Scence Technology and Society
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Introduction
Technology and science are activities of central importance in contemporary life, intimately bound up with societys evolving character, problems, and potentials. If scientific and technological pursuits are to further enhance human well-being, they and their effects on society and the individual must be better understood by non-technical professionals and ordinary citizens like us. Issues of professional ethics and social responsibility not only confront technical practitioners; We are also being asked with increasing frequency to pass judgment on controversial matters of public policy related to science and technology and make decisions requiring basic understanding of science and technology and their ethical, social, and environmental consequences. These circumstances require education befitting the complex sociotechnical character of the contemporary era.
Science
Definition:
Science (from the Latin scientia, knowledge) is a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as the organized body of knowledge gained through such research. Science as defined here is sometimes termed pure science to differentiate it from applied science, which is the application of scientific research to specific human needs.
Etymology of Science
The word science comes through the Old French, and is derived from the Latin word scientia for knowledge, which in turn comes from scio – I know. The Indo-European root means to discern or to separate, akin to Sanskrit chyati, he cuts off, Greek schizein, to split, Latin scindere, to split. From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, science or scientia meant any systematic recorded knowledge. Science therefore had the same sort of very broad meaning that philosophy had at that time. In other languages, including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, the word corresponding to science also carries this meaning.
From classical times until the advent of the modern era, “philosophy” was roughly divided into natural philosophy and moral philosophy. In the 1800s, the term natural philosophy gradually gave way to the term natural science. Natural science was gradually specialized to its current domain, which typically includes the physical sciences and biological sciences. The social sciences, inheriting portions of the realm of moral philosophy, are currently also included under the auspices of science to the extent that these disciplines use empirical methods. Today, the primary meaning of “science” is generally limited to empirical study involving use of the scientific method.
Brief Discussion:
Science as I understand it by classical definition is simply the state of knowing, a system of acquiring knowledge. The knowledge involved is about the world around us, that which includes us as well.
Science uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. It involves both description, which tells us what has happened, and explanation, which tells us why it happened. It is also through knowing why events occur that we can predict what else might occur in the future.
Science is a useful tool; it gives us an understanding of our surroundings, the purpose of which is so that we can contend and adapt with it more effectively. It has made a profound effect on the way we live and act upon nature, largely through its application in technology. For instance, it has brought about technology that helps save lives, the result of which is the modern individual gets to live longer and healthier than ever before.
Technology
Definitions
1.Wikipedia:
Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species ability to control and adapt to its environment. In human society, it is a consequence of science and engineering.
2.Bergen:
Technology is the technical means people use to improve their surroundings. It is also a knowledge of using tools and machines to do tasks efficiently.
3.Encarta:
A. Application of tools and methods: the study, development, and application of devices, machines, and techniques for manufacturing and productive processes
recent developments in seismographic technology
B. Method of applying technical knowledge: a method or methodology that applies technical knowledge or tools.
C. The sum of a societys practical knowledge, especially with reference to its material culture.
Brief Discussion:
Technology is commonly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. It is therefore accurate to say that technology refers to tools and machines used to solve real-world problems.
The word technology is most often equated with science, as it is commonly used to refer to a collection of techniques. In this context, technology refers to the current state of humanitys knowledge of how to combine resources to produce desired products, to solve problems, fulfill needs, or satisfy wants.
Finally, technology is as an activity that forms or changes culture. A good example of this would be the innovation in communication technology, which has lessened barriers to human interaction. Though not all technology enhances culture in a creative way; for instance, technology can also help facilitate political oppression and war via tools such as guns.
Society
1. Miriam Dictionary
Etymology: Middle French societй, from Latin societat-, societas, from socius companion — more at SOCIAL
A. A voluntary association of individuals for common ends; especially : an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession
B. An enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organized patterns of relationships through interaction with one another; a community, nation, or broad grouping of people having common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests
C. A part of a community that is a unit distinguishable by particular