Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

• Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is a field of study that explores the relationships between science, technology, and society.

• STS combines disciplines such as history, philosophy, and sociology to understand the impact of science and technology on culture, values, and institutions.

Science

• Science is concerned with discovering relationships between observable phenomena through observation, hypothesis, measurement, analysis, and experimentation.

• It seeks to uncover the truth about nature and is based on systematized theoretical inquiries.

• Science can be seen as a process of describing and explaining the development of knowledge.

• It is a systematized body of knowledge based on facts and observations, providing cognitive authority.

• Science is a variety of knowledge, skills, organizations, techniques, and technologies.

Technology

• Technology is the application of science and involves the intelligent organization and manipulation of materials for useful purposes.

• It focuses on inventing new tools, materials, and ways of doing things to meet human needs and wants.

• Technology is a system of know-how, skills, techniques, and processes that shape and reflect cultural values.

• It can be seen as a way of using scientific findings to produce new things for a better way of living.

Science and Technology

• Science and technology have a two-way interaction, with science providing knowledge and technology applying that knowledge to produce goods and services.

• They are interdependent and overlapping methods that enable society to satisfy human needs.

• Science and technology shape modern culture, values, and institutions, and are shaped by modern values.

Nature of Science, Technology, and Society

• STS emerged as an academic field due to the recognition that schools do not adequately prepare students to respond to the challenges posed by science and technology.

• STS applies methods from history, philosophy, and sociology to study the nature of science and technology and evaluate their value in society.

• It seeks to bridge the gap between humanities and natural sciences to address moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas.

Value of Science and Technology

• Medical research, environmental research, and advanced monitoring technologies contribute to healthier lives, prevention, and safety.

• Sophisticated traffic management systems, agricultural research, and automobile research improve transportation, food safety, and energy efficiency.

• Aeronautical technology, energy research, and information and telecommunications technologies have made air travel safer, delivered cleaner fuels, and enabled global communication.

Limitations of Science and Technology

• Epistemological concerns: Science and technology cannot answer questions about God, ultimate Good, Truth, or confirm the existence of uncertainties like heaven.

• Metaphysical concerns: Scientific inquiry cannot grasp the immaterial and transcendental nature or address issues of ultimate origin, meaning, or morality.

• Axiological concerns: Science and technology cannot answer questions about value and depend on the values and beliefs of those who use them.

• Limitations in applicability, resource usage, prediction, human intervention, and understanding of the human mind.

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