2023 COMMON CURRICULUM ANSWERS

Q1) Discuss the philosophical approaches of Logical Positivism and Functionalism in

context of Science and Technology Studies.

Ans: Logical positivism and functionalism are two philosophical approaches that have had a
significant impact on the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). Both approaches
offer different perspectives on the nature of science, the role of technology in society, and
the relationship between science and society.

Logical positivism is a philosophical approach that originated in the early 20th century and
emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and logical reasoning in the pursuit of
scientific knowledge. According to logical positivists, scientific statements must be
testable, falsifiable, and verifiable through empirical evidence. They reject any claim that
cannot be empirically tested or verified as meaningless. In the context of STS, logical
positivists argue that science is a value-neutral pursuit that is independent of social and
cultural factors.

Functionalism, on the other hand, is a sociological and anthropological approach that

emphasizes the importance of understanding social institutions and systems in terms of
their functions and contributions to society. Functionalists argue that social institutions,
such as science and technology, exist to serve specific functions or purposes within
society. In the context of STS, functionalists argue that science and technology are social
institutions that serve specific functions and contribute to the functioning of society.

Both logical positivism and functionalism have had a significant impact on the field of STS.
Logical positivism has been influential in shaping the way scientists approach scientific
inquiry and the role of science in society. Functionalism, on the other hand, has been
influential in understanding the social and cultural factors that shape the development and
use of technology in society.

However, both approaches have also been subject to criticism. Critics of logical positivism
argue that the approach is too narrow and fails to account for the social and cultural
factors that shape scientific inquiry. Critics of functionalism argue that the approach
oversimplifies complex social institutions and systems, and fails to account for power and
inequality in society.

In conclusion, both logical positivism and functionalism offer valuable insights into the
nature of science, technology, and society. However, they also have their limitations and
should be approached critically and with an awareness of their potential biases and blind
spots.

Q2) Elucidate the impact of politicization pf Science on Scientists and Researchers with
special reference to the case of Nuclearization in Post-independent India.

Ans: Politicization of science occurs when scientific research and development are
influenced by political ideology or interests. This can have a significant impact on scientists
and researchers, as it can compromise the objectivity and integrity of their work. The case
of nuclearization in post-independent India is a prime example of the impact of
politicization of science on scientists and researchers.

After India gained independence in 1947, the country faced several challenges, including
food shortages, poverty, and security concerns. The government believed that nuclear
technology could help address these challenges, and initiated a nuclear program in 1948.
However, the nuclear program was also driven by political considerations, including the
desire to demonstrate India's scientific and technological capabilities, and to assert its
dominance in the region.

The politicization of the nuclear program had several impacts on scientists and
researchers in India. Firstly, the government's emphasis on nuclear technology led to a
shift in funding priorities, with more resources being allocated to nuclear research and
development at the expense of other areas of science and technology. This led to a brain
drain, as many talented scientists and researchers left India in search of better
opportunities and more supportive research environments.

Secondly, the political pressure to develop nuclear weapons led to a culture of secrecy and
mistrust in the scientific community. Scientists and researchers were not always fully
informed about the goals and objectives of the nuclear program, and were often required to
work in isolation, without the benefit of collaboration and peer review.

Finally, the politicization of the nuclear program had ethical implications for scientists and
researchers. Many scientists were uncomfortable with the idea of using nuclear technology
for military purposes, and some even resigned from their positions in protest. However, the
government's emphasis on national security and prestige made it difficult for scientists to
voice their concerns or express dissenting opinions.

In conclusion, the case of nuclearization in post-independent India highlights the impact of

politicization of science on scientists and researchers. It led to a shift in funding priorities,
brain drain, culture of secrecy and mistrust, and ethical concerns. This case underscores
the importance of maintaining the independence and objectivity of scientific research and
development, and the need for scientists to be able to pursue their work without political
interference or pressure.

Q3) Discuss any two major technological innovations during Industrial Revolution.

Ans: The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread
throughout Europe and North America, was characterized by a significant increase in the
use of machinery and technology in manufacturing and industry. Here are two major
technological innovations that emerged during the Industrial Revolution:

1) The Steam Engine: The steam engine, invented by James Watt in the late 18th
century, was a major technological innovation that revolutionized industry and
transportation. The steam engine used the energy from steam to power machinery and
equipment, making it possible to mechanize manufacturing and increase productivity. It
also revolutionized transportation, as steam-powered locomotives and steamships made it
possible to transport goods and people faster and more efficiently.

2) The Spinning Jenny: The Spinning Jenny, invented by James Hargreaves in the
1760s, was a spinning machine that could spin multiple threads at once, increasing the
speed and efficiency of textile production. Prior to the Spinning Jenny, spinning was done
by hand, and was a slow and labour-intensive process. The Spinning Jenny made it
possible to produce textiles on a large scale, and contributed to the growth of the textile
industry during the Industrial Revolution.

These two innovations had a profound impact on the economy, society, and culture of the
time, and laid the foundation for many of the technological advancements that followed. The
steam engine and the Spinning Jenny were instrumental in the development of modern
manufacturing, transportation, and communication, and played a critical role in shaping the
modern world.

Q4) Discuss the context that gave birth to Industrial Revolution in England.

Ans: The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid industrialization that took place in
England in the late 18th century and early 19th century. It marked a significant shift in the
way goods were produced, as manual labour was replaced by machines, and new
manufacturing processes were developed. The context that gave birth to the Industrial
Revolution in England can be attributed to several key factors:

1) Abundance of natural resources: England had abundant natural resources, such

as coal, iron ore, and water power, which provided the necessary raw materials and energy
for industrialization. This gave the country a competitive advantage in manufacturing, as it
was able to produce goods more efficiently and at a lower cost.

2) Population growth: England experienced a significant increase in population in

the 18th century, which created a demand for goods and services. This led to an increase in
trade and commerce, and created a market for new products and technologies.

3) Agricultural revolution: The agricultural revolution, which took place in England

in the 18th century, led to an increase in food production and a surplus of labour. This
surplus of labour provided the workforce needed for industrialization.

4) Capital accumulation: The growth of trade and commerce in England led to an

accumulation of capital, which was invested in new manufacturing technologies and
infrastructure.

5) Stable political and economic environment: England had a stable political and
economic environment, which provided a conducive environment for investment and
entrepreneurship. The country had a strong legal system and a stable government, which
provided the necessary stability and security for businesses to operate.

6) Technological advancements: There were several technological advancements in

England in the 18th century, such as the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom,
which revolutionized manufacturing and made it possible to produce goods on a larger
scale.

In conclusion, the context that gave birth to the Industrial Revolution in England can be
attributed to a combination of factors, including the abundance of natural resources,
population growth, agricultural revolution, capital accumulation, stable political and
economic environment, and technological advancements. These factors provided the
necessary conditions for industrialization to take place, and laid the foundation for the
modern industrial economy.

Q5) Discuss with examples how scientific knowledge has been patriarchal in nature.

Ans: Scientific knowledge has historically been patriarchal in nature, meaning that it has
been influenced by and reflective of male-dominated social, political, and cultural systems.
This has resulted in the exclusion of women and other marginalized groups from the
scientific community, as well as the perpetuation of gender and other forms of inequality in
scientific research and knowledge production. Here are a few examples of how scientific
knowledge has been patriarchal in nature:

1) Gender bias in medical research: Medical research has historically been

conducted on male subjects, with little consideration for the differences between male and
female bodies. This has resulted in a lack of understanding and knowledge of women's
health issues, and has led to inadequate treatment and care for women. For example, heart
disease was once considered a "male" disease, and women's symptoms and risk factors
were often overlooked or misdiagnosed as a result.

2) Exclusion of women from scientific institutions: Women have been excluded

from scientific institutions and research opportunities throughout history, due to social and
cultural norms that viewed science as a male domain. This has limited women's access to
education, training, and funding for scientific research, and has resulted in a lack of
diversity in scientific knowledge production. For example, it was not until the late 19th
century that women were admitted to universities in the United States, and even then, they
were often limited to certain fields of study.

3) Stereotyping in scientific research: Scientific research has often perpetuated

gender stereotypes and biases, both consciously and unconsciously. For example, studies
on intelligence have historically focused on differences between men and women, with
little consideration for other factors that may affect intelligence, such as race, class, or
culture. This has perpetuated the idea that men are more intelligent and rational than
women, and has contributed to the marginalization of women in scientific fields.

Overall, these examples demonstrate how scientific knowledge has been shaped by
patriarchal social structures and cultural biases, resulting in the exclusion of women and
other marginalized groups from the scientific community, as well as the perpetuation of
gender and other forms of inequality in scientific research and knowledge production. It is
important for scientists to recognize and address these biases in order to create a more
inclusive and equitable scientific community.

Q6) Discuss Daniel Bell's concept of Post-Industrial Society and how does it differ from
Industrial Society?

Ans: Daniel Bell's concept of post-industrial society is based on the idea that advanced
economies have moved beyond the traditional industrial model and are now characterized
by a new set of social and economic structures. According to Bell, the key features of post-
industrial society include:
 1) Knowledge-based Economy: In post-industrial society, knowledge and
information are the primary drivers of economic growth. This means that the production of
goods and services is increasingly based on intellectual capital, rather than physical labor.

2) Service Sector Dominance: Post-industrial societies are characterized by a shift

away from manufacturing and towards services. This means that the majority of the
workforce is employed in service-oriented industries such as finance, education, and
healthcare.

3) Technological Advancement: Post-industrial societies are marked by rapid

technological change, particularly in the areas of information and communication
technology (ICT). This has led to the development of new industries and the automation of
many traditional jobs.

4) Increased Importance of Intellectual and Creative Labour: In post-industrial

society, the value of intellectual and creative labour has increased significantly. This means
that education and training are essential for economic success, and that the ability to
generate and apply new ideas is highly valued.

In contrast to industrial society, which was characterized by mass production, a focus on

tangible goods, and a reliance on manual labour, post-industrial society is characterized by
a shift towards intangible goods, a focus on knowledge-based industries, and a reliance on
intellectual and creative labour.

Overall, Bell's concept of post-industrial society emphasizes the importance of knowledge

and innovation in driving economic growth, and suggests that social and economic
structures are evolving in response to these changes. While the post-industrial model has
been associated with many positive developments, it has also raised concerns about
inequality, job displacement, and the need for new forms of social organization to support
these changes.

Q7) Write a short on Lewis Mumford's conception of Monotechnics.

Ans: Lewis Mumford (1934, 1967) established an influential line of thinking about technology.
According to Mumford, technology comes in two varieties. Polytechnics are “life-oriented,”
integrated with broad human needs and potentials. Polytechnics produce small-scale and
versatile tools, useful for pursuing many human goals. Monotechnics produce “mega
machines” that can increase power dramatically, but by regimenting and dehumanizing. A
modern factory can produce extraordinary material goods, but only if workers are
disciplined to participate in the working of the machine.

(SERGIO SISMONDO VERSION)

OR
Ans: Lewis Mumford was an American historian and philosopher of technology who coined
the term "monotechnics" to describe a type of technological development that he saw as
problematic. According to Mumford, monotechnics is a one-dimensional approach to
technology that prioritizes efficiency and specialization at the expense of other values such
as human well-being, ecological sustainability, and social justice.
Mumford argued that monotechnics is characterized by a narrow focus on individual
machines or techniques, rather than a holistic view of technology as a complex social and
cultural phenomenon. This approach results in a fragmentation of knowledge and a lack of
consideration for the broader implications of technological developments.

Mumford identified several negative consequences of monotechnics, including the

degradation of the natural environment, the alienation of workers from their labour, and
the promotion of a culture of consumerism and materialism. He believed that monotechnics
had contributed to the rise of industrial capitalism and the domination of technology over
society, and that it was necessary to develop alternative approaches to technology that
were more democratic and humanistic.

In response to the problems of monotechnics, Mumford advocated for a more holistic and
integrated approach to technology that he called "polyculturalism." This approach would
prioritize social and ecological values in technological development, and would emphasize
the importance of human well-being, cultural diversity, and democratic participation in
shaping technological choices.

Overall, Mumford's conception of monotechnics highlights the dangers of a narrow and

one-dimensional approach to technology, and underscores the need for a more
comprehensive and socially responsible approach to technological development.

(CHATGPT VERSION)

Q8) Describe the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Social
Life.

Ans: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have had a significant impact on
social life in several ways. Here are a few examples:

1) Communication: ICTs have revolutionized communication by making it faster,

cheaper, and more convenient. With the rise of social media platforms, people can now
connect with each other across the globe in real-time, sharing news, opinions, and
experiences. This has facilitated the growth of online communities and has allowed people
to maintain long-distance relationships more easily. However, it has also led to concerns
about the quality of online communication and the impact of social media on mental health.

2) Work and Employment: ICTs have transformed the way work is done, making it
more flexible and mobile. With the rise of remote work, people can now work from
anywhere with an internet connection, and employers can tap into a global talent pool.
However, this has also led to concerns about the impact of remote work on work-life
balance, as well as issues related to job security and inequality.

3) Education: ICTs have also had a major impact on education, making it more
accessible and convenient. With the rise of online learning platforms, people can now
access educational resources from anywhere in the world, and at any time. This has the
potential to democratize education and make it more inclusive. However, it also raises
concerns about the quality of online learning and the potential for online platforms to
exacerbate educational inequalities.
 4) Social Interaction: ICTs have changed the way people interact with each other in
both positive and negative ways. While ICTs have made it easier for people to connect with
each other, they have also raised concerns about the impact of social media on social
skills, as well as the potential for online platforms to facilitate cyberbullying and other
negative behaviours.

Overall, ICTs have had a profound impact on social life, transforming the way people
communicate, work, learn, and interact with each other. While these developments have
brought many benefits, they have also raised several social and ethical concerns that will
need to be addressed in the coming years.