Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Module No. 1 STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 1 INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY MODULE OVERVIEW This section introduces Science, Technology, and Society (STS) as a field of study. After defining science and technology, the section traces the historical roots of STS as an academic field. It also enumerates emerging ethical dilemmas that reinforce the importance of the study of STS in an age of scientific progress and technological development. MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this Module, you should be able to: 1. explain the scope of the study of STS; and 2. demonstrate preparedness and readiness in the study of STS. LEARNING ACTIVITY 1 Before continuing on this Module, let us have a short diagnostic test to determine your ideas regarding science and technology. Please refer to the main textbook, pages 2 - 3. GENERAL CONCEPTS RELATED TO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY Nowadays, advancements in science and technology have become pervasive in our society. They are manifested in the activities that we, humans pursue and the tools that we utilize every day. The power and influence of science and technology is so great that wherever you look, you can see its products and applications. In order for you to grasp the impact of science and technology to our society, it is necessary to study some concepts related to science and technology. What is Science? You have taken up science subjects since primary school years, and the definition of science has been repeatedly discussed since then. To give you a recall, Science comes from the Latin word scientia, meaning ‘knowledge’. It refers to a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. Let’s discuss the nature of science below for you to understand it better. The Nature of Science It is important to understand the nature of science because it is a critical component of scientific literacy. It enhances your understanding of science concepts and enables you to make informed decisions about scientifically-based personal and societal issues. The following sums up the nature of science: The World is Understandable Science presumes that the things and events in the universe occur in consistent patterns that are comprehensible through careful, systematic study. Scientists believe that through the use of the intellect, and with the aid of instruments that extend the senses, people can discover patterns in all of nature. Science Explains and Predicts Scientists strive to make sense of observations of phenomena by constructing explanations that are consistent with currently accepted scientific principles. Such explanations or theories may be either broad or restricted, but they must be logically sound and incorporate a significant body of scientifically valid observations. The credibility of scientific theories often comes from their ability to show relationships among phenomena that previously seemed unrelated. For example, the theory of moving continents, has grown in credibility as it has shown relationships among diverse phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, the 1 Downloaded by Cris Caluya (argosmith1212@gmail.com) Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Module No. 1 match between types of fossils on different continents, the shapes of continents, and the contours of the ocean floors. Science Demands Evidence The validity of scientific claims is settled by referring to observations of phenomena. Hence, scientists concentrate on getting accurate data. Such evidence is obtained by observations and measurements taken in situations that range from natural settings (such as a forest) to completely contrived ones (such as the laboratory). To make their observations, scientists use their own senses, instruments (such as microscopes) that enhance those senses, and instruments that tap characteristics quite different from what humans can sense (such as magnetic fields). Scientists observe passively (earthquakes, bird migrations), make collections (rocks, shells), and actively probe the world (as by boring into the earth's crust or administering experimental medicines). Scientific Ideas are Open to Change Science is more of a process than a set body of knowledge. Scientists are always testing and revising their ideas, and as new observations are made, existing ideas may be challenged. Ideas may be replaced with new ideas that better fit the facts, but more often existing ideas are simply revised. For example, when scientists discovered how genes control genetic traits, they didn't throw out Mendel's laws of inheritance. The new discoveries helped to explain why Mendel's laws apply to certain traits but not others. They showed that Mendel's laws are part of a bigger picture. Through many new discoveries over time, scientists gradually build an increasingly accurate and detailed understanding of the natural world. Science is a Complex Social Activity Scientific work involves many individuals doing many different kinds of work and goes on to some degree in all nations of the world. Men and women of all ethnic and national backgrounds participate in science and its applications. These people --- scientists and engineers, mathematicians, physicians, technicians, computer programmers, librarians, and others --- may focus on scientific knowledge either for its own sake or for a particular practical purpose, and they may be concerned with data gathering, theory building, instrument building, or communicating. Science Cannot Provide Complete Answers to All Questions There are many matters that cannot usefully be examined in a scientific way. There are, for instance, beliefs that --- by their very nature --- cannot be proved or disproved (such as the existence of supernatural powers and beings, or the true purposes of life). In other cases, a scientific approach that may be valid is likely to be rejected as irrelevant by people who hold to certain beliefs (such as in miracles, fortune-telling, astrology, and superstition). Nor do scientists have the means to settle issues concerning good and evil, although they can sometimes contribute to the discussion of such issues by identifying the likely consequences of particular actions, which may be helpful in weighing alternatives. Extension Activity You can watch this YouTube video from Bozeman Science to further understand the Nature of Science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkvjDZseD4k&feature=emb_rel_pause What is Technology? Technology, the word often attached side by side with science comes from the Greek word techne, meaning ‘art, skill or cunning of hand’. Technology involves the development and use of materials, tools, and approaches for solving human problems and helping to fulfill human needs and desires. Many of the products of technology help humans accomplish tasks that would otherwise be very difficult or impossible to carry out. Although technology provides many benefits, it also produces associated costs and risks. Technology is also a way of knowing, and is also a process of exploration and experimentation. Technology is both a form of knowledge that uses concepts and skills from other disciplines and the application of this knowledge to meet an identified need or to solve a specific problem using materials, energy, and tools. Relationship between Science, Technology, and Society Science, technology and society are closely linked, especially through scientific inquiry, technological problem solving, and communication. Science frequently utilizes and requires tools and processes developed by technology, and conversely, technology often employs principles, laws, theories, and processes developed 2 Downloaded by Cris Caluya (argosmith1212@gmail.com) Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Module No. 1 by means of science. The society as we know it today has been affected in many ways by science and technology. For example, society demands for an easy-access, extensive and frequent communication. This leads to the research and development of an ever widening array of mobile phone capabilities. Access to these capabilities, in turn, influenced the way humans live. As the society relies more and more on mobile phones, additional features were continuously requested to improve like increasing speed of phone processors, the use of touch-enabled screens, or the implementation of mobile internet access, and the cycle continues. LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 1. To learn more about science and technology, read the discussion in your STS textbook from pages 35. This section would refer to Lewis Wolpert’s The Medawar Lecture 1998 Is Science Dangerous?. Use this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569503/. Read the article and complete the metacognitive reading report in your STS textbook found in pages 13-14. 2. On an A4 size coupon bond, create a poster or collage that reflects your view of science and technology. It should specifically state whether you view science and technology as good or bad, both or neutral. Be creative. You can use different art materials to make it visually appealing and impactful. On another piece of coupon bond, briefly explain your work using 5-10 sentences. 3. Prepare your answers sending it directly in the Learning Management System. 4. Write your name, year, course and section and the date at the upper part of your answer sheets. 5. Submit your answer until September 21, 2020. HISTORICAL ROOTS OF STS AS AN ACADEMIC FIELD As problems in science and technology continue to rise and become more observable, the need to pay attention to their interactions with various aspects of human life, e.g. social, political, and economic, becomes ever more necessary. How the different aspects of society shape and influence the progression and further development of science and technology is the area of concern of a relatively new academic discipline called Science, Technology and Society. Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is a relatively young field that combines previously independent and older disciplines, such as the history of science, philosophy of science, and sociology of science. As an academic field, STS, according to Harvard University’s Kennedy School (2018), traces its roots from the interwar period and the start of the Cold War. It was during this period when historians and scientists found interest in the interconnections of scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society. The rise of STS as an academic field resulted from the recognition that many schools today do not really prepare students to respond critically, reflectively, and proactively to the challenges posed by science and technology in the modern world. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY OF STS STS seeks to bridge the gap between two traditionally exclusive cultures --- humanities (interpretive) and natural sciences (rational) --- so that humans will be able to better confront the moral, ethical, and existential dilemmas brought by the continued developments in science and technology. STS also calls for educating you (our students) so that you will be able to apply science and technology (tools, knowledge, process and products) to solve problems in your environment. STS is an important academic discipline to help you do science so as to be functional and not just graduates who are alien to your own society. For example, graduates should be able to apply science and technology while at school, say to be productive, to grow your own food, to carry-out diseases preventive measures and to become self-reliant or employed. STS aims to help students to develop adaptability, equipped with not only academic skills but with a range of practical skills which will make you a functional citizen. ETHICAL DILEMMAS THAT REINFORCE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY OF STS Human beings are by no means perfect – we struggle with ethical dilemmas on a daily basis and fail in doing what we think or believe to be the right thing more often than we would like to admit. Unfortunately, these failings are also articulated in our technology. 3 Downloaded by Cris Caluya (argosmith1212@gmail.com) Study Guide in GE 6: Science, Technology, and Society Module No. 1 To warn us of these failings, the John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values at the University of Notre Dame compiles an annual list of what it determines to be that year’s top 10 ethical dilemmas in science and technology. The list points to the challenges, questions, and issues that need to be addressed and resolved when science, and technology and humanity intertwine. Extension Activity Read pages 5 – 6 of your textbook to the top 10 ethical dilemmas of science and technology as identified by the John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values at the University of Notre Dame for 2018. If you are interested in much more recent ethical dilemmas, you can have further readings at this link: www.laboratoryequipment.com/558920-Top-10-Ethical-Dilemmas-in-Science-for-2020/. Even if several items in the list above sound unfamiliar to you, it can be a useful springboard in the study of science and technology. LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 1. 2. 3. 4. Refer to your textbook in STS and answer Exercise 1: Reflection Task on pages 7-8. Prepare your answers sending it directly in the Learning Management System. Write your name, year, course and section and the date at the upper part of your answer sheets. Submit your answer until September 21, 2020. SUMMARY The following learning points summarize what you have learned in this section: • • • • • Science is a systematic and methodical activity of building and organizing knowledge about how the universe behaves through observation, experimentation or both. Scientists assume that nature can be understood through systematic study, scientific ideas are open to revision, sound scientific ideas withstand the test of time, and science cannot provide answers to all questions. Technology involves the development and use of materials, tools, and approaches for solving human problems and helping to fulfill human needs and desires. STS as an academic discipline is primarily concerned with how the different aspects of society shape and influence the progression and further development of science and technology. STS seeks to bridge the gap between humanities and natural sciences. REFERENCES • • • • • • • Ihueze,C., Okpala, C., Okafor, E. & Okonkwo, U. (2015). Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) for Sustainable Industrial and Economic Development. p380. International Journal of Engineering and Management Research. Vandana Publications. Retrieved from www.ijemr.net Quinto, Edward Jay M. and Nieva, Aileen D. (2019). Science, Technology, and Society. pp 2-14. Quezon City: C&E Publishing. Ruparanganda,F. (2016). An evaluation of the implementation of the Science-Technology and Society (STS) concept in Science Instruction in secondary schools in Zimbabwe. South American Journal of Academic Research Special Edition. Retrieved from https://www.texilajournal.com/ Sarkar, S. and Pfeifer, J. Eds. (2016) The philosophy of science: an encyclopedia. pp. 749-753. USA: Taylor and Francis Group. Retrieved from fitelson.org/probability/sarkar_philosophy_of_science_encyclopedia.pdf The Nature of Science (1990). American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved from http://project2061.org Wakim, S. & Grewal, M. (2020). The Nature of Science. Retrieved from https://bio.libretexts.org/ Wolpert, L. (2005). The Medawar Lecture 1998 Is Science Dangerous? In Philosophical Transactions B. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569503/ 4 Downloaded by Cris Caluya (argosmith1212@gmail.com)
