Science, Technology and Society Introduction

A collection of vocabulary terms and concepts from the introductory lecture on Science, Technology and Society, including etymology, classifications, and modern ethical dilemmas.

Scientia

The Latin word meaning "Knowledge," which serves as the etymological root for the word Science.

Science

A systematic and methodological activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both.

Modern Science

Characterized by John Heilbron (1934-2003) as both a "discovery as well as invention."

Tekhne

A Greek word meaning "art or craft," which is one of the roots of the word Technology.

Logia

A Greek word meaning "subject or interest," which is one of the roots of the word Technology.

Technology

Practical applications of what we know about nature using scientific principles for the betterment of the human situation.

Technological tool

According to Mark Zuckerberg (2014), it is "something that takes human’s sense or ability and augment it and makes it more powerful."

Artifacts or Hardware

Products fabricated by humans to meet specific needs, such as tools, machines, or implements.

Knowledge and Methods

A system of implicit and explicit knowledge, techniques, and materials utilized in using, making, or repairing a certain kind of artifact.

Double-edged function

A term used to describe the nature of science and technology because they provide benefits but also present significant challenges and drawbacks.

Helix

A technology featured in the Reilly Top 10 list designed to help individuals read their genome.

Bless U-2 and Pepper

Known as the first robot priest and monk, emerging as an ethical dilemma in technology.

Textalyzer

A tool used to analyze if a driver was using a phone during an accident.

Social Credit System

A system of constant surveillance of citizens implemented in China, cited as an ethical dilemma.

Friendbot

A technology that stores the digital footprints of deceased individuals so that people can still "chat" with them.

Science, Technology and Society (STS)

An academic and interdisciplinary field that combines the history, philosophy, and sociology of science to study the interconnection of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society.

CHED Memorandum Order 20 of 2013

The policy in the Philippines that establishes STS as an interdisciplinary course intended to instill reflective knowledge and ethical decision-making in students.

Activist STS

A branch of STS that gets involved in current issues and advocates for justice and equity in social change, such as climate change action or health care.

Homo sapiens

Latin for "human" or "man" (Homo) and "wise" or "astute" (sapiens), referring to primates who think.

Homo faber

A concept standing for the idea that creativity is an inherent human trait leading to the creation of tools to control the environment; "primates who make things."

Technosphere

Also known as the anthroposphere, it is the part of the environment that is made or modified by humans, including infrastructure like roads, railways, and cities.