Science, Technology, and Society - Module 1

This flashcard set defines core concepts, historical figures, and ethical principles related to the study of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as presented in the introductory module.

Science

A systematic, evidence-based approach to understanding the natural and social world, guided by observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning.

Technology

The application of scientific knowledge to create tools, processes, or systems that solve practical problems and improve human life.

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

A formal field of study that emerged in the $20\text{th}$ century to examine how science and technology interact with social, political, economic, and cultural forces.

Objective

A key feature of science meaning it is based on empirical evidence and remains free from personal bias.

Systematic

A key feature of science meaning it follows a structured method, specifically the scientific method.

Explanatory

A key feature of science that aims to explain phenomena and uncover natural laws.

Evolving

The characteristic of scientific knowledge that changes and improves as new evidence emerges.

Applied

A feature of technology focusing on practical use and implementation.

Innovative

A feature of technology involving the creation or improvement of tools, machines, and methods.

Solution-Oriented

A feature of technology designed to meet needs or solve real-world problems.

Dynamic

A feature of technology that continuously evolves with new discoveries and demands.

Francis Bacon

An early thinker who advocated for the use of science to improve society.

Karl Marx

A thinker who analyzed how industrial technology impacted labor and economic systems.

Max Weber

A thinker who explored the relationship between science, rationality, and bureaucracy.

Thomas Kuhn

Author of 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions' ($1962$), who argued science is shaped by paradigms and social factors.

Rachel Carson

Author of 'Silent Spring' ($1962$), which exposed the environmental consequences of pesticide use, linking science and public health.

Dual Nature of Scientific Knowledge

The concept that science itself is neutral, but its application can have both positive (e.g., vaccines) and negative (e.g., atomic bomb) consequences.

Socially Responsible Science

Scientific research and practice that is ethically guided, inclusive, and aligned with the well-being of society and the planet.

Ethical Conduct

A principle of socially responsible science ensuring experiments are safe, rights are respected, and harm is minimized, such as using informed consent in clinical trials.

Transparency and Honesty

A principle of socially responsible science involving openness about methods, funding sources, limitations, and potential conflicts of interest.

Public Engagement and Accessibility

The principle that science should be shared in ways that inform the public, encourage participation, and respond to community needs.

Social Justice and Inclusion

The principle that science should serve all people, involve diverse groups in research, and respect Indigenous and local knowledge systems.

Sustainability

The principle of considering long-term environmental and social impacts, contributing to solutions for pollution and biodiversity loss.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation involving a difficult choice between two or more morally acceptable or unacceptable options, such as progress vs. precaution.

CRISPR Technology

A gene-editing tool that allows scientists to edit genes with high precision, raising concerns about designer babies and unintended genetic consequences.

Beneficence

A guiding ethical principle in decision-making that means to 'do good'.

Non-maleficence

A guiding ethical principle in decision-making that means to 'do no harm'.

Autonomy

An ethical principle in decision-making that involves respecting individual rights.

Justice

An ethical principle focused on ensuring fairness and equity in scientific and technological advancements.

Accountability

The ethical principle of accepting responsibility for the outcomes of scientific research and its applications.

Potter's Wheel

An ancient Mesopotamian technology used to shape clay vessels more efficiently and symmetrically.

Papyrus

An ancient Egyptian technology serving as an early form of paper for writing and record-keeping.

Mechanical Clocks

Devices developed in medieval Europe to accurately measure and regulate time for religious and public use.

Aeolipile

A steam-powered device by Heron of Alexandria used to demonstrate the principle of jet propulsion.