Science and Technology in Society

Science and Technology Definitions

• Science is derived from the Latin word "scientia", meaning "knowledge".
• Science is a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method.
• Technology utilizes tools and instruments created by using science.
• Society influences science and technology through funding, social values, and cultural norms.

The Role of Science and Technology in Society

• Science and technology have a reciprocal relationship, each influencing the other.
• Science drives technological innovation, while technological advancements create new possibilities for scientific research.
• Technology facilitates societal communication, like cell phones enabling faster and more accessible information transfer.

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

• STS is an interdisciplinary field.
• STS examines the interplay between social, political, and cultural factors that impact scientific research and technological innovation.
• STS analyzes how science and technology influence society, politics, and culture.

Prehistoric Period

• The prehistoric period encompasses the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.
• The Stone Age is further divided into the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and Neolithic (New Stone Age) periods.
• The Neolithic period saw the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to agrarian societies.
• Innovations in tools like polished axes and adzes, pottery-making, and agriculture led to more permanent settlements.
• Early mathematical and astronomical understandings developed, as evidenced by tally marks and lunar cycle records.

Ancient Period

• The Ancient period witnessed the rise and decline of various civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and other parts of the world.
• Mesopotamia:
  • The Sumerian civilization developed the Cuneiform writing system.
  • The Sumerians built cities using sunbaked bricks.
  • The Babylonians developed mathematical models for tracking celestial bodies and timekeeping.
  • The Assyrians advanced warfare tactics and technologies, including engineering units for siege warfare.
  • The Akkadians established the first empire in Mesopotamia.
• Egypt:
  • Egyptian architecture was notable for the construction of pyramids and other monumental structures.
  • Egyptian society had a hierarchical organization.
• Greece:
  • The Greeks constructed distinctive Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns in their architecture
  • The Greeks developed advanced mathematical and philosophical concepts.
  • The success of medieval technology in harnessing water and wind power through the use of watermills and windmills led to greater mechanical power, applied in making clocks and other devices.

Medieval Period

• The Medieval period is characterized by innovations in crafts, transportation, and scientific advancements.
• Crafts:
  • The spinning wheel was introduced in wool production.
  • Soap-making techniques developed.
  • The coal industry emerged.
• Transportation:
  • The creation of reliable oceangoing ships using wind power was a major achievement.
  • The magnetic compass revolutionized navigation.
• The development of printing presses and the publication of scientific journals marked the beginning of the scientific revolution.

Modern Period

• The Modern period is divided into the Early Modern period, Mid Modern period, and Contemporary Modern period.
• Early Modern Period:
  • The Renaissance emphasized classical scholarship and values.
  • Scientific advancements were made by figures like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Harvey, Kepler, and Newton.
  • The Copernican system replaced the Ptolemaic system in astronomy.
• Mid Modern Period:
  • The first Industrial Revolution focused on mechanizing production using water and steam power.
  • Innovations included the flying shuttle, spinning jenny, water frame, power loom, and the first modern steam engine.
  • The second Industrial Revolution introduced mass production through the use of electricity and internal combustion engines.
  • The rise of automobiles, airplanes, and steel production marked this era.
• Contemporary Modern Period:
  • The third Industrial Revolution, or Digital Revolution, encompassed the development of electronics, semiconductors, and powerful computing technologies.
  • The development of integrated circuits (ICs) in the 1950s was instrumental in enabling digital technology.
  • Nuclear energy emerged as a source of power.
  • The Fourth Industrial Revolution is characterized by the convergence of digital, biological, and physical innovations.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI), voice-activated assistants, robotics, genetic engineering, augmented reality (AR), and 3D printing are key elements.

Evolution of Industrial Production

• The 1st Industrial Revolution mechanized production using water and steam power.
• The 2nd Industrial Revolution introduced mass production through electricity.
• The 3rd Industrial Revolution, or Digital Revolution, automated production with electronics and IT.
• The 4th Industrial Revolution utilizes cyber-physical systems with internet connectivity for interconnected communication and production.