Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

This set of vocabulary-style flashcards covers the fundamental definitions, pillars, and scientific nature aspects of the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) course based on the lecture transcript.

Science (Scientia)

Derived from the Latin word for knowledge; an organized, systematic activity of building knowledge about how the universe behaves through facts, regularities, and theories.

Technology (Techne)

Derived from the Greek word for art, skill, or cunning of hand; the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to solve real-world problems and produce tools.

Society (Societas)

Derived from the Latin word for friendly association; a large group of individuals characterized by common interests, distinctive culture, and shared institutions.

Gunpowder

Accidentally invented by Chinese alchemists ($\sim 850\,\text{AD}$); it revolutionized global warfare.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a fairly narrow set of phenomena based on current knowledge and observations.

Fact

An observation that has been repeatedly confirmed and is widely accepted by the scientific community.

Model

A representation of an object, process, or system which can be physical, mathematical, graphical, or computational.

Law

A description of natural phenomena, usually mathematical in nature and well-supported by evidence.

Theory

A broad explanation that has been rigorously tested, is supported by a vast body of evidence, and has high predictive power.

Consensus

A broad agreement of evidence and/or of experts.

Scientific Worldview

The belief that the world is understandable and that the universe operates in consistent patterns comprehensible through careful, systematic study.

Scientific Inquiry

The rigorous, evidence-based methods and logic used to decode patterns in nature, requiring both evidence and a blend of logic and imagination.

Scientific Enterprise

The social and institutional frameworks that organize and apply scientific knowledge, reflecting social values and ethical principles.

Oscillating Universe Theory

A theory suggesting the universe expands and shrinks; it was later debunked by Edwin Hubble’s telescope, which proved continuous expansion.

The Domain of Science

The boundary of the empirical, covering observable, testable, and strictly evidence-based phenomena like thermodynamics and viral mutations.

Jeepney Modernization (Case Study)

An example of technological friction representing the tension between improved passenger safety/emissions and the potential loss of a deep cultural identity symbol.

Vacuum Packaging (Case Study)

A technological application that extends Calamansi shelf life from $3$ to $28\,\text{days}$ for export.

STS (Science, Technology, and Society)

An interdisciplinary field exploring the systematic forces and complex relationships between science, technology, and the human context of society.