MODULE 1: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY | Lecture notes History of Science and Technology

Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Modul e No. 1

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 1

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

MODULE OVERVIEW

This section introduces Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as a field of study. After defining

science and technology, the section traces the historical roots of STS as an academic field. It also enumerates

emerging ethical dilemmas that reinforce the importance of the study of STS in an age of scientific progress

and technological development.

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

1. explain the scope of the study of STS; and

2. demonstrate preparedness and readiness in the stud y of STS.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Diagnostics

Before continuing on this Module, let us have a short diagnostic test to determine your ideas regarding

science and technology. For the following items, write TRUE if you feel that the statement is correct and

FALSE if the statement is not.

1. Technology is the application of science.

2. Scientific theories are much less valid than scientific laws.

3. Science and technology has potentially negative societal impacts.

4. STS is a multidisciplinary study and draws heavily on the social sciences.

5. Science mainly concerns on the acquisition and production of knowledge from the natural world.

6. Though the knowledge generated by STS is important , it has little bearing on government policy-

making.

7. The study of STS is important for both the natural science community and the social science

community.

8. The domain of science requires skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving but less on

creativity and imagination.

9. When we try to look into how various social factors affect the development of science and how

developments in science affect human society, we are delving into the STS territory.

10. STS deals mostly with historical developments of science and technology and its impact to society

and less with the philosophical implications of these developments.

Once you finish this Module, revisit this activity a nd answer it again. Did any of your ideas regarding

science, technology, and society change?

GENERAL CONCEPTS RELATED TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

Science and technology innovations are prevalent in our society. It permeates our everyday activities,

as well as the tools that we use, from the most simple to the most complex. In order for you to completely grasp

the impact of science and technology to our s ociety, it is necessary to study some concepts related to science

and technology.

What is Science?

You have taken up science subjects since primary school years, and the definition of science has been

repeatedly discussed since then. To give you a recall, Science comes from the L atin word scientia, meaning

‘knowledge’. It refers to a systematic and methodical a ctivity of bu ilding and organizing knowledge about how

the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. Let’s discuss the nature of science below

for you to understand it better.

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STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 1

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

MODULE OVERVIEW

This section introduces Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as a field of study. After defining science and technology, the section traces the historical roots of STS as an academic field. It also enumerates emerging ethical dilemmas that reinforce the importance of the study of STS in an age of scientific progress and technological development. MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

explain the scope of the study of STS; and
demonstrate preparedness and readiness in the study of STS. LEARNING ACTIVITY 1 Diagnostics Before continuing on this Module, let us have a short diagnostic test to determine your ideas regarding science and technology. For the following items, write TRUE if you feel that the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is not.
Technology is the application of science.
Scientific theories are much less valid than scientific laws.
Science and technology has potentially negative societal impacts.
STS is a multidisciplinary study and draws heavily on the social sciences.
Science mainly concerns on the acquisition and production of knowledge from the natural world.
Though the knowledge generated by STS is important, it has little bearing on government policy- making.
The study of STS is important for both the natural science community and the social science community.
The domain of science requires skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving but less on creativity and imagination.
When we try to look into how various social factors affect the development of science and how developments in science affect human society, we are delving into the STS territory.
STS deals mostly with historical developments of science and technology and its impact to society and less with the philosophical implications of these developments. Once you finish this Module, revisit this activity and answer it again. Did any of your ideas regarding science, technology, and society change? GENERAL CONCEPTS RELATED TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY Science and technology innovations are prevalent in our society. It permeates our everyday activities, as well as the tools that we use, from the most simple to the most complex. In order for you to completely grasp the impact of science and technology to our society, it is necessary to study some concepts related to science and technology. What is Science? You have taken up science subjects since primary school years, and the definition of science has been repeatedly discussed since then. To give you a recall, Science comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning ‘knowledge’. It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. Let’s discuss the nature of science below for you to understand it better.

The Nature of Science It is important to understand the nature of science because it is a critical component of scientific literacy. It enhances your understanding of science concepts and enables you to make informed decisions about scientifically-based personal and societal issues. The following sums up the nature of science: The World is Understandable Science presumes that the things and events in the universe occur in consistent patterns that are comprehensible through careful, systematic study. Scientists believe that through the use of the intellect, and with the aid of instruments that extend the senses, people can discover patterns in all of nature. Science Explains and Predicts Scientists strive to make sense of observations of phenomena by constructing explanations that are consistent with currently accepted scientific principles. Such explanations or theories may be either broad or restricted, but they must be logically sound and incorporate a significant body of scientifically valid observations. The credibility of scientific theories often comes from their ability to show relationships among phenomena that previously seemed unrelated. For example, the theory of moving continents, has grown in credibility as it has shown relationships among diverse phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, the match between types of fossils on different continents, the shapes of continents, and the contours of the ocean floors. Science Demands Evidence The validity of scientific claims is settled by referring to observations of phenomena. Hence, scientists concentrate on getting accurate data. Such evidence is obtained by observations and measurements taken in situations that range from natural settings (such as a forest) to completely contrived ones (such as the laboratory). To make their observations, scientists use their own senses, instruments (such as microscopes) that enhance those senses, and instruments that tap characteristics quite different from what humans can sense (such as magnetic fields). Scientists observe passively (earthquakes, bird migrations), make collections (rocks, shells), and actively probe the world (as by boring into the earth's crust or administering experimental medicines). Scientific Ideas are Open to Change Science is more of a process than a set body of knowledge. Scientists are always testing and revising their ideas, and as new observations are made, existing ideas may be challenged. Ideas may be replaced with new ideas that better fit the facts, but more often existing ideas are simply revised. For example, when scientists discovered how genes control genetic traits, they didn't throw out Mendel's laws of inheritance. The new discoveries helped to explain why Mendel's laws apply to certain traits but not others. They showed that Mendel's laws are part of a bigger picture. Through many new discoveries over time, scientists gradually build an increasingly accurate and detailed understanding of the natural world. Science is a Complex Social Activity Scientific work involves many individuals doing many different kinds of work and goes on to some degree in all nations of the world. Men and women of all ethnic and national backgrounds participate in science and its applications. These people --- scientists and engineers, mathematicians, physicians, technicians, computer programmers, librarians, and others --- may focus on scientific knowledge either for its own sake or for a particular practical purpose, and they may be concerned with data gathering, theory building, instrument building, or communicating. Science Cannot Provide Complete Answers to All Questions There are many matters that cannot usefully be examined in a scientific way. There are, for instance, beliefs that --- by their very nature --- cannot be proved or disproved (such as the existence of supernatural powers and beings, or the true purposes of life). In other cases, a scientific approach that may be valid is likely to be rejected as irrelevant by people who hold to certain beliefs (such as in miracles, fortune-telling, astrology, and superstition). Nor do scientists have the means to settle issues concerning good and evil, although they can sometimes contribute to the discussion of such issues by identifying the likely consequences of particular

degree of imagination and resourcefulness. imagination and resourcefulness. inventiveness and resourcefulness. Visual appeal The poster is exceptionally attractive in terms of layout, design, and neatness. The poster is attractive in terms of layout, design, and neatness. The poster is tolerably attractive in terms of layout, design, and neatness. The poster is messy and poorly designed and layed out Clarity of message The message of the poster is exceptionally clear and impactful. The message of the poster is clear and impactful. The message of the poster is comprehensible but may lack impact. The message of the poster is incomprehensible. Explanation The explanation was complete, concise, and clear. The explanation was complete and clear. The explanation was complete, but may be long- winded or unclear. The explanation was incomplete, long-winded, and unclear. Timeliness Completed work was passed earlier than the deadline given. Completed work was passed on the deadline given. Completed work was passed the day after the deadline given. Completed work was passed more than a day after the deadline given. HISTORICAL ROOTS OF STS AS AN ACADEMIC FIELD As problems in science and technology continue to rise and become more observable, the need to pay attention to their interactions with various aspects of human life, e.g. social, political, and economic, becomes ever more necessary. How the different aspects of society shape and influence the progression and further development of science and technology is the area of concern of a relatively new academic discipline called Science, Technology and Society. Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is a relatively young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as the history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. As an academic field, STS, according to Harvard University’s Kennedy School (2018), traces its roots from the interwar period and the start of the Cold War. It was during this period when historians and scientists found interest in the interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society. The rise of STS as an academic field resulted from the recognition that many schools today do not really prepare students to respond critically, reflectively, and proactively to the challenges posed by science and technology in the modern world. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY OF STS STS seeks to bridge the gap between two traditionally exclusive cultures --- humanities (interpretive) and natural sciences (rational) --- so that humans will be able to better confront the moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas brought by the continued developments in science and technology. STS also calls for educating you (our students) so that you will be able to apply science and technology (tools, knowledge, process and products) to solve problems in your environment. STS is an important academic discipline to help you do science so as to be functional and not just graduates who are alien to your own society. For example, graduates should be able to apply science and technology while at school, say to be productive, to grow your own food, to carry-out diseases preventive measures and to become self-reliant or employed. STS aims to help students to develop adaptability, equipped with not only academic skills but with a range of practical skills which will make you a functional citizen. ETHICAL DILEMMAS THAT REINFORCE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY OF STS Human beings are by no means perfect – we struggle with ethical dilemmas on a daily basis and fail in doing what we think or believe to be the right thing more often than we would like to admit. Unfortunately, these failings are also articulated in our technology.

To warn us of these failings, the John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values at the University of Notre Dame compiles an annual list of what it determines to be that year’s top 10 ethical dilemmas in science and technology. The list points to the challenges, questions, and issues that need to be addressed and resolved when science, and technology and humanity intertwine. The top 10 ethical dilemmas of science and technology as identified by the John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values at the University of Notre Dame for 2020 can be viewed at this link: www.laboratoryequipment.com/558920-Top-10-Ethical-Dilemmas-in-Science-for-2020/. You may also view the dilemmas from previous years as listed by the said organization. Even if several items in the list may sound unfamiliar to you, it can be a useful springboard in the study of science and technology. LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 Reflection Task Obtain a photograph from a magazine or newspaper that depicts a science issue or dilemma that you think is significant. After which, reflect on the following questions:

Describe the issue or dilemma in the photograph. How did this issue come about? Why do you think this is a significant issue?
How do you think the study of STS will help address the issue you chose? Your work will be assessed using the following criteria: 4 3 2 1 Depth of Content Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject for reflection and work can be used as an example for others. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject for reflection. Demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject for reflection. Lacks understanding of the subject for reflection. Originality and Insight Work is insightful and shows a high degree of imagination. Work is insightful and shows imagination. Work shows some insight and some degree of imagination. Work is not original. Style and Clarity Ideas are clearly articulated and well developed. Ideas are clearly articulated and well developed. Ideas show some degree of clarity but are not well developed. Ideas are not communicated clearly nor are they well developed. Organization and Grammar Writing is well- organized with no spelling and grammatical errors. Writing is well- organized with few spelling and grammatical errors. Writing has some degree of organization with some spelling and grammatical errors. Writing is unorganized and contains many spelling and grammatical errors. Timeliness Completed work was passed earlier than the deadline given. Completed work was passed on the deadline given. Completed work was passed the day after the deadline given. Completed work was passed more than a day after the deadline given. SUMMARY The following learning points summarize what you have learned in this section:  Science is a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both.  Scientists assume that nature can be understood through systematic study, scientific ideas are open to revision, sound scientific ideas withstand the test of time, and science cannot provide answers to all questions.

MODULE 1: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY, Lecture notes of History of Science and Technology

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Partial preview of the text

Download MODULE 1: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY and more Lecture notes History of Science and Technology in PDF only on Docsity!

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 1

INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

MODULE OVERVIEW