STS031-Science, Technology and Society 

Definition and Scope: STS focuses on understanding how science (the systematic study of the natural world) and technology (the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes) interact with and impact society. The course addresses questions like: How do scientific discoveries affect our lives? How does society influence the direction of scientific research and technological innovation?

Philosophical Perspectives: STS begins by exploring various philosophical approaches to understanding science and technology, including positivism (which emphasizes objective truth), constructivism (which views knowledge as shaped by social processes), and critical theory (which critiques the power dynamics involved in scientific development).

Historical Development: The course traces the evolution of science and technology from early human civilizations through the industrial and information revolutions to contemporary times. Students are encouraged to understand key milestones in scientific discovery and technological advancement, including their global and local contexts.

Scientific Knowledge and Methodology: STS delves into how scientific knowledge is generated through the scientific method—hypothesis formation, experimentation, observation, and theory development. It examines the importance of peer review and reproducibility in ensuring the credibility of scientific knowledge.

Impact on Society: Science plays a critical role in addressing societal needs, such as health care (medicine, vaccines), agriculture (crop improvement, pest control), and energy (nuclear power, renewable resources). The course also explores how scientific discoveries, like those in genetics or artificial intelligence, have revolutionized our understanding of life and opened up new ethical questions.

Science and Policy: Government policies often guide the direction of scientific research, especially in fields that affect public welfare (e.g., public health, environmental protection). The course examines how scientific findings influence policy-making and how political, economic, and cultural factors shape scientific agendas.

Scientific Knowledge and Methodology: STS delves into how scientific knowledge is generated through the scientific method—hypothesis formation, experimentation, observation, and theory development. It examines the importance of peer review and reproducibility in ensuring the credibility of scientific knowledge.

Impact on Society: Science plays a critical role in addressing societal needs, such as health care (medicine, vaccines), agriculture (crop improvement, pest control), and energy (nuclear power, renewable resources). The course also explores how scientific discoveries, like those in genetics or artificial intelligence, have revolutionized our understanding of life and opened up new ethical questions.

Science and Policy: Government policies often guide the direction of scientific research, especially in fields that affect public welfare (e.g., public health, environmental protection). The course examines how scientific findings influence policy-making and how political, economic, and cultural factors shape scientific agendas.

Technology as a Driver of Change: Technology transforms societies by changing how people live, work, and communicate. The course discusses key innovations such as the printing press, the steam engine, electricity, the internet, and modern digital technologies. It also explores the concept of technological determinism—the idea that technology shapes societal structures and cultural values.

Digital Technology and the Information Age: With the rise of information and communication technologies (ICT), the course examines how digital platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence have reshaped industries, education, social interactions, and governance. Issues such as digital literacy, privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of data are emphasized.

Globalization and Technology: STS looks at how globalization, driven by advances in transportation and communication technologies, has created interconnected economies and cultures. The course also addresses the challenges of the digital divide—wherein access to technology and information is uneven across different regions and socio-economic classes.

Science and Technology as Tools for Development: The course examines the role of scientific research and technological innovation in national development, particularly in addressing key issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and sustainable development. It highlights how advancements in science and technology can be harnessed to improve infrastructure, industry, and the overall quality of life.

Government Policies and Initiatives: STS discusses the various government initiatives designed to promote science and technology for national development, including funding for research, technological infrastructure, and innovation policies. Programs such as science education reform and technology incubation are also reviewed.

Industrialization and Technological Innovation: The course delves into how industrialization and technological innovation have driven economic growth in many countries. It looks at key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and telecommunications, examining how they have evolved through technological advancements.

Technological Ethics: The course emphasizes the ethical implications of scientific and technological advancements. For example, technologies such as gene editing (CRISPR), artificial intelligence, and cloning raise ethical questions about human dignity, privacy, and the potential misuse of technology. STS encourages students to consider how innovation should be balanced with ethical considerations.

Environmental Ethics: With growing environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, the course discusses the role of technology in both causing and mitigating environmental damage. It covers topics like sustainable development, the precautionary principle, and the environmental consequences of industrialization and modernization.

Bioethics: In medicine and life sciences, technological advancements like stem cell research, organ transplants, and reproductive technologies raise important ethical issues. The course explores the impact of these technologies on human rights, patient consent, and the balance between scientific progress and moral responsibility.

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: The course highlights the critical role that science and technology play in addressing global environmental challenges. It explores renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydroelectric), conservation strategies, and the development of sustainable technologies that reduce carbon footprints and combat global warming.

Public Health and Biotechnology: STS also explores how science and technology are essential in addressing global health crises. The course covers the development of vaccines, treatments for pandemics, and the potential of biotechnology to solve health problems (e.g., genetically engineered crops, pharmaceutical advancements).

Technology and Social Inequality: The course examines how technological innovations can both alleviate and exacerbate social inequalities. For instance, while automation and artificial intelligence can increase productivity, they may also lead to job displacement and widen the gap between wealthy and poor populations.

Historical Development of Science and Technology in the Philippines: The course reviews the history of science and technology in the Philippines, from indigenous knowledge systems (agriculture, medicine) to the influence of colonization (introduction of Western scientific thought) and contemporary developments (government programs for innovation).

Science and Technology Education: It explores how science and technology are integrated into the Philippine education system, from basic education (K-12 STEM curriculum) to higher education (universities specializing in science and technology). The role of institutions like the Philippine Science High School, UP College of Engineering, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is emphasized.

Innovation and Filipino Inventors: The course highlights notable Filipino contributions to science and technology, including inventions like the karaoke machine (Roberto del Rosario), the Erythromycin antibiotic (Dr. Abelardo Aguilar), and solar energy innovations. It also covers how the country can promote more research and development through support for local inventors and start-ups.

Emerging Technologies: The course discusses the potential future impact of cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and space exploration. It encourages students to think critically about the societal implications of these advancements.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): STS explores how science and technology can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as clean energy, climate action, quality education, and health. The course encourages the use of science and technology for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The Role of Innovation in Shaping the Future: The course emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and creativity to address future challenges. Students are encouraged to think about how scientific research and technological development can be used to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future.

STS031: Science, Technology, and Society is a holistic course that encourages students to critically examine the relationship between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and societal development. It emphasizes the role of science and technology in addressing global and national challenges, promoting ethical considerations, and fostering responsible innovation. Through this course, students are prepared to become informed and ethical citizens capable of contributing to the advancement of science, technology, and society.