Interaction of Science, Technology, and Society

Introduction

• Interaction of science, technology, and society is complex and influenced by multiple factors.
• Science: A structured approach to understanding nature and physical phenomena. -way of knowing -seeks answers -explanations -understanding
• Technology: Ability to control or alter, modify, taper with nature in order to suit a certain for practical applications beneficial to society.
• Society: Composed of humans with values, morals, prejudices,problems and priorities.
• Society is both the creator and end-user of science and technology, also posing constraints.

Factors Influencing Interaction

• Geography and Ethnology: Interaction varies in religious, industrialized, and English societies.
• Time: Changes throughout history affect interactions.
• Global Affairs: State of affairs dictates societal priorities impacting science and technology use.

Case Studies

1. Aristotelian Philosophy (Early Science)

-no technology

• Science: Simple theories with four elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire).
• Society: Dominated by the church and Thomas Aquinas.
• Outcome: Conflict between science and (society) religion, leading to stagnation in scientific growth for centuries.

2. First Industrial Revolution (England)

• Science: learnings Power generation, new materials, mechanics (Newtonian), and economics (Adam Smith) book weslth of nations.
• Technology: Machines in mining, manufacturing, construction, transport, and communication.
• Society: England (economy, art, culture, status as superpower) Enabled by English resources, capital, and colonies.
• Outcome: England's global dominance, rise of romanticism, and the beginning of pollution concerns.

3. Modern Times (Genetics and GMOs)

• Science: Understanding genetics and gene manipulation.
• Technology: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) for food security.
• Societal Concerns: Health risks, proprietary issues, and varying global acceptance.
• Outcome: Differing societal responses based on values and access to scientific information.

Conclusion

• Analogy: Science as the brain, society as the body, and technology as the automobile.
• Industrialized Societies: Science leads; society determines application.
• Other Societies: Society dictates scientific and technological use.
• Boundary Conditions: Society acts as a boundary condition to science's myriad possibilities.

Reflective Statement

• Science satisfies societal needs and priorities, leading to solutions beneficial to society.