SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
UNDERSTANDING
SCIENCE AND SCIENTIFIC
REVOLUTION
Objectives:
1. State the meaning of science, technology and
society
2. Discuss the concept of science and technology
3. Explain the concept of scientific revolution
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Also referred to as science and technology studies, is
the study how social, political, and cultural values affect
scientific research and technological innovation, and how
these, in turn, affect society.
Refers to the interaction between science and technology
and social cultural, political and economic contexts which
shape and are shaped by them; specific examples
throughout human history of scientific and technological
developments.
There is no individual that can exactly identify when and where
science began.
From the genesis of time, science coexisted with human and
nature.
It started when humans began to ask questions about the
environment and observe everything about nature and its
activities.
Literature defined science in various ways. From the old notion
that suggest science as an organized body of knowledge, wisdom,
and experiences concerning the natural and physical world, this
conception has evolved to include attitudes, processes, and skills
through which science as a body of knowledge is formed (Pawilen
2006).
Concept of Science
1. From the American Heritage Dictionary of the English
Language (2004) defines science as
“The observation, identification, description, experimental
investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural
phenomena.”
Science is a systematic approach to understanding the natural
world through careful observation, identification, description,
experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural
phenomena. It involves gathering empirical evidence, forming
hypotheses, conducting experiments, and developing theories that
explain how things work.
Through this process, science continuously refines and expands
human knowledge, leading to technological advancements and a
deeper understanding of the universe.
2. Snir, et al (2003) characterized science as:
“An ongoing theoretical dialogue with nature, in which
scientists have developed successively more powerful models
to account for a wider range of phenomena.”
Science can be understood as an ongoing theoretical dialogue
with nature, where scientists continuously refine and expand
their understanding by developing increasingly powerful
models to explain a broader range of natural phenomena. This
process is dynamic and self-correcting, as scientific theories evolve
over time based on new evidence and insights.
Example:
Newton’s laws of motion provided a foundational model for
understanding mechanics, but Einstein’s theory of relativity
expanded upon this framework to account for extreme conditions
like high speeds and strong gravitational fields. Similarly, quantum
mechanics emerged to explain phenomena at the atomic and
subatomic levels, which classical physics could not fully describe.
This continuous dialogue between scientists and nature ensures
that scientific understanding is never static but always advancing,
leading to deeper insights and new technological possibilities. This
shows that the focus of science is to develop reasoning skill.
3. Cobern(1993) pointed out that science, in a
broader cultural sense, is not just a method of
studying natural phenomena—it is also a way of
understanding the world and humanity’s
interactions with it. It shapes how societies interpret
reality, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
In this sense, science is more than just experiments and
theories—it is a fundamental part of human culture that
shapes how we perceive, interact with, and improve the
world around us.
4. For Watters and Diezmann (2003),
Science is a human endeavor through which people
seek to make sense of their environment. It is more
than just a body of knowledge—it is a way of thinking
and exploring the world to develop a deeper personal
and collective understanding of reality.
Through science, humans continuously build a framework
for understanding their place in the universe, shaping both
individual insights and collective progress.
5. Gribbin(2003), from a historical perspective,
Science can be defined as “An intellectual as well as
a social activity carried out by humans in their
pursuit of a better understanding of the natural
world. This definition highlights both the cognitive and
communal aspects of scientific inquiry throughout history.
Thus, science is both a mental pursuit and a shared
human endeavor, continuously evolving as people seek
deeper insights into the workings of the universe.
6. Other scholars like Cajete (1999) defines as “Science as a
cultural as well as individual process of thoughts, while
7. Bybee (1997), and Their and Davies (2002) define science in
relation to scientific literacy that includes: processes, skills,
concepts, and the ability to communicate ideas based on
reasons.
8. Lind (1997) defines “Science as a process of finding out and a
system for organizing and reporting discoveries.
9. Science can also be defined as both a cultural and an
individual process of thought, reflecting the ways in which
scientific inquiry shapes and is shaped by human experiences,
values, and intellectual pursuits.
Thus, science is not just a rigid set of facts—it is a dynamic
intellectual journey that exists within individuals while also
shaping and being shaped by the cultures they live in.
10. Science in relation to scientific literacy that
includes processes, skills, concept, and the ability to
communicate ideas based on reasons.
Science and scientific literacy are closely connected, as
scientific literacy involves not only understanding scientific
concepts but also developing the skills and reasoning
necessary to apply them effectively. Scientific literacy
encompasses:
Ultimately, science and scientific literacy go hand in
hand, equipping individuals with the ability to think
critically, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to
society through reasoned and evidence-based
discussions.
11. Science is both a process of finding out and a
system for organizing and reporting discoveries.
It is a structured way of exploring the natural
world, uncovering new knowledge, and
systematically sharing findings with others.
In essence, science is both a method of discovery and a
structured way of organizing and sharing knowledge,
ensuring continuous growth and advancement in human
understanding.
12. Science is also construed as a form of social
language developed by the scientific community.
Science can also be construed as a form of social
language developed by the scientific community. This
perspective highlights how science is not just a body of
knowledge but also a structured way of communicating
ideas, discoveries, and reasoning among scientists and
society.
Thus, science as a social language serves as a bridge
between researchers, institutions, and the public, ensuring
the accurate transmission, verification, and advancement of
knowledge.
13. Science is a form of conversation curious to a certain
stratum of society within a system at a given time.
Science can be seen as a form of conversation that is
particularly relevant to a certain stratum of society within a
specific system and time period. This perspective highlights
how science is shaped by historical, cultural, and societal
contexts.
Thus, science functions as a specialized yet evolving
conversation, deeply intertwined with the social structures,
priorities, and knowledge systems of its time.
14. Science is based on specific concepts such as
energy, mass, and entropy; it involves the
development of models that explain natural
phenomena, and it is characterized by key
epistemological features, including the formulation of
theories.
In essence, science is a systematic process that builds on
core concepts, develops explanatory models, and refines
theories to expand our understanding of the natural world.
SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
The Scientific Revolution (16th–18th centuries)
was a period of profound transformation in
scientific thought, leading to a shift from traditional
beliefs to a systematic, evidence-based approach.
It marked the birth of modern science,
characterized by the development of the scientific
method, empirical observation, and
mathematical reasoning.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCIENTIFIC
REVOLUTION
1. Pre-Scientific Thought (Before 1500s)
• Knowledge was dominated by Aristotle
(philosophy, physics) and Ptolemy
(geocentric model).
• The Catholic Church influenced scientific
understanding, and explanations relied on
religious or mystical ideas.
• Science was more philosophical and
descriptive rather than experimental.
2. The Renaissance and Revival of Classical
Knowledge (14th – 16th Century)
• Renewed interest in Greek and Roman
texts led to questioning old ideas.
• Humanism encouraged critical thinking and
independent inquiry.
• Printing Press (1440, Gutenberg) helped
spread scientific discoveries across Europe.
3. Copernican Revolution (16th Century)
• Nicolaus Copernicus (1543) proposed the
heliocentric model, replacing Ptolemy’s Earth-
centered view.
• His ideas were later defined by Johannes
Kepler (laws of planetary motion) and
Galileo Galilei (telescope observations).
4. The Scientific Method (17 th Century)
• Francis Bacon developed inductive
reasoning, emphasizing observation and
experimentation.
• Rene Descartes introduced deductive
reasoning, prioritizing logic and mathematics
• Together, with these approaches formed the
scientific method, a structured process for
inquiry.
5. Breakthroughs in Physics and Astronomy
(17th – 18th Century)
• Galileo Galilei used the telescope
to observe the moons of Jupiter, proving
that celestial bodies were not perfect.
• Isaac Newton (1687) formulated the
laws of motion and universal
gravitation, unifying physics and
astronomy.
6. Advancement in Biology, Medicine and
Chemistry
• Andrea Vesalius (1543) published De
humani corporis fabrica, advancing human
anatomy.
• William Harvey (1628) discovered blood
circulation, revolutionizing medicine
• Robert Boyle introduced modern chemistry,
moving away from alchemy.
7. Impact of the Enlightenment (18th
Century)
• The Age of Enlightenment (1543)
applied scientific reasoning to society,
politics, and economics.
• Thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and
Montesquieu promoted nationalism,
leading to democratic ideas and
technological progress.
Key Features of the Scientific Revolution
1. Empirical Observation
• Science moved away from religious
dogma to rely on evidence and experiments.
2. Mathematical Reasoning
• Precision in calculations became essential
(e.g., Newton’s Law)
3. The Scientific Method
• A structured approach to inquiry, including
hypothesis testing and peer review.
4. Challenges to Authority
• Traditional beliefs, including those of the
Church and Aristotle, were questioned.
5. Interdisciplinary Growth
• Advances in one field (e.g., physics)
influenced others (e.g., engineering, medicine).
Significance of the Scientific Revolution
1. Foundation of Modern Science
• led to disciplines like physics, chemistry,
and biology.
2. Technological Progress
• Inspired inventions like the steam engine,
microscope, and barometer.
3. Philosophical and Cultural Impact
• Encouraged free thought, leading to the
Enlightenment and democratic revolutions.
4. Shift in Worldview
• changed how humans saw themselves,
nature, and the universe.
The Scientific Revolution fundamentally
reshaped human knowledge, paving the way
for modern science and technology. It was
driven by curiosity, skepticism, and
systematic experimentation, proving that
knowledge should be based on evidence
rather than tradition or authority.
