MODULE 1

NATURE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

INTRODUCTION

This section introduces Science technology and Society (STS) as a field of study.
After discussing the nature of Science, technology and society, the section discusses
the relationship among them. It tackles the different field of Science and Technology. It
also enumerates the positive and negative impact of technology that reinforces the
importance of the study on STS in an age of scientific progress and technological
development.

INTENDED LEARNING OUCOMES

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Define science, technology and society
2. Discuss the relationship of science, technology and society
3. Explain how other sciences relate to technology

Nature of Science

Science is important to people, because it can help resolve problems, concerns

and issues that people face in the day-to-day aspects of living. 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. Science is not

simply a set of facts but also a plan of action- a procedure for processing and
understanding certain types of information. Scientific thinking is useful in all aspects of
life in order to find a solution for any problem. The Scientific method is a combination
of the creative reasoning and testing of hypothesis. It is the step by step process of
analyzing and solving science problems:

The Scientific method

1. Ask a Question: The scientific method starts when you ask a question about
something that you observe: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where?
2. Do Background Research: Rather than starting from scratch in putting together a
plan for answering your question, do library and Internet research to help you find
the best way to do things and make sure that you don't repeat mistakes from the
past.
3. Construct a Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things
work. It is an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be
tested. A good hypothesis allows you to make prediction:

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 4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment: Your experiment tests whether
your prediction is accurate and thus your hypothesis is supported or not. It is
important that your experiment be a fair test. You conduct a fair test by making
sure that you change only one factor at a time while keeping all other conditions
the same.
5. Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion: Once your experiment is complete,
you collect your data and analyze them to see if they support your hypothesis or
not.
6. 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. For example, the motion of the solar system has changed greatly
since ancient times.
Science is a distinctive form of human cultural activity referred to as scientist, a
natural philosophers. They represent attempts to explain observed natural behavior in
terms of human experiences. They must continue to do experiments to refine it and be
consistent with new knowledge to approach a more understanding of nature. Scientists
in all periods of time are driven by their deep passion to know and to discover. Thus, the
scientific attitudes include the following:
1. Honesty. This attitude 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. This enables a scientist to come up with new
concept which lead to discoveries that traditional scientists have overlooked.
4. Curiosity. It enables a scientist to discover more about the things around him.
5. Persistent. It 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.
As scientist observes nature, they often see that the same observation applies to
many different systems. For example, studies of innumerable chemical changes have

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shown that the total observed mass of the materials involved is the same before and
after the change. Such generally observed behavior is formulated into a statement
called natural law. For example, the observation that the total mass of materials is not
affected by chemical change in those materials is called law of conservation of mass.

Nature of Technology
The initial nature of technology is for survival. According to Steve Jobs, the pioneer
of microcomputer revolution, 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, from the Greek word techne, is the collection of
techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of goods or services
or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation. Every product of
technology helps human to move forward and make life comfortable.

Nature of Society

Aristotle said that man was a social animal by nature and one who does not live in
society was either a beast or God. Human nature develops in man only when he lives in
society, only when he shares with his fellow beings.
Man lives in society because necessity compels him to. Many of our necessities
will be satisfied by the cooperation of the people in the society. Every individual is
offspring of social relationship established between man and woman. Man is totally
dependent for the survival upon the existence of some sort of society.
Man lives in society for his mental and intellectual development. Society preserves
our culture and transmits it to succeeding generations. It both liberates and limits our
potentialities as individuals and molds our attitudes, our beliefs, our morals and ideals.
The society is made up of community of people. Among these people are Scientist
and technologist. Proceeds from the work of the scientist and technologist are used up
by the society. For instance a bus is first developed by Blaise Pascal, the benefactor of
this great invention is the people in the society. But, exploitation of advanced scientific
knowledge and technological advances give rise to situations in which the society
suffers the consequences.
It is important to keep in mind that scientists are human. They have prejudices;
they misinterpret data; they become emotionally attached to their theories and thus lose
objectivity; and they play politics. Sciences are affected by profit motives, budgets, fads,
wars, and religious beliefs. Galileo, for example was forced to recant his astronomical
observations in the face of strong religious resistance.

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. Some sectors that have
been boosted by science and technology are energy, physical sciences, information and
communication. The society has greatly gained with the invention of technology.

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 Without society then there would be no science and technology and that is why the
inventions and innovations have helped achieve big things. The society needs science
and technology to have comfortable life. The creation of computers is work of art by
individuals was a milestone that would come a long way in helping the society. A
computer helps us to leverage ourselves by gaining valuable information that we can
use to enrich our lives. The impact of science and technology can seriously be
recognized. Many people around the world take for example scholars in colleges and
universities have taken the lead examining the relationship between science and
technology.
The evaluation of this relationship has emerged as an important area of research.
Public interest groups and academic organizations throughout the world are recognizing
the importance of STS. The reason is that people need to recognize that there are
people who are affected by science and technology. Controversies such as
nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics are the issues that have brought
policy makers and scientists together to have a way forward on this.
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. Through the results of scientific discoveries the perception of man about his
behavior and his place of origin has been modified diversely. Experiments in science
today are in one way or another affecting the society. Take for example, Chinese
biophysicist He Jiankui  had conceived two children through artificial insemination. He
had manipulated their genetic material with the help of the CRISPR/Cas9 "genetic
scissors" before implanting the embryos. Ethicists and experts from a wide range of
disciplines sharply criticized he's action. They said he had created a dangerous
precedent and committed a grave ethical breach. Later, the Chinese government issued
strict rules preventing future attempts at germline manipulation.
The developing world has a long tradition of participatory action research, popular
education and community organization joining up to solve some science and technology
issues that affect the society. How is science and technology related to the society is
something that is calling even for the government intervention. Science and technology
related issues are actually discussed worldwide today. Progress in this has resulted to
the ability to produce diverse types of material items.

Positive Impacts of Technology on Society

1. Technology Has Mechanized Agriculture

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 Modern agricultural technology allows a small number of people to grow vast
quantities of food in a short period of time with less input which results into high
yields and RIO return of investment. Through government subsidies, small and
medium-sized farmers have managed to acquire plowing, sowing, watering and
harvesting machines. Proper use of technology in agriculture has also resulted in
the manufacturing of genetic crops which grow fast and are resistant to many
pests and diseases. Likewise, when use responsibly, artificial fertilizers add value
to the soil and boost the growth of high quality crops. Agriculture in dry areas has
been made possible through technology. By using advanced water pumps and
sprinklers which derive water from rivers to the farms, For instance, Egypt can
now grow crop by pumping water daily from River Nile to the rice fields.

2. Technology Has Improved Transportation

Technology has improved transportation:   Transportation is one of the basic

areas of technological activity. Both society and businesses have benefited from
the new transpiration methods. Transportation provides mobility for people and
goods. Transportation, like all other technologies, can be viewed as a system. It
is a series of parts that are interrelated. These parts all work together to meet a
certain goal. Transportation uses vehicles, trains, airplanes, motorbikes, people,
roads, energy, information, materials, finance and time. All these parts work
together to move and relocate people and goods. Technology has helped in
advancing all the four types of transportation and these include ; (1) road
transport used by automobiles ,(2) air transport which is used by airplanes ,
(3)water transportation which is used by ships and speed boats and (4) space
transportation used to go to the moon. The most used of all these is Road
transportation, this one facilitates the movement of goods and people.
Technologies like automobiles, buses, and trucks have improved the way
humans move and how they transport their goods from place to another.  Also,
developing countries are getting funds from wealthy countries to improve their
road transport which has resulted in the development of rural remote areas.

3. Technology Has Improved Healthcare Services

From improved operational efficiency to standards in patient care, the healthcare

transformation has enhanced the entire experience for both patients and medical
professionals. Elcom enumerates five of the top healthcare technology and
healthcare industry trends and innovations that are revolutionizing the field.

a)  Availability of Information and big data. The Internet, intranet systems, search
features and the ability for healthcare professionals to rapidly share
information have enhanced the synthesis and analysis of data. “Big data” in
healthcare allows the entire field to benefit from comprehensive research
studies.  Their analyses can be used to identify risk factors and recommend
the right preventative treatment by comparing patient data with data from
thousands of other patients;

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 b)  Medical professionals can now use media such as video, online discussion
platforms and real-time meeting capacities to communicate and advance the
spread of knowledge in the field. Electronic medical records in-house are
accessible by all relevant departments and care providers. This results in
improved case management, treatments and patient recovery;
c)  Electronic medical records allow all patient histories, test results, diagnoses
and relevant information to be stored centrally in an online location. The data
allows for more focused and accurate care as well as the ability to see health
trends for each individual. Medical billing systems allow hospitals, clinics and
medical practices to run much more smoothly;
d) Telemedicine/Telehealth Telemedicine/Telehealth services such as video-
conferencing are becoming cost effective ways to complement local health
services. It is particularly beneficial to those living in rural, regional and
remote communities and requiring regular access to medical specialists who
live several kilometers away; and
e) Mobility and Mobile Apps Mobile software applications (aka mobile apps) are
key to improving accessibility for patients and healthcare
professionals. Mobile apps enable people to easily manage their health and
wellbeing; everything from prompting them to get checkups, to finding general
medical information or accessing their test results securely online 24/7
without having to book in an appointment with their GP and wait days for
results. Healthcare professionals on the other hand, can quickly access
information relating to diseases and drugs, images for clinical matters,
continued education activities and so on.

4. Technology Has Improved Communication

Communication is used for a number of purposes. Both society and
organizations depend on communication to transfer information.  People use
technology to communicate with each other. Today people can use the internet
to get the latest news from any country around the globe. Services like Twitter or
YouTube have enabled people to become journalists. They can now report news
instantly by tweeting or vlogging. Electronic media like mobile phones, radios,
televisions, internet, and social media have improved the way people exchange
and share ideas. People can Skype, or use Viver or Messenger to send
messages or make video call totheir loved ones instantly. Likewise, finding both
old and new friends have become very simple. With social networks like
Facebook or Instagram, one can easily keep up with all his/her old friends and
also make new ones. Politicians use smart phone, radio, television and internet
media to reach the people they want to serve..

5. Technology Has Improved Education and Learning Process

Technology has improved education and learning process: Education is the
backbone of every economy. People need well and organized educational
infrastructures so that they can learn how to interpret information. Many schools
have started integrating educational technologies in their schools with a great
aim of improving the way students learn. Technologies like smart whiteboards,

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 computers, mobile phones, iPads, projectors, and internet are being used in
class rooms to boost students’ moral to learn. The business community has
invested money in various educational technologies which can be used by both
teachers and their students.  For example, on iPhone App Store or Google Play
Store, you will find many educational applications which can allow students and
teachers exchange academic information at any time, this has made learning
mobile.  Also, programs like Long distance learning have opened boundaries too
so many scholars around the world.

6. Technology has Improved Business or Job Opportunities

Modern Technology has been prominent in job role creation and the emerging of
technology-based companies. With access to a computer and internet, anyone
can start a business while at home. Most successful technology-based ventures
like Amazon or Facebook started from home but now they employ thousands of
people.

7. Technology has Improved Entertainment

Technology has changed the entertainment industry; now people have many
options to choose from. They can have a playlist of 10,000 songs on their
smartphone or you can watch movies on the go with an iPad; the list is endless.

Negative Impacts of Technology on Society

1. Resource Depletion
The more demand for new technologies and advancement of current
technologies, the more pressure is put on earth’s natural resources. The high
demand for more mobile phones or laptops will certainly lead to exploitation of of
Mother Nature for resources like aluminum. Once these resources are extracted
from the earth plates, they may never return back because it took them a billion
years to mature.  That means that at one time, the world shall be left with no
natural resource which can be a problem to the future generation and economy. 
Likewise, the intensive farming practices will deplete the soil. This makes heavy
applications of commercial fertilizers necessary to yield healthy harvests, but also
these fertilizers have chemicals which are dangerous to the soil and human lives.

2. Increased Pollution
Pollution affects the land we grow crops on, the water we drink and the air we
breathe. The increased demand for new technologies and advancement of
technologies has resulted in many manufacturing and processing factories. As
they work so hard to create the best technologies for both society and business,
they release harmful chemicals and gasses which have polluted our environment
and this has resulted in climate changes (global warming). So the more
technology we enjoy, the more we harm our environment. Experts have tried to
implement ways of reducing this impact by encouraging factories to go green, to
a small extent, this has been achieved through the development of green

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 technologies like; green cars, green computers, but a great effort is still needed
to reduce the pollution of the air and the earth.

3. Cyber-Sickness
With the increased addiction to social networks and internet games, people are
spending more time on computers and reject their normal offline life, resulting in
increased isolation and social imbalance. This social isolation has increased a lot
as more and more people are involved in online interaction. The number of
children playing outdoor games is decreasing due to a lot of options available like
video games and apps.

4. Unemployment
Reduction in employment. Modern technology has replaced many works done
by human beings. Works are being done by machines in more productive and
efficient way thus replacing personnel who used to perform the work.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FIELDS

1. Life Sciences is a very broad field, it encompasses numerous specializations. It is

commonly defined by sciences that pertain to living organisms like microorganisms,
plants, animals, and most importantly human beings. Some of the well-known fields
in the Life Sciences are Zoology, Botany, Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, and
Biomedical technologies.
2. Engineering is the field of science that applies both science and math to solve
problems. It concerns the use of technology in practical ways that can advance the
human condition. Some of the fields of engineering include mechanical engineering,
electrical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, and industrial
engineering.

3. Agriculture is the field of science wherein it concerns with the different techniques
of land cultivation, crop and livestock raising, or otherwise, farming. The Department
of Agriculture (DA) is a government agency responsible for the development of the
Philippine's agriculture by generating policies, investments, and support services
which are significant in the local and export-oriented trade.

4. Aquaculture is the rearing or cultivation of aquatic animals and plants for foods.
Oceans are productive ecosystems on the planet, providing an array of services that
directly and indirectly support economic activity and growth. Services including
protection from natural hazards; weather regulation; shoreline stabilization;
carbon sequestration; wild-catch fisheries; energy from wind, waves and offshore oil;
sea bound trade; tourism; and many others all provide the foundation for an
estimated 3 to 5 trillion dollars of annual global ocean economic activity. 

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5. Metal Industry deals with the creation and innovation of metallic and steel products.
The metal/steel industries have shown remarkable technological dynamism over the
centuries and with the growing product innovation, there have been a great
significance on the steels' economic and political influence. The Philippines have
become part of the growing revolution of the industry. The Metal Industry Research
and Development Center (MIRDC) is a government agency under the Department of
Science and Technology that supports the local metals and engineering industry
through support services enhancing the industry's competitive advantage.

6. Food and Nutrition science is the field of science studying the nature of foods and
the natural changes in them resulting from handling and processing. It is the science
concerned with food and nourishment and the role of nutrients in health. In the
Philippines, food and nutrition research investigates the ideal diet for Filipinos to
solve the problem of malnutrition and the current state of nutrition.

7. Forestry practices planting, managing and taking care of trees. The governing body
for the Philippine forestry is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR). During 1987, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was
formally established. Under this department, the Forest Management Bureau was
the sector that focuses on preserving the forest and the harvesting of its resources.

8. Natural disaster preparedness is developed to address disaster risk, since the

Philippines is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural disasters. Every
year, between six and nine tropical cyclones make landfall, alongside other extreme
events such as floods and landslides. The Philippines has been investing heavily in
critical infrastructure and enabling tools such as Doppler radars, generating 3D
disaster-simulation models from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology
and the wide-scale installation of locally developed sensors for accurate and timely
disaster information nationwide.

9. Health. One aspect of healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of

diseases; the other pertains to provisions for medical care for people in the
community. In the Philippines, healthcare is under the Department of Health (DOH).
This government office is responsible for organizing public healthcare and making
sure that all Filipino citizens have access to quality health services. This office is
also responsible for supervising and funding researches pertaining to new medicines
and medical devices.

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