STS CHAPTER 1

Science

comes from the Latin word “scientia”

Scientia

This means knowledge or understanding

Science

Systematic way of acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis

Technology

comes from the Greek word “tekhne” and “logia”

Tekhne and Logia

These means art and study, respectively.

Technology

Systematic application of scientific knowledge to practical tasks

Society

from the Latin word “societas”

Societas

This means companionship or association

Society

Group of people organized by social structures, culture, norms, language, economy, etc.

Empiricism

Gathering knowledge based on experimentation and observation

Objectivity

Unbiased and not influenced by emotion or personal beliefs

Systematic observation

Organized data collection method or process

Hypothesis testing

An educated guess or prediction. Ideas must be testable

Reproducibility

Result must be replicable and should undergo multiple testing for validity

Openness and transparency

Open sharing of data and methods

Falsifiability

Must be disapprovable (matter of evidence)

Peer Review

Scrutinized by experts before publication

Cumulative nature

Knowledge builds overtime (new knowledge in the process)

Problem Solving

Address specific needs or solution

Improving quality of life

Enhance well-being and way of living

Innovation and creativity

Leads to new innovation and/or invention

Efficiency and productivity

enhance well0being and way of living (less hassle)

Communication and connectivity

Easier way of communication

Advancing scientific knowledge

Easier way of data gathering

Education and learning

easier way of learning by just searching

Entertainment and leisure

Enhance entertainment experience

Social structure

Way of society is organized. Organized pattern of relationships

Community and social groups

Forms relationship with others. Supports system

Institutions

Established system that serves purpose

Government and politics

Implementer of rules and law

Culture

Beliefs, customs, traditions

Norms and values

Unwritten rules or expectations

Language

Key element way of communication

Economy

Importing products

Socialization

Process of societal norms (from parents)

Why study STS

Explores mutual influence of science, technology, and society. Help us understand how discoveries affect values, ethics, politics, and daily life. Important for making informed and ethical decisions.

How science and technology shape society

Medical advancements: equipment, vaccines, prevent diseases
Communication: internet
Industries and economy: factories for production

How society influences science and technology

Ethics and regulation: Genetic engineering (changing of DNA to give new traits)
Funding and priorities: government funds scientific research
Cultural beliefs: indigenous

STS in action

Industrial revolution: machines
Artificial Intelligence: dependency on AIs
Climate change and renewable energy: solutions to climate change

Solar panels/Renewable energy sources

A technological innovation that helps reduce reliance on fossil fuel

Research/Evaluation/Recommendation

The process of analyzing existing data and making improvements based on findings.