Science, Technology and Society

• After studying this chapter, students should grasp the importance of studying science, technology, and society.
• It is important you can explain the connection between science/technology and social concerns.
• It is important to cultivate an interest in science, technology, and society.
• According to Bertrand Russell, we are in a race between human skill as a means and human folly as an end.
• Science and technology intimately affect everyone daily.
• The impact of science and technology has been clear since ancient times.
• Studying STS helps one understand both the positive and negative aspects of scientific advancement.
• STS enables informed decisions regarding technology.

Science Challenges Our Beliefs

• The Scientific Revolution, spearheaded by Galileo and Copernicus, challenged the Earth's position in the universe.
• This revolution questioned religious beliefs and humanity's understanding of itself.
• Darwin's theory of evolution sparked questions about human origins.
• Science compels critical thinking.

Science Improves Our Lives

• Electricity lights homes.
• Transportation is faster due to science.
• Communication is easier.
• Farming is more efficient due to science.
• Medicine has advanced, allowing for disease treatments.
• Technology has boosted economies.

The Double-Edged Sword

• Science provides numerous benefits.
• Science creates problems like pollution and ethical dilemmas.
• Responsible science and technology use is thus imperative.
• It is important to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Government Investment in Science and Technology

• The Philippine government significantly increased funding for Research and Development (R&D) during 2011-2015.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) experienced substantial budget increases.
• This investment sought to stimulate industrialization, commercialization, and the overall economy.

Benefits vs. The Dark Side

• Science and technology have improved lives, driven economic growth/development, and provided solutions to various challenges.
• Science and technology can cause negative consequences.
• Pollution can lead to health problems.
• Ecosystem imbalances and species extinction occur.
• Destructive weapons have been developed (guns, explosives, nuclear power).
• The potential for human harm has increased.

Call to Responsible Citizenship

• Awareness of how science and technology are changing society is vital.
• Understanding the complex relationship between S&T and our lives is crucial.
• Recognizing how science and technology relate to society is key.
• Understanding the definitions of "science" and "technology" is essential.

What is Science?

• Science aims to investigate the physical world.
• Science helps in understanding the world.
• It combines systematic study, evidence, and theories.
• Merriam-Webster: Science is "knowledge involving general truths and general laws."

Four Key Characteristics of Science

• Focuses on the natural world
• Goes through experiments
• Relies on evidence
• Seeks explanation and understanding

The Scientific Method

• It is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate phenomena.
• It helps acquire new knowledge.
• It corrects and integrates previous knowledge.
• It is a structured process that ensures objectivity and reliability in scientific inquiry.

Science Passes Through the Scientific Community

• Scientific findings need consistent evidence to be supported.
• To avert bias, multiple groups of experts review ideas.
• Scientists collaborate with experts in diverse fields.
• This ensures the reliability of scientific knowledge.

Science is Continuous and Evolving

• Science is a continuous process of understanding the natural world.
• Understanding can change as society evolves.
• Scientific methods/processes can adapt to societal concerns. -Advancements in communication, technology, and discoveries drive change.

What is Technology?

• Technology is often seen as a means to an end, a tool for human activity.

Brian Arthur's Definition of Technology

• Technology is a "means to fulfill a human purpose."
• Technology is an "assemblage of practices and components."
• Technology is a "collection of devices and engineering practices available to a culture" (Arthur, 2009).

Heidegger's Perspective on Technology

• Arthur's definition is summarized as instrumental and anthropological.
• Technology serves human purposes (instrumental).
• Technology is shaped by and shapes human culture (anthropological).
• Heidegger's further analysis of technology is discussed later.

The Fusion of Science and Technology

• Science and technology are deeply intertwined.
• It is hard to distinguish "where science leaves off and technology begins" (Rhodes, 1999).
• Science explains the natural world to pave the way for technological applications.

Technology: Applied Science

• Machines, computers, and tools are technologies that are born from science.
• Medicines, plastics, and everyday items are also products of scientific discovery.
• Medical tools and techniques are technologies derived from scientific breakthroughs.
• Technology is essentially regarded as applied science.

A Symbiotic Relationship

• Science and technology work together in a constant cycle.
• Technological advancements lead to new scientific discoveries.
• New discoveries fuel further technological innovations.

Society's Role in Science and Technology

• Society enables scientific discoveries and technological inventions.
• Society determines how science and technology are used.
• Society relies on science and technology for continued progress.
• National progress depends on science and technology in areas like industry, healthcare, security, and the environment.

The Role of STS Students

• Students of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) should act as guardians.
• Students should understand how science and technology shape society.
• They should strive to maintain a balance between benefits and dangers.