STS 1: What is STS/Automation

Science

  • Organized and systematic activity that investigates nature and human nature by experiment and observation.

Technology

  • Application of scientific principles to make modifications in the world to meet human needs.

  • It extends our abilities to change the world.

STS

  • The realization that discoveries and inventions are shaped by historical events in the society.

Advantages of ST

Disadvantages of ST

Made our lives easier

Increased anxiety in our lives

Increased our productivity

Increased number of unemployment

Work is easier because of computers


Automation

  • The replacement of human workers with machine.

  • Resulted in an increase in productivity in the economy.

Advantages of Automation

Disadvantages of Automation

Straightforward process

May lead to difficulty in adapting to market changes

Stable environment

Conflict of individual goals with respect to organizational goals

Produce the same exact product again

Dehumanizing effects

Reasons for Automation

  • Shortage of labor

  • High cost of labor

  • Increased productivity

  • Competition

  • Safety

  • Reduce cost in the long run