Science (from the Latin scientia meaning

knowledge) is usually thought of as an

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?