STS (Module 1, 2, 3)
STS (Module 1, 2, 3)
STS (Module 1, 2, 3)
Nature of Science
Science is a systematized knowledge derived from observation, study and experimentation
carried on in order to determine the nature of what is being studied.
It came from the Latin word scire (meaning to know). It was originally called “Philosophy of
the natural world.”
Science is a framework for gaining and organizing knowledge.
1. Honesty - allows a scientist to recognize the work done by other scientists before him. This
attitude is also shown by reporting data truthfully.
2. A scientist is open minded - Open-mindedness is an attitude that allows a scientist to look at
other possibilities.
3. Creative and Critical Thinking - enables a scientist to come up with new
concept which lead to discoveries that traditional scientists have overlooked.
4. Curiosity - enables a scientist to discover more about the things around him.
5. Persistent - enables a scientist to continue a project despite obstacles and failures.
6. Objectivity. A scientist must be objective in declaring results of his/her experiments and
judgment is based on observable phenomena and not influenced by emotions or personal
prejudices
7. Precision. A scientist must always consider the precision of his work if it forms a pattern or
repeatedly occurring in nature. Lack of precision would mean inconsistency.
8. Responsibility. The moral, social and personal responsibility and accountability of a scientist to
all of his works must be observed.
9. Collaboration. One needs to consider suggestion and recommendations of others for an
improved work.
Nature of Technology
The initial nature of technology is for survival. Steve Jobs, the pioneer of microcomputer
revolution say the thing that separates us from high primates is that we are tool builders. A
caveman created fire to warm himself, cook food to kill bacteria and protect himself from
predators.
Technology, science of craft, comes from the Greek word techne, is the collection of
techniques, skills, methods and processes.
Nature of Society
He said that man was a social animal by nature and who does not live in society was either a
beast or god, Aristotle.
The society is made up of community of people. Among these people are Scientist and
technologist.
Relationship Among Science, Technology and Society
Science and technology are the best society could ever ask for. Since the industrial revolution
in the 18th century science has been in progress.
Without society then there would be no science and technology and that is why the
inventions and innovations have helped achieve big things.
Science and technology has actually largely contributed to the vision of man about himself.
Science has been modified the opinion about the origin of man and place of origin too.
Health - one aspect of healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.
MODULE 2
NATURE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY