Introduction to Science, Technology and Society 

Objectives

At the end of the session the students should be able to:

1.  Discuss basic concepts in science, technology, and society  

2.  Identify and explain the three branches of science.  

3.  Explain what is scientific method.

4.  Establish the interaction between science, technology, and society.

Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Science

Science-systematized body of knowledge that is based on facts gathered through observations, experiences, and experiments in order to formulate a verifiable conclusion or law that serves as a basis of technology for the benefit of humankind.

Science can also serve as a basis of developing technology for the benefit of man and environment.

Limitations of Science

●      Science can’t answer questions about value.

●      It can’t answer questions of morality.

●      Supernatural events can’t be explained by science.

Branches of Science

1. Social science. Concerned with the society and the relationships among the individuals within the society.

Examples: Sociology, Philosophy, Humanities, Economics, Political Science, History, Law, etc.

2. Applied Science.  Is a discipline of science that applies existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications, like technology or inventions.

Examples: Eng’g Sciences, Medical Sciences, Industrial Tech., Architecture, etc.

3. Natural science.  A branch of science concerned with the description, prediction, and understanding of natural phenomena, based on observational and empirical evidence. It is subdivided into:

a. Biological Sciences – Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, Physiology, Ornithology, etc.

b. Physical Sciences – Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, Metallurgy, etc. 

Scientific Method

Scientific method is a set of techniques used by the scientific community to investigate natural phenomena.

Steps in Scientific Method

1. Problem identification

2. Gathering data

3. Hypothesis formulation

o   A “hypothesis is said to be an educated guess since it is based on the research information.”

4. Experimentation

5. Conclusion

o   A final answer to the problem.

6. Application

Technology

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge of materials and processes to benefit people.

Technology can be:

●      any human-made object

●      knowledge or skills needed to operate a human-made object

●      a system of people and objects used to do a particular task

Modern technology addresses human wants and needs by means of the following:

●      Information Technology

●      Communication Technology

●      Biotechnology

●      Medical Technology

●      Environmental Technology

●      Production Technology

●      Materials Technology

●      Transportation Technology

●      Energy and Power Technology

●      Nanotechnology

Society

A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

          Society can be defined as a group of people, who share a common economic, social and industrial infrastructure. Society is an organization of people who share a common cultural and social background.

Science, Technology, and Society

          Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific knowledge and technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities upon different groups of people. (pitzer.edu)

●  An interdisciplinary course that engages the students to confront the realities brought about by science and technology in society, with all its socio-political, cultural, economic, and philosophical underpinnings at play.

●  This course also seeks to instill reflective knowledge in the students so that they are able to live the good life and display ethical decision-making in both social and scientific dilemmas.

●  It examines the ways society influences the creation of scientific knowledge and technology affect human lives and communities.

●  It examines the interaction between the human quest to understand the natural world and how this understanding developed and fashioned the society.

Activity    

Instructions:

1. Think of an issue or a problem.

2. Draw or paint scenes showing steps of scientific method to provide solutions on your given issue or problem.

3. Present your work.

4. Critiquing.