Handouts

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.

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.

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.

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

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

 Advancements and Innovation
 Communication and Connectivity
 Healthcare
 Education
 Economy and Industry
 Environmental Impact
 Social Interaction
 Ethical and Moral Questions
 Cultural Change Access to Information
 Security and Privacy
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
2. People's life and lifestyle change as a result of improved S&T
3. Urbanization results when S&T improve because people usually migrate to a place
where their basic needs are met
4. People have a stronger desire for material goods when S&T improve in the place
5. More discoveries and inventions that benefit the people due to improved S&T
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: 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."
3. Data Privacy: Imagine someone using your personal information without asking. This is
a problem because it's like invading your private space.
4. Weaponization: Sometimes, weapons made for good things are used in bad ways.
People argue about making weapons that can decide to hurt on their own.
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.
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.