National University Week 1-2 Science, Technology and Society PDF

 GESTS01X SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Week 1 -2  Introduction to STS: Exploring the Importance, Concepts, and Ethical Dilemmas in Science, Technology, and Society I. Introduction  Introduction Definition of STS Science, Technology, and...

 GESTS01X SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY Week 1 -2  Introduction to STS: Exploring the Importance, Concepts, and Ethical Dilemmas in Science, Technology, and Society I. Introduction  Introduction Definition of STS Science, Technology, and Society is referred to as STS. It is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between technology and science and society, politics, culture, and ethics. Science-Technology Studies (STS) investigates how social, cultural, and political aspects drive the development and use of science and technology, as well as how scientific and technological breakthroughs impact society. It explores issues related to how technology affects people individually, in groups, in economies, and in the environment, as well as the moral conundrums and societal ramifications that result from scientific advancements and technical breakthroughs.  Introduction Importance of understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society Understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society is crucial for several reasons: Ethical Considerations: It helps identify and address ethical dilemmas arising from scientific advancements and technological innovations. This understanding aids in making informed decisions about the ethical implications of using certain technologies or conducting specific scientific research.  Introduction Importance of understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society Policy and Governance: By educating decision-makers about the social effects of emerging technology, it makes it possible to develop laws and regulations that are more successful. This knowledge aids in regulating technology usage and deployment in a way that maximizes positive effects while reducing negative ones for society. Public Perception and Acceptance: Acknowledging the ways in which science and technology affect society promotes public awareness and comprehension. Better-informed public policies and discussions on these topics are fostered, which in turn leads to more informed decision- making.  Introduction Importance of understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society Innovation and Design: The creation of technologies that support society objectives and preferences is guided by an understanding of societal needs and values. It encourages the development of technologies that are more advantageous, accessible, and relevant to society. Social Implications and Equity: It clarifies the ways in which technology can either increase or mitigate social injustices. This knowledge can ensure that technological improvements benefit all societal groups and help avoid negative effects.  Introduction Importance of understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society Environmental Impact: Evaluating and reducing the environmental impact of technical breakthroughs requires an understanding of the link between society and technology. It promotes the creation of environmentally friendly methods and technologies. Education and Communication: Incorporating STS perspectives into education enhances scientific literacy and fosters critical thinking about the societal implications of scientific and technological advancements. It helps individuals make informed choices in a technology-driven world. II. The Antecedents  The Antecedents Historical overview of the development of STS The field of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily as a response to the increasing influence of science and technology on society and the recognition that their impacts couldn't be understood in isolation.  The Antecedents Historical overview of the development of STS Post-World War II: Significant scientific and technological developments, especially in fields like nuclear energy, gave rise to serious societal concerns in the years following World War II. Public discussions over the ethical implications of scientific research and the societal obligations of scientists were prompted by the potentially devastating power of nuclear weapons and the ensuing development of nuclear energy. 1960s-1970s: A growing number of critical viewpoints on science and technology emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. Prominent publications like Thomas Kuhn's 1962 "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" questioned the conventional wisdom regarding the progression of science as a sequential and impartial undertaking. Researchers who looked at the institutional and social aspects of science, such as Bruno Latour and Robert Merton, have made fundamental contributions to the area.  The Antecedents Historical overview of the development of STS STS as a Field: In the 1970s and 1980s, academic programs and departments focusing on STS began to emerge in universities, particularly in the United States and Europe. These interdisciplinary programs aimed to study the interactions between science, technology, and society, drawing from sociology, history, philosophy, anthropology, and other disciplines. Key Concepts: Concepts like technological determinism (the idea that technology drives societal change) and social construction of technology (which emphasizes how social factors shape the development and use of technology) became central to STS research.  The Antecedents Historical overview of the development of STS Policy and Ethical Considerations: STS scholars began to engage more deeply in policy discussions, addressing the ethical, environmental, and societal impacts of science and technology. Debates on issues like biotechnology, environmental degradation, and the ethics of emerging technologies gained prominence within STS. Continued Evolution: Over time, the field has continued to evolve, embracing diverse perspectives and expanding its focus to include globalization, digital technologies, bioethics, artificial intelligence, and more. It has also engaged with practical concerns, such as the public understanding of science, the democratization of technological decision- making, and the responsible innovation of new technologies.  The Antecedents Key contributors and milestones in the field The field of Science, Technology, and Society (STS) has been shaped by numerous influential contributors and key milestones. Here are some significant figures and milestones:  The Antecedents Key contributors Bruno Latour Thomas Kuhn Robert Merton Known for his contributions to His work, His work on "ThetheStructure sociologyof the sociology of science, of scienceRevolutions" Scientific and actor- (1962), Merton introduced concepts network theory introduced (ANT) of the concept like the "ethos of science" and emphasized scientific the social paradigms, the "Mertonian norms" (e.g., constructionthe challenging of scientific traditional view communalism, universalism, knowledge of science as and technology. a linear and disinterestedness, organized Latour's ideas objective on the Kuhn progression. skepticism) that influenced networks of relationships emphasized the role of social how sociologists study the between and human cognitive and non- factors in scientific community. human actors shaping shaped scientific STS knowledge. scholarship.  The Antecedents Key contributors Michel Foucault Donna Haraway Although primarily known for his Her influential essay "A Cyborg work in philosophy and social Manifesto" (1985) explored the theory, Foucault's examination intersections of technology, of power, knowledge, and feminism, and identity. discourse has influenced STS Haraway's ideas about the by highlighting how scientific hybrid nature of humans and knowledge is intertwined with machines contributed to systems of power and social discussions about the control. relationship between technology and society.  The Antecedents Key Milestones Founding of STS Programs: In the 1970s and 1980s, academic programs and departments dedicated to STS began to emerge in universities worldwide. These interdisciplinary programs aimed to study the interactions between science, technology, and society. Science, Technology, and Society Journals: The establishment of journals such as "Science, Technology, & Human Values" and "Social Studies of Science" provided platforms for scholars to publish research and discuss critical issues in the field. Ethical Debates: Various ethical debates around technologies, such as nuclear power, biotechnology, and genetic engineering, have been pivotal in shaping STS. These debates raised awareness about the social, ethical, and political implications of technological advancements.  The Antecedents Key Milestones Technology Studies: The study of specific technologies, their development, adoption, and impacts on society, became a significant focus within STS. For instance, studies on information technology, biotechnology, and environmental technologies have gained prominence. Globalization and Technoscience: The recognition of globalization's impact on science and technology, alongside the rise of new scientific fields (like biotechnology, nanotechnology), has expanded the scope of STS to analyze global dynamics and emerging technosciences. III. Understanding the STS Triad  Understanding the STS Triad Components of the STS Triad 1. Science: Science is the systematic study of the natural world to understand its underlying principles and mechanisms. It involves observation, experimentation, and the formulation of theories to explain natural phenomena. Scientific knowledge is the foundation upon which technological innovations are built.  Understanding the STS Triad Components of the STS Triad 2. Technology: Technology encompasses the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It includes tools, machines, processes, and systems that improve efficiency, solve problems, and enhance human life. Technology is the bridge between scientific understanding and real-world applications.  Understanding the STS Triad Components of the STS Triad 3. Society: Society represents the cultural, social, economic, and ethical context in which science and technology operate. It encompasses the values, beliefs, and norms that influence the development and use of scientific knowledge and technological innovations.  Understanding the STS Triad Importance of STS The study of Science, Technology, and Society holds immense importance in our increasingly complex world:  Understanding the STS Triad Importance of STS 1. Informed Citizenship: Informed citizens understand the implications of scientific and technological advancements on their lives and society. STS equips individuals to participate in informed decision-making and public discourse. 2. Ethical Reflection: STS prompts us to critically analyze the ethical dimensions of scientific and technological endeavors. This reflection is crucial to ensure that advancements are aligned with societal values and well-being.  Understanding the STS Triad Importance of STS 3. Policy and Governance: Policymakers rely on insights from STS to create regulations and guidelines that govern scientific research and technological innovation, safeguarding public interests. 4. Innovation and Progress: Understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society fuels responsible innovation. STS insights help avoid the unintended negative consequences of rapid technological change. IV. Human Flourishing and The Good Life  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Exploring the concepts of human flourishing and the good life within the STS framework Within the framework of Science, Technology, and Society (STS), the concepts of human flourishing and the good life are approached from various perspectives, considering the interplay between science, technology, and societal values:  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Exploring the concepts of human flourishing and the good life within the STS framework 1. Ethical Considerations:Science and Technology Studies (STS) studies the effects of scientific and technological developments on human welfare. It examines the moral implications of technical advancement, evaluating how these developments enhance or diminish a society's conception of what constitutes a happy life. 2. Societal Values and Norms: STS studies how cultural norms and values impact scientific research and technological advancement. The study looks at how ethical frameworks and cultural attitudes influence the adoption and use of technologies that promote human well-being.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Exploring the concepts of human flourishing and the good life within the STS framework 3. Equity and Justice: STS highlights how crucial it is to take justice and equity into account while developing new technologies. It evaluates how these developments may either make social inequality worse or better as well as how people's chances of achieving human flourishing are impacted by their access to technology. 4. Cultural Perspectives: Diverse cultural viewpoints about the definition of the good life are acknowledged by STS. It investigates how diverse cultural values and worldviews impact technological advancement and adoption as well as the effects of those developments on the welfare of people in diverse countries.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Exploring the concepts of human flourishing and the good life within the STS framework 5. Environmental Sustainability: The relationship between environmental sustainability and human flourishing is acknowledged by STS. It looks at how developments in science and technology can support sustainable lifestyle choices that improve the quality of life for both current and future generations. 6. Critical Reflection and Public Engagement: STS promotes critical thinking and public participation in debates concerning the effects of technology and science on human well-being. It highlights how crucial inclusive conversations with a range of viewpoints are to forming society's conception of what constitutes a good life.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Exploring the concepts of human flourishing and the good life within the STS framework 7. Interdisciplinary Perspectives: Examining the complicated aspects of human flourishing, STS pulls from a variety of disciplines. This study incorporates perspectives from various disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, anthropology, economics, and others to comprehend the complex nature of the ideal existence in light of technological advancements.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Contributions to Human Flourishing: 1. Healthcare Advancements: Human flourishing has been facilitated by advances in medicine, better diagnosis, treatments, and access to healthcare technologies, which have raised life expectancy, lowered death rates, and enhanced general health. 2. Quality of Life Improvements: Through advancements in communication, transportation, information access, and everyday task convenience, technology has improved quality of life and made living more comfortable and productive. 3. Education and Knowledge Access: Global access to knowledge and education is made easier by technology. Digital libraries, educational materials, and online learning platforms enable people to gain knowledge, which promotes personal development and prospects for human happiness.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Contributions to Human Flourishing: 4. Economic Growth and Opportunities: Technological developments stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic expansion. They support improved living standards, stability in one's finances, and the capacity to follow personal ambitions. 5. Environmental Sustainability: By guaranteeing a healthy planet for present and future generations, advances in green technologies and sustainable practices contribute to human wellbeing by mitigating environmental degradation.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Challenges and Hindrances: 1. Digital Divide and Inequality: Inequalities in social and economic status are made worse by unequal access to technology, which impedes human development. The digital divide restricts underprivileged people' access to vital services, work prospects, and educational chances. 2. Job Displacement and Economic Disruptions: The development of automation and AI may result in job losses, which will exacerbate social unrest and economic instability while also having a detrimental effect on the well-being of people impacted. 3. Ethical and Social Implications: Privacy, autonomy, and the welfare of society are among the ethical issues brought up by technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and surveillance. Human flourishing may be hampered by the misuse or immoral application of technology.  Human Flourishing and The Good Life Challenges and Hindrances: 4. Health and Well-being Concerns: Human flourishing may be negatively impacted by an over-reliance on technology, lazy habits, and mental health problems brought on by excessive screen time. 5. Environmental Impact: Technology can help promote sustainability, but some developments also have a negative impact on the environment, endangering human prosperity in the long run.  V. Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology V.1. Ethical Considerations  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Understanding ethical frameworks in STS Guidelines and guiding principles are offered by science, technology, and society (STS) ethical frameworks for assessing the moral consequences of scientific and technical developments. A variety of ethical theories and considerations are included in these frameworks: 1. Utilitarianism: The goal of this ethical theory is to maximize one's general well-being or happiness. Utilitarianism in STS may concentrate on evaluating the effects of technical decisions, seeking to maximize good for the greatest number of people while reducing bad. 2. Deontology: Following moral obligations or ideals is given top priority in deontological ethics. This paradigm might place a strong emphasis on ethical principles and guidelines in scientific research, technology creation, and the responsible use of technologies in STS, regardless of the results.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Understanding ethical frameworks in STS 3. Virtue Ethics: Growing moral character qualities is the main goal of virtue ethics. It could stress in STS how crucial it is for scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop moral qualities like honesty, integrity, and social responsibility. 4. Ethics of Care: Relationships and empathy are given priority in this framework while making moral decisions. Concerns about caring for people or communities harmed by technology decisions may be emphasized within STS, emphasizing the value of social responsibility and empathy. 5. Environmental Ethics: The interaction between people and the environment is the main topic of environmental ethics. The ethical effects of technology decisions on the environment are discussed in STS, wherein sustainable development, resource conservation, and responsible resource use are emphasized.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Understanding ethical frameworks in STS 6. Justice and Equity: The equitable sharing of the advantages and disadvantages resulting from scientific and technological breakthroughs is a topic covered by ethical frameworks in STS frequently. Providing fair access to technology and reducing inequities are part of this. 7. Responsible Innovation: Responsible innovation, or predicting and addressing potential ethical, social, and environmental implications of technologies during their creation and deployment, is another area in which STS ethics promotes innovation.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Ethical responsibilities of scientists, technologists, and policymakers The following are some examples of the ways in which scientists, technologists, and policymakers have an impact on scientific research, technological advancement, and policymaking:  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Ethical responsibilities of scientists, technologists, and policymakers 1. Scientists Integrity in Research: It is the duty of scientists to carry out their study with honesty, integrity, and transparency; they must also abide by ethical standards and refrain from unethical behavior like data fabrication, plagiarism, and falsification. Safety and Welfare: In order to ensure that their study does not cause harm, they must place a high priority on the safety and wellbeing of research subjects, including people, animals, and the environment. Dissemination of Knowledge: To prevent dramatization and to make sure that information is clear and accessible to the general public, scientists have a duty to accurately and honestly convey their findings.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Ethical responsibilities of scientists, technologists, and policymakers 2. Technologists and Engineers: Ethical Design and Development: It is the duty of technologists to prioritize safety, usability, and inclusivity in the design and development of technology, while also taking potential ethical consequences into account. Accountability: In addition to taking into account potential hazards, eliminating biases, and making sure that technologies don't hurt vulnerable populations or perpetuate inequality, they should be held accountable for the societal impact of their discoveries.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Ethical responsibilities of scientists, technologists, and policymakers 3. Policymakers Regulation and Oversight: It is the duty of policymakers to develop and execute laws that control the moral application of technology. They have to create guidelines that deal with moral issues, defend people's rights, and guarantee responsibility among scientists and technologists. Public Interest: When forming policies pertaining to science, technology, and innovation, policymakers should put the public interest and well-being first while also taking social values, equity, and justice into consideration. Ethical Decision-Making: When drafting policies, policymakers have an obligation to participate in moral decision-making processes and consult with a variety of stakeholders, experts, and impacted populations. V.2. Ethical Dilemmas  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Ethical Dilemmas Ethical dilemmas refer to situations in which a person or a group is faced with a difficult choice between two or more morally conflicting options. These situations often involve competing values, principles, or obligations, making it challenging to determine the most appropriate course of action. Ethical dilemmas can arise in various contexts, including medicine, business, law, and everyday life.  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Examining real-world ethical dilemmas stemming from scientific and technological advancements Ethical dilemmas arising from scientific and technological advancements often revolve around complex moral choices and implications. Here are some real- world examples: AI and Autonomous Systems: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to autonomous systems, such as self-driving automobiles or autonomous weaponry, raises ethical questions. Considerations such as responsibility, algorithms for making decisions, and possible dangers to public safety present serious moral conundrums. Genetic Engineering and CRISPR: The ability to edit genes using CRISPR-Cas9 raises ethical questions about altering human DNA. While it holds promise for treating genetic diseases, concerns about unintended  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Examining real-world ethical dilemmas stemming from scientific and technological advancements Privacy and Surveillance: Advancements in surveillance technologies raise ethical concerns about individual privacy. Issues around mass surveillance, data collection, and the use of personal information by governments and corporations pose dilemmas regarding privacy rights and societal trust. Big Data and Ethics: The collection and use of big data present ethical challenges concerning consent, data ownership, and potential biases. Ethical dilemmas arise in using data analytics for profiling, targeted advertising, or decision-making, especially when it impacts individuals or groups unfairly. Environmental Impact of Technology: The development and use of certain technologies can have significant environmental consequences. Dilemmas arise in balancing technological progress with environmental sustainability  Ethical Dilemmas in Science and Technology Examining real-world ethical dilemmas stemming from scientific and technological advancements Access to Healthcare Technologies: Concerning fair access to life-saving medical innovations and therapies, moral issues arise. Complicated moral considerations are raised by concerns about pricing, differences in healthcare access, and the morality of giving some therapies preference over others. Dual-Use Technologies: Technologies developed for beneficial purposes may also have dual-use applications for harmful purposes. Ethical dilemmas arise in regulating the use of technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, or synthetic biology to prevent misuse or unintended consequences. Social Media and Mental Health: The impact of social media on mental health raises ethical concerns. Dilemmas arise regarding the responsibility