Introduction to STS
What is Science?
Science
• : from the Latin word “scire” which means
“know”,
• Evolved in to “scientia” - “knowledge”
• the modern sense of science was developed
in the late 18th century.
• : the systematic study of the structure and
behavior of the physical and natural world
through observation, experimentation, and
the testing of theories against the evidence
obtained.
-Oxford Languages
Nature of Science
Science involves systematically studying the natural and social world, aiming to reveal
consistent and reliable relationships among concepts. It's not just about accumulating
knowledge but also about applying critical thinking and common sense to expand our
understanding.
Components of Science:
• Science encompasses a diverse range of people, skills, knowledge,
organizations, facilities, techniques, resources, methods, and
technologies. These elements work together, complementing and
supporting one another, to advance scientific understanding.
Principal Components of Scientific Knowledge
1. The desire to discover the functions of
the natural world
2. The application of the functions of the
natural world to human needs
3. The attempt to process all known facts
from the natural world into meaningful
patterns of scientific laws or theories
4. The continual use of scientific methods
in search of further knowledge and
5. The organization of all scientific
knowledge discovered and produced
by cultures and generations across
centuries for clearer understanding for
all people.
Role of Scientists:
• Scientists play a crucial role in any
country, regardless of its level of
economic development. Their
contributions are essential for
harnessing natural resources to
improve human life. Science has
evolved beyond mere adaptation to
nature; it now focuses on utilizing
natural resources for the betterment
of society.
What is Technology?
Technology
: from the Greek words “techne” – arts, and “logos” – speech, word,
thought, or principle.
: the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes,
especially in industry.
- Oxford Languages
Scope of Technology:
• Technology includes any tool, product, process, or approach aimed at enhancing
or extending human intellectual and physical capabilities. It utilizes scientific
findings to create new things that improve our way of life. This involves
converting raw materials from the earth into products essential for human
consumption and use. Various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, mining,
forestry, manufacturing, construction, transportation, communications, medicine,
and education are all domains where technology is applied
Application of Technology
• Technology plays a crucial role in transforming raw materials into finished
products and improving human living conditions. It is evident in various sectors
like agriculture, where it enhances farming practices, or in manufacturing, where
it refines raw materials into consumer products. Additionally, technology is
deeply embedded in sectors like construction, transportation, communication,
medicine, and education, contributing to the creation of more advanced products
and ideas.
What is Technology?
Technology
: from the Greek words “techne” – arts, and “logos” – speech, word,
thought, or principle.
: the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes,
especially in industry.
- Oxford Languages
Scope of Technology:
• Technology includes any tool, product, process, or approach aimed at enhancing
or extending human intellectual and physical capabilities. It utilizes scientific
findings to create new things that improve our way of life. This involves
converting raw materials from the earth into products essential for human
consumption and use. Various sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, mining,
forestry, manufacturing, construction, transportation, communications, medicine,
and education are all domains where technology is applied
Application of Technology
• Technology plays a crucial role in transforming raw materials into finished
products and improving human living conditions. It is evident in various sectors
like agriculture, where it enhances farming practices, or in manufacturing, where
it refines raw materials into consumer products. Additionally, technology is
deeply embedded in sectors like construction, transportation, communication,
medicine, and education, contributing to the creation of more advanced products
and ideas.
Science and technology play a crucial role in societal progress by
creating and utilizing knowledge to improve human lives and
address societal challenges.
The shift towards knowledge-based economies emphasizes the
importance of science in generating new knowledge for societal
advancement.
The relationship between science,
technology, and society is essential,
with the accumulation of scientific
knowledge necessary for social
progress.
Despite their distinct origins, science and technology
have become intertwined in modern times, leading to
significant advancements across various societal
domains, including education.
The Role of Science and Technology
• Impact on Daily Life
• Driving Economic Development
• Emerging Technological Development
• Transformational Products
• Synergies Breakthroughs
• Improving Lives in Developing Countries
Impacts of Science and
Technology
Health
IMMUNIZATION
1. Global vaccine movement has significantly contributed to public health.
2. Diseases like polio, smallpox, malaria, measles, rubella, and rabies have been nearly
eradicated through vaccination efforts.
Health
ANTIBIOTICS
Discovery of antibiotics like penicillin has saved countless lives by treating common infections.
Health
SURGERY
Revolutionary surgical methods such as virtual reality training, nanorobotics, and 3D printing
for organ replacement are advancing patient care.
Health
HEALTHCARE DEVICES
Digital health monitoring devices are replacing cumbersome tools, allowing for easier and more
accurate measurements of vital signs.
Health
MENTAL HEALTH
Recognition of psychological health as crucial to overall wellbeing is growing, with increased
support for mental health initiatives and treatments.
AGGRICULTURE
FOOD TRANSPORT
Advancements in transportation infrastructure facilitate the movement of goods,
such as roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships improving maritime logistics.
AGGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY
Mechatronic, robotic, and computing technologies optimize farming processes,
from traditional tools to advanced machinery like agricultural robots and drones.
AGGRICULTURE
GENETIC MODIFICATION
Genetically-modified crops enhance yield, nutritional content, and resistance to
pests and diseases, addressing global food insecurity.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
TELEPHONE
Telecommunications advancements, including mobile phones and internet services,
have revolutionized human communication, making it faster and more efficient.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
Satellite technology integrated into mobile phones provides accessible geographic
information and tailored content based on location.
COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
MAGNETIC LEVITATION (Maglev)
Maglev technology, utilized in trains, offers faster speeds and smoother rides by
utilizing magnetic repulsion to eliminate friction on tracks.
Society
: a community, nation, or broad
grouping of people having common
traditions, institutions, and
collective activities and interests.
- Merriam - Webster
Science, Technology and Society
: Science, Technology and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the
conditions under which the production, distribution and utilization of scientific
knowledge and technological systems occur; the consequences of these activities
upon different groups of people. (Pitzer, 2022)
