STS Long Quiz 1 - Lesson 1

Science and Technology in Daily Life

Alarm clocks, lights, consumer goods, convenience in short time frames; life is difficult to picture without S&T

Bell Ringer: First Wheels

Potter’s wheels called “Tourettes” or “slow wheels”; not for transportation; contributed to mechanization of agriculture, craft industries, and transportation

Bell Ringer: First Compass

Made of lodestone in Han Dynasty China; allowed navigation when sky was overcast or landmarks not visible

Bell Ringer: Light

Considered the greatest invention since fire; brought light to homes and workplaces

Bell Ringer: Nails

Made of bronze or wrought iron by blacksmiths and nailors; used to hold wood pieces together

Bell Ringer: Voltaic Pile

Consisted of zinc and copper discs separated by conducting cards; facilitated advances in electricity, telegraphs, telephones, and later modern electrical devices

Science

From Latin scientia meaning “knowledge”; systematic and methodological activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation, or both

Science: Definitions

System of knowledge of natural world gained by scientific method; called “philosophy of the natural world” by philosophers of nature; first step towards knowledge is naming and classifying objects found in nature

Technology

From Greek tekhne (art or craft) and logia (subject or interest); practical applications of knowledge about nature using scientific principles for betterment of humans

Technological Tool

Something that takes human’s sense or ability, augments it, and makes it more powerful

Comparison of Science and Technology

Science studies universe and nature; scientific knowledge is inquiry; technology is influenced by many factors and contexts

Role of Science and Technology

Make difficult and complicated tasks easier; gradual improvements; not limited to products

Technology as Four Aspects

(a) Artifacts/Hardware: tools, machines, implements; (b) Knowledge and Methods: knowledge, techniques, materials for using or repairing artifacts; (c) Human cultural activity/profession: engineers, machinists, crafters; (d) Societal enterprise: invention, R&D, patronage, mass production/consumption

Drawbacks of Science and Technology

Introduction of machines, invention of drugs, rise of social media; S&T serve a double-edged function

Drawbacks of Society Dependent on S&T

Society is highly dependent on S&T but lacks understanding of it, creating risks of disaster; emphasizes need for better science education and public engagement

Emerging Tech Issues

Genome reading, robot priest/monk, facial recognition for retail, ransomware, Textalyzer, China’s social credit system, Google Clips, sentencing software, Friendbot, Citizen app

Ethical Dilemmas in Science (2020–2021)

Pseudoscience of skincare, AI in hiring, predatory journals, robot abuse, limited telemedicine, deep fakes, Facebook issues

STS (Science, Technology and Society)

Young field combining history of science, philosophy of science, sociology of science

STS as Academic Field

Originated in interwar and cold war periods; focuses on interconnection of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society; prepares students to critically address challenges

STS as Interdisciplinary Field

Bridges humanities and natural sciences; examines moral, ethical, existential dilemmas of science and technology

CHED Memorandum Order 20 (2013)

Defines STS as an interdisciplinary course; engages students with realities of science and technology in society; promotes reflective knowledge and ethical decision-making

Importance of Studying STS

Helps students understand both technical and social dimensions of S&T; prepares them to be thoughtful citizens; develops interdisciplinary thinking, research, and communication skills

STS on Personal Level

Interdisciplinary education for life; relevant to every field of study

STS on Academic Level

Scholarly study of S&T; recognizes S&T as dynamic

Activist STS

Engages with current issues; broad social spectrum; focuses on justice and equity in science and technology; examples include nuclear power, toxic waste, healthcare, climate change

Stereotypes of Scientists

Scientists perceived as clever, bright, reserved, socially clumsy, devoted only to work, and “different” from ordinary people

Two Possibilities of Humans

(1) Homo sapiens: “wise humans,” primates who think; (2) Homo faber: “tool-making humans,” primates who manipulate and create tools to control environment

Technosphere (Anthroposphere)

Part of environment modified by humans; includes roads, railways, airports, mines, quarries, oil/gas fields, cities, engineered rivers, reservoirs