Interaction of Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

Introduction

• Science, technology, and society are interconnected.
• Science: Structured approach to understanding nature and physical phenomena.
• Technology: Ability to control and modify nature for practical applications.
• Society: Composed of people with values, morals, prejudices, and priorities.
• Society acts as both creator and end-user of science and technology.

Variations in STS Interaction

• Factors Influencing STS Interaction:
  • Geography and ethnology.
  • Historical context (changes over time).
  • State of global affairs.

Case Studies

1. Birth Pains of Science (Aristotelian Philosophy)

• Characteristics:
  • Simple scientific concepts (e.g., four elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire).
  • Dominance of the Church and Thomas Aquinas.
  • Conflict between science and religion.
• Outcomes:
  • Stagnation in the growth of science for about 2000 years.
  • Interactions set a precedent for future conflicts in science and society.

2. Industrial Revolution (First Industrial Revolution)

• Science Involved:
  • Power generation and understanding new materials (e.g., steel).
  • Mechanics (Isaac Newton) and economics (Adam Smith).
• Technology:
  • Development of machines for mining, manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
• Societal Context:
  • English society as a superpower.
  • Enabling environment: Abundance of coal, resources, and capital from colonies.
• Outcomes:
  • England's rise as a major power economically and militarily.
  • Introduction of pollution as a global concern.

3. Modern Times (Genetics and GMOs)

• Science Involved:
  • Understanding of genetics and genetic modification.
• Technology:
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as food sources.
• Societal Concerns:
  • Food security and health risks.
  • Proprietary ownership issues for farmers regarding GMOs.
• Outcomes:
  • Responses to GMOs vary by society:
    • American society allows consumption with regulations.
    • Russia prohibits GMOs.

Summary

• Analogy of STS interaction:
  • Science = Brain of a driver.
  • Society = Body of the driver.
  • Technology = Automobile.
• Society dictates the application of scientific knowledge according to its needs and priorities.
• Science needs to satisfy the society's fears, problems, and priorities to yield useful results.

Conclusion

• The dynamic interplay between science, technology, and society shapes the outcomes of each domain. The historical context, societal values, and available technologies influence the progress and acceptance of scientific developments.