STS: Technology and Society

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the central tenet of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as an interdisciplinary field?

  • Explores the reciprocal relationship between science, technology, and the social, cultural, and political contexts in which they evolve and operate. (correct)
  • Primarily focuses on the technical aspects of scientific discoveries and their immediate applications.
  • Exclusively examines the economic benefits derived from technological advancements.
  • Largely concerned with predicting future technological trends based on current scientific research.

How did the advent of agriculture significantly reshape human societal structures?

  • It facilitated the development of settled communities and the accumulation of food surpluses. (correct)
  • It led to a nomadic lifestyle centered around hunting and gathering.
  • It resulted in a decline in technological innovation as communities focused on subsistence.
  • It decreased overall population sizes due to increased competition for resources.

In what way did the printing press revolutionize society beyond simply increasing the availability of books?

  • It centralized political power by controlling the dissemination of information.
  • It primarily served to reinforce traditional hierarchies by limiting access to the elite.
  • It standardized agricultural practices across different regions.
  • It democratized knowledge and facilitated the spread of new ideas and literacy. (correct)

Which of the following is a significant societal impact resulting from advancements in transportation technology?

<p>Greater global interconnectedness and expanded trade networks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical dilemma posed by the increasing sophistication of autonomous systems?

<p>The question of who is responsible and accountable when these systems make errors or cause harm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does effective science communication contribute to informed policy decisions?

<p>By conveying scientific evidence in a clear, accurate, and accessible manner to inform and guide policy-making processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of socio-technical systems, why is it crucial to consider both social and technical factors during the design phase?

<p>Ignoring either aspect can lead to system failures or unintended consequences due to the complex interplay between people, technology, and organizational structures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of technology-driven economic growth?

<p>Job displacement due to automation and increased efficiency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies how bias in algorithms can lead to unfair outcomes?

<p>An automated hiring system disproportionately favors certain demographic groups due to biased training data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of science communication?

<p>To convey scientific information to a non-expert audience in a clear, accurate, and engaging manner. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

An interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions of science, technology, and society.

What was the Industrial Revolution?

Shift from handmade goods to machine production, using new energy sources.

What is the Digital Revolution?

The transformation brought about by computers, the internet, and mobile devices.

Impact of Technology on Society

How technology impacts various aspects of life, including communication, transportation and more.

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Security in Technology

Risks to personal data and systems from malicious online actions.

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What is the Digital Divide?

The gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not.

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Science Communication

The communication of scientific findings and concepts to a non-expert audience.

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Socio-technical Systems

Systems involving interconnected social and technical elements.

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Goals of science communication

Promoting understanding, addressing misinformation and informing policy.

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Ethical Considerations in Technology

Concerns about data collection, cyberattacks, algorithm bias, and environmental impact.

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Study Notes

  • Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field
  • STS explores how science and technology shape society, culture, and politics
  • STS also investigates the social, cultural, and political forces that shape scientific and technological development

History of Technological Advancements

  • Early tools include stone tools and fire
  • Agriculture led to settled communities and food surpluses
  • The Bronze Age and Iron Age saw advancements in metalworking
  • The printing press enabled the mass production of books
  • The Industrial Revolution brought steam power, factories, and mass production
  • The digital revolution introduced computers, the internet, and mobile devices

Impact of Technology on Society

  • Technology affects communication through the internet and mobile devices
  • Technology influences transportation via cars, trains, and airplanes
  • Technology impacts healthcare with medical devices and treatments
  • Technology transforms education with online learning and digital resources
  • Technology affects agriculture through machinery and biotechnology
  • Technology changes manufacturing with automation and robotics
  • Technology creates economic growth through new industries and jobs
  • Technology can lead to job displacement due to automation
  • Technology influences social interactions and relationships

Ethical Considerations in Technology

  • Privacy concerns arise from data collection and surveillance
  • Security risks exist with cyberattacks and data breaches
  • Bias in algorithms can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes
  • Autonomous systems raise questions about responsibility and accountability
  • Environmental impacts include pollution and resource depletion
  • Access to technology creates a digital divide
  • The potential for misuse of technology raises ethical concerns
  • Intellectual property rights must be balanced with open access

Science Communication

  • Science communication involves conveying scientific information to a non-expert audience
  • Effective science communication promotes public understanding of science
  • Different methods exist such as writing, presentations, and media engagement
  • Science communication addresses misinformation and pseudoscience
  • Science communication informs policy decisions with scientific evidence
  • It can inspire interest in science and technology
  • Science communication relies on clarity, accuracy, and engagement

Socio-technical Systems

  • Socio-technical systems include both technical and social components
  • These systems involve interactions between people, technology, and organizations
  • Examples include healthcare systems, transportation networks, and energy grids
  • The design of socio-technical systems requires considering social and technical factors
  • Analyzing socio-technical systems involves understanding complexity and interdependence
  • Failures in socio-technical systems can have significant consequences
  • Improving socio-technical systems needs collaboration across disciplines

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