LESSON 7: THE GOOD LIFE NICOMACHEAN ETHICS 2:1

ARISTOTLE Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral,

intellectual virtue in the main owes its birth and growth in
• Ancient Greek philosopher teaching (for its reason it requires experience and time). While
• Known for his natural philosophy, logic and political moral virtue comes about as a result of habit
theory
The Virtues:
More on Aristotle:
Intellectual virtue
• One of the greatest thinkers in the history of western
science and philosophy, making contributions to logic, • theoretical wisdom (thinking and truth) practical
metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, wisdom
politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre. • understanding
• First to classify areas of human knowledge into distinct • Experience and time are necessary requirements for
disciplines such as mathematics, biology, and ethics. the development of intellectual virtue
• Founder of the Lyceum, the first scientific institute, based in Moral virtue
Athens, Greece.
• One of the strongest advocates of a liberal arts education, • Controlled by practical wisdom (ability to make right
which stresses the education of the whole person, including judgement)
one’s moral character, rather than merely learning a set of • Owed its development to how one nurtured it as habit
skills. • Can be learned
NICOMACHEAN ETHICS 2:2 HAPPINESS TO ARISTOTLE
• All human activities aim at some good. Every art and human • “Happiness depends on ourselves.”
inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to • Central purpose of human life and a goal in itself.
aim at some good; and for this reason the good has been • Depends on the cultivation of virtue.
rightly declared as that at which all things aim. • A genuinely happy life required the fulfillment of a
WHAT IS MEANT BY GOOD LIFE? broad range of conditions, including physical as well as
mental well-being.
• Living in comfort and luxury with few problems or worries.
HAPPINESS AS THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF HUMAN
• Characterized by happiness from living and doing well
EXISTENCE
• Content
• Happiness is a finals end or goal that encompasses the
WHAT IS EUDIMONIA?
totality of one’s life.
• Came from the Greek word eu meaning “good” and daimon • It is not something that can be gained or lost in a few
meaning “spirit” hours, like pleasurable sensations.
• Refers to the good life marked by happiness and excellence. • It is more like the ultimate value of your life as lived up
• Flourishing life filled with meaningful endeavors that to this moment, measuring how well you have lived up
empower the human person to be the best version of to your full potential as a human being.
himself/herself.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND GOOD LIFE
ARISTOTLE’S VIEW OF GOOD LIFE
• S&T is also the movement towards good life.
• The activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. • S&T are one of the highest expressions of human
• Believed that good for humans is the maximum realization faculties.
of what was unique to humans. • S&T allow us to thrive and flourish if we desire it.
• The good for humans was to reason well. • S&T may corrupt a person
• The task of reason was to teach humans how to act • S&T with virtue can help an individual to be out of
virtuously, and the exercise faculties in accordance with danger.
virtue.
WHY IS IT THAT EVERYONE IS IN THE PURSUIT IF THE
VIRTUE/S GOOD LIFE?

• Behavior showing high moral standards. • "Life is good! It is only our thoughts, choices and
• Paragons of virtue actions towards the situations we meet in life each
• synonyms: goodness, virtuousness, righteousness, morality, moment of time that makes life look bad! The same bad
ethicalness, uprightness, upstandingness, integrity, dignity, situation in life that makes one person think badly
rectitude, honesty, honorableness, honorability, honor, inspires another to do a noble thing! The same good
incorruptibility, probity, propriety, decency, respectability, situation in life that makes one person feel so good to
nobility, nobility of soul/spirit, nobleness, worthiness, get into a bad situation inspires another person to
worth, good, trustworthiness, meritoriousness, create another good situation because of the good
irreproachableness, blamelessness, purity, pureness, lack of situation. It is all about thoughts, choices and actions!
corruption, merit; principles, high principles, ethics • Life is good! Live it well!" - Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
"the simple virtue and integrity of peasant life"

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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LESSON 8: ROBOTICS Mobile Phones

When Technology and Humanity Cross • Filipinos love to use their mobile phones anywhere,
anytime.
Technology • More than half of the Filipino population own at least
one mobile phone regardless of type.
• Technology comes from two Greek words “techne”
• 2010, Synovate declared 67% product ownership in
means art, crop, or skills and “logos” is an expression.
the country.
• A discourse on art (Buchanan, 2010)
• Mobile phones are considered a must-have among
• Concepts like machines and tools were also attached to
young Filipinos (ABS-CBN News, 2010)
the word “technology”.
• 1 out of 3 Filipinos cannot live without a mobile phone
• In one way or another, each person in the society is
– Ipsos Media Atlas Philippines Nationwide Urban
directly or indirectly affected by technology whether
2011-2012 survey
he wills it or not.
• Most people survive their everyday lives with great Fun Fact: The first call ever made on a cellphone, was from
reliance to the different technological advancements an engineer named Martin Cooper calling a rival engineer
already available to the masses. to brag about his accomplishment.
• Technology is already an inevitable part of the society.
Mobile phone used by Cooper
Is technology a necessity or want?
– Weighed 1.1 kg
For instance, a phone is a necessity as it can be use for – Measured 228.6 x 127 x 44.4 mm
communication. However, it can be considered as want when – 30-minute talk time
loo – 10 hours to charge

What is the purpose of technology? Motorola DynaTAC 8000x in 1983

– Convenience Computers and Laptops

– Pleasure
– Happiness • Not possible for all Filipino families to own at least one
– Communication computer or laptop.
• Most profits gained by computer and laptop
Disadvantages of technology manufacturers come from offices, businesses, or
schools
– Anything too much is bad.
• Growing number of internet users in the Ph, problems
– Various ethical dilemmas involving thee use of
regarding the internet providers
technological devices
– Misuse or invention to produce bad results Charles Babbage
Television Sets, Mobile Phones, Computers and Humanity • Released in June 1981 by the Osborne Computer
Corporation, the Osborne 1 is considered to be the first true
Television
portable full-featured computer.
• According to Kantar Media, in the Ph, 92% of urban
Facts about Filipinos and their use of gadgets and the internet:
homes and 70% of rural homes own at least one
television set. – Mobile phone subscription is at 119M
• Households with tv set reached 15.135M (Noda, 2012) – 3.2 hours on mobile and 5.2 hours on desktop daily
• What would these imply? – Ph has one of the highest digital populations in the
• Ultimate medium for advertisement placements world
• Almost all use this particular type of device – 47M active FB accounts
• Television plays a great role in the lives of people – Fastest-growing application market in SEA

How does television start? Roles Played by These Technological Advancements

Paul Gottlieb Nipkow 1. Ethical dilemmas

Most parents would argue that these devices make their
o Late 1800s children lazy and unhealthy.
o Successful in his attempt to send images through wires 2. People are freely exposed to different things on television,
with aid of a rotating metal disk (Nipkow disk) mobile phone, laptops, or computers.
o “electric telescope” – 18 lines of resolution
Ethics of Responsibility
Alan Archibald Campbell-Swinton and Boris Rosing
o “What ought to be allowed?”
o New system of television by using the cathode ray tube
in addition to the mechanical scanner system

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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ROBOTICS AND HUMANITY Ethical Dilemma/s faced by Robotics

ROBOT 1. Safety
o Who should be held accountable if someone's
• An actuated mechanism programmable in two or more safety is compromised by a robot?
axes with a degree of autonomy, moving within its o Who should be blamed, the robot, the agent using
environment, to perform intended tasks. the robot, or the maker/inventor of the robot?
• Autonomy - ability to perform intended tasks based on
current state and sensing without human intervention 2. Emotional component
o It is not completely impossible for robots to
Service Robot develop emotions.
o What if robots become sentient?
• A robot that performs useful tasks for humans or o Should they be granted robot rights?
equipment excluding industrial application.
• A robot may be classified according to its intended *(In October 2017, Sophia was granted Saudi Arabian
application as an industrial robot or a service robot. citizenship, becoming the first robot to receive legal
personhood in any country.)*
Personal Service Robot
• Service robot for personal use
• Used for a noncommercial task, usually by laypersons.
• Examples: domestic servant robot, automated
wheelchair, personal mobility assist robot, pet
exercising robot

Professional Service Robot

• Service robot for professional use
• Used for a commercial task, usually operated by a
properly trained operator.
• Examples: cleaning robot for public places, delivery
robot, firefighting robot, rehabilitation robot, surgery
robot

GEORGE DEVOL
• An American inventor known for developing Unimate,
the first material handling robot employed in
industrial production work.

ROLES PLAYED BY ROBOTICS

• Ease the workload of mankind
• Make life more efficient and less stressful
• Perform complicated activities
• Pleasure, entertainment in parks or exhibits
• Toys, child-friendly
• Used in movies

ISAAC ASIMOV
• Was an American writer and professor of
biochemistry at Boston University.

Isaac Asimov “Three Laws of Robotics”

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through
inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings
except where such orders would conflict with the First
Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such
protection does not conflict with the First or Second
Law.

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING Technology as Poiesis: Does Modern Technology Bring

Forth or Challenge Forth?
The Essence of Technology
• Heidegger, in The Question Concerning Technology,
1. Instrumental definition: technology is a means to an end postulated that both primitive crafts and modern
technology is not an end in itself it is a means to an end. technology are revealing. Heidegger made a clear
distinction between technology and modern
o In this context technology is viewed as a tool technology in that the latter 'challenges' nature.
available to individuals, groups and communities • Revealing of modern technology is not a bringing-
that desire to make an impact on society. forth, but a challenging forth.
o Well technology is omnipresent knowing its function • Challenging forth reduces objects as standing-
requires paying attention to how humans use it as a reserve or something to be disposed of by those who
means to an end. enframe them humans.
2. Anthropological Definition Why do people became dependent on technology? Why is it a
o Technology is a human activity so basically we are challenging forth?
affected by technology as it is integrated in human o People wants faster and easier but with less effort
activity.
Enframing
Heidegger’s View on Technology
o Manipulation and controlling of technology
Technology as a Way of Revealing o It is a way of ordering (or framing) nature to better
Heidegger stressed that the true can only be pursued through manipulate it.
the correct.
• The role of humans take as instruments of
Martin Heidegger technology through enframing is called destining.

• an Atheist, existentialist (means do not believe in

God their lives come from life choices and decision 1. Exploitation of natural resources
making) o When we exploit the natural resources,
• We can only get the truth when the process is there is ecological consequences.
correct. 2. Arise of privacy and protection for human rights
o In simple terms, what is correct is what is true 3. Information has economic profit
o E.g. influencers
Two Greek Philosophies 4. The rise and deflation of petroleum as strategic
Bringing forth reform
o E.g. Israel-Palestine War
For Heidegger, technology is a form of poeisis - a way of
5. The introduction and the use of synthetic dyes,
revealing that unconceals aletheia or the truth.
artificial flavoring and toxic materials that gives
Bringing forth can be understood through the Ancient Greek adverse effect to the humans.
philosophical concept, poiesis, which refers to the act of o E.g. Aquired Diabetes (hindi namamana), a
bringing something out of concealment. disease acquired by always consuming
softdrinks and other foods with too much
1. Poiesis preservatives.
6. Effect to other culture The use of ripening agents in
o it is an activity of someone that tries to do
agriculture that poses or threats our food safety and
something to bring of being that does not exist
health security.
before.
o a way of bringing out of concealment
o paglabas ng katotohanan
• Heidegger distinguished the way of revealing of
o E.g. technological development today, thesis
modern technology by considering enframing it as a
2. Aletheia process of enframing.
o CALCULATIVE THINKING - humans desire
o It is the constant truth, unclosed, unconcealed, to put an order to nature to better
disclosure, or truth understand and control it.
o E.g. the plants are now starting to sprout o MEDITATIVE THINKING - to notice, to
observe, to ponder, to awaken an
Techne
awareness of what is actually taking place
o In In philosophy, techne resembles the term around us and in us.
episteme that refers to the human ability to make
Calculative thinking - very much close to enframing because
and perform.
it is the manipulation of nature according to human's desire.
o In the creation of technology, we need something to
People are now fear or afraid of irregularities. They view
perform
nature as material.
o Encompasses our knowledge and understanding
o In art, techne is the intangible (experience) or Examples:
tangible aspects of life. o scarcity in the supply of electricity - kaliwa dam -
compromise the Sierra Madre (nature)
o road widening

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

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Meditative thinking - humans allow nature to reveal itself

without the use of force

Example: SM Baguio - may puno pero hindi pinutol

— In short calculative thinking is in a sense of: To feel

more secure, implement technology even if it
compromises nature.
— Humans are now the "Slaves of technology"

The Dangers of Technology

— Lie on how humans let themselves be consumed by

it. The responsibility of humans is to recognize how
they become instruments of technology.

According to a Brazilian novelist Paulo Coelho, it is boastful

for man to think that he can save the planet earth. Because
the earth can exist without the existence of humans.

Art as the Saving Power

— Necessary reflection upon and confrontation with

technology are required in order to proactively
address the dangers of technology.

We will recognize the use of technology through our critical

and our reflective thinking. For instance, in the use of social
media...

(1) Invasion of privacy

(2)
(3) Spreading of fake news

• Art encourages human to think less from calculative

standpoint where nature is viewed as an ordered
system. Instead, it inspires meditative thinking
where nature is seen an art and that without any
force and violence.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of

them: for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you;
he will not fail you, nor forsake you.

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

THE INFORMATION AGE 5. The early word gets the perm
Late 20th Century ̶ The early information that will be release or out
to the public will be the first to get by the people.
INTRODUCTION 6. You are what you eat and so is your brain.
̶ It is how you feed your mind with information.
• Highly modernized, automated, data-driven, and 7. Anything in great demand will be counterfeited
technologically advanced – these best describe our ̶ E.g. Rico Yan’s tomb visited by many
society nowadays, as evidenced by how information 8. Ideas are seen as controversial.
could be transferred or shared quickly. ̶ E.g. If your express opinion, there will be bashers
• The information aged is defined as a “period starting ̶ E.g. War between religions
in the last quarter of the 20ᵗʰ century when 9. Undead information walks ever on.
information became effortlessly accessible through ̶ Whatever you post online, it will remain on the
publications and through the management of internet even if you deleted it.
information by computers and computer networks.” 10. Media presence creates the story
• The information age is also called the Digital Age and ̶ Stalking a person, what you see on social media
the New Media Age because it was associated with the creates story.
development of computers. 11. The medium selects the message
̶ It is the selection of language to your message.
JAMES R. MESSENGER
COMPUTER
• Known as the “Father of Information Age”
• who proposed the Theory of Information Age in 1982, • A computer is an electronic device that stores and
“the Information age is a true new aged based upon the processes data (information). It runs on a program
interconnection of computers via telecommunications, that contains the exact, step – by - step directions to
with basis. Furthermore, the primary factors driving solve a problem (UShistory org, 2017)
this new age forward are convenience and user
friendliness which, in turn, will create user TYPES OF COMPUTER
dependence.”
1. PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)
• Died at the age of 66; he works for telecommunication
companies o It is a single-user instrument, PCs were first known as
microcomputers since they were a complete computer
As man evolved, information and its dissemination has also
but built on a smaller scale than the enormous system
evolved in many ways,. Eventually, we no longer kept them to
operated by most businesses.
ourselves; instead, we share them and manage them in different
means. Information got ahead of us. It started to grow at a rate 2. DESKTOP COMPUTER
we were unprepared to handle. Because of the abundance of
information, it was difficult to collect and manage them starting o It is described as a PC that is not designed for
in the 1960s and 1970s. portability. The assumption with a desktop is that it
will be set up in a permanent spot. A workstation is
RICHARD SAUL WURMAN simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful
processor, additional memory, and enhanced
• called it “Information Anxiety.” In the 1990s,
capabilities for performing special group of tasks, such
information became the currency in the business
as 3D graphics or game development.
world. Information was the preferred medium of
o More durable information
exchange and the information managers served as
information officers 3. LAPTOPS
• Information anxiety began between 1960s and 1970s,
where people can’t handle information technology o These are portable computers that integrate the
• Wurman is also the founder of ted talks essentials of a desktop computer in a battery –
powered package, which are somewhat larger than a
“Truths of the Information Age” typical hardcover book. They are commonly called
Robert Harris detailed some facts on the Information Age notebooks.
1. Information must compete. 4. PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDAs)
̶ Information competing with other information.
̶ Information that are most read by people o These are tightly integrated computers that usually
2. Newer is equated with truer have no keyboards but rely on a touch screen for user
̶ With new information, people believed it is true input. PDAs are typically smaller than a paperback,
than old ones. lightweight, and battery-powered.
̶ The newer the info, the truer for people. o Computer with no keyboards
3. Selection is a viewpoint
5. SERVER
̶ It is based on how you will see the information
and how you will select it. It is based on the user o It refers to a computer that has been improved to
on what information he wants to gain. provide network services to other computers. Servers
4. The media sells what the culture busy. usually boast powerful processors, tons of memory,
̶ what is the trend is what the culture is. and large drives.
̶ E.g. K-Pop culture

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

6. MAINFRAMES • Nowadays, crimes in various forms are rampant
because of the use of social media. Cyber bullying is an
o These are huge computer systems that can fill an entire issue that poses alarm worldwide.
room. They are used especially by large firms to
describe the large, expensive machines that process APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS IN SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
millions of transactions every day. The term
“mainframe” has been replaced by enterprise server. • One of the significant applications of computers for
science and research is evident in the field of
7. WEARABLE COMPUTERS bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the application if
information technology to store, organize, and analyze
o They involve materials that are usually integrated into was amount of biological data which is available in the
cell phones, watches and other small objects or places. forms of sequences and structures of proteins – the
They perform common computer applications such as building blocks of organisms and nucleic acids – the
databases, email, multimedia, and schedulers. information carrier.
THE WORLD WIDE WEB • The human brain cannot store all the genetic
Internet sequences of organisms and this huge amount of data
can only be stored, analyzes, and be used efficiently
• Several historians trace the origin of the internet to with the use of computers.
Claude F. Shannon, an American Mathematicians who • SWISS-PROT protein sequence database, was initiated
was considered as the “Father of Information in 1986.
Theory”. He worked at Bell Laboratories and at age 32, • Some of the software tools which are handy in the
he published a paper proposing that information can analysis include:
be quantitatively encoded as a sequence of ones and o BLAST (used for comparing sequences)
zeroes o Annotator (an interactive genome analysis
• The internet is a worldwide system of interconnected tool)
networks that facilitate data transmission among o GeneFinder (tool to identify coding regions
innumerable computers. It was developed during the and splice sites)
1970s by the Department of Defense. In case of an • The sequence information generated by the
attack, military advisers suggested the advantage of human genome research initiated in 1988, has
being able to operate on one computer from another now been stored as primary information source
terminal. for future applications in medicine
• In the early days, the Internet was used mainly by • Moreover, from the pharmaceutical industry’s
scientists to communicate with other scientists. The point of view, bioinformatics is the key to rational
Internet remained under government control until drug discovery.
1984. (Rouse, 2014). • Molecular modelling, which requires a lot of
• One early problem faced by internet users was speed. calculations, has become faster due to the
Phone lines could only transmit information at a advances in computer processors and its
limited rate. The development of fiber optic cables architecture (Madan,n.d).
allowed for billions of bits of information to be • In plant biotechnology, bioinformatics is found to
received every minute. be useful in the areas of identifying diseases genes
• Sergey Brin and Larry Page, directors of a Stanford and designing plants with high nutrition value
research project, built a research engine that listed (Madan, n.d.).
results to reflect page popularity when they
determined that the most popular results to frequently HOW TO CHECK THE RELIABILITY OF WEB SOURCES?
be the most usable. Google is now the world’s most
The internet contains a vast collection of highly valuable
popular search engine, accepting more than 200
information but it may also contain unreliable, biased
million queries daily.
information that mislead people.
• Back then, new forms of communication were also
introduced. Electronic mail, or email, was a suitable • Who is the author of the article/site?
way to send a message to fellow workers, business • How to find out?
partners, or friends. Message could be sent and • Look for an “About” or “More About the Author” link at
received at the convenience of the individual. the top, bottom, or sidebar of the web page. If no
• A letter that took several days to arrive could be read information about the author(s) of the page is
in minutes. Internet service providers like America provided, be suspicious.
Online and CompuServe set up electronic chat rooms. • One can also visit the university library and seek help
These were open areas of cyberspace where interested from librarians as they are knowledgeable and in the
parties could join in a conversation with perfect library has a rich collection of online library resources
strangers. “Surfing the net” became a pastime in and of that are very useful for academic and research
itself. purposes.
• Consequently, companies whose businesses are built
on digitized information have become valuable and SUMMARY
powerful in relatively short period of time; the current
Information Age has spawned its own breed of wealthy Therefore, we need to carefully check our motives before
influential brokers from Microsoft’s Bill Gates to disseminating information and we also need to verify
Apple’s Steve Jobs to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. information before believing and using and sharing them.

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

NANOTECHNOLOGY ̶ Samsung fold (electronic stretch)
5. Nanotechnology in Electronics
NANO & TECHNOLOGY ̶ Flexible plastics
̶ Fabrication of chips
• A Nanometre is a unit of length in the metric system, 6. Nanotechnology in Mobile
equal to one billionth of a metre(10-9). ̶ Replacing resistors into carbon nanotubes
• Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of 7. Nanowires
tools, machines and techniques, in order to solve a ̶ Coated with titanium dioxide
problem or perform a specific function. ̶ They called it as memristor (a single
component cell with large storage)
DEFINITION
̶ Invented by Helwepp and Packart
• Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter
ADVANTAGES OF USING CARBON NANOTUBES
on an atomic scale.
• Nanotechnology refers to the constructing and • Faster and smaller - carbon nanotubes can be used to
engineering of the functional systems at very micro produce smaller and faster components.
level or we can say at atomic level. ̶ Less consumption of electricity and less
• A Nanometer is one billionth of a meter, roughly the emission of heat
width of three or four atoms. The average human hair • This will also result in computers that consume less
is about 25,000 nanometers wide. energy.
• High speed and high capacity memory.
HISTORY
• Allows circuits to be more accurate on the atomic level.
• The first ever concept was presented in 1959 by the
famous professor of physics Dr. Richard P. Feynman 8. Nanocrystalline Materials
(novel prize for quantum mechanics) ̶ Used for cutting tools as erosion materials.
• Invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 9. Silver Nanocrystals
1981 and the discovery of fullerene(C60) in 1985 lead ̶ Embedded in bandages to kill bacteria.
to the emergence of nanotechnology. 10. Nanoparticulate
• The term “Nano-technology" had been coined by Norio ̶ Used in synthetic bone (has still calcium and
Taniguchi in 1974. phosphate)
11. Aerogels
̶ Lightest solid used in space suits and space
crafts.
12. Photovoltaic battery
13. Carbon nanotubes
14. Nanorods
15. Nanodots

POSSIBILITIES FOR THE FUTURE

• Nanotechnology may make it possible to manufacture

lighter, stronger, and programmable materials.
• The future of nanotechnology could very well include
TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY the use of nanorobotics.
• These nanorobots have the potential to take on human
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful
tasks as well as tasks that humans could never
technique that enables the imaging of almost any type
complete.
of surface, including polymers, ceramics, composites,
̶ Fix the deflation of ozone layer
glass and biological samples. It operates on the
• There would be an entire nano surgical field to help
principle of surface sensing using an extremely sharp
cure everything from natural aging to diabetes to bone
tip on a micromachined silicon probe.
spurs.
• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, or STM, is an
imaging technique used to obtain ultra-high resolution PITFALLS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
images at the atomic scale, without using light or
electron beams. It is scanning probes that launched • Nano-particles can get into the body through the skin,
nanotechnology. lungs and digestive system.
̶ Possibly there will be cell damage.
APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY • Nano-particles are in the bloodstream.
̶ Can cross blood-brain barrier
1. Nanotechnology in Drugs (Cancer)
• The most dangerous Nano-application use for military
̶ Gives treatment to cancer
purposes is the Nano-bomb.
2. Nanobots
̶ Spread out of viruses that can kill community
̶ Can clear blockages inside arteries
3. Nanotechnology in Fabrics • Nanobots because of their replicating behavior can be
̶ Bulletproof jackets big threat for GRAY GOO.
̶ Anti-spill or dirt CONCLUSION
4. Nanotechnology in Mobile
̶ Non wire grass “The The Next Big Thing Is Really Small”
GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
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GENOME EDITING Golden Rice
An Emerging Healthcare Trend ̶ enriched rice containing beta-carotene (Vitamin A).
What is genome editing? This vitamin is not found in normal rice.

Changing the DNA sequence Bt Corn

Timeline of Gene Editing ̶ corn containing a chemical normally found in bacteria

Key scientific breakthroughs (Bacillus thuringiensis). This is toxic to insects, not
humans. Insects try to eat the plant and die.
1971: Gene-splicing experiment is conducted.
Herbicide resistant plants (roundup ready corn)
splicing a bit of the DNA of the bacterial virus known as lambda
into the DNA of simian virus SV40, whose natural host is the ̶ these plants are immune to a certain herbicide, so they
monkey. live while all the other plants in the field are killed.

1982: Synthetic insulin is invented. Pigs that are resistant to respiratory diseases

after only 5 months of review, the FDA approved Humulin, the ̶ In 2018, scientists from the University of Edinburgh’ s
first biosynthetic human insulin product and the first approved Roslin Institute announced they had successfully
medical product of any kind that derived from this technology. eradicated the section of DNA that leaves pigs
vulnerable to the porcine reproductive and
1996: Genetically modified crops appear. respiratory syndrome.

genetic manipulation has been most widely applied in Mosquitoes designed to birth weak offspring
agriculture and horticulture to produce crops with resistance to
herbicides and insects. ̶ A British company called Oxitec created genetically
modified male mosquitoes that carry a “ self-limiting
2012: CRISPR is discovered for gene editing. gene.”

edits genes by precisely cutting DNA and then harnessing Cows genetically modified to produce something
natural DNA repair processes to modify the gene in the desired resembling human milk
manner.
̶ Scientists in China and Argentina have genetically
CRISPR Disease Diagnosis Steps modified cows to produce milk that is similar to that
produced by human mothers.
1. Decide which gene to modify (cut, activate, or inhibit)
2. Decide which endonuclease protein to use. Ruppy, the glow-in-the-dark clone beagle
3. Design the gRNA to target the gene of interest.
4. Assemble the gRNA Expression Vector in your ̶ A team that included Byeong-Chun Lee of Seoul
browser. National University in South Korea and stem cell
5. Assemble the plasmid at the bench. researcher Woo Suk Hwang, created the dogs by
6. Engineer the Cells! cloning fibroblast cells that express a red fluorescent
gene produced by sea anemones.
***
Livestock Modification
With genetic engineering, we will be able to increase the
complexity of our DNA, and improve the human race. Farm animals with new features

Stephen Hawking • Castration-free pigs

• Fatter lambs
Gene Editing Applications • Horn-free calves
• Flu-resistant chickens
Early embryos
A Lucrative Industry
̶ Numerous inherited disorders can also be avoided by
carrying out gene editing on human embryos before $ 6.28 billion
they implant in the uterus
Projected size of global genome editing market in 2022
Crop plants and farm animals
18,000 17,500
̶ GM is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the New jobs in gene and cell New jobs in gene and cell
genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, new therapy in the UK by 2030 therapy in the Us by 2030
DNA is transferred into plant cells. Usually, the cells
are then grown in tissue culture where they develop
into plants. The seeds produced by these plants will Job Growth Outlook
inherit the new DNA Demand for genetic-related jobs by 2026
In 1994, the FlvrSavr tomato (apple DNA combined with It predicts that number of jobs available for experts who can
Tomato DNA) interpret genetic information, offer support and advice to
̶ was introduced as the first GMO food. It is supposed to medical staff and guide patients through the decisions they will
be “tastier, firmer and fresher” than the average need to take will increase by 29% by 2026.
tomato.
GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
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Gene Editing on Plants: #Benefits Gene Editing on Humans

Impact on food supply Genome editing technologies enable scientists to make changes
to DNA, leading to changes in physical traits, like eye color, and
Genetically engineered organisms are becoming increasingly disease risk.
popular given their potential applications to improve the food
supply. Gene editing allows scientists to manipulate an Moral Considerations
organism's DNA, leading to produce that stays fresher longer,
resists pests and viruses or results in higher nutritional content. • Moral Conservatism
• Human Rights Interference
Cold Tolerance • Risks and Rewards
• Social Justice
Plants developed to tolerate cold temperatures withstand
unexpected frost that could destroy seedlings.

Drought Tolerance

Currently inhospitable regions can now be cultivated

Improved Nutrition

• crops like rice are a staple in developing countries but

are nutritionally inadequate.
• GMO "golden rice" is high in beta-carotene (vitamin
A)
• Vitamin A - reduces eye-related problems like
blindness due to malnutrition

Phytothoremediation

• Plants like poplar tees clean up the heavy metal soil

contamination
• GMO plants with higher tolerance for heavy metals like
mercury are created

Other Issues of CRISPR

Genetic Damage

̶ p53- mediated toxicity and tumorigenesis

Animal Welfare

̶ caused the animals to be arthritic, partially blind and

infertile

Violation of Law

̶ the first criminal case on genome-edited babies was

sentenced in China in 2019

Gene Shuffling

̶ increased the chance of large rearrangements of DNA.

(CANCER)

Health Risks of GMOs

Allergic Reactions

̶ Most food allergies are caused by allergens found in

just nine foods: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat,
soy, shellfish, sesame, and fish.

Liver Problems

̶ increased levels of known naturally occurring

toxicants, appearance of new, not previously identified
toxicants

Reproductive Issues in animals

̶ when a human growth hormone was inserted into

their genomes to make them grow faster there will be
a cause of infertility.
GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
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THE GENETIC REVOLUTION 7. TESTING AND EVALUATION
How Humans Influence Traits in Organisms To ensure success and safety, genetic modification
undergoes thorough testing and evaluation, including
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL SELECTION? studying the organism's performance, stability, and
̶ The selective breeding of organisms by humans to potential impacts on the environment and health.
enhance specific desired traits.
8. APPLICATIONS
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF SELECTIVE Genetic modification has applications in agriculture,
BREEDING? increasing crop yield and pest resistance for food
security. It can also produce pharmaceutical proteins
• crop plants such as apples with better yields, or that and treat genetic disorders in medicine.
are more resistant to different environmental
conditions.
• ornamental plants with particular flower shapes and 9. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
colours. Genetic modification raises ethical concerns regarding
• farm animals that produce more, better quality meat the long-term environmental effects, safety, and
or wool. potential unintended consequences of the technology.

GENETIC MODIFICATION ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

̶ The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using
biotechnology. The selective breeding of animals to improve desired traits.

EXPLANATION OF GENETIC MODIFICATION • Breeding dairy cows for higher milk yield
• Meat chickens for larger size
1. THE GENETIC BLUEPRINT
Every living organism, from a tiny microbe to a GENE THERAPY
towering tree, possesses a unique genetic blueprint
• Genetic engineering modifies an organism's genetic
encoded in its DNA. This DNA contains the instructions
material to treat or prevent diseases, through the
for building and maintaining the organism, including
introduction, removal, or alteration of genetic
the traits it will inherit.
material.
• It is a promising field of science that could
2. IDENTIFY THE TARGET GENE
revolutionize healthcare and provide new treatments
In genetic modification, scientists start by identifying a
for previously untreatable conditions, especially
specific gene within an organism's DNA that they wish
genetic disorders.
to modify. This gene is chosen because it codes for a
particular trait, such as resistance to pests in crops or WHAT ARE SOME GENETIC DISORDERS THAT ARE
the ability to produce a beneficial protein.
BEING TREATED BY GENE THERAPY?
3. ISOLATING THE GENE • Hemophilia and other blood disorder. Gene therapy
Once the target gene is identified, it is carefully isolated for hemophilia A is a one-time infusion that uses a
from the organism's DNA. This process involves vector to deliver a functional gene to replace the
precise molecular techniques that allow scientists to hemophilia patient's own defective gene or a
extract the gene without damaging it. therapeutic gene to provide a missing protein. The
result is better clotting factor activity, which protects
4. INTRODUCING CHANGES against bleeding.
Scientists can modify isolated genes by altering their • Cancer. Immunotherapy uses genetically modified
sequence, adding new genetic material, or inserting cells and viral particles to stimulate the immune
genes from different organisms to achieve a desired system to destroy cancer cells.
outcome, such as enhancing crop yield or conferring • Oncolytic virotherapy, which uses viral particles that
disease resistance. replicate within the cancer cell to cause cell death, is
an emerging treatment modality that shows great
5. INSERTION INTO THE HOST ORGANISM promise, particularly with metastatic cancers.
After the modifications are made, the altered gene is • Gene transfer is a new treatment modality that
reinserted into the DNA of the host organism. This step introduces new genes into a cancerous cell or the
requires precision and often employs specialized tools surrounding tissue to cause cell death or slow the
like CRISPR-Cas9, which can precisely cut DNA and growth of the cancer.
insert the modified gene. • Heart Disease. Researchers from the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center believe a new
6. EXPRESSION OF THE MODIFIED GENE CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing therapy can both help treat
Once integrated into the host organism's DNA, the heart disease and repair damaged tissue immediately
modified gene can be expressed, meaning that it can be
after a heart attack via a mouse model.
used by the organism to produce specific proteins or
• Leukemia. Researchers Develop a Potential
exhibit certain traits. For example, a genetically
“Universal” CAR T-Cell Therapy for Blood Cancers.
modified plant may produce a toxin to deter pests or
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells floating among
yield more nutritious fruits.
other cells. Researchers have developed an approach
GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
2
to CAR T-cell therapy that can potentially treat nearly 2. DISEASE TREATMENTS
any blood cancer, including AML.
• Inherited neurological disorders. Gene transfer • Genetic technologies have opened up new frontiers in
therapy could transform care for a wide range of medicine. Gene therapy holds promise for treating
polygenic diseases including amyotrophic lateral genetic disorders by correcting or replacing faulty
sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, autism, epilepsy, genes.
multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and • Biopharmaceuticals, produced using genetically
schizophrenia. modified organisms, have revolutionized the
• Severe combined immunodeficiency. Using gene production of vaccines, insulin, and other critical
therapy, scientists reprogrammed haematopoietic medical products.
stem cells to become white blood cells that contained NEGATIVE IMPACTS
a working version of the ADA gene.
1. ETHICAL CONCERNS
CRISPR-CAS9 FOR GENETIC MODIFICATION:
• Genetic modification and artificial selection raise
(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats ethical concerns regarding issues of consent, equity,
and CRISPR-associated protein 9) is a revolutionary gene- and respect for nature. Altering genetic makeup,
editing tool. It's like the molecular scissors of genetic especially in humans, leads to questions about moral
engineering. responsibility. GMOs have sparked debates about
transparency in labeling and potential health risks.
HOW IT WORKS:
2. POTENTIAL RISKS
CRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to precisely target and modify
specific genes within an organism's DNA. It does this by using a • Genetic modifications pose risks like unpredictable
guide RNA molecule to find the target gene and Cas9, a protein, environmental impacts and potential genetic changes
to cut the DNA at the desired location. The cell's natural repair passed on to future generations, especially in gene
machinery then kicks in to make the desired genetic change. therapy. GMOs could also escape and interbreed with
wild species, causing unintended consequences.
APPLICATIONS:

CRISPR-Cas9 has myriad applications, from creating genetically REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS

modified crops with improved traits to researching potential
1. Insulin Production Using Genetically Modified Bacteria
therapies for genetic diseases. Its precision and versatility have
2. Bt Cotton and Pest Resistance
opened up a new era of genetic manipulation
3. Gene Therapy for Genetic Disorders
AI BREEDING PROGRAMS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: 4. AquaBounty Salmon
5. Precision Agriculture
Animal husbandry, the selective breeding of animals for 6. Genomic Medicine and Personalized Treatments
desirable traits, has been supercharged by Artificial Intelligence 7. Biofuels from Engineered Microbes
(AI) and data analytics. 8. Conservation of Endangered Species

HOW IT WORKS:

AI algorithms analyze vast datasets of genetic information to

identify animals with the most desirable traits, such as higher
milk yield in dairy cows or disease resistance in poultry.

APPLICATIONS:

AI-driven breeding programs have revolutionized the livestock

industry. They enable breeders to make informed decisions
about which animals to breed, leading to improved productivity,
disease resistance, and overall health in livestock populations.

IMPACTS ON SOCIETY

POSITIVE IMPACTS

1. INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTION

• Genetic modification and advanced breeding

techniques have improved agricultural productivity,
making crops resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant
to adverse environmental conditions, and increasing
yield. This has played a vital role in addressing global
food security challenges in regions vulnerable to crop
failure and food shortages.

GEC 107 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

International Day of
Climate Action

Climate
Change
Michelle Joy M. Velasco, LPT, MAEd, CHRA
what do we mean when we
say climate change?
Climate change looks at long-term shifts in
temperatures and weather patterns on Earth.

Changes can occur naturally but typically we

are referring to human-induced climate change
from air pollution.
Who is researching this?
Scientists from all around the world are studying climate change.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is part of

the United Nations.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

(CSIRO) is an Australian Research organisation.
What does the
research tell us?
Carbon dioxide and other Glaciers and polar ice caps
There are more frequent
greenhouse gas levels are across the planet are
and severe extreme weather
increasing in the atmosphere. melting at an accelerating
events. This includes things
These gases trap heat and rate. This contributes to
like heatwaves, hurricanes,
cause the Earth's rising sea levels and
droughts, and heavy rainfall.
temperature to rise. changes in ocean chemistry.
The Earth's temperature has increased
by about 1 degree Celsius since 1880.

This might not sound like much, but it's causing

noticeable changes in weather patterns that may
impact the environment and society.
The Primary Causes
of Climate Change
Human Causes Natural Causes

Global Carbon Emissions Agriculture Volcanic Activities Tectonic Shift

Write your explanation of the context Write your explanation of the context Write your explanation of the context Write your explanation of the context
here. Make sure to write it as detailed as here. Make sure to write it as detailed as here. Make sure to write it as detailed as here. Make sure to write it as detailed as
needed and express your explanation needed and express your explanation needed and express your explanation needed and express your explanation
clearly. clearly. clearly. clearly.

Deforestation Solar Irradiance

Write your explanation of the context Write your explanation of the context
here. Make sure to write it as detailed as here. Make sure to write it as detailed as
needed and express your explanation needed and express your explanation
clearly. clearly.
Let’s take 5 minutes
Spend the next 5 minutes chatting with the student beside
you brainstorming different ways you think climate change
could impact society.
The Impact of
Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change is when the Earth's usual climate
(the weather patterns over a long time) starts
to change. It's like the Earth is getting a little
warmer. It happens because of something called
the "greenhouse effect."
The Greenhouse Effect
Picture a greenhouse where plants grow. Sunlight
comes in through the glass, but some of it gets
trapped inside, making it warmer. The Earth has a
natural "blanket" of gases like carbon dioxide and
methane. But when we use a lot of cars and
factories, we add more of these gases, making the
Earth warmer, like a greenhouse.
What Happens When it
Gets Warmer?
Melting Ice
Think about what happens when it's too hot
outside. Ice cream melts, right? Well,
something similar happens to ice at the North
and South Poles. It melts and makes the sea
level rise. This can be a problem for animals
and people who live near the water.
Crazy Weather
The Earth might have more storms, floods,
or droughts. This can make it harder for
plants, animals, and people to live in some
places.
Migrating Animals
Some animals and plants might not like the
warmer weather, so they have to find new
homes. It's like if you had to move because
your house became too hot.
environmentAL impacts
Melting polar More severe Changing Weather
caps causing and regular temperatures pattern
sea levels to natural are causing changes
rise, flooding disasters are species impact soil
habitats. destroying extinctions erosion and
habitats. and reduced nutrients.
biodiversity.

any others?
eTHICAL impacts
Poorer countries The world’s biggest Exaggerates existing
are less capable of polluters are inequalities for
managing climate impacting all access to food, fresh
crises. countries globally. water and shelter.

any others?
SOCIAL impacts
Access to food and Higher Some people may
water could be temperatures and be displaced out
compromised. pollution may of their homes
cause health because of rising
issues, sea levels.
particularly in the
sick and eldery.

any others?
economic impacts
Climate change could The cost of Possible slowing of
impact global supply repairing damaged the global economy
chains and access to infrastructure is and falling financial
resources. very high. markets.

any others?
What Can We Do to Make it
Better?
Use Less Stuff
When we use less electricity and water, it's
like giving the Earth a break. Turn off lights,
unplug electronics, and don't waste water.
Plant Trees
Trees are like superheroes. They help clean
the air by taking in the extra gases. Planting
more trees is like inviting more superheroes
to the Earth team.
Recycle
When we recycle, we're giving old things a
new life. This means we don't have to make as
many new things, which uses less energy and
helps the Earth stay cooler.
Be a Nature Helper
Just like being a helper in class, we can be
helpers to nature. Pick up trash when you
see it, and be kind to animals. If we all work
together, we can make the Earth a better
place.
Sustainable living
Refrain from using plastic shopping bags. Sort household waste
Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure to
to write it as detailed as needed and express your write it as detailed as needed and express your explanation
explanation clearly. clearly.

Use of eco-friendly household products. Reuse and Recycle

Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure to Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure to
write it as detailed as needed and express your explanation write it as detailed as needed and express your explanation
clearly. clearly.

Consume organic food Planting plants around the house

Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure to Write your explanation of the context here. Make sure to
write it as detailed as needed and express your explanation write it as detailed as needed and express your explanation
clearly. clearly.
Reforestation & Reforestation

Afforestation Write your explanation of the context here. Make

sure to write it as detailed as needed and express
your explanation clearly.

Afforestation
Write your explanation of the context here. Make
sure to write it as detailed as needed and express
your explanation clearly.
Reduce carbon footprint
There are many things you could do to reduce your carbon footprint. Some of them are:

Use public Use the least

transportation polluting vehicle

Reduce electricity Use biodegradable

usage at home laundry detergent
Thank You Borcelle Organization

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