Lesson 1

Introduction to Science and Technology, and Society

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Define the general concepts related to science and technology;
2. Explain the scope of the study of STS;
3. Recognize the impact of science and technology on society;
4. Identify some notable successes in the field of science and technology; and
5. Identify the disadvantages and ethical dilemmas of science and technology.
Diagnostics
Instruction: On the space provided, write True if the statement is correct or FALSE, it is not.
__________1. Science is a methodical ways of acquiring knowledge.
__________2. Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purpose.
__________3. Science and technology can be dangerous.
__________4. Science, Technology and Society (STS) is the study of how science and
technology shape and are shaped by social influences.
__________5. STS deals with the historical development of science and technology but does not
cover their philosophical underpinnings.
__________6. The study of STS primarily concerns students of science and technology
programs, and not non science students as much.
__________7. STS is an important area of study because science and technology permeate every
aspect of everyday life.
__________8. Science and technology are not crucial factors in nation building.
__________9. History cannot teach people about evaluating present day science and technology.
__________10. STS draws from other disciplines, such as history, sociology, philosophy,
economics, political science and international relations, and science policy.

Background Information

Science
- It comes from the Latin word “scientia” meaning “knowledge.”
- It is a systematized body of knowledge.
- It is an organized and dynamic inquiry (following scientific method).
- It is knowledge gained through observation and experimentation.
- It is a human activity; scientist
- It is a social enterprise: people, knowledge, skills, facilities, apparatuses and technologies
- It leads to formation of concepts, methods, principles, theories, law and procedures which
seek to describe and explain nature and its phenomena.
 - It is a systematic and organized body of knowledge that explains or predicts nature and
the universe.
- It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge
about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both.
- According to the famous American science historian, John Heilbron (2003), Modern
science is a discovery as well as an invention. He also considered science as a discovery
of regularity in nature, enough for natural phenomena to be described by principles and
laws. He also explained that science required invention to devise techniques,
abstractions, apparatuses, and organizations to describe these natural regularities and their
law-like descriptions.

In short;
Science is a way of organized learning that comes from the Latin word "scientia." It involves
people working together to observe and test things in a planned way. Through this teamwork,
using skills, tools, and technology, we figure out ideas, rules, theories, and laws that carefully
explain how nature and the universe work. The historian John Heilbron said that today's science
is both finding out natural patterns and creating new tools and ideas to understand them better.

Technology
- It is the application of scientific knowledge, laws, and principles to produce services,
materials, tools, and machines aimed at solving real-world problems.
- It comes from two Greek words “techne”, meaning “ art, skill, or craftsmanship” and
“logos” meaning “discourse or reason”
- It is the application of knowledge in solving scientific and practical problems that will
help humans to survive and improve his life.
- It deals about human cultural activities or endeavors
- It is the collection of methods, techniques and processes used in the production of goods
or services, or the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation, or any
other consumer demands.
- It is a complex system of knowledge, skills, people, methods, tools, materials and
resources applied and allocated to the development, operation and production of a new or
improved product, process or services.
In short:

Technology is like using smart thinking and clever hands to make useful things and solve
problems in the real world. It's like an art and skill combined. People use what they know about
science to find practical solutions that help us survive and make life better. This involves all
kinds of human activities and ways of doing things, like making tools or investigating science.
It's a whole system that involves knowing, doing, people, tools, and materials, all working
together to create new and improved stuff.
Society
- It is a network of relationships between people.
- It is a group of people who live together and interact. They have their own rules, ways of
doing things, and they often share common beliefs and values.
- It is a group of people who share a way of life and interact with one another within a
specific area or community.
In short:

Society is like a big web of connections between people. It's a bunch of folks who live in the
same place, talk to each other, and have their own special rules and customs. They share a way
of life and get along within a certain area or group.

Science, Technology and Society (STS)

It is the study of how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and
technological innovation, and how these, in turn, affect society.
It refers to the interaction between science and technology and social cultural, political
and economic contexts which shape and are shaped by them, specific examples
throughout human history of scientific and technological developments.
It is an interdisciplinary approach of science education aiming to teach students and the
public about understanding the progress of human knowledge, particularly of science and
technology.
It seeks to analyze its role in shaping the human society through social, economic, and
environment
In short;
STS, which stands for Science, Technology, and Society, is about looking at how things like our
beliefs, politics, and culture impact science and technology, and how these, in turn, affect our
society. It's like exploring the connections between science, tech, and the way people live and
think. It's a way of learning that mixes different subjects to help students and the public
understand how our knowledge grows, especially in science and tech. It's all about seeing how
these things work together to shape our world, including our society, economy, and environment.

Science and technology have a profound impact on society in various ways:

Advancements and Innovation: Scientific discoveries and technological advancements lead to
the development of new products, services, and processes that improve people's lives. These
innovations drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance overall living standards.
Communication and Connectivity: Technology, particularly the internet and smartphones, has
revolutionized how people communicate and connect globally. Social media, email, video
conferencing, and instant messaging enable rapid and widespread information sharing and
interaction.
Healthcare: Medical advancements driven by science and technology have led to improved
diagnostics, treatments, and medical procedures. Lifespan has increased, and diseases can be
better understood and managed.
Education: Technology has transformed education by providing online learning platforms,
interactive tools, and digital resources. This allows for more flexible and personalized learning
experiences.
Economy and Industry: New ideas in technology make new businesses and change old ones.
Machines and robots have changed how things are made, and online shopping and digital
payments have changed how we buy and sell stuff.
Environmental Impact: Science and technology can make both environmental issues and ways
to solve them. Factories and technology can make the Earth dirty and use up resources. But
science also helps us find ways to take care of the planet by using cleaner ways of doing things.
Social Interaction: Social media and online platforms have changed how people socialize and
form relationships. They can facilitate connections across distances, but also influence mental
health and behavior patterns.
Ethical and Moral Questions: When science and technology get better, they sometimes create
tough moral questions. Things like changing genes, smart computers, and keeping our
information private make us wonder how much we should use these technologies and how we
should use them in a good way.
Cultural Change: When new technologies are brought in, they can change how we do things
and how we act in our society. This might lead to changes in our work, how we talk to each
other, and even how we have fun.
Access to Information: The internet and digital tools have made it easier for everyone to get
information. But not everyone has the same access, which can create differences between groups
in society.
Security and Privacy: As technology gets better, keeping our information safe online becomes
more important. It's a challenge to use technology's advantages while also protecting our
personal data and digital stuff.
Science and technology affect society in general. These are as follows:
1. Improved Science and Technology (S&T) result in industrialization and thus
converting a simple society to a complex one: When science and technology improve,
people discover better ways to make things and solve problems. This often leads to the
creation of factories and industries. As industries grow, more jobs are created, and
 communities become more complex. Simple societies that relied on basic methods
gradually evolve into more advanced and intricate societies with specialized jobs and
advanced technology.
2. People's life and lifestyle change as a result of improved S&T: Better science and
technology change how people live. New inventions like smartphones, the internet, and
medical advancements impact daily life. People can communicate more easily, access
information quickly, and enjoy better healthcare. This leads to changes in how people
interact, work, and spend their time.
3. Urbanization results when S&T improve because people usually migrate to a place
where their basic needs are met: As science and technology improve, certain places
become more developed and offer better job opportunities, healthcare, and education.
People often move to these places seeking better living conditions. This migration from
rural areas to cities is known as urbanization. Cities become more populated, diverse, and
dynamic.
4. People have a stronger desire for material goods when S&T improve in the place:
With advancements in science and technology, new products and services become
available. This can lead to an increased desire for material possessions as people are
exposed to more options and conveniences. Access to new gadgets, products, and
lifestyle improvements can influence consumer behavior.
5. More discoveries and inventions that benefit the people due to improved S&T:
When science and technology improve, researchers and inventors can discover new
things and create innovative solutions. This leads to more discoveries in various fields
like medicine, communication, transportation, and more. These discoveries often bring
practical benefits that enhance people's lives and contribute to societal progress.

Some of the notable human successes in the field of Science and Technology:
1. The Wheel (circa 3500 BC): The invention of the wheel marked a significant leap in
human technology. It transformed transportation and allowed for the efficient movement
of goods and people, revolutionizing societies' ability to trade, travel, and develop.
2. The Compass (11th century): The compass, believed to have been developed in ancient
China around the 11th century, greatly aided navigation by utilizing the Earth's magnetic
field. This innovation was crucial for maritime exploration and trade routes, contributing
to global connectivity.
3. The Printing Press (mid-15th century): Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the
movable-type printing press in the mid-15th century revolutionized information
dissemination. It enabled the mass production of books and documents, democratizing
access to knowledge and fueling the spread of ideas.
 4. The Internal Combustion Engine (late 19th century): The internal combustion engine,
developed in the late 19th century, powered the first automobiles and revolutionized
transportation and industrial processes. It played a pivotal role in shaping the modern
world's mobility and manufacturing capabilities.
5. The Telephone (1876): Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone in 1876
transformed communication by enabling real-time voice conversations over long
distances. This breakthrough marked a significant step in telecommunications and paved
the way for modern forms of connectivity.
6. Penicillin (1928): In 1928, Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin revolutionized
medicine by introducing the first widely used antibiotic. This breakthrough saved
countless lives by effectively treating bacterial infections.
7. The Internet (1960s onwards): The development of the internet began in the 1960s and
evolved over subsequent decades. It transformed global communication, information
sharing, and commerce, reshaping society and connecting people across the world.
8. Eco-Friendly Technologies (21st century): Eco-friendly technologies, including solar
panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and sustainable building practices, have gained
prominence in the 21st century. They address environmental concerns by offering cleaner
alternatives to traditional energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
These innovations represent significant milestones in human progress, each contributing to the
evolution of societies, economies, and our understanding of the world. They demonstrate the
remarkable capacity of human ingenuity to shape the course of history and pave the way for a
brighter future.

Disadvantages of Science and Technology:

1. Environmental Impact: Some technologies can harm the environment, leading to
pollution, resource depletion, and ecosystem disruption.
2. Job Displacement: Automation and advanced technology can lead to job loss in certain
industries, impacting livelihoods.
3. Health Concerns: Certain technologies, like excessive screen time or electromagnetic
radiation, can have potential negative effects on human health.
4. Privacy Issues: Advances in technology raise concerns about personal data privacy and
surveillance, as information is easily accessible and shareable.
5. Social Isolation: Overuse of technology can lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and
social isolation.
6. Dependence: Over-reliance on technology can make people less self-reliant and more
dependent on machines.
Ethical Dilemmas of Science and Technology:
1. AI and Automation: Refer to the use of smart computers and robots to perform tasks
that were traditionally done by humans. This can include things like customer service,
manufacturing, and even driving cars. These technologies are designed to work on their
own, without needing constant human guidance. Smart robots and computers are taking
over some jobs. This raises questions about whether it's fair, if they might be biased, and
if we can control them well.
2. Genetic Engineering: Changing genes can have unexpected results and it's like playing
with nature's rules. Also, people worry about making "designer babies."
One big concern that comes with genetic engineering is creating what's called "designer
babies." This term refers to selecting and modifying genes in embryos to create babies
with specific traits, like being taller, smarter, or having a certain eye color. While this
might sound exciting, it raises ethical worries. People fear that this could lead to a world
where only those who can afford it can make such modifications, creating inequality and
perhaps even undermining the diversity and uniqueness of human beings.

In a nutshell, genetic engineering is like editing the recipe of life, and while it holds
promise for many benefits, it also carries risks of unexpected outcomes and ethical
concerns about changing the fundamental nature of living things, including humans.
3. Data Privacy: Imagine someone using your personal information without asking. This is
a problem because it's like invading your private space.
It is like having a secret box with your personal stuff in it. Now, imagine someone
sneaking into your room, opening your secret box, and looking at your private
things without asking. That wouldn't feel good, right? That's how it feels when
companies or people use your personal information without your permission. It's
like someone invading your private space and going through your things. This is
a problem because everyone deserves to keep their private stuff just for
themselves.
4. Weaponization: It is when people create tools to protect themselves, like shields or
swords. But sometimes, these tools get used by others to hurt people instead of protecting
them. Sometimes, weapons made for good things are used in bad ways. People argue
about making weapons that can decide to hurt on their own.
Now, think about making weapons that can do bad things without someone
controlling them. Imagine if a toy robot suddenly started hitting people on its
own. That's what people are worried about when they talk about making weapons
that can decide to hurt without anyone telling them to. It's a big argument
because while we want to make things that help, we don't want them to turn
against us.
 5. Environmental Impact: Making new stuff with technology is good, but it can harm the
planet. We need to figure out how to balance progress with taking care of nature.
6. Digital Divide: Not everyone has the same access to gadgets and the internet. This is a
problem because it leaves some groups or places behind.
7. Automation and Jobs: When robots work instead of people, jobs might go away. This
creates a problem because people need jobs to live.
8. Unintended Consequences: Sometimes, new inventions cause bad things we didn't
expect. This makes it hard to decide what's right.
Imagine a town where people use a lot of plastic bags to carry groceries. To
reduce pollution, a new law is passed that bans these plastic bags and
encourages people to use reusable cloth bags. It seems like a great idea to help
the environment.

However, over time, the unintended consequence becomes clear: the cloth bags
need more resources to produce, like cotton and water. So, more cotton fields are
planted, and more water is used, which affects the local ecosystem. Additionally,
the production of cloth bags releases more greenhouse gases than expected,
contributing to climate change.

In this case, the intention was to help the environment by reducing plastic waste,
but the unintended consequences were increased resource consumption and a
different kind of environmental impact. This makes it a challenge to decide
whether the ban on plastic bags was the right choice overall.
9. Intellectual Property: People make cool things, but they also want to keep their ideas
secret. This leads to arguments about who should be able to use those ideas.
10. Biotechnology and Ethics: Developments like cloning and genetic modifications raise
ethical dilemmas about altering life and the potential consequences.
It's important to recognize that while science and technology bring immense benefits, they also
come with challenges that require careful consideration and ethical decision-making to ensure a
balanced and responsible approach to their use.