STS: Chapter 1 & 2

Cards (144)

  • What is one definition of science according to the study material?
    Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.
  • How does science relate to the natural and social world?
    Science helps us understand the natural and social world through systematic methodologies based on evidence.
  • What are the four meanings of science according to McGinn (1991)?
    1. As a knowledge, 2. As a field of systematic inquiry into nature, 3. As a form of human cultural activity, 4. As a total societal enterprise.
  • What are the key characteristics of science according to UnderstandingScience.org?
    • Focuses on the natural world
    • Aims to explain the natural world
    • Uses testable ideas
    • Relies on evidence
    • Involves the scientific community
    • Leads to ongoing research
    • Benefits from scientific behavior
  • Why does science not make moral judgments?

    Science describes how the world is but does not judge whether that state of affairs is right or wrong.
  • What is the relationship between science and technology?
    Science provides the knowledge and understanding that drives technological progress.
  • What is the definition of technology according to the study material?
    Technology is the use of scientific knowledge and/or empirical know-how for the production, improvement, and distribution of goods and services.
  • What are the three ways W. Brian Arthur defined technology in his book?
    1. Technology is a means to fulfill a human purpose.
    2. Technology is an assemblage of practices and components.
    3. Technology is a collection of devices and engineering practices available to culture.
  • What are the three main components of Arthur's conceptual framework regarding technology?
    1. New technologies result from the combination of existing technologies, 2. Existing technologies consist of smaller technologies, 3. All technologies make use of one or more natural phenomena or effects.
  • What are some of the top technology trends for 2024 according to Nikita Duggal?

    • AI-Generated Content
    • Virtual Reality (VR) 2.0
    • Precision Agriculture
    • Edge Computing
    • Green Energy Technologies
    • Quantum Computing
    • Augmented Reality (AR) in Retail
    • Autonomous Vehicles
    • Personalized Medicine
    • Wearable Health Monitors
    • Space Tourism
    • AI in Cybersecurity
    • Telemedicine
    • 5G Expansion
    • Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart Cities
    • Blockchain Beyond Crypto
    • Neuromorphic Computing
    • Extended Reality (XR) for Training
    • Synthetic Media
    • Digital Twins
    • Nanotechnology
    • Voice Activated Technology
    • Advanced Robotics
    • Sustainable Technology
  • How do disparities in economic standing and national progress affect the experience of technological impacts?
    They may cause variations in how different nations experience the impacts of technological advancements.
  • What are the three general categories of societies according to sociologists?
    1. Pre-Industrial Society
    2. Industrialized Societies
    3. Post-Industrial Societies
  • What characterizes a pre-industrial society?
    Primary economic activity is the production of food using human and animal labor.
  • What characterizes industrialized societies?
    They have enhanced production efficacy resulting in a surplus of agricultural and manufactured goods.
  • What characterizes post-industrial societies?
    They emphasize information, services, and advanced technology over the production of goods.
  • What are the six distinct relationships between science, technology, and society?
    1. Science influences technology.
    2. Technology influences science.
    3. Society influences science.
    4. Science influences society.
    5. Technology influences society.
    6. Society influences technology.
  • How does science contribute to technological progress?
    Science provides the knowledge and understanding that drives the development of innovative technologies.
  • What is the role of the scientific community in the progress of science?
    The scientific community generates scientific ideas, tests those ideas, publishes scientific journals, organizes conferences, and trains scientists.
  • What is the significance of ongoing research in science?
    Ongoing research leads to new inquiries and improves our understanding of the universe.
  • Why is it important to cultivate a scientific mindset?
    It includes traits such as inquisitiveness, integrity, adaptability, and open-mindedness, which benefit any field of study.
  • What are some limitations of science mentioned in the study material?
    Science does not make moral or aesthetic judgments, does not dictate the use of scientific knowledge, and cannot study supernatural explanations.
  • How does technology relate to economic activity?
    Technology is more related to economic activity as it involves the production, improvement, and distribution of goods and services.
  • What is the significance of understanding the interplay between science, technology, and society?

    It helps us comprehend how these elements influence each other and shape our world.
  • What are post-industrial societies characterized by?
    A greater emphasis on information, services, and advanced technology than on the production of goods
  • What is the interplay between Science, Technology, and Society?
    • They have bidirectional links
    • Each can impact the others
    • There are six distinct relationships among them
  • How does science contribute to technological progress?
    Science provides the knowledge and understanding that drives technological progress
  • What role do scientific theories play in the development of new materials?
    They serve as a basis for developing materials that have the potential to be beneficial
  • How does technology alter scientific research?
    Technology changes the methods and tools used in scientific research
  • What significant advancement did the telescope provide for astronomy?

    It enhanced our capacity to carry out astronomical studies
  • What is one of the major achievements of space telescopes?
    They have captured images of a black hole and its surrounding matter
  • What are some impacts of technology on society?
    Technology has significant impacts through social media, the internet, and blockchain technology
  • How has technology contributed to economic development?
    It has enabled the manufacturing of materials integral to daily life and sustainable food production
  • What is one of the most severe applications of technology?
    The creation of weapons capable of causing widespread destruction
  • How does society influence technological advancement?
    Society can propel technological advancement through necessity
  • In what way does science address societal issues?
    Science aids in finding solutions to social issues that face the actual world
  • How does science deepen our understanding of society?
    Through fields like sociology, anthropology, and economics
  • How can society impact the development of scientific theories?
    Society can drive the creation of hypotheses based on its needs and values
  • What is one example of how scientific theory has altered human behavior?
    Germ theory has changed food safety procedures and hygiene practices
  • How do science, technology, and society interrelate?
    Each determines the future of the others
  • What is the STS approach?
    • A new academic field focusing on Science, Technology, and Society
    • Studies the interaction between technical and social phenomena
    • Explores how modern science and technology shape culture and values