Introduction to STECHSOC

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Questions and Answers

According to philosophers, what is a key aspect of scientific inquiry?

Accepting all theories as true

Striving to find disconfirming evidence (correct)

Finding only confirming evidence for a theory

Limiting imagination in discoveries

What does Galileo Galilei suggest is the main goal of science?

To discover hard truths (correct)

To understand easy concepts

To complicate existing knowledge

To explain unproven theories

How does Aristotle characterize an educated mind?

By accepting thoughts without question

By memorizing all learned concepts

By being able to entertain thoughts without acceptance (correct)

By rejecting all new ideas

What is the view of Rene Descartes on problem-solving?

Every solved problem contributes to future problem-solving Signup and view all the answers

What did Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz believe about possibilities?

Everything possible must demand to exist Signup and view all the answers

What is the order of knowledge acquisition according to Immanuel Kant?

Intuitions, Concepts, Ideas Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Francis Bacon use to describe arts and sciences?

Mines with noise of new works and advances Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertrand Russell describe the relationship between science and imagination?

Science may set limits to knowledge but should not limit imagination Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of science as defined in the provided content?

The systematic study of the physical and natural world Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes technology based on the definitions provided?

The application of scientific knowledge to practical aims Signup and view all the answers

How does the term 'society' relate to the other concepts of science and technology?

It represents people living together in an ordered community with shared customs Signup and view all the answers

According to Michael E. Smith's definition, what is one critical aspect of science?

Claims and hypotheses are constantly tested Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the critical spirit in science as outlined in the content?

It promotes questioning and re-evaluation of findings Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes the interdisciplinary nature of Science, Technology, and Society?

It combines multiple fields and perspectives Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tentative findings' in science imply?

Findings are subject to further testing and revision Signup and view all the answers

What role does reason play within the framework of science as defined?

It serves as the foundation for gathering knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to STECHSOC - Week 1

The course explores the relationship between science, technology, and society (STS), its impacts, and various fields of study.
Students will analyze the historical, social, cultural, ethical, moral, political, and economic aspects of science and technology.

Defining Science

Science is defined as the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. It originates from the Latin word "scientia," meaning "to know."
Various philosophers offer diverse perspectives on the nature of science:
- Karl Popper: Science aims to find disconfirming evidence, not confirming it.
- Galileo Galilei: All truths are simple once discovered; the challenge is discovery itself.
- Aristotle: An educated mind can consider a thought without accepting it.
- René Descartes: Solved problems become rules for solving future problems.
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: Everything possible strives to exist.
- Immanuel Kant: Human knowledge originates from intuitions, progresses to concepts, and culminates in ideas.
- Francis Bacon: Arts and sciences should constantly advance.
- Bertrand Russell: Science limits knowledge but not imagination.
- Isaac Newton: Bold guesses are essential for great discoveries.
- Albert Einstein: Great scientists are also artists.

Defining Technology and Society

Technology originates from the Greek words "tekhne" (art, craft) and "logia" (study), representing the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or the manipulation of the human environment.
Society stems from the Latin word "societas" (companion), representing a group of people living together in an ordered community with shared customs, laws, and organizations.

Michael E. Smith's Definition of Science

Science is a method for gathering knowledge about the natural and social world, prioritizing reason and observation.
It's characterized by a critical spirit, constantly testing hypotheses through observation and experimentation. Findings are always considered tentative and open to revision.
Science is a complex network of evidence and theory, evaluated by scientific communities. STS is interdisciplinary and inherently political.

Course Activities

A group reflection activity requires students to define "science," "technology," and "society" and present a unified definition to the class.
A reflection exercise involves analyzing a specific societal issue, examining its personal impact, societal impact, and the science and technology components involved.

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Description

This quiz covers the first week of the STECHSOC course, focusing on the intersections of science, technology, and society. Students will explore key definitions of science and the various philosophical perspectives on its nature. Enhance your understanding of how science impacts our world through historical and ethical lenses.