MODULE 1
NATURE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
Nature of Science
Science is a systematized knowledge derived from observation, study and experimentation
carried on in order to determine the nature of what is being studied.
It came from the Latin word scire (meaning to know). It was originally called “Philosophy of
the natural world.”
Science is a framework for gaining and organizing knowledge.
The scientific method
Ask a Question: The scientific method starts when you ask a question about something that
you observe.
Do Background Research: Rather than starting from scratch, do library and Internet research.
Construct a Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work. A good
hypothesis allows you to make prediction.
Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment: It is important that your experiment be a fair
test. conduct a fair test by making sure that you change only one factor
Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion: Once the experiment is complete, collect the data
and analyze them to see if they support the hypothesis or not.
Communicate Your Results: Professional scientists do publish their final report in a scientific
journal or by presenting their results on a poster or during a talk at a scientific meeting.
It is important to differentiate observation, hypothesis and theories. Observation is something
that is witnessed and can be recorded. Hypothesis is a possible explanation for an observation. A
theory is a set of tested hypothesis that gives an overall explanation of some natural
phenomena. It is an interpretation or explanation of why nature behaves in a particular way.
Theories changes overtime as more information becomes available.
The scientific attitudes of a scientist:
1. Honesty - allows a scientist to recognize the work done by other scientists before him. This
attitude is also shown by reporting data truthfully.
2. A scientist is open minded - Open-mindedness is an attitude that allows a scientist to look at
other possibilities.
3. Creative and Critical Thinking - enables a scientist to come up with new
concept which lead to discoveries that traditional scientists have overlooked.
4. Curiosity - enables a scientist to discover more about the things around him.
5. Persistent - enables a scientist to continue a project despite obstacles and failures.
6. Objectivity. A scientist must be objective in declaring results of his/her experiments and
judgment is based on observable phenomena and not influenced by emotions or personal
prejudices
7. Precision. A scientist must always consider the precision of his work if it forms a pattern or
repeatedly occurring in nature. Lack of precision would mean inconsistency.
8. Responsibility. The moral, social and personal responsibility and accountability of a scientist to
all of his works must be observed.
9. Collaboration. One needs to consider suggestion and recommendations of others for an
improved work.
Nature of Technology
The initial nature of technology is for survival. Steve Jobs, the pioneer of microcomputer
revolution say the thing that separates us from high primates is that we are tool builders. A
caveman created fire to warm himself, cook food to kill bacteria and protect himself from
predators.
Technology, science of craft, comes from the Greek word techne, is the collection of
techniques, skills, methods and processes.
Nature of Society
He said that man was a social animal by nature and who does not live in society was either a
beast or god, Aristotle.
The society is made up of community of people. Among these people are Scientist and
technologist.
Relationship Among Science, Technology and Society
Science and technology are the best society could ever ask for. Since the industrial revolution
in the 18th century science has been in progress.
Without society then there would be no science and technology and that is why the
inventions and innovations have helped achieve big things.
Science and technology has actually largely contributed to the vision of man about himself.
Science has been modified the opinion about the origin of man and place of origin too.
Positive Impacts of Technology on Society
Technology has Mechanized Agriculture
Technology has Improved Transportation
Technology has improved Healthcare Services
Availability of Information and big data
Medical professionals can now use media such as video
Electronic medical records allow all patient histories, test results, diagnoses and relevant
information
Telemedicine/Telehealth Telemedicine/Telehealth services such as video-conferencing
Mobility and Mobile Apps Mobile software applications
Technology has improved Communication
Technology has Improved Education and Learning Process
Technology has Improved Business or Job Opportunities
Technology has Improved Entertainment
Negative Impacts of Technology on Society
Resource Depletion
Increased Pollution
Cyber - Sickness
Unemployment
Science and technology fields
Life Sciences - is a very broad field
Engineering - field of science that applies both science and math to solve problems.
Agriculture - concerns with the different techniques of land cultivation, crop and livestock
raising, or otherwise, farming.
Aquaculture - is the rearing or cultivation of aquatic animals and plants for foods.
Metal - industry deals with the creation and innovation of metallic and steel products.
Food and Nutrition - field of science studying the nature and the natural changes in them.
Forestry - particles planting, managing and taking care of trees.
Natural disaster preparedness - to address risk.
Health - one aspect of healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.
MODULE 2
NATURE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY
