MEDINA COLLEGE
Maningcol, Ozamiz City
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College Department
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CHAPTER 4
The Essence of Technology
LORRIE LEE N. GAMAL
SCI 1– SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
What Is This Module About?
This lesson will discuss the influence of science and technology in the
development of the Philippine society. It identifies government programs, projects,
and policies geared toward boasting the science and technological capacity of the
country. This lesson will also include discussions on Philippine indigenous science
and technology. The development of Science and Technology will be discussed by
the three periods prepared for you in this module and they are as follows:
Lesson 1: The Essence of Technology
What Will You Learn from This Module?
After reading this module, you should be able to:
1. explain how the essence of technology
2. identify the change that happened in human condition after science and
technology; and
How to Learn from This Module
As you read this module and do the prepared activities, you will develop higher
thinking skills, which hopefully makes you a better learner. You will understand
the concepts about the contents of Science, Technology and Society and you can
apply the learnings that you can get from this module in your daily life
experiences. Before you start your work, however, there are few things you need to
remember:
1. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
2. Take down notes and record points for clarification.
4. Take the posttest.
LORRIE LEE N. GAMAL
SCI 1– SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Let’s Learn
LESSON 1: The Essence of Technology
Humanity has indeed come a long way from our primitive ways,
and as a general rule, it is said that we are more "developed" than we were
before. Above data are few indicators of the route that we have come to take
as species, and there are no signs of stopping. Modern humans are reliant on
technology in their search for the good life. We see ways and means from
nature to utilize and achieve growth-a goal that we believe would bring forth
betterment.
In retrospect, this view of technology proves to be goal-
oriented. It assumes that it is instrumental in achieving a goal in mind, that it
is a purposeful, deliberate craft humans steer in order to reach some greater
good. In the advent of postmodernism, however, the deterministic view
appended to technology crumbled as people began to question if anything is
deterministic at all. Apart from its purpose, what is technology? Was the
history of technology brought purposeful choices for man in his search for the
ultimate good? Some tried to redefine technology away from. its purpose.
One philosopher by the name of Martin Heidegger argued that its essence, or
purpose, and being are different from each other. He was able to expound on
this point upon identifying that technology can either be perceived as first, a
means to achieve man's end and second, that which constitutes human
activity. The second perspective paints technology in such a way that each
period reveals a particular character regarding man’s being. A characteristic
design, or flaw, unfolds based on the repercussions brought upon by
immersing ourselves with a piece of new technology. In effect, through
technology, a myriad of new questions begins to mount. Rather than thinking
that humans have a clear idea of what to expect in a good life, it can be stated
that technology allows humans to confront the unknown and see how they
would react.
This is not a good thing altogether though, for technological
revelation is but one of the many ways to perceive the world. However, as
long as humans ' are invested in growth and development, we cannot distance
ourselves from this perspective. In the name of growth, we view the world as
a field of resources, vent on attributing monetary value on seemingly priceless
LORRIE LEE N. GAMAL
SCI 1– SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
entities. We begin to categorize nature as renewable and nonrenewable
instead of seeing it as it is. Humans are reduced into the amount of
productivity they are able to render during their lifetime, and our current
mindset is geared toward which would utilize our own skills. A good life is
one which is practical in essence; a life which makes use of labor and which
we get compensated fairly upon. It is no wonder that the sciences are one of
the most sought-after courses, for the opportunities are plenty and the
resources are beautiful. Since humans appear not to really know what they are
seeking for, the search continues. It is a looming fear, however, that the path
we are treading will not take us to the right direction, leading us in endless
circles instead in our pursuit of the goof life.
This is the danger presented by too much reliance on
technology. Humas lose track of things that matter, reducing their
surroundings to their economic value. As this presents strong backing by the
sciences whose reverence is also brought upon by our deluded enhancement
with technology, it will prove to be a herculean task to distance ourselves
from this perspective and consider alternatives. After all, it was science and
technology that gave us explanations, which worked for us and benefited us.
Rejecting a working, tried-and-tested process seems foolish, more so,
knowing that there are no options of equal value. It will be absurd to venture
the dark and the unknown, but it should be done in order for us to retrace our
steps to be ale to achieve the Good.
Questions for Reflection
Instruction: Answer briefly the following questions briefly. You can encode
or write your answers.
1. What would have happened to humankind if technology did not exist?
2. Do you agree with Martin Heidegger in his idea that technology should
only be seen as one of the approaches in perceiving truth? What are the
other possible approaches we should consider?
LORRIE LEE N. GAMAL
SCI 1– SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
LORRIE LEE N. GAMAL
SCI 1– SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
