science. It is a science
with the other heavenly bodies, to be rotating around the sun. marked by observation and experiment.
The idea that the sun is at the center of the universe instead
of the earth proved to be unsettling to many when Copernicus
first introduced his model. In fact, the heliocentric model was
met with huge resistance, primarily from the church, accusing
Copernicus of heresy. At the time, the idea that it was not the
earth, and, by extension, not man, that was at the center of all
creation was unthinkable. Copernicus faced persecution from
the church because of this. However, despite the persecution and
the problems with the model, the heliocentric model was soon
accepted by other scientists of the time, most profoundly by
Galileo Galilei.
The contribution of the Copernican Revolution is far-
reaching. It served as a catalyst to sway scientific thinking away
from age-long views about the position of the earth relative to
the position to an enlightened understanding of the universe.
This marked the beginning of modern astronomy. Although very
slowly, the heliocentric model eventually caught on among other
astronomers who further refined the model and contributed to
the recognition of heliocentrism. This was capped off by Isaac
Newton's work a century later. Thus, the Copernican Revolution
marked a turning point in the study of cosmology and astronomy
making it a truly important intellectual revolution. Below is the
Copernicus Theory.

The above picture shows how the natural selection process

transpired. Charles Darwin sets out his theory of evolution by
natural selection as an explanation for adaptation and
speciation.
4.1.3 FREUD Scientific and technological development in the Philippines
Sigmund Freud began in the pre-colonial period. Even before the Spaniards
Sigmund Freud is known for his school of thought known as came to the Philippine islands, early Filipino settlers were already
"Psychoanalysis." This school of thought is a scientific method using certain plants and herbs as medicines. Systems of farming
of understanding inner and unconscious conflicts embedded and animal raising were also implemented. Moreover, early
within one's personality, springing from free associations, Filipinos had also developed different modes of transportation,
dreams, and fantasies of the individual. Below is Freud's whether terrestrial or maritime.
comparison of the mind to an iceberg. A complicated engineering feat was achieved by the natives of
the Cordilleras when they built rice terraces by hand. Through
Psychoanalysis immediately shot into controversy for it these terraces, the people were able to cultivate crops on the
emphasized the existence of the unconscious where feelings, mountainsides in cold temperatures. They incorporated an
thoughts, urges, emotions, and memories are contained outside irrigation system that uses water from the forests and mountain
of one's conscious mind. Psychoanalytic concepts of tops to achieve an elaborate fishing system. The rice terraces of
psychosexual development, libido, and ego were met with both the Cordilleras, which are still functional, show the innovative
support and resistance from many scholars. Freud suggested and ingenious way of the natives to survive in an otherwise
that humans are inherently pleasure-seeking individuals. These unfriendly environment.
notions were particularly caught in the crossfire of whether
Freud's psychoanalysis fit in the study of the brain and mind. Colonial Period
Scientists working on biological approaches to studying human Colonization by the Spaniards provided the Philippines with
behavior criticized psychoanalysis for lack of validity and modern means of construction. Walls, roads, bridges, and other
bordering on being scientific as a theory. Particularly, the notion large infrastructures were built using some of the engineering
that all humans are destined to exhibit Oedipus and Electra skills and tools brought by the Spaniards. In addition, the Spanish
complexes (the sexual desire towards the parent of the opposite government developed health and education systems that were
sex and exclusions of the parent of the same sex) did not seem enjoyed by the principalia class.
to be supported by empirical data. In the same way, it appeared The American occupation modernized almost all aspects of life
to critics that psychoanalysis, then, was more of an ideological in the Philippines. They established a government agency, the
stance than a scientific one. Bureau of Science, for the sole purpose of nurturing
Amidst controversy, Freud's psychoanalysis is widely credited for development in the field of science and technology.
dominating psychotherapeutic practice in the early 20th century.
For further information on psychoanalytic theory, please click the Post-Colonial Period
video below. After achieving independence from the colonizers, the
Philippines, under different administrations, continued to pursue
The video explains Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis. He discussed programs in science and technology. Each leadership had its own
the three mental structures of the mind which are the id, ego, science and technology agenda.
and superego. These three structures are continuously in conflict
with one another. Also, he mentioned the stages of psychosexual Pres. Ferdinand Marcos
development of individuals. The first is the oral stage where the
child gets its satisfaction from the mouth; the second is the anal
stage, the child undergoes toilet training; the third stage is the
phallic stage where the child develops complexes, the Electra
complex (the girl is attracted to the father) and the Oedipal
complex ( the young boy is attracted to the mother); the fourth
stage is the latency stage where the child's focus is on education
or learning, and the last stage is the genital stage where there is
a recurrence of the sex organs as the source of satisfaction. One of the presidents who ushered in advancements in science
and technology was the former president and dictator Ferdinand
WEEK 2: 5.1 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGIES IN VARIOUS Marcos.
PERIODS A milestone in Science and Technology
• He mandated the Department of Education and Culture
Role of Science and Technology in Nation Building (DECS) to promote science and technology courses in public
The development of science and technology in the Philippines schools.
has already come a long way. Many significant inventions and • He established the National Academy of Science and
discoveries have been accomplished by or attributed to Technology (NAST)
Filipinos. The following time periods show the development of • Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical
science and technology in the world: Services Administration (PAGASA) in place of the abolished
• Pre-Colonial Period Weather Bureau;
• Colonial Period • Agencies and organizations
• Post-Colonial Period o Philippines Coconut Research Institute
Pre-Colonial Period (PHILCORIN),
o Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI),
 o Philippines Atomic Energy Commission o RA 7687 - Science and Technology Scholarship Act
(PAEC)/Philippine Nuclear Institute (PNI), of 1994
o National Grain Authority(PGA) /National Food o RA7459 - Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act
Authority (NFA), o RA 8293 - The Intellectual Property Code of the
o Philippine Council for Agricultural Research Philippines.
(PCAR) /Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Aquatic, and Natural Resources and Pres. Joseph Estrada
Development) (PCAANRD)
o Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC),
o Plant Breeding Institute (PBI),
o International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),
o Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI),
o Bureau of Forest Products (BFP), and
o National Committee on Geological Sciences
(NCGS)

Pres. Corazon Aquino

A milestone in Science and Technology

• He mandated and implemented the following Laws:
o RA 8749 - The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999
o RA 8792 - Electronic Commerce Act of 2000
• He implemented cost-effective irrigation technologies and
provided basic health care services.

Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo

A milestone in Science and Technology

• National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) was
renamed to Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
o DOST aimed to update the production sector,
improve research activities and develop
infrastructures.

Pres. Fidel Ramos

A milestone in Science and Technology

• Filipinovation - the Philippines as an innovation hub in Asia
o Laws
▪ RA 9367 - Biofuel Act
▪ RA 10601 - Agriculture and Fisheries
Mechanization (AFMECH)

Pres. Benigno Aquino III

A milestone in Science and Technology

• Competent scientists and engineers increased to approx.
3,000.
• Doctors to barrio program
• National program for gifted Filipino children in science and
technology.
• Laws and Statutes
o RA 8439 -Magna Carta for Scientist Engineers, A milestone in Science and Technology
Researchers, and other personnel in government.
• Philippine Space Technology Program launched Diwata-1 in • Developing science and technology parks on academic
2016 campuses to encourage academe and industry partnerships
• New scientists were acknowledge • The establishment of the National Science Complex and
o Gavino C. Trono National Engineering Complex within the University of the
o Angel C. Alcala Philippines campus in Diliman.
o Ramon C. Barba
o Edgardo D. Gomez The Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering
(PAASE, 2008) identified several capacity-building programs
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte such as:
• Establishment of national centers of excellence;
• Manpower and institutional development programs, such
as the Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP) to
produce more Ph.D. graduates in science and engineering
• Establishment of regional centers to support specific
industries;
• Establishment of science and technology business centers
to assist, advise, and incubate technopreneurship ventures;
and
A milestone in Science and Technology • Strengthen science education at an early stage through the
Philippine Science High School system.
• Budget research and development (R&D) increased six
times over the same period.
Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI)
• Give importance to agriculture and disaster preparedness. The Philippine-California Advanced Research Institutes (PCARI)
• Philippine Space Technology Program launched Diwata-2 in Project is a new approach to enhance the skills and expertise of
2018 faculty and staff of Philippine universities and colleges, through
• Build, Build, Build Project scholarships, training, and research partnerships with top-notch
research universities in California, USA, in the priority areas of
5.2 PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SCIENCE AND information infrastructure development (IID) and health
TECHNOLOGY innovation and translational medicine (HITM).
Philippine Government Information infrastructure development refers to the
The Philippine government introduced and implemented several technological and human components, networks, systems, and
programs, projects, and policies to boost the area of science and processes that contribute to the creation, flow or exchange,
technology. The goal is to prepare the whole country and its processing, and management of electronic information (adapted
people to meet the demands of a technologically driven world from Braa et al., 2007).
and capacitate the people to live in a world driven by science. Health innovation and translational medicine refer to the bench-
to-bedside translation of basic scientific research to practicable
The National Research Council of the Philippines (NCRP) diagnostic procedures and therapies with meaningful
clustered these policies into four, namely: improvements to physical, mental, or social health outcomes
1. Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International (adapted from Zerhouni, 2005).
Policies and Governance VIRTUAL INSTITUTES
2. Physics, Engineering and Industrial Research, Earth and The project is going to be implemented by two virtual institutes:
Space Sciences, and Mathematics 1. The Institute for Information Infrastructure
3. Medical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Development will direct projects in information
4. Biological Sciences, Agriculture, and Forestry technology, energy, e-government, and e-education; and
2. The Institute for Health Innovation and Translational
DOST Projects Medicine will direct projects in health care through
There are also other existing programs supported by the strategic technology, delivery, and training, to improve
Philippine government through the Department of Science and diagnosis, treatment, and health services delivery in the ten
Technology (DOST). major causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines,
Some of these projects are the following: such as asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis, dengue, and
• Providing funds for basic research and patents related to diarrhea.
science and technology
OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF THE PCARI PROJECT
• Providing scholarships for undergraduate and graduate
The PCARI Project:
studies of students in the field of science and technology
• Involves scholarship, training, and research;
• Establishing more branches of the Philippine Science High
School System • Focuses on two fields: information infrastructure
development (IID) and health innovation and translational
• Balik Scientist Program to encourage Filipino scientists
medicine (HITM);
abroad to come home and work in the Philippines
• Provides opportunities for direct collaboration between -Offers free scholarship basis for the secondary courses with
Philippine faculty researchers and UC-based experts in special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the sciences.
order to build research capabilities and infrastructure in • Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project
Philippine universities and colleges; -This project started in June 2007 with 57 (or 60 since its
• Attracts the best and the brightest with full support for inception) identified elementary schools that participated or
research, which includes modern equipment, attendance in were identified as science elementary schools in the country.
conferences and state-of-the-art laboratories; and The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with
• Addresses important problems of society using the best scientific and technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its
technologies, including the development of technologies mission is to:
close to commercialization. 1. provide a learning environment to science-inclined children
BENEFITS OF THE PCARI PROJECT through a special curriculum that recognizes the multiple
• Jobs in new competitive high-value-added industries and intelligences of the learners;
related support services in information infrastructure in 2. promote the development of lifelong learning skills; and
support of disaster risk management and response, energy 3. foster the holistic development of the learners.
generation monitoring, e-governance, water resources • Quezon City Regional Science High School
management, and monitoring of civil infrastructures, The school envisions to serve as a venue for providing maximum
among others opportunities for science-gifted students to develop a spirit of
• Affordable and efficient diagnostic kits, medical devices, and inquiry and creativity.
inexpensive drugs and the creation of jobs to produce such -The focus of its curriculum is on science and technology.
to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the ten highest -It is well-supported by the local government unit and by the
causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines, such as Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).
dengue, asthma, diabetes, tuberculosis • Manila Science High School
• Increase in the number of faculty-scientists and faculty- -It is the first science high school in the Philippines.
researchers with the capacity to generate effective • Central Visayan Institute Foundation
technologies to benefit society -It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based
• Improved research management skills especially in research innovation known as the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP).
grants administration and international linkages • DLP is a synthesis of classical and modern pedagogical
• World-class research institutes with state-of-the-art theories adapted to foster the highest level of learning,
facilities for Information Infrastructure Development Health creativity, and productivity.
Innovation and Translational Medicine -The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical
Science Schools in the Philippines Physics (RCTP).
The Concept of Science Education
Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and WEEK 3: 6.1 HUMAN FLUORISHING
understanding science. The concept of technology was controversial in the field of
philosophy. Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher,
• Teaching science involves exploring pedagogical theories
problematized how a human person relates to technology. He
and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts
investigated the meaning of technology in ancient and modern
and processes effectively.
times. Moving on, you will also learn the essence of technology,
• Learning science includes both pedagogy and the most
technology as a way of revealing, the problem and dangers of
interesting aspect, which is helping students understand
modern technology, art as the saving power and questioning
and love science.
thought. To further understand technology from the
• Understanding science implies developing and applying philosophical perspectives, you will get to know Martin
science-process skills and using science literacy in Heidegger who wrote a philosophical treatise on technology.
understanding the natural world and activities in everyday
life. 1. He was a German philosopher who is fun of thinking about
Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education 'being', technology and etc.
• In basic education, science education helps students learn 2. He rejected the idea of positivist thinkers and critical to
important concepts and facts that are related to everyday technological domination in the modern world.
life including important skills such as process skills, critical 3. Heidegger was critical to the essence and modern
thinking skills, and life skills. technology and
• In tertiary education, science education deals with 4. He reconstructed the meaning of technology that reflected
developing students’ understanding and appreciation of in his essay entitled " The Question Concerning
science ideas and scientific works. It also focuses on the Technology".
preparation of science teachers, scientists, engineers, and
other professionals in various science-related fields. 6.1.1 THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
Science Schools in the Philippines The Greek concept of the essence of technology was
• Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) investigated by Martin Heidegger. The meaning of technology for
-A government program for gifted students in the Philippines the Greeks was assumed to be part of our everyday life. To clarify
-A service institute of the Department of Science and further, the term technology was defined into two categories.
Technology (DOST)
1. Technology is a means to an end. Heidegger at this point is critical to the dangers of modern
2. Technology is a human activity. technology by pointing out its defects as enframing nature,
The first definition treated technology as an instrument challenging forth, treat nature as a standing reserve. In this case,
to achieve a purpose or end. For example, student A bought a modern technology deviated from the essential notion of
laptop and smartphone to be used for online learning since technology and revealing or poiesis. Heidegger sees this as a
students were not allowed to attend a face to face learning. danger to humanity.
Laptops and smartphones are instruments for the student to Recognizing the dangers of technology requires critical and
achieve his/her purpose which is to participate in online reflective thinking on its use. For example, social media has
learning. indeed connected people in the most efficient and convenient
The second definition pointed out that technology is part way but it is prone to abuse such as the invasion of privacy, online
of our daily activities of the human person which is to invent disinhibition, and proliferation of fake news.
technology such as gadgets for online learning, protective The real threat of technology comes from its essence, not its
equipment to fight COVID-19, agricultural machines to produce activities or products. The correct response to the danger of
foods and etc. technology is not simply dismissing technology altogether.
The two definitions of technology are interconnected Heidegger explained that people are delivered over to
with each other in such a way that the outcomes of human technology in the worst possible way when they regard it as
activities are meant to serve their purpose. However, this something neutral (Heidegger, 1997).
definition of technology became problematic when technology
does not serve its purpose (essence). For example, imagine that 7.1 GOOD LIFE
COVID-19 will die naturally. You might think that those PPEs and A brief overview of Aristotle's Life
gadgets for learning are meaningless because the purpose is not Aristotle, who lived from 384 - 322 BC, is probably the
being served. The revival of face-to-face learning will make a most important ancient Greek philosopher and scientist. He was
gadget for online learning less significant in the traditional a student of Plato and founded a school named Lyceum. In his
classroom. own school, Aristotle's students compiled their lecture notes and
came up with a book entitled Nichomachean Ethics. This
6.1.2 THE PROBLEMS ON MODERN TECHNOLOGY Nichomachean Ethics, dedicated to his son Nichomachus,
The Greek definition of technology as a human activity designed became a foundation of Aristotle's ethics composed of ten
for a specific purpose was restructured in modern times. books.
Technology in the modern era was reduced to calculative What is a good life?
thinking that controls nature. For instance, the invention of the The term 'good life is one of the concerns of Greek thinkers
telescope, the steam machine, and other devices were used to like Aristotle. In the Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle says that
master nature. In the mastery of nature, we used technology to every action aims at some good. Some goods are classified as
manipulate things around us. To see a clear picture, Heidegger instrumental or intrinsic. The instrumental good is a means to
provided three revelations on modern technology as challenging achieve something else while intrinsic good is good in itself or
forth, enframing and dangerous; ultimate good (Eudaimonia or human flourishing/happiness). At
Modern Technology as Challenging Forth this point, Aristotle is suggesting that if we want to live a good
Heidegger claimed that ancient and modern technology are life then we must develop intellectual and moral virtues.
revealing. However, modern technology is revealing not in the Eudaimonia
sense of bringing forth but rather challenging nature. Modern Eudaimonia is a Greek word that means human flourishing
technology challenges nature through extracting, transforming, or happiness. Eudaimonia as ultimate good is the final end of our
storing, and distributing it. Challenging forth reduced nature as action. However, Aristotle categorized well into different aspects;
standing 'reserve' or something to be disposed of by the people. instrumental good and intrinsic good. Instrumental good aims at
For example, people exploited the natural resources without something else while intrinsic good is the final end or good in
minding the negative effects on the ecology, the modernization itself. For example, enrolling in this course is good because you
of extracting gold, coal, and petroleum from the ground will learn something and get a grade at the end of the day. Why
compromised the bodies of water, using of synthetic dyes and do you want a grade? because I want to get a college degree.
artificial flavoring jeopardize human health, and the use of Why do you want to get a degree? to secure a job. As you push
chemicals in the agriculture poses threat to food safety and the question, you will end up in the final end which is the
health security. eudaimonia. So studying in college is instrumental good if it helps
Modern Technology as Enframing you to achieve happiness. On the other hand, studying in college
According to Martin Heidegger, modern technology is is intrinsic good if you are happy with what you are doing right
enframing. The term 'enframing' derives from the word 'frame' now. Sometimes, there are people who wrongly assumed bodily
which means putting something into a box. This metaphorical pleasure or wealth, fame, and honor as eudaimonia. This
term of Heidegger connotes that modern technology put nature assumption is wrong because eudaimonia is exclusive only to a
into a box through scientific knowledge. Enframing, according to human being who exercises the faculty of reason.
Heidegger, is akin to two ways of looking at the world; calculative Human Person
thinking and meditative thinking. Humans put an order to nature
and control it through calculative thinking. The table above reflects Aristotle's concept of the human
The Dangers of Technology soul and its hierarchy of functions and activities. The soul was
divided into three; rational, sensitive, and nutritive. The rational
part of the soul is the ability of a human person to think either Jason Hickel, an anthropologist at the London School of
based on theoretical or practical knowledge. Aristotle Economics, criticized the failure of the growth and development
formulated the principle of 'man as a rational animal' to achieve efforts of the UN to eradicate poverty several decades ago. He
eudaimonia/happiness. Achieving eudaimonia/happiness is conceptualized a nonconformist perspective toward growth and
possible only when a human person learns to identify and choose development.
the mean of their action between excess and deficiency. By doing Here is the outline of Jason Hickel's article on 'Forget
this, we can moderate our actions to achieve the ultimate good developing poor countries, it's time to de-develop rich countries.
or virtuous action. For example, integrating advanced technology Hickel's article will be discussed in detail in assignment 3.1.
into human activities aided workers to produce outputs faster Assumptions:
and easier. Almost everything is run by machines. But, too much 1. UN's new sustainable development goals (SDGs) assumed
dependent on machines has negative effects on human well- that growth based on the traditional economic model is an
being. However, those societies that never upgrade their effective strategy to eradicate poverty.
technology were left behind in the fast-changing industrial 2. Gross Domestic Products (GDP) is a measure of human
revolution and considered backward societies. Between the two development.
extremes of actions, a rational animal who aims to reach 3. Questions;
eudaimonia should choose the mean of action of the advanced 1. How much do we really need to live long and
technocratic society and backward society. Aristotle's method enjoy a happy life?
can be applied to the action of generosity, courage, anger and 1. According to Peter Edward, instead of
etc. to make them virtuous. pushing poor countries to catch up with
Arete rich ones, we should be thinking of ways
Arete is one of the significant concepts of Aristotle in to get rich countries to catch down to
achieving a good life/Eudaimonia or happiness. Arete is a Greek more appropriate levels of
term that means 'excellence of any kind in terms of intellectual development.
and moral virtues. Intellectual virtue is achieved through 2. Genuine Progress is anchored on
education and experience. On the other hand, moral virtue is quality instead of quantity
developed through the constant practice of an action that 2. What is a good life or good living?
promotes good life. For instance, courage became a virtue when 1. Latin Americans organized themselves
it is properly displayed at the right time, right manner, and right and envision the indigenous concept of
place in the face of danger. A person who does not properly Buen Vivir, or good living.
assess the danger and reserve any fear may develop the vice of 2. Robert and Edward Skidelsky
foolhardiness or rashness. However, a person may develop the conceptualized the good life through
vice of cowardice if he/she becomes fearful and incapable of the possibility of interventions like
acting on the problem in the face of danger. banning advertising that promotes
Science, Technology, and Good Life consumerism and shortens the working
The rapid development of science and technology is hour, and basic income.
manifested through the current trend in integrating machines
into human affairs. The automation of communication,
transportation, food production, education, modernization of WEEK 4: 9.1 WHEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY CROSS
medicine, etc. must be geared towards a good life. Guided by the
H - human beings'
concept of a good life, policymakers, state leaders, and
technocrats can work hand-in-hand to make our world a better U - unequivocal
place to live in. A world is in a state of balance between excess
and deficiency. M - means

A - and privilege that

WEEK 3: 8.1 HUMAN FLUORISHING THROUGH PROGRESS
AND DE-DEVELOPMENT N - need to be
Although there is no standard measure of inequality, the report
R- respected
claimed that most indicators suggest that the widening of the
growth gap slowed during the financial crisis in 2007 but is now I - in order to
growing again. The increasing inequality appears paradoxical
having in mind the efforts that had been poured onto the G - gain success for humanity
development programs designed to assist poor countries to rise
from absence to slow progress. T - today and tomorrow in relation to
With this backdrop and in the context of unprecedented S- Science and Technology
scientific and technological advancement and economic
development, a human must ask themselves whether they are What are human rights?
indeed flourishing, individually or collectively. If development
efforts to close out the gap between the rich and the poor Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our
countries have failed, is it possible to confront the challenges of nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color,
development through a nonconformist framework? religion, language, and the like.
Human rights in the face of technological and scientific advancement WEEK 4: 10.1 WHY THE FUTURE DOES NOT NEED US?
are critical factors in one's journey toward a good life. Protecting the
well-being and protecting the dignity of the human person must be The article, "Why the Future Does Not Need Us?" was written by
at the core of continued scientific and technological progress and William Nelson Joy, an American computer scientist of Sun
development. Such is the focus of the human rights-based approach Microsystems. In his article, Joy warned against the rapid rise of new
to science, technology, and society by S. Romi Mukherjee. technologies. He explained that 21st-century technologies are
becoming very powerful that they can potentially bring about new
The following are the three important documents: classes of accidents, threats, and abuses. He further warned that
these dangers are even pressing because they do not require large
1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights -This document
facilities or even rare raw materials-knowledge alone will make them
affirms everyone's right to participate in and benefit from
potentially harmful to humans.
scientific advances, and be protected from scientific
misuse. The right to the benefits of science comes under Joy argued that robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology
the domain of 'culture,' so it is usually examined from a pose much greater threats than technological developments that
cultural rights perspective. have come before. He particularly cited the ability of nanobots to
self-replicate, which quickly gets out of control. In the article, he
2. UNESCO Recommendation of the Status of Scientific
cautioned humans against over-dependence on machines. He also
Researchers- This document that all advances in scientific
stated that if machines are given the capacity to decide on their own,
and technological knowledge should solely be geared
it will be impossible to predict how they might behave in the future.
toward the welfare of the global citizens, and calls upon
In this case, the fate of the human race would be at the mercy of
member states to develop necessary protocol policies to
machines.
monitor and secure this objective. Countries are asked to
show that science and technology are integrated into Joy also voiced his apprehension about the rapid increase in
policies that aim to ensure a more humane and just computer power. He was concerned that computers will eventually
society. become more intelligent than humans, thus ushering societies into
dystopian visions, such as robot rebellions. To illuminate his concern,
3. UNESCO Declaration on the Use of Scientific Knowledge-
Joy drew from Theodore Kaczynski's book, Unabomber Manifesto,
This document states, "Today, more than ever, science and
where Kaczynski described that the unintended consequences of the
its applications are indispensable for development. All
design and use of technology are clearly related to Murphy's Law: "
levels of government and the private sector should
Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." Kaczynski argued
provide enhanced support for building up adequate and
further that over-reliance on antibiotics led to the great paradox of
evenly distributed scientific and technological capacity
emerging antibiotic-resistant strains of dangerous bacteria.
through appropriate education and research programs as
an indispensable foundation for economic, social, Since the publication of the article, Joy's argument against twenty-
cultural, and environmentally sound development. This is first-century technologies has received both criticisms and
particularly urgent for developing countries." This expressions of shared concern. Critics dismissed Joy's article for
declaration encompasses issues such as pollution-free deliberately presenting information in an imprecise manner that
production, efficient resources use, biodiversity protection, obscures the larger picture or state of things. For one, John Seely and
and brain drains. Paul Duguid (2001), in their article, A Response to Bill Joy and doom-
and-gloom Technofuturists, criticize Joy's failure to consider social
A human rights- approach to science, technology, and development
factors and only deliberately focused on one part of the larger
sets the parameters for the appraisal of how science, technology,
picture. Others go as far as accusing Joy of being a neo-Luddite,
and development promote human well-being.
someone who rejects new technologies and shows technophobic
Thus, the discussion on human rights in the face of the changing leanings.
scientific and technological contexts must not serve as merely a
As a material, Joy's article tackles the unpleasant and uncomfortable
decorative moral dimension of scientific and technological policies
possibilities that a senseless approach to scientific and technological
but rather the very heart of sustainable futures.
advancements may bring. Whether Joy's propositions are a real
Human rights should be integrated into the journey toward the possibility or an absolute moonshot, it is unavoidable to think of the
ultimate good. They should guide humans not only to flourish as future that will no longer need the human race. It makes thinking
individual members of society but also to assist each other in about the roles and obligations of every stakeholder a necessary
flourishing collectively as a society. Human rights are rights to component of scientific and technological advancement. In this case,
sustainability, as Mukherjee put it. They may function as the it is preeminently necessary that the scientific community,
"golden mean," particularly by protecting the weak, poor, and governments, and businesses engage in a discussion to determine
vulnerable from deficiencies and excesses of science and the safeguards of humans against the potential dangers of science
technology. By imposing upon science and technology the moral and and technology.
ethical duty to protect and uphold human rights, there can be a
WEEK 5: 11.2 INFORMATION AGE
more effective and sustainable approach to bridging the gap
between poor and rich countries on both tangible and intangible (1) There are certain facts to remember that the age of information
aspects. Ultimately, all these will lead humans to flourish together has the following developments: (1.1) The Gutenberg Press was
through science and technology. invented by German goldsmith, Johannes Gutenberg around 1440
which resulted in the improvement of the manual, tedious, and slow Harvard Mark 1 is the general-purpose electromechanical computer
printing methods. This method of the printing press is a device that that was 50 feet long and capable of doing calculations in seconds
applies pressure to an inked surface lying on a print medium, such as that usually took place hours; (2) Enigma was made by Britain to
cloth or paper, to transfer ink; (1.2) The mass communication was encipher the machine that the German armed forces used to
traced back to the invention of the printing press. The development securely send messages; (3) Alan Turing, an English mathematician
of a fast and easy way of disseminating information in print who hired in 1936 by British top-secret Government Code and
permanently reformed the structure of society; and (1.3) The rise of Cipher School at Bletchley Park to break the Enigma code; (4) Alan
the printing press had threatened the political and religious Turing invented “Bombe” an electromechanical machine that
authorities which impacted the tremendous social change on the encrypted messages of the German Enigma machine. Thus, this
wide circulation of information. Thus, the production of books made contribution had shortened the war by two years.; (5) Universal
accessible not only in the upper class but in the middle class and Machine became the foundation of computer science and the
lower class. invention of a machine later called a computer that can solve any
problem in performing any task from a written program; (6) Steve
(2) The PowerPoint presentation talks about the information Wozniak, co-founder of Apple I designed the operating system,
age. This will help you in the discussions of this module. Please check hardware, and circuit board of the computer all by himself; (7) Steve
out the PowerPoint and prepare for the discussions. Jobs, Wozniak’s friend suggested to sell the Apple I as fully
assembled printed circuit board.
• Information Age - Information age and social media influence
human lives
• Social media refers to websites and applications that are
designed to allow people to share content quickly, efficiently,
and in real-time.

Why is it important to study social media?

• Social media plays an important role in every student's life. It is

easier and convenient to access information, provide information
and communicate via social media. Teachers and students are
connected to each other and can make good use of these platforms
for the working of their education.

What is the purpose of using social media?

• The purpose of social media is primarily to build a brand and

increase its visibility. As social media sites have become more
popular, brands and businesses are pulling their services over the
sites to market them in the right manner.
12.2 SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
PURPOSE OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA

80% - SOCIALIZING

58% - PERSONAL BRANDING

15% - STALKING

Why social media is important in our life?

• Nowadays Social Media plays an important role in our life, we are

using it to keep in touch with our friends and make some new
friends. Besides that we want to show the world what we are doing
by means of posting pictures or videos. These tools are all very
useful when we talk about business too.

How can social media help students? These are the development of platforms since then (1) in 1973
onwards, social media platforms are being introduced in variations of
• Social media can help centralize the collective knowledge of an multi-user chat rooms; (2) instant-messaging applications: AOL,
entire class to make studying and communicating more efficient for Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger, Windows messenger; (3)
everyone. bulletin-board forum systems, game-based social networking sites:
Facebook, Friendster, Myspace; (4) business-oriented social
12.1 PIONEERS networking website: Xing; (5) messaging, video, and voice calling
services: Viber, Skype; (6) blogging platform, image and video
Some people had contributed to the development of the information
hosting websites: Flicker; (7) discovery and dating-oriented websites:
age: (1) Harvard Mark 1 made by the US to address the problem of a
Tagged, Tinder; (8) video sharing services: Youtube; (9) real-time
serious shortage of human computers for military calculations. This
social media feed aggregator: FriendFeed; (10) live-streaming:
Justin.tv, Twitch.tv; (11) photo-video sharing websites: Pinterest, traditional and modern food systems. Implementation of the
Instagram, Snapchat, Keek, Vine; and (12) question-and-answer International Plant Genetic Resources Institute's Global Nutrition
platforms: Quora. Strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa offers a useful case study. Relevant
policy platforms, in which biodiversity conservation and nutrition are
WEEK 5: 13.1 BIODIVERSITY AND HEALTHFUL SOCIETY and should be linked, include the Millennium Development Goals,
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Convention on Biological
Biodiversity is the variety of life—its ecosystems, species,
Diversity, Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, Food-
populations, and genes. Human actions towards the land,
Based Dietary Guidelines, Right to Adequate Food and UN Human
freshwater, and oceans have already caused biodiversity to decline.
Rights Commission's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The
Even greater losses will occur in the future if humanity continues its
largely unexplored health benefits of cultivated and wild plants
present unsustainable use of natural resources. In documenting this
include micronutrient intake and functions related to energy density,
decline, there has been a focus on species extinctions, the most
glycaemic control, oxidative stress, and immuno-stimulation.
obvious manifestation of biodiversity loss. In addition, there is a loss
Research on the properties of neglected and underutilized species
of ecosystems, populations, and genes. All these are the only truly
and local varieties deserves higher priority. In tests of the hypothesis
irreversible consequences of environmental change. When any of
that biodiversity is essential for dietary diversity and health,
these is lost, it is gone forever. Species losses are also the aspect of
quantitative indicators of dietary and biological diversity can be
biodiversity loss that is most often considered, for example, by the
combined with nutrition and health outcomes at the population
U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity. Even a species that survives
level. That traditional systems once lost are hard to recreate
can lose much of its genetic diversity if local populations are lost
underlines the imperative for timely documentation, compilation,
from most of its original range. Furthermore, ecosystems may shrink
and dissemination of eroding knowledge of biodiversity and the use
in the area dramatically and lose many of their functions, even
of food culture for promoting positive behaviors.
though their constituent species manage to survive. The loss of
ecosystems, species, populations, and genes all have implications for
This study was conducted in the Philippines by Tumbaga,
human health (Chivian, 2003).
Hipolito, and Gabriel (2020) on Links to an external site.Community
participation toward biodiversity conservation among protected
The research and reports in Biodiversity Studies by Roy (2016:5
areas in Pangasinan, Philippines. They said that the understanding of
15-27) reported that due to the ever-increasing demand for natural
community participation in biodiversity conservation among
resources, the earth is on the verge of global mass extinction. The
developing countries, such as the Philippines, is still lacking and
biodiversity hotspots are the remnant natural areas of high
needs to be supplemented. This study aimed to determine the
terrestrial biodiversity which are rapidly degrading and constitute
community participation toward biodiversity conservation in two
more than half of the global endemic species in approximately 2% of
communities located at two Protected Areas in Pangasinan,
the global land area which requires conservation and protection
Philippines: Hundred Islands National Park and Manleluag Spring
along with an effort to identify new areas. Presently, data gaps and
Protected Landscape. The knowledge, attitude, and community
the nonavailability of adequate information across the biodiversity
participation in the two communities vary, considering that they
hotspots have resulted in unsustainable commercial exploitation in
possess a unique ecosystem dimension (coastal ecosystem and forest
these areas. In this paper, an effort has been made to assess the
ecosystem). Moreover, their knowledge of threats and importance
status of the various biodiversity hotspots across the globe with
on biodiversity, including their attitudes, is considered high. Despite
respect to the geographic distribution, the area under natural
their ecosystem uniqueness, there were no observed differences in
vegetation, the concentration of endemic plants, and the human
both areas in terms of their knowledge and attitude. However, in
development index in these areas. Monitoring such a large extent
terms of community participation, coastal communities show a
across the globe has its difficulties. The use of recent tools and
higher level of community participation as compared to forested
technologies including earth observation systems and information
communities. The demographic factors, such as income and the
technology can help in monitoring and identification of the global
number of programs and projects implemented in their areas,
biodiversity hotspots and help in the conservation and protection of
probably determine the status of their community participation.
these areas. It is suggested to identify the biodiversity-rich areas at a
coarse-scale and have a detailed study of the biodiversity-rich areas 13.1.1 Definition and Types
to design appropriate conservation and protection of the biodiversity
hotspots.

Johns and Eyzaquirre (2006) conducted a study on Linking

Biodiversity, Diet, and Health in Police and Practice that the
simplification of human diets associated with increased accessibility
of inexpensive agricultural commodities and erosion of
agrobiodiversity leads to nutrient deficiencies and excess energy
consumption. Non-communicable diseases are growing causes of
death and disability worldwide. Successful food systems in transition
effectively draw on locally available foods, food variety, and
traditional food cultures. In practice, this process involves empirical
research, public policy, promotion, and applied action in support of
multi-sectoral, community-based strategies linking rural producers
and urban consumers, subsistence and market economies, and
 Biodiversity offsets are an increasingly popular yet controversial tool The whole area of agricultural productivity and development depends
in conservation. Their popularity lies in their potential to meet the on genetic diversity. The plant, as well as animal genetic resources,
objectives of biodiversity conservation and of economic development play an important role in the economy of a country. Genetic diversity
in tandem; the controversy lies in the need to accept ecological losses is the whole basis for a sustainable life system on earth.
in return for uncertain gains. We are at a critical stage: biodiversity
offsets risk becoming responses to immediate development and Scientists in many parts of the world are trying to introduce
conservation needs without an overriding conceptual framework to genetically modified seeds in the agriculture sector for better yield as
provide guidance and evaluation criteria. We clarify the meaning of well as for resistance to drought and flood situations. The local people
the term biodiversity offset and propose a framework that integrates or farmers are not showing any interest to preserve the natural way
the consideration of theoretical and practical challenges in the offset of genetic diversity.
process. We also propose a research agenda for specific topics around (b) Species diversity:
metrics, baselines, and uncertainty (Bull, 2013).
This refers to the variety of species within a particular region. The
According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, common number of species in a region is a measure of such diversity. The
indicators are needed to monitor the loss of biodiversity and the richness of species in a given region provides a yardstick for species
implications for the sustainable provision of ecosystem services. diversity. Species diversity depends as much on genetic diversity as on
Special emphasis was placed on comparing indicators of biodiversity environmental conditions.
and ecosystem services across ecosystems (forests, grass- and
shrublands, wetlands, rivers, lakes, soils, and agro-ecosystems) and Colder regions support less than the warmer regions for species
spatial scales (from patch to global scale). The application of biological diversity. A good climate with good physical geography supports a
indicators was found most often focused on regional and finer spatial better species diversity. Species richness is a term that is used to
scales with few indicators applied across ecosystem types (Feld et al. measure the biodiversity of a given site.
2009).
In addition to species richness, species endemism is a term used to
Biodiversity Types: Genetic, Species, and Ecological Diversity measure biodiversity by way of assessing the magnitude of differences
between species. In the taxonomic system, similar species are
The living world is a complex combination of different levels of grouped together in general, similar genera in families, families in
organisms. The key components of life are at one extreme and orders, and so on till in the level of the kingdom. This process is a
communities of species at the other extreme. The manifestations of genuine attempt to find relationships between organisms. The higher
all types of diversities are found at all these levels of organisms. taxa have thousands of species. Species that are very different from
Biodiversity is the shorter form of the word biological diversity which one another contribute more to overall biodiversity.
means diversity in the biological world. Thus one can define
biodiversity as the degree of variety in nature with regard to biological (c) Ecological diversity:
species.
This is the number of species in a community of organisms.
Definition: Maintaining both types of diversity is fundamental to the functioning
of ecosystems and hence to human welfare. Thus, ecological diversity
The living world is a complex combination of different levels of is decided on the basis of species and genetic diversity. Ecological
organisms. The key components of life are at one extreme and diversity is the scale of biodiversity of an ecosystem. It describes the
communities of species at the other extreme. The manifestations of level of biodiversity in an ecosystem.
all types of diversities are found at all these levels of organisms.
Biodiversity is the shorter form of the word biological diversity which Ecosystem diversity deals with the variations in ecosystems within a
means diversity in the biological world. Thus one can define geographical location and its overall impact on human existence and
biodiversity as the degree of variety in nature with regard to biological the environment. Ecological diversity is a type of biodiversity. It is the
species. variation in the ecosystems found in a region or the variation in
ecosystems over the whole planet. Biodiversity is important because
Types of Biodiversity: it clears out our water, changes our climate, and provides us with food.
(a) Genetic diversity: Ecological diversity includes the variation in both terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems. Ecological diversity can also take into account the
It is the variation of genes within the species. This results in a distinct variation in the complexity of a biological community, including the
population of one, even the same species. It gives genetic variation number of different niches, the number of trophic levels, and other
within a population or varieties within one species. There are two ecological processes. An example of ecological diversity on a global
reasons for differences between individual organisms. One is a scale would be the variation in ecosystems, such as deserts, forests,
variation in the gene which all organisms possess which is passed from grasslands, wetlands, and oceans. Ecological diversity is the largest
one to its offspring. scale of biodiversity, and within each ecosystem, there is a great deal
of both species and genetic diversity (All cited by your article library,
The other is the influence of the environment on each individual n.d.)
organism. The variation in the sequence of four base pairs in the DNA
chain forms the genetic variation in the organism. The recombination)
of genetic material during cell division makes it imperative for genetic
diversity within a species. The loss of genetic diversity within a species
is called genetic erosion.
13.1.2 BENEFITS stakeholders to safeguard biodiversity and the benefits it provides to
people.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is

based in Montreal,Canada. Its main function is to assist governments
in the implementation of the CBD and its programs of work, organize
meetings, draft documents, coordinate with other international
organizations and collect and spread information. The Executive
Secretary is the head of the Secretariat.

Cartagena Protocol on Biodiversity

Cartagena Protocol is an international agreement that aims to ensure

the safe handling, transport, and use of living modified organisms
(LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse
effects on biological diversity, taking into account risks to human
health. It makes a precautionary approach by making sure that
countries are provided with the data necessary to make informed
decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their
territory.

The Philippines recognizes the technologies that can be of

particular help for its development. Since the Philippines is one of the
biodiversity "hotspots" in the world, it is helpful to know how
biotechnology will progress in the country.

WEEK 5: 14.1 NANOTECHNOLOGY

Scientific researchers have developed new technological tools that

greatly improve different aspects of our lives. The use of nanoscale is
one important interdisciplinary area generated by advancement in
science and technology. Scientists and engineers were able to build
materials with innovative properties as they manipulate
nanomaterials.
13.1.3 PROTOCOLS ON BIODIVERSITY

Living in Harmony with Nature

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international

legally binding treaty with
three main goals: conservation of biodiversity; sustainable use of
biodiversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising
from the use of genetic resources. Its overall objective is to
encourage actions that will lead to a sustainable future.

The conservation of biodiversity is a common concern of humankind.

The CBD covers biodiversity at all levels: Ecosystems, species, and
genetic resources. It also covers biotechnology through the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. In fact, it covers all possible
domains that are directly or indirectly related to biodiversity and its
role in development, ranging from science, politics, and education to
agriculture, business, culture, and much more.

The governing body of the CBD is the Conference of the Parties

(COP). This ultimate authority of all governments (or Parties) that
have ratified the treaty meets every two years to review progress set
priorities, and commit to work plans.

In 2010, Parties to the CBD adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011–2020, a ten-year framework for action by all countries and
Nanotechnology refers to the science, engineering, and technology build things like tennis rackets and make wrinkle-free fabrics, we can't
conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers. make really complex microprocessor chips with nanowires yet.
Nanoscience and nanotechnology employ the study and application
of exceptionally small things in other areas of science including If molecular manufacturing becomes a reality, how will that impact
material science, engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry. the world's economy? Assuming we can build anything we need with
the click of a button, what happens to all the manufacturing jobs? If
Nanotechnology deals with the very smallest components of our you can create anything using a replicator, what happens to currency?
world – atoms, and molecules. Trying to understand just how small Would we move to a completely electronic economy? Would we even
the nanoscale is can be very difficult for people. A nanometer is a unit need money?
of measurement for length just as you have with meters and
centimeters. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, 0.000000001 or Those are some of the challenges posed by nanotechnology. But aside
10-9 meters. The word “nano” comes from the Greek word for from it, there are also what are called ethical issues that will be
“dwarf.” The term nanoscale is used to refer to objects with discussed on the next page.
dimensions on the order of 1-100 nanometers (nm). 14.4 ETHICAL DILEMMAS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
14.2 APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY The following are some of the issues in "nanoethics" cited by Patrick
You may not be aware of it, but many of the things you are using now Lin, a research director for The Nanoethics Group, a nonpartisan
are a product of nanotechnology. This is only possible through organization based in Santa Barbara, California, that studies the
decades of basic nanoscience research and decades of focused ethical and social implications of nanotechnology. Many of them are
research and development. Applications of nanotechnology are now familiar with philosophy and ethics, but considering them in the
delivering in both expected and unexpected ways on context of nanotechnology is important and can reveal new insights.
nanotechnology’s promise to benefit society.
• Regulation - Do we have a right to research, or is some too
Nanotechnology is helping to considerably improve, even dangerous to publish or conduct, such as a recently
revolutionize, many technologies and industry sectors: information published recipe for making the 1918 killer influenza virus?
technology, homeland security, medicine, transportation, energy, Nanotechnology has the potential to be even more
food safety, and environmental science, among many others. destructive since it gives us the power to precisely
manipulate the very building blocks of our world and may
In the video below, you will see how nanotechnology has helped in even enable such things as self-aware artificial intelligence
revolutionizing the world and keeps in doing so at this very moment systems – though that same power can also profoundly
as we speak. help humanity.

14.3 CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY • Environmental and Health - How much safety must we
prove in nanomaterials, before introducing them into the
The emergence of nanoscience in the previous decades as a new
marketplace or environment? The precautionary principle
multidisciplinary scientific research area has attracted a great deal of
seems to require that if the impact of our research is
attention in both synthesis methodologies and wide applications in
unclear, but catastrophe or other undesirable events are
medicine, energy, environment, electronics, etc. Despite significant
possible, then we should pause to conduct more
progress in nanotechnology and the rise of many commercialized
investigation to avoid these scenarios. But how strong is
products involving nanomaterials, nanoscience, and technology are
this principle, really? After all, other products, such as
still facing many new challenges, especially in the areas of great
mobile phones, are brought to market amid continuing
concern to the public: energy and health.
questions about their safety.
The reservation created against nanotechnology is rational in the
basic sense. Nanoscience and technology are relatively new and there • Society - How will nanosensors evolve our concept of
are many new discoveries happening every now and then related to privacy, particularly if they are ubiquitous (such as "smart
the said discipline. It cannot be denied that due to less familiarity, dust") and virtually invisible? Does national security justify
people may have skeptical views. Below are some of the challenges, a tradeoff of our rights? Nanotechnology also promises to
risks, and skeptical views about the use of nanoscience and enhance our capabilities, but does this threaten the idea of
technology: being human? For instance, if some people are enhanced
to become smarter or to see in infrared, that may create a
Because elements at the nanoscale behave differently than they do in "nano divide" that gives significant advantages to only
their bulk form, there's a concern that some nanoparticles could be these people and creates a communication gap, if others
toxic. Some doctors worry that the nanoparticles are so small, that cannot have the same basic experiences.
they could easily cross the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that
protects the brain from harmful chemicals in the bloodstream. If we • Politics and Markets - How will nanotechnology affect
plan on using nanoparticles to coat everything from our clothing to global security and the distribution of power, if it can
our highways, we need to be sure that they won't poison us. radically change the face of war and terrorism? Suppose a
nondemocratic country develops it first. Will nanotech
Closely related to the knowledge barrier is the technical barrier. In create a new arms race? In the long term, if nano factories
order for the incredible predictions regarding nanotechnology to enable us to make anything we want, what will be the
come true, we have to find ways to mass-produce nano-size products impact on local and global economies? These issues speak
like transistors and nanowires. While we can use nanoparticles to
 to a need for cooperation, regulation, as well as • Genetic Engineering, refers to the direct manipulation of DNA to
forethought to minimize any political or economic alter an ... Genetic engineering is used by scientists to enhance or
disruption. modify..

• Personal - A critical application for nanotechnology will be What is genetic engineering used for?
in medicine, such as repairing cellular damage to reverse
• In medicine, genetic engineering has been used to mass-produce
or retard aging. But how does a longer lifespan affect Social
insulin, human growth hormones, follistim (for treating infertility),
Security, overpopulation, and retirement? Is living in the
human albumin, monoclonal antibodies, antihemophilic factors,
shadow of death an essential part of being human? Will
vaccines, and many other drugs. In research, organisms are
we lose our personal identity as we become more
genetically engineered to discover the functions of certain genes
integrated with our technologies, when humans and
machines become one, as the "theory of Singularity"
predicts?

WEEK 6: 15.1 GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

What does genetically modified organism?

• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose

genetic material hasbeen artificially manipulated in a laboratory
through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, 15.1.1 BIOETHICAL DILEMMAS USING GMOs
animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or
through traditional crossbreeding methods

How do genetically modified organisms affect cells?

• The application of genetic modification allows genetic material to

be transferred from any species into plants or other organisms. The
introduction of a gene into different cells can result in different
outcomes, and the overall pattern of gene expression can be altered
by the introduction of a single gene

What is an example of a genetically modified organism?

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):

Transgenic Crops and Recombinant DNA Technology. ... Crop plants,

farm animals, and soil bacteria are some of the more prominent
examples of organisms that have been subject to genetic
engineering.

Genetically modified organism GMOs are products of artificial

manipulation and alteration of a species genetic material in a
laboratory using genetic engineering. Plant, animal bacteria, and
virus genes maybe combined or may be crossbred to produce
another kind of species that do not naturally occur in the
environment.

• One of the most controversial issues in science and technology.

Increased crop yield,pest resistance, and other benefits of GMOs
15.2 GENE THERAPY experiments to outline functional mechanisms, predictive
approaches, patient-related studies, and upcoming challenges, should
Brief History be done to address existing problems in the development of and to
acquire future perspectives in gene therapy.
Human gene therapy was actually first realized in 1971 when the
first recombinant DNA experiments were planned. It can be simply
viewed as the insertion of foreign DNA into a patient's tissue that
hopes to successfully eradicate the targetted disease. In 1972,
Theodore Friedman and Richard Roblin proposed that people with
genetic disorders can be treated by replacing defective DNA with good
DNA.

In 1985, Dr. W. French Anderson and Dr. Michael Blasse worked

together to show that cells of patients with Adenosine deaminase
(ADA) deficiency can be corrected in tissue culture. In 1990, the first
approved gene therapy clinical research took place at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) under the team of Dr. Anderson. It was
conducted on a four-year-old girl who had ADA deficiency. In 1993.
the first somatic treatment that proposed a permanent genetic
change was performed.

The first commercial gene therapy product Gendicine was

approved in China in 2003 for the treatment of certain cancers. Due
to some clinical successes since 2006, gene therapy gained greater
WEEK 6: 16.1 CLIMATE CHANGE
attention from researchers but was still considered an experimental
technique. 16.1 ABOUT CLIMATE

In 2016, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of As how the United Nations explained, Climate Change is the defining
the European Medicines Agency endorsed the gene therapy issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. From shifting
treatment called Strimvelis which was approved by European weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea levels
Commission in June 2018. that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate
change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without
Some Studies transplanted genes to speed up the destruction of
drastic action today, adapting to these impacts in the future will be
cancer cells. Gene therapy or cell therapies have emerged as realistic
more difficult and costly.
prospects for the treatment of cancer and involve the delivery of
genetic information to a tumor to facilitate the production of Climate is not similar to the weather which is constantly changing.
therapeutic proteins. This area of gene therapy still needs further Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns prevailing over a
studies before an efficient and safe gene therapy procedure is given area of the planet. The term comes from “klinein” (to slope)
adopted Gene Revolution: Issues and Impacts, n. d., Wirth et al., and later evolved into “klima” connoting a zone or region of the
2013). Earth characterized by its atmospheric conditions.

15.2.1 ETHICAL ISSUES IN GENETIC ENGINEERING 16.1.1 CAUSES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Various concerns on genetic engineering arise, making gene therapy Indeed, Climate Change is a threat to both developing and
and GMOs very controversial innovations in science and technology. developed nations around the world. But what exactly causes it?
Others support that it is unethical for humans to have a hand in Scientists like those from NASA attribute the global warming trend
genetically altering and engineering organisms. There are instances observed since the mid-20th century to the human expansion of the
when genetic engineering has caused severe repercussions to public "greenhouse effect"Links to an external site. — warming that results
health. Until today, cloning is still unacceptable to many for it violates when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.
the belief that only higher beings should be responsible for the But overall, there are three major causes of climate change, though
existence of organisms on earth. There are also ethical and moral it could be natural or human activities such as:
issues on stem cell therapy as it makes use of stem cells sourced from
human embryos and thus destroys them. These concerns regarding • Volcanic Eruptions - When volcanoes erupt, it emits different
genetic engineering and gene therapy are rooted in the question of natural aerosols like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxides, salt
whether or not humans are playing gods in the alteration of genes of crystals, volcanic ashes or dust, and even microorganisms like
organisms. bacteria and viruses all of which are greenhouse gases; Can
cause a cooling effect on the lithosphere because its emitted
Genetic engineering also poses problems in agriculture. Hence, aerosol can block a certain percentage of solar radiation.
there is a need to study the ecological processes applied to
agricultural production systems. Agroecology is a field of study that • Orbital Changes - Also known as the Earth’s movement around
presents novel management approaches to farming systems that may the sun
help address concerns regarding the effect of GMOs on biodiversity Earth’s orbit can also cause climate change, this was proposed
and the health of the consumers. Further research, as well as clinical by the Milankovitch theory. 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.

• Human Activities - The largest known contribution comes from

the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide gas
into the atmosphere. Human activities result in emissions of
four principal greenhouse gases:

o carbon dioxide

o Methane

o nitrous oxide
The stratosphere is the second major layer of the atmosphere and lies
o Halocarbons above the troposphere, the lowest layer. It occupies the region of the
atmosphere from about 12 to 50 km above the Earth's surface,
16.1.2 EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
although its lower boundary tends to be higher nearer the equator
Climate change has devastating effects on all living things, especially and lower nearer the poles.
humans. The effects are so enormous that discussing it for a day may
Concentrations of ozone in the stratosphere fluctuate naturally in
not be enough. However, we may deduce it by looking into its effects
response to variations in weather conditions and amounts of energy
on society as a whole. Such effects include but are not limited to the
being released from the Sun, and to major volcanic eruptions.
following:
Ozone depletion results in harmful effects on human health, plants,
• It directly affects the basic elements of people’s lives like water, marine ecosystems, and biochemical cycles among others.
food, health, use of land, and the environment.
16.1.4 ACID DEPOSITION
• Declining crop yields due to drought, especially in Africa, are
likely to leave hundreds of millions without the ability to produce Another devastating effect of Climate Change on living things is acid
or purchase sufficient food. rains. Acid rain describes any form of precipitation that contains high
levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It can also occur in the form of snow,
• It will increase worldwide deaths from malnutrition and heat fog, and tiny bits of dry material that settle to Earth. Normal rain is
stress. slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.6, while acid rain generally has a pH
between 4.2 and 4.4.
• Ecosystems will be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Rotting vegetation and erupting volcanoes release some chemicals
• Ocean edification will have major effects on marine ecosystems, that can cause acid rain, but most acid rain is a product of human
with possible adverse consequences on fish stocks. activities. The biggest sources are coal-burning power plants,
factories, and automobiles.
• Melting or collapse of ice sheets would raise sea levels
When humans burn fossil fuels, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen
• It will increase flood risks during the wet season and it will oxides (NOx) are released into the atmosphere. Those air pollutants
strongly reduce dry-season water supplies. react with water, oxygen, and other substances to form airborne
sulfuric and nitric acid. Winds may spread these acidic compounds
16.1.3 STRATOSPHERE AND OZONE DEPLETION
through the atmosphere and over hundreds of miles. When acid rain
In your high school and elementary days, you were constantly reaches Earth, it flows across the surface in runoff water, enters water
reminded about the layers that protect the Earth from rays of the sun systems, and sinks into the soil.
and other external objects. You must also take note that the depletion
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are not primary greenhouse gases
of the Earth's protective layers - such as the Stratosphere is also
that contribute to global warming, one of the main effects of climate
affected by Climate Change.
change; in fact, sulfur dioxide has a cooling effect on the atmosphere.
Ozone is both beneficial and harmful to us. Near the ground, ozone- But nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of ground-level
forming as a result of chemical reactions involving traffic pollution and ozone, a major pollutant that can be harmful to people. Both gases
sunlight may cause a number of respiratory problems, particularly for cause environmental and health concerns because they can spread
young children. However, high up in the atmosphere in a region easily via air pollution and acid rain.
known as the stratosphere, ozone filters out incoming radiation from
Acid deposits damage physical structures such as limestone buildings
the Sun in the cell-damaging ultraviolet (UV) part of the spectrum.
and cars. And when it takes the form of inhalable fog, acid
Without this ozone layer, life on earth would not have evolved in the
precipitation can cause health problems including eye irritation and
way it has.
asthma.
16.1.5 THERMAL INVERSION environmental awareness is an easy way to become an environmental
steward and participate in creating a brighter future for our children.
Another devastating effect of Climate Change is the fact that the
temperature in certain areas tends to become inverted. But what 16.1.8 DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT
exactly is temperature inversion or thermal inversion? According to
Britannica Encyclopedia, Temperature inversion, also called thermal Research conducted by the United Nations indicates that the Earth’s
inversion, is a reversal of the normal behavior of temperature in the climate is changing at a rate that has exceeded most scientific
troposphere (the region of the atmosphere nearest to Earth’s surface), forecasts. Some families and communities have already started to
in which a layer of cool air at the surface is overlain by a layer of suffer from disasters and the consequences of climate change, which
warmer air. (Under normal conditions air temperature usually has forced them to leave their homes in search of a new
decreases with height.) beginning.UNHCR recognizes that the consequences of climate
change are extremely serious, including for refugees and other people
Although temperature inversion may be somewhat a normal of concern. The Global Compact on Refugees, adopted by an
phenomenon, it may have an adverse effect if coupled with climate overwhelming majority in the UN General Assembly in December
change and global warming. Temperature inversions have a great 2018, directly addresses this growing concern. It recognizes that
effect on air pollution. Whether it's a blanket of smog over a city or ‘climate, environmental degradation, and natural disasters
the melting of ice packs due to ozone depletion, atmospheric increasingly interact with the drivers of refugee movements.’
temperature inversions are intricately involved. They influence the
scope and intensity of the effects of air pollution on a temporary, Summary
localized basis as well as long-term and globally. In a nutshell, climate change is the defining issue of our time and we
If climate change is not controlled, temporary inversion may lead to are at a defining moment. It is a threat to both developing and
its permanence. Permanent temperature inversions occur high above developed nations around the world. Overall, there are three major
the surface of the planet. In regard to air pollution, the most causes of climate change, which could be natural or man-made
important of these is the stratosphere. This atmospheric layer activities such as volcanic eruptions, orbital changes, and human
stretches from an average of seven miles to 31 miles above the earth's activities. Moreover, climate change has devastating effects on all
surface. The stratosphere sits atop the troposphere, which is the living things, especially humans. The effects are so enormous that
lowest layer of the atmosphere and home to the majority of all- discussing it for a day may not be enough. However, we may deduce
weather. The stratosphere’s temperature inversion impacts global, it by looking into its effects on society as a whole. Such effects include
long-term air pollution. but are not limited to the following:

16.1.6 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS ▪ Acid deposition

Obviously, we humans are one of the agents of Climate Change. Our ▪ Ozone depletion
actions and inactions can lead to harmful effects on our planet. It is ▪ Thermal inversion
essential, therefore, to raise our environmental awareness. Mother
Earth as we speak, has its own way to heal herself. ▪ Natural disasters and many more.

Maybe some of you have seen posters, ads, and the like carrying the Furthermore, the government needs to strengthen its Disaster
exhortation ''Go Green!'' But, what does it mean to ''go green''? It Risk Management programs, while the public in particular needs to
takes a variety of forms, but essentially, going green means being develop environmental awareness and disaster in order to protect the
mindful of the natural environment and making economic choices environment for future generations.
that aren't harmful to the earth. For example, this might mean
purchasing a glass or ceramic water bottle instead of using disposable
plastic water bottles. Plastic takes an incredibly long time to break
down, and a significant percentage of plastic makes it to the oceans,
where it kills plant and animal life. Going green might also involve
using an all-natural hair-care product, instead of a can of aerosol spray
containing toxic chemicals.

When people ''go green,'' they are practicing environmental

awareness. The term means exactly what you expect it to be aware of
the natural environment and making choices that benefit--rather than
hurt--the earth. In recent years, environmental awareness has gained
increased attention. It is fair to say it has become a bit of a trend: from
environmentally friendly tiny homes to organic food, environmental
awareness is a hot topic. However, it is nothing new and it ought to be
more than just a passing fad because of its importance. Let's dig
deeper and learn more about environmental awareness.

Environmental awareness is to understand the fragility of our

environment and the importance of its protection. Promoting