Chapter 1

Science, Technology,
and Society: An Introduction
1
Content
Comparison and relationship of Science and Technology
Importance of Science and Technology in Contemporary society
Historical antecedents
Ancient Era
Middle Age
Modern Age
Causes and effects of scientific technological developments

2
Technology and Society

Technology
The totality of means employed to provide objects
necessary for human sustenance and comfort
Changes the environment and society
Automobile
 Development of petroleum industry
 Social impacts
 Pollution and global warming

3
Technology and Society

 Society
 Creates filters for technology

4
Science and Technology

Science Technology

Search for knowledge  Practical application of

knowledge
Way of understanding ourselves  Way of adapting
and the physical world ourselves to the physical
Process of asking questions and world
 Process of finding
finding answers, then creating solutions to human
broad generalizations problems to make lives
Looks for order or patterns in the easier
 Looksand
for better
ways to control
physical world the physical world
Evaluated by how well the facts  Evaluated by how well it
support the conclusion or theory works
Limited by the ability to collect  Limited by financial costs
relevant facts and safety concerns
Discoveries give rise to  Advances give rise to scientific
technological advances discoveries

5
The Relationship Between Science and Technology

Technology Science

Experience-based Understanding of
Nature
Provide tool for Title
Add your text
scientific Derive technology
observation and development
experiments

Science-based Derive progress of

technology science

Acceleration of
6 technological change
The Nature of Science

Science is a process, not a list of discoveries

Science can prove a generalization is not true,
but cannot prove that is true
Influenced by society

7
8