Scientific Revolution

Scientific revolution was the golden age for

Science is as old as the world itself. There is no
people committed to scholarly life in science but
individual that can exactly identify when and where
it was also a deeply trying moment to some
science began. From the genesis of time, science has
scientific individuals that led to their painful
existed. It is always interwoven with the society. So,
death or condemnation from the religious
how can science be defined?
institutions who tried to preserve their faith,
1. Science as an idea. It includes ideas, theories, and
religion, and theological views. Some rulers and
all available systematic explanations and
religious leaders did not accept many of the
observations about the natural and physical world.
early works of scientists. But these did not stop
2. Science as an intellectual activity. It encompasses people especially scientists to satisfy their
a systematic and practical study of the natural and curiosity of the natural and physical world.
physical world. This process of study involves Scientific revolution is very significant in the
systematic observation and experimentation. development of human beings, transformation of
3. Science as a body of knowledge. It is a subject or a the society, and in the formulation of scientific
discipline, a field of study, or a body of knowledge ideas. It significantly improved the conduct of
that deals with the process of learning about the scientific investigations, experiments, and
natural and physical world. This is what we refer to observations. The scientific revolution also led to
as school science. the creation of new research fields in science
4. Science as a personal and social activity. This and prompted the establishment of a strong
explains that science is both knowledge and foundation for modern science. In many ways,
activities done by human beings to develop better scientific revolution transformed the natural
understanding of the world around them. It is a world and the world of ideas.
means to improve life and to survive in life. It is Some Intellectuals and their Revolutionary
interwoven with people's lives. Ideas
Human beings have embarked in scientific Nicolaus Copernicus
activities in order to know and understand One of the Renaissance men, particularly in the
everything around them. They have persistently field of science, is Nicolaus Copernicus.
observed and studied the natural and the Knowledge about the nature of the universe had
physical world in order to find meanings and seek been essentially unchanged since the great days
answers to many questions. They have of Ancient Greece, some 1,500 years before
developed noble ideas, later known as Copernicus came on the scene (Gribbin, 2003).
philosophy, to provide alternative or possible This continued up to the Renaissance period. In
explanations to certain phenomena. Humans also one important way, Copernicus resembled the
used religion to rationalize the origins of life and Greek ancient philosophers or thinkers he did
all lifeless forms not do anything extensive such as observing
heavenly bodies or inviting people to test his
The idea of scientific revolution is claimed to have ideas. His ideas were an example of what is
started in the early 16th century up to the 18th presently called as a thought experiment. By the
century in Europe. Why in Europe? The probable time he finished his doctorate degree,
answer is the invention of the printing machine and Copernicus had been appointed as canon at
the blooming intellectual activities done in various Frombork Cathedral in Poland. Despite his duty
places of learning, and the growing number of as a canon, he had plenty of time to sustain his
scholars in various fields of human interests. This interest in astronomy, Copernicus was strongly
does not mean, however, that science is a foreign influenced by a book entitled Epitome published
idea transported from other areas of the globe. in 1496 by a German author, Johannes Müeller.
Anyone who can examine the history of science, This book contains Müeller's observations of the
technology, medicine, and mathematics is aware heavens and some commentary on earlier works
that all great civilizations of the ancient world had especially that of Ptolemy.
their own sophisticated traditions and activities Copernicus's idea and model of the universe was
related to these disciplines. essentially complete in 1510. Not long after that,
Scientific revolution was the period of he circulated a summary of his ideas to his few
enlightenment when the developments in the fields close friends in a manuscript called
of mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and Commentariolus (Little Commentary). There was
chemistry transformed the views of society about no proof that Copernicus was concerned about
nature. It explained the emergence or birth of the risk of persecution by the Church if he
modern science as a result of these developments published his ideas formally.
Copernicus was a busy man. His duty as a canon Darwin's life soon changed when one of his
and as a doctor affected his time to formally professors recommended him to join a five-year
publish his work and advance his career in voyage through the HMS Beagle on the Islands of
astronomy. The publication of his book De Galapagos.
revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Darwin published his book The Origin of Species in
Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) in 1543 is 1589. This book is considered to be one of the
often cited as the start of the scientific revolution. most important works in scientific literature.His
book presented evidence on how species evolved
In his book, he wanted a model of the universe in over time and presented traits and adaptation
which everything moved around a single center at that differentiate species. Like many other
unvarying rates (Gribbin, 2003). Copernicus placed scholars, Darwin accumulated many pertinent
the Sun to be the centerpiece of the universe. materials and data that he could ever possibly
(HELIOCENTRISM) The Earth and all the planets are need to substantiate his theory.
surrounding or orbiting the Sun each year. The Darwin's observational skills as a scientist were
Moon, however, would still be seen orbiting the extraordinary that moved beyond the realms of
Earth. Copernicus's model of the Earth orbiting plants and animals into the realms of humans.
around the Sun automatically positioned the His book The Descent of Man was so impressive
planets into a logical sequence. In his model, yet very controversial. He introduced the idea of
Copernicus outlined two kinds of planetary motion: all organic life, including human beings, under the
(1) the orbits of Venus and Mercury lay inside the realm of evolutionary thinking. This replaced the
orbit of the Earth, thus, closer to the Sun; and (2) dominant views of a religious or biblical design
the orbits of Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter lay outside that places human beings in a privileged position
the Earth's orbit, thus, farther from the Sun. From of having been created by God. Darwin's theory of
this model, he would work on the length of time it evolution scientifically questioned this view..
will take for each planet to orbit once around the Darwin's accomplishments were so diverse that it
Sun. The result would form a sequence from is useful to distinguish two fields to which he
Mercury, with a shortest year, through Venus, Earth, made major contributions: evolutionary biology
Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn with the longest year. He and philosophy of science. More than these works,
placed the planets in order of increasing distance what made Darwin truly remarkable was his
from the Sun. One of the great problems in the courage to challenge religious and unscientific
Copernicus model, however, was the position of the ideas that are deemed to be prominent during
stars. The stars cannot be placed in a fixed position those days. His unorthodox way of pursuing
like crystals in a distance sphere. science gave more value to evidence-based
Copernicus is also a courageous man. Although the science. Darwin provided a different framework
Copernican model makes sense now, during those for doing scientific activities. It is a science
times, it was judged to be heretic and therefore it marked by observation and experiment.
was an unacceptable idea to be taught to Catholics. Sigmund Freud Is a famous figure in the field of
The Catholic Church banned the Copernican model psychology. Rosenfels (1980) also described him
and was ignored by Rome for the rest of the 16th as a towering literary figure and a very talented
century communicator who did his share to raise the
Charles Darwin consciousness of the civilized world in
Charles Darwin is famous for his theory of psychological matters. However, apart from these,
evolution. He changed our concept of the world's Freud also made a significant contribution in the
creation and its evolution. Johnson (2012) scientific world through the development of an
described Darwin as a genius who came from a line important observational method to gather reliable
of intellectually gifted and wealthy family. He data to study human's inner life. This method is
developed his interest in natural history during his popularly known as the method of psychoanalysis.
time as a student at Shrewsbury School. He would The scientific hypothesis he formulated formed
also spend time taking long walks to observe his the essential fundamental version of this method.
surroundings while collecting specimens and he For Freud, this method of psychoanalysis is a
pored over books in his father's library (Gribbin, scientific way to study the human mind and
2003). According to Johnson, Darwin went to the neurotic illness. It is no doubt that amidst all
best schools but was observed to be a mediocre questions on his works that led to some sort of
student. He struggled in his study in medicine and academic controversy, his method of
ministry, which his father has imposed to him. psychoanalysis had great impact on the scientific
way of understanding human nature.
Freud is not a traditional thinker. According to Furthermore, they used various tools and adapt
Weiner (2016), his method of psychoanalysis was themselves to innovations especially in the field of
proven to be effective in understanding some arts. The Mayans built loons for weaving cloth and
neurological conditions that were not understood devised a rainbow of glittery paints made from a
by medicine at that time. His method was mineral called mica. They are also believed to be
unorthodox-focusing on human sexuality and the one of the first people to produce rubber products
evil nature of man. This posed immense challenges 3,000 years before Goodyear received its patent in
to scholars and ordinary citizens of his time. To 1844.
some, they found his ideas not easy especially in his
explanations of human sexuality. The Mayans are considered one of the most
scientifically advanced societies in Mesoamerica
Freud was born in a much later period from the They are also famous as one of the world's first
scientific revolution but his contribution to civilizations to use a writing system known as the
knowledge can be seen in many aspects of the Mayan hieroglyphics. They were also skilled in
human scene, including art, literature, philosophy, mathematics and created a number system based
politics, and psychotherapy. Whether he is more of on the numeral 20. Moreover, they independently
a psychologist or a scientist is for people to decide. developed the concept of zero and positional value,
The fact remains that Freudian ideas and theories even before the Romans did.
are still considered nowadays as a great inspiration
to examine human mind and behavior in a more The Inca civilization is also famous in Mesoamerica
scientifically accepted way. The Incas made advanced scientific ideas
Cradles of Early Science considering their limitations as an old civilization
Development of Science in Mesoamerica The following were scientific ideas and tools that
Mesoamerica includes the entire area of Central they developed to help them in everyday life:
America from Southern Mexico up to the border of 1. roads paved with stones;
South America. There is no doubt that the 2. stone buildings that surmounted earthquakes and
Mesoamerican region is rich in culture and other disasters;
knowledge prior to the arrival of its European 3. irrigation system and technique for storing water
colonizers. for their crops to grow in all types of land;
4. calendar with 12 months to mark their religious
The Maya civilization is one of the famous festivals and prepare them for planting season;
civilizations that lasted for approximately 2,000 5. the first suspension bridge;
years. These people are known for their works in 6. quipu, a system of knotted ropes to keep records
astronomy. They incorporated their advanced that only experts can interpret; and
understanding of astronomy into their temples and 7. Inca textiles since cloth was one of the specially
other religious structures. This allows them to use prized artistic achievements.
their temples for astronomical observation. For
example, the pyramid at Chichén Itzá in Mexico is Following the Inca, the Aztec civilization has also
situated at the location of the Sun during the spring made substantial contributions to science and
and fall equinoxes. technology and to the society as a whole.
Some of their contributions are the following:
Mayan knowledge and understanding about celestial 1. Mandatory education. The Aztec puts value on
bodies was advanced for their time, as evidenced by education; that is why their children are mandated
their knowledge of predicting eclipse and using to get education regardless of their social class
astrological cycles in planting and harvesting. The gender, or age. It is an early form of universal or
Mayans are also known for measuring time using two inclusive education.
complicated calendar systems. These calendars 2. Chocolates. The Aztec in Mexico developed
were very useful for their life especially in planning chocolate during their time. In the Mayan culture,
their activities and in observing their religious rituals they used it as currency. The Aztec valued the
and cultural celebrations. cacao beans highly and made it as part of their
tribute to their gods.
The Mayans also developed the technology for 3. Antispasmodic medication. They used a type of
growing different crops and building elaborate antispasmodic medication that could prevent
cities using ordinary machineries and tools. They muscle spasms and relax muscles, which could help
built hydraulics system with sophisticated during surgery.
waterways to supply water to different communities
4. Chinampa. It is a form of Aztec technology for The people of this civilization, according to Bisht
agricultural farming in which the land was divided into (1982), tried to standardize measurement of
rectangular areas and surrounded by canals. length to a high degree of accuracy and designed
5. Aztec calendar. This enabled them to plan their a ruler, the Mohenjo-daro ruler
activities, rituals, and planting season. Clifford (2008) and Bose (1998) pointed out that
6. Invention of the canoe. A light narrow boat used for Indian astronomer and mathematician
traveling in water systems. Aryabhata (476-550), in his Aryabhatiya,
Development of Science in Asia introduced a number of trigonometric functions,
Asia is the biggest continent in the world and the tables, and techniques, as well as algorithms of
home of many ancient civilizations. It is a host to algebra. In 628 AD, another Indian,
many cultural, economic, scientific, and political Brahmagupta, also suggested that gravity was a
activities of all ages. In the field of science, force of attraction, and lucidly explained the use
technology, and mathematics, great civilizations have of zero as both a placeholder and a decimal digit,
stood out: India, China, and the Middle East along with the Hindu-Arabic numeral system
civilizations. These civilizations were incomparable in now used universally throughout the world
terms of their contributions to the development of (Clifford, 2008; Bose, 1998). Another Indian
knowledge during their time. named Madhava of Sangamagrama is also
India considered as the founder of mathematical
India is a huge peninsula surrounded by vast bodies analysis (Joseph, 1991).
of water and fortified by huge mountains in its China
northern boarders. The Indians creatively developed China is one of the ancient civilizations with
various ideas and technologies useful in their substantial contributions in many areas of life
everyday lives. They are known for manufacturing iron like medicine, astronomy, science, mathematics,
and in metallurgical works. Their iron steel is arts, philosophy, and music, among others.
considered to be the best and held with high regard in Chinese civilizations have greatly influenced
the whole of Roman Empire. many of its neighbor countries like Korea, Japan,
India is also famous in medicine. For example, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia,
Ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine that Myanmar, and other countries that belong to the
originated in ancient India before 2500 BC, is still old Silk Road.
practiced as a form of alternative medicine. They The Chinese are known for traditional medicines,
discovered some medicinal properties of plants that a product of centuries of experiences and
led them to develop medicines to cure various discovery of the Chinese people. They
illnesses. Some ancient texts, like the Susruta discovered various medical properties and uses
Samhita, describes different surgical and other of different plants and animals to cure human
medical procedures famous in Ancient India. illness. An example is the practice of
Ancient India is also notable in the field of acupuncture.
astronomy. They developed theories on the
configuration of the universe, the spherical self- In terms of technology, the Chinese are known to
supporting Earth, and the year of 360 days with 12 develop many tools. Among the famous
equal parts of 30 days each. Sama (2008) noted that discoveries and inventions of the Chinese
their interest in astronomy was also evident in the civilizations were compass, papermaking,
first 12 chapters of the Siddhanta Shiromani, written gunpowder, and printing tools that became
in the 12th century. According to Sama (2008), this known in the West only by the end of the Middle
ancient text covered topics such as: mean longitudes Ages (Davies, 1995). They also invented other
of the planets; true longitudes of the planets; the tools like iron plough, wheelbarrow, and
three problems of diurnal rotation; syzygies; lunar propeller, among others. They developed a
eclipses; solar eclipses; latitudes of the planets; design of different models of bridges (Zhongguo
risings and settings; the moon's crescent; ke xue yuan, 1983), invented the first
conjunctions of the planets with each other; seismological detector, and developed a dry
conjunctions of the planets with the fixed stars; and dock facility (Needham et al., 1971).
the paths of the Sun and Moon.
In the field of astronomy, the Chinese also made
Ancient India is also known for their mathematics. significant records on supernovas, lunar and
Bisht (1982) noted that the earliest traces of solar eclipses, and comets, which were carefully
mathematical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent recorded and preserved to understand better
appeared in the Indus Valley Civilization. the heavenly bodies and their effects to our
world (Mayall, 1939).
They observed the heavenly bodies to understand In the field of medicine, Ibn Sina pioneered the
weather changes and seasons that may affect their science of experimental medicine and was the first
daily activities. They used lunar calendars, too. The physician to conduct clinical trials (Jacquart, 2008).
Chinese are also known in seismology. This made His two most notable works in medicine, the Book
them more prepared in times of natural calamities. of Healing and The Canon of Medicine, were used
China made substantial contributions in various as standard medicinal texts in both the Muslim
fields. The list of their discoveries and inventions is world and in Europe during the 17th century. Among
overwhelming. These contributions were made his many contributions are the discovery of the
along with mathematics, logic, philosophy, and contagious nature of infectious diseases and the
medicine. However, cultural factors prevented introduction of clinical pharmacology (Craig &
these Chinese achievements from developing into Walter, 2000).
modern science. According to Needham (1986), it There are numerous Muslim scholars who made
may have been the religious and philosophical significant contributions in the field of science,
framework of Chinese intellectuals that made them mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and even in
unable to accept the ideas of laws of nature the field of social sciences. The decline of this
golden age of Islam started in the 11th to 13th
Middle East Countries
century due to the conquest of the Mongols
The Middle East countries are dominantly occupied
whereby libraries, observatories, and other learning
by Muslims. With the spread of Islam in the 7th and
institutions were destroyed.
8th centuries, a period of Muslim scholarship, or Development of Science in Africa
what is called the Golden Age of Islam lasted until Africa is blessed with natural and mineral
the 13th century. The common language of Arabic, resources. Science also emerged in this part of the
access to Greek texts from the Byzantine Empire, planet long before the Europeans colonized it. The
and their proximity to India were contributory to history of science and mathematics show that
the intellectualization of the Muslims and provided similar to other ancient civilizations, the early
their scholars knowledge to create innovations and civilizations in Africa are knowledge producers, too.
develop new ideas. But contrary to the Greeks,
Muslim scientists placed greater value on science The ancient Egyptian civilization has contributed
experiments rather than plain-thought experiments. immensely and made significant advances in the
This led to the development of the scientific fields of astronomy, mathematics, "and medicine.
method in the Muslim world, and made significant For example, the development of geometry was a
improvements by using experiments to distinguish product of necessity to preserve the layout and
between competing scientific theories set within a ownership of farmlands of the Egyptians living
generally empirical orientation. A Muslim scientist along the Nile River. The rules of geometry were
named Ibn al-Haytham is also regarded as the developed and used to build rectilinear structures,
Father of Optics, especially for his empirical proof the post of lintel architecture of Egypt. These early
of the intromission theory of light. science activities in Egypt were developed to
improve the quality of life of the Egyptians
In mathematics, the mathematician Muhammad ibn especially in building their early homes and cities.
Musa al-Khwarizmi gave his name to the concept of The great structures of the Egyptian pyramids and
the algorithm while the term algebra is derived from the early dams built to divert water from the Nile
al-jabr, the beginning of the title of one of his River are some proofs of their advanced civilization.
publications. What is now known as the Arabic
Numeral System originally came from India, but Egypt was known to be a center of alchemy, which
Muslim mathematicians did make several is known as the medieval forerunner of chemistry.
refinements to the number system, such as the They tried to study human anatomy and
introduction of decimal point notation. pharmacology, and applied important components
Muslim chemists and alchemists also played an such as examination, diagnosis, treatment, and
important role in the foundation of modern prognosis for the treatment of diseases. These
chemistry (Durant, 1980). In particular, some components displayed strong parallels to the basic
scholars considered Jäbir ibn Hayyan to be the empirical method of studying science.
"Father of Chemistry" (Derewenda, 2007; Warren,
2005). Astronomy was also famous in the African region.
For instance, documents show that Africans used
three types of calendars: lunar, solar, and stellar, or
a combination of the three.
Metallurgy was also known in the African regions These Filipino scientists are:
during the ancient times. North Africa and the Nile 1. Ramon Cabanos Barba for his outstanding
Valley imported iron technology from the Near East research on tissue culture in Philippine mangoes
region that enabled them to benefit from the 2. Josefino Cacas Comiso for his works on
developments during the Bronze Age until the Iron observing the characteristics of Antarctica by using
Age. They invented metal tools used in their homes, satellite images
in agriculture, and in building their magnificent 3. Jose Bejar Cruz Jr. known internationally in the
architectures. field of electrical engineering; was elected as officer
of the famous Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Mathematics was also known to be prominent in Engineering
the life of early people in the African continent. The 4. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz notable for her research on
Lebombo Bone from the mountains between sea snail venom
Swaziland and South Africa, which may have been 5. Fabian Millar Dayrit for his research on herbal
a tool for multiplication, division, and simple medicine
mathematical calculation or a six-month lunar 6. Rafael Dineros Guerrero III for his research on
calendar, is considered to be the oldest known tilapia culture
mathematical artifact dated from 35,000 BCE. 7. Enrique Mapua Ostrea Jr. drugs testing for
Ancient Egyptians are good in the four fundamental inventing the meconium
mathematical operations and other mathematical 8. Lilian Formalejo Patena biotechnology for doing
skills. They have knowledge of the basic concepts of research on plant
algebra and geometry. The Islamic regions in Africa 9. Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz for being an
during the medieval period was also benefiting from outstanding educator and graph theorist
mathematical learning, which is considered 10. Gregory Ligot Tangonan communications
advanced during those times, such as algebra, technology for his research in the field of
geometry, and trigonometry.
There are other outstanding Filipino scientists who
Famous Filipinos in the Field of Science
are recognized here and abroad for their
School science is filled with names of foreign
outstanding contributions in science:
scientists: Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Newton, Faraday,
Caesar A. Saloma an internationally renowned
Darwin, and many other Western scientists. We
physicist
rarely hear of Filipino scientists being discussed in
Edgardo Gomez famous scientist in marine science
science classes. Lee-Chua (2000) identified 10
William Padolina chemistry and president of
outstanding Filipino scientists who have made
National Academy of Science and Technology
significant contributions in Philippine science.
(NAST)-Philippines
These scientists are also famous abroad especially
Angel Alcala marine science
in different science disciplines: agriculture,
mathematics, physics, medicine, marine science, The University of the Philippines-Diliman also has
chemistry, engineering, and biology. established a national science and engineering
complex to develop more research and produce
There are other scientists in the Philippines who
more scientists and engineers in the country. The
were not identified in the list. Yet, the Philippines
government must find ways to establish more
still need more scientists and engineers, and there
research laboratories and research institutes. There
is a need to support scientific research in the
is also a need to find ways on how their researches
country. The University of the Philippines-Los
are disseminated to the public.
Baños is a science paradise for agriculture, forestry,
plant and animal science, and veterinary science. It
Many of these Filipino scientists are products of
has produced numerous scientists and various
good school science. It means they were taught and
research in the fields mentioned. The University of
inspired by great teachers. Their interests in
the Philippines-Visayas is also a national center for
science started to manifest during their childhood
marine science, fisheries, and other related
years. Their natural environment ignited their
sciences. The University of the Philippines-Manila is
curiosity to learn more about the natural and
a center of excellence and has produced many
physical environment. Schools and the laboratories
researchers, doctors, health professionals, and
where they studied and worked nurtured this.
scientists in the area of medical and public health
 The Earth is revered as "Mother Earth." It is the
Indigenous knowledge is embedded in the daily life
origin of their identity as people.
experiences of young children as they grow up.
All living and nonliving things are
They live and grow in a society where the members
interconnected and interdependent with each
of the community prominently practice indigenous
other.
knowledge. Their parents and other older folks
Human beings are stewards or trustee of the
served as their first teachers and their methods of
land and other natural resources. They have a
teaching are very effective in transmitting cultural
responsibility to preserve it.
knowledge in their minds. The lessons they learned
Nature is a friend to human beings it needs
are intimately interwoven with their culture and the
respect and proper care.
environment. These lessons comprised of good
3. Indigenous science is composed of traditional
values and life stories of people on their daily life
knowledge practiced and valued by people and
struggles. Their views about nature and their
communities such as ethno-biology, ethno-
reflections on their experiences in daily life are
medicine, indigenous farming methods, and folk
evident in their stories, poems, and songs.
astronomy.
According to Capite (2004), indigenous science
Some examples of indigenous knowledge that are
includes everything,from metaphysics to
taught and practiced by the indigenous people are:
philosophy and various practical technologies
practiced by indigenous peoples both past and
predicting weather conditions and seasons
present (2007) elaborated this idea by explaining
using knowledge in observing animals' behavior
that science is a part of culture, and how science is
and celestial bodies;
done largely depends on the cultural practices of
using herbal medicine:
the people.
preserving foods;
Indigenous beliefs also develop desirable values
classifying plants and animals into families and
that are relevant and consistent to scientific
groups based on cultural properties;
attitudes an identified by Johnston (2000), namely
preserving and selecting good seeds for
(1) motivating attitudes, (2) cooperating attitudes
planting:
(3) practical attitudes and (4) reflective attitudes.
using indigenous technology in daily lives;
These cultural beliefs therefore can be good
building local irrigation systems;
foundation for developing positive values toward
classifying different types of soil for planting
learning and doing science and in bringing science
based on cultural properties;
in a personal level.
producing wines and juices from tropical fruits;
Pawilen (2005) esplained that indigenous science
and
knowledge has developed diverse structures and
keeping the custom of growing plants and
contents through the interplay between the society
vegetables in the yard.
and the environment. According to Kahn (1962),
Indigenous science is part of the indigenous
developmental stages of most sciences are
knowledge system practiced by different groups of
characterized by continual competition between a
people and early civilizations (Gribbin, 2001; Mkapa,
number of distinct views of mature, each partially
2004; Sibisi, 2004). It includes complex arrays of
derived from, and all roughly compatible with the
knowledge, expertise, practices, and
dictates of scientific observation and method. Sibisi
representations that guide human societies in their
(2004) also pointed out that indigenous science
enumerable interactions with the natural milieu:
provides the basics of astronomy, pharmacology,
agriculture, medicine, naming and explaining
food technology, or metallurgy, which were derived
natural phenomena, and strategies for coping with
from traditional knowledge and practices.
changing environments (Pawilen, 2005). Ogawa
Indigenous science is important in the development
(1995) claimed that it is collectively lived in and
of science and technology in the Philippines. Like
experienced by the people of a given culture.
the ancient civilizations, indigenous science gave
1. Indigenous science uses science process skills
birth to the development of science and technology
such as observing, comparing, classifying,
as a field and as a discipline. Indigenous science
measuring, problem solving, inferring,
helped the people in understanding the natural
communicating, and predicting
2. Indigenous science is guided by culture and environment and in coping with everyday life.
community values such as the following: UNESCO'S Declaration on Science and the Use of
The land is a source of life. It is a precious gift Scientific Knowledge (1999) recognized indigenous
from the creator science as a historical and valuable contribution to
science and technology.