Republic of the Philippines

FELIX ALFELOR SR. FOUNDATION COLLEGE

South Centro, Sipocot, Camarines Sur

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Course Title: Science, Technology, and Society

No. of Units: 3 units

Course Description:

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

This interdisciplinary course engages students to confront the realities brought about by science and technology
in society. Such realities pervade the personal, the public, and the global aspects of our living and are integral to
human development. Scientific knowledge and technological development happen in the context of society with
all its socio-political, cultural, economic, and philosophical underpinnings at play. This course seeks to instill
reflective knowledge in the students that they are able to live the good life and display ethical decision making
in the face of scientific and technological advancement.

This course includes mandatory topics on climate change and environmental awareness.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

Knowledge
1. Articulate the impacts of science and technology on society, specifically Philippine society.
2. Explainhowscienceandtechnologyaffectsocietyandtheenvironmentanditsroleinnation-building.
3. Analyze the human condition in order to deeply reflect and express philosophical ramifications that are
meaningful to the student as a part of society.
4. Defineanddemonstratetheimpactofsocialmediaonthestudents'lifeandPhilippinesocietyingeneral.

Values
1. Imbi be the importance of science and technology in the preservation of the environment and the
development of the Filipino nation.
2. Critique human flourishing vis-à-vis the progress of science and technology such that the student may be
able to define for himself/herself the meaning of the good life.
 3. Foster the value of a healthy lifestyle toward the holistic and sustainable development of society and the
environment.

Skills
1. Creatively present the importance and contributions of science and technology to society
2. Examine shared concerns that make up the good life in order to come up with innovative and creative
solutions to contemporary issues guided by ethical standards.
3. Illustrate how the social media and information age impact their lives and their understanding of
climate change.

Number of Hours: 3 hours every week for 18 weeks or 54 hours in a semester.

Course Outline and Timeframe

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

Learning
Topic Method Resources Assessment
Outcomes
GRADING PERIOD A. GENERAL CONCEPTS AND STS HISTPRICAL DEVELOPMENTS
• Discuss the 1. Historical Lecture • Philosophy of Science Quiz (40 points)
interactions antecedents and (Encyclopedia) Scientific
between S&T and in which discussion Progress, Scientific Revolutions Graded recitation
society social • Floridi, Luciano. 2014. The (20 points)
throughout consideration Activity: Fourth Revolution, Oxford
history. s changed the “Standing University Press Group
course of on the • Caoli. History of Science and presentation (40
• Discuss how science and shoulders Technology of the Philippines. points)
scientific and technology of Giants” • Video: Stephen Colbert’s
technological interview with Neil Tyson 15 Creativity
developments a. In the [Link] 15 Content
affect society and World: ch?v=FktrNFjZfKg 10 Learning
the environment. Ancient, • YouTube: World’s Greatest Impact
Middle and Inventions (3 minutes)
• Identify the Modern • Philippine Great Inventions
paradigm shifts in Ages • Paul Anderson article: “More
history. is Different”
b. In the 1976
Philippines • [Link]
ific-reductionism
• [Link]
is-a-paradigm
• [Link]
cs/enlightenment/videos/manki
nd-the-story-of -all-of-us-
scientific-revolution
• Kuhn , Structure of Scientific
Revolution

• Articulate ways 2. Intellectual Lecture • [Link] Quiz (50 points)

by which society revolutions that and [Link]
is transformed by defined society Discussion • Flowcharts/revival-west/the- Graded Activity
science and a. Copernican age-enlightenment (30 points)
technology b. Darwinian • [Link]
c. Freudian revolution/lesson plans Graded recitation
d. Information • Powerpoint presentation on (20 points)
e. Meso- the individual scholars and
American great works.
f. Asian
g. Middle East
h. African
• Discuss the role 3. Science and Small • GovernmentDocuments: 1. Group Project
of Science and Technology and Group NEDA. National Development presentation
Technology in Nation Building Activity Agenda; Regional Agenda
Philippine nation • FilipinoGreatMenandWomen
building a. The Philippine Discussion • GreatFilipinoInventions
Government
• Evaluate S&T Agenda
government b. Major
policies development
pertaining to programs and
science and personalities
technology in in S&T in the
terms of their Philippines
contributions to c. Science
nation building Education in
the
• Identify actual Philippines
science and d. Selected
technology indigenous
policies of the science and
government and technologies
appraise their
impact on the
development of
the Filipino
nation
GRADING PERIOD B. STS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION
• Analyze the The Human Reflection, The Question Concerning
human condition Person flourishing Discussion Technology by Martin Heidegger
in order to in terms of
deeply reflect science and A Return to the Beginning by
and express technology Daniel J. McNamara, SJ, in
philosophical Stellar Origins, Human Ways
ramifications that Technology as a (2011)
are meaningful to Way of Revealing
the student as a
part of society
• Critique human Human Discussion • Movie Clip (YouTube): The Group
flourishing vis-à- flourishing Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and Presentation on
vis the progress the case against Scientism how technology
of science and • Film: Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams reveals nature
technology so “Village of the Watermills” and the human
that the student • Forget ‘developing’ rich person’s role in it.
can define for countries, it’s time to ‘de-
himself/herself develop’ rich countries. By
the meaning of Jason Hickel
the good life.
 [Link]
obal- development-
professionals-
network/2015/sep/23/developi
ng-poor- countries-de-develop-
rich-countries-sdgs

Sustainable Development: An
Evolving Paradigm for the 21st
Century by Fabian Dayrit in
Stellar Origins, Human Ways
(2011)
• Group The Good Life Lecture • Book VI and Bk X Case Study:
Presentation on and Nichomachean ethics of Production and
how technology Discussion Aristotle Consumption of
reveals nature • What Is and What should be sugars.
and the human the role of scientific culture in
person’s role in it modern society – Richard
Feynman in the Pleasure of
Finding Things Out: The Best
Short Works of Richard
Feynman 1999 Perseus Books.
USA pp97- 115
• The Concepts of the Public
Good: A View from the Filipino
Philosopher by Rolando
Gripaldo in the Making of a
Filipino Philosopher and Other
Essays, 2009, National
Bookstore pp 82-101
• Eudaimonia and Human
Flourishing in Ethics and
Human Dignity by Christopher
Ryan Maboloc). Manila, 2010.
Rex Bookstore pp 15-23
• That Sugar Film (2015)
(documentary)
• Ppt: towards a green
economy: pathways to
sustainable development and
poverty eradication–UNEP
• Examine human When technology Reflection • The ethical dilemmas of
rights in order to and humanity and robotics
uphold such cross Discussion [Link]
rights in chnology/64323 07, stm
technological • " Is Google Making Us Stupid?
ethical dilemmas 2008. Nicholas Carr
 • [Link]
magazine/archive /2008/07/Is
google making us
stupid/306868/?

• Evaluate Why does the Reflection • Why The Future Doesn’t Case Study: WAZE
contemporary future not need and Need Us (2000) – Bill Joy,
human us? discussion Chief Scientist and
experience in Corporate Executive Officer
order to of Sun Microsystems
strengthen and [Link]
enlighten the omputing/nano/documents
human person • Movie: “A I”
functioning in Isaac Asimov, “I Robot”
society
Section Exam: Find Group Group
and examine local Work Presentation:
government
policies that Content and
protect the well- Relevance - 30%
being of the person
in the face of new Analysis - 40%
technologies
Creativity &
teamwork - 30%

----------- 100%
Grading Period C. SPECIFIC ISSUES IN STS
• Link learned The information Presentatio • Book: “Alan Turing: The Book Report
concepts to the Age (Gutenberg n and Enigma” (Andrew Hodges
development of to Social media) Discussion and Douglas Hofstadter) Activity Report: A
the information • TEDTalk: Julian Assange on day without
age and its “Why the World Needs Technology
impact on society Wikileaks”
• Activity Report: A day Activity Report:
• Illustrate how the without Technology Timing your
social media and • Activity Report: Timing your Technology
the information Technology Activity Report:
age have • Activity Report: Technology Technology and
impacted our and Past Past (interviews
lives • (interviews with elders) with elders)
• Nature’s Longest Threads by
Janaki
• Balakrishnan and B V
Sreekantan
• How we decide by Jonah
Lehrer
 • Information: The new
language of science
• (Hans Christian von Baeyer)
• Philippine Science and
Technology:
• Economic, Political and
Social Events Shaping Their
Development (Socorro M.
Rodriguez, 1996)
• Germ Catcher (David J.
Ecker, Scientific American,
2014)
• Physics of the Future: How
science will shape human
destiny and our daily lives by
the year 2100 (Michio Kaku,
Doubleday, 2011)
• Discuss the major The Nano World Presentatio • TEDTalk: Ray Kurzwell on
impacts (both n and “How Technology Will
potential and Discussion Transform Us”
realized} of
nanotechnology • Article: “Nanoethics: The
on society ethical and Social
• Analyze the issue Implications of
through the Nanotechnology” (Patrick Lin
conceptual STS and Fritz Allhoff, Hoboken,
lenses New Jersey: John Wiley and
• Critique the issue Sons, Inc. 2007)
on its costs and • Article: “Environmental
benefits to Impacts of Nanotechnology
society and Its Products” (Zhang et.
Al Proceedings of the 2011
Midwest Section Conference
of the American Society for
Engineering Education, 2011)

• Ppt: Can we build a culture

of science through
nanotechnology? By Fabian
M. Dayrit (2013)
• Describe gene Gene therapy Presentatio • Youtube: Science Friction:
therapy and its (stem Cells) n and Stem Cell Research
various forms Discussion • TEDTalk: Susan Lim on
• Assess the issue’s “Transplant Cells Not
potential Organs”
benefits and • TED Talk: Juan Enriquez on
detriments to “the Next Species of Human”
global health
• Identify the Mandated Topics: Presentatio • YouTube: or Book “An • Group
causes of climate n and inconvenient Truth: The presentation
change 1. Climate Change Discussion Planetary Emergency of and discussion
• Assess the and the Energy Global Warming and What
various impacts Crisis we can Do About It” (Al Learning
of climate change Gore) application:
including 2. Environmental • Book: “The Future: Six weather control
economic, Awareness Drivers of Global Change” (Al
geopolitical, Gore)
biological, Other Topics: • Report: “ Changing the
meteorological, Atmosphere: Anthropology
etc. Alternative and Climate Change” (NCAR)
• Apply STS Energy Resources • BUHOS: A Climate Change
concepts to the ( e.g. O-tech Documentary by Loren
issue of climate Ocean Thermal Legarda
change Energy • Article: “ The Tragedy of the
Conversion) Commons” by Garrett Hardin
• Article: “Scientists tackle
mystery of thunderstorms
that strike at night” (NCAR)
• Article: “Reigning in the
Weather” (Webster,
Donovan, Discover,
02747529. Jun2008, Vol. 29,
Issue 6)
Research, present, Culminating Presentatio Final Exam
and make a stand Activity and Final n and group Content and
on S&T issues that Exam work Relevance 30%
currently affect
Philippine society Analysis 40%

Creativity &
teamwork 30%
____
100%
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY Course Map

Science,
G.E. Learning Outcomes Technology,
and Society
A. INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES (Knowledge)
1. Analyze “texts” (written, visual, oral, etc.) critically L
2. Demonstrate proficient and effective communication (writing, speaking, and use of L
new technologies)
3. Use basic concepts across the domains of knowledge L
4. Demonstrate critical, analytical, and creative thinking L
5. Apply different analytical modes in problem solving L
B. PERSONAL AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES (Values)
1. Appreciate the complexity of the human condition
2. Interpret the human experience from various perspectives O
3. Examine the contemporary world from both Philippine and global perspectives O
4. Take responsibility for knowing and being Filipino O
5. Reflect critically on shared concerns O
6. Generate innovative practices and solutions guided by ethical standards O
7. Make decisions based on moral norms and imperatives O
8. Appreciate various art forms
9. Contribute to aesthetics O
10. Contribute personally and meaningfully to the country’s development O
C. PRACTICAL SKILLS (Skills)
1. Work effectively in a group O
2. Apply computing tools to process information effectively L
3. Use current technology to assist and facilitate learning and research L
4. Negotiate the world of technology responsibly P
5. Create solutions to problems in various fields P
6. Manage one’s knowledge, skills, and values for responsible and productive living O
7. Organize one’s self for lifelong learning O

Legend:

L – Learned
P – Practice
O – Opportunity to learn
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY Required Readings and Other Materials

• Anderson, Philip W. “More is Different—One More Time,” in More is Different: Fifty Years of Condensed
Matter Physics, ed. N. Phuan Ong and Ravin N. Bhatt, Princeton University Press, 2001.
• Balakrishnan, Janaki and B V Sreekantan, eds. Nature’s Longest Threads: New Frontiers in the
Mathematics and Physics of Information in Biology, World Scientific, 2014.
• Caoli, Olivia. “A History of Science and Technology of the Philippines,” in Analysis of Conditions for
National Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance: The Philippine Situation, Quezon City: University of
the Philippines, 1986.
• Dayrit, Fabian. “Sustainable Development: An Evolving Paradigm for the 21st Century,” in Stellar Origins,
Human Ways: Readings in Science, Technology, and Society, ed. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City:
Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2011.
• Ecker, David J. Germ Catcher, Scientific American, 2014.
• Floridi, Luciano. The Fourth Revolution: How the Infosphere is Reshaping Human Reality, Oxford
University Press, 2014.
• Feynman, Richard. “The Pleasure of Finding Things Out: What Is and What should be the role of scientific
culture in modern society” in The Best Short Works of Richard Feynman, pp. 97–115, Perseus
Books,1999.
• Gripaldo, Rolando. “The Concepts of the Public Good: A View from the Filipino Philosopher” in The
Making of a Filipino Philosopher and Other Essays, pp. 82-100, National Bookstore, 2009.
• Heidegger, Martin. The Question Concerning Technology and Other Essays, HarperCollins, 1982.
• Hickel, Jason. “Forget ‘developing’ poor countries, it’s time to ‘de-develop’ rich countries,” The Guardian,
Online:
• [Link]
poor-countries-de-develop-rich-countries-sdgs.
• Lehrer, Jonah. How We Decide, Mariner Books, 2010.
• Maboloc, Christopher Ryan. “Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing” in Ethics and Human Dignity, 15-23,
Rex Bookstore, 2010.
• McNamara, Daniel J. in “A Return to the Beginning,” in Stellar Origins, Human Ways: Readings in Science,
Technology, and Society, ed. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press,
2011.
• Rodriguez, Socorro M. “Philippine Science and Technology: Economic, Political and Social Events Shaping
Their Development,” 1996
• Von Baeyer, Hans Christian, Information: The New Language of Science, Harvard University Press, 2005.
Suggested Readings

• Agro-ecology: What it is and what it has to offer? Is this the future of farming?
• Alan Turing: The Enigma” (Andrew Hodges and Douglas Hofstadter)
• Aristotle, Nichomachean ethics, Book VI and Book X
• Article: “Environmental Impacts of Nanotechnology and Its Products” (Zhang et. Al Proceedings of the 2011
Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education, 2011)
• Article: “Nanoethics: The ethical and Social Implications of Nanotechnology” (Patrick Lin and Fritz Allhoff,
Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 2007)
• Flowcharts/revival-west/the-age-enlightenment
o [Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
• Government Documents: 1. NEDA. National Development Agenda; Regional Agenda
o [Link]
[Link]
o [Link]
• Kuhn, Structure of Scientific Revolution
([Link]
• Philosophy of Science (Encyclopedia). Scientific Progress, Scientific Revolutions
([Link] progress/#SciPro)
([Link]
([Link]
• Physics of the Future: How science will shape human destiny and our daily lives by the year 2100 (Michio
Kaku, Doubleday, 2011)
• Article: “The politics of Golden Rice” (Dubock, Adrian GM Crops & Food. Jul-Sep2014, Vol5 Issue 3 p 210-
222 13p.)
Website/Videos/Film Clips

• Dayrit, Fabian M. Ppt: Can we build a culture of science through nanotechnology? (2013)
• Film: Akiro Kurosawa’s Dreams “Village of the Watermills”
• [Link] -all-of-us-scientific-
revolution
• [Link]
• [Link] revolution/lesson plans
• [Link]
poor-countries-de-develop-rich-
countries-sdgs
• [Link] stm, The ethical dilemmas of robotics
• [Link] google making us stupid/306868/, Is Google
Making Us Stupid? 2008.
Nicholas Carr
• [Link] Why The Future Doesn’t Need Us (2000) – Bill
Joy, Chief Scientist and
Corporate Executive Officer of Sun Microsystems
• [Link]
• [Link]
• Movie: “A I” Isaac Asimov, “I Robot
• Movie Clip (youtube): The Magician’s Twin: CS Lewis and the case against Scientism
• Martin Heidegger, The Question Concerning Technology
• UNEP, That Sugar Film (2015) (documentary) Ppt: towards a green economy: pathways to sustainable
development and poverty
eradication
• Video: Stephen Colbert’s interview with Neil Tyson
[Link]
• Youtube: World’s Greatest Inventions (3 minutes)
• Youtube: Science Friction: Stem Cell Research
• TED Talk: Juan Enriquez on “The Next Specieis of Human”
• TEDTalk: Julian Assange on “Why the World Needs Wikileaks”
• TED Talk: Ray Kurzwell on “How Technology Will Transform Us”
• TEDTalk: Susan Lim on “Transplant Cells Not Organs”

Class Materials

• Activity Report: A day without Technology

• Activity Report: Timing your Technology
• Activity Report: Technology and Past (interviews with elders)

Prepared By: Reviewed By:

REY JOHN BARELA MARICEL L. IRAOLA MBA

College Instructor DEAN, College of Business Administration