The document discusses several key aspects of science according to experts in the field. It states that science is empirical in nature and relies on observation, but also requires the use of reason. Theories in science provide frameworks for inquiry and are not infallible but change over time with new evidence. Creativity plays a role in science and society and culture influence the direction of science, though objectivity is maintained through peer review. Technology applies scientific knowledge but also contributes to it, though it has unintended effects. Finally, science and technology are human endeavors that are influenced by society.
The document discusses several key aspects of science according to experts in the field. It states that science is empirical in nature and relies on observation, but also requires the use of reason. Theories in science provide frameworks for inquiry and are not infallible but change over time with new evidence. Creativity plays a role in science and society and culture influence the direction of science, though objectivity is maintained through peer review. Technology applies scientific knowledge but also contributes to it, though it has unintended effects. Finally, science and technology are human endeavors that are influenced by society.
The document discusses several key aspects of science according to experts in the field. It states that science is empirical in nature and relies on observation, but also requires the use of reason. Theories in science provide frameworks for inquiry and are not infallible but change over time with new evidence. Creativity plays a role in science and society and culture influence the direction of science, though objectivity is maintained through peer review. Technology applies scientific knowledge but also contributes to it, though it has unintended effects. Finally, science and technology are human endeavors that are influenced by society.
systematic and organized body of knowledge gathered through empirical observations of nature. It is usually recognized as knowledge gathered through the scientific method. Science is not usually associated with the supernatural, paranormal, or transcendental. According to Lederman, the nature of science agreed upon by experts in the field include the following: Scientific knowledge is empirical in nature; that is, to be able to have scientific claims, one uses scientific one's senses. However, the use of reason in generating scientific knowledge is also imperative. Indeed, it is believed that observations are support to claims, rather than proofs to claims. This means that science is not just an objective endeavor, and subjectivity (personal bias, culture, social conditions, etc.) plays a role in science. Scientific theories provide framework for scientific inquiry. The importance of scientific theories cannot be stressed enough: through theories, we can generate new questions and endeavor to solve new problems, as well as guide our method of investigation. They are well-substantiated, evidential, and have explanatory power. However, they are not infallible to change. They may change as the society changes, as new evidence arises, or new technologies are developed.
Scientific laws have descriptive and
predictive power while scientific theories have explanatory power; thus, one is not superior than the other. Both theories and laws may change, depending on evidence. Science is a creative endeavor. Creativity, inventiveness, and resourcefulness is important in all aspects of science, from determining the problem needed o be solved to interpreting and analysis of data. Thus, there is no strict, rigid way of doing science. Society and culture influences science. Factors such as religion, gender, politics, economics, and race directs science to its path. However, there are ways to limit these factors to maintain a certain objectivity to the field. These include group consensus and peer review. Technology (from the Greek techne meaning "art, skill, or cunning of hand") is usually regarded as applied science.
However, this characterization of
technology usually fails when we think of technological advances before scientific knowledge. Examples range from the simple wheel to majestic structures such as the Great Wall of China, which existed and used before even knowledge in science has been developed. Thus, technology is sometimes referred to as a body of skills, knowledge, and products by which we can manipulate our environment to accomplish a goal. It not only obtains knowledge from science, it also contributes to it. However, it must be remembered that technology might have effects that is different from the intended, even with control. Society is "a group of people who share a culture, have economically interdependent members, and that (according to conventional definitions) reside in a specific geographical area". According to Durkheim, a French sociologist, "society is dependent on people sharing “essential ideas,” such as time, space, cause, and number. This sharing of concepts, even when their meanings are debated, gives individuals the categories that ground their communication With all of these being said, we can see that matters of science and technology are matters of society. It should always be remembered that science and technology are human endeavors; thus, society holds a crucial role in its development. It is society which dictates what should be studied and what to do with their discoveries. Activity 3: The Medawar Lecture 1998 Read Wolpert's The Medawar Lecture 1998: Is Science Dangerous? Create a one-page summary and reflection of the important points of this lecture. Does he believe that science and technology is dangerous? What was Wolpert's major points that support his claims? What role does the public or specific sectors of the public play in the purported dangers (or lack thereof) of science and technology? Which issue did you disagree upon? Why?