Introduction to

Science,
Technology and
Society
GERALD M. SALAS
Understanding
Science, Technology,
and Society (STS)
• STS is an interdisciplinary field that explores the
interplay among science, technology, and society
• Science focuses on the systematic study of the
natural world through observation and
experimentation
• Technology is the practical application of scientific
knowledge, encompassing techniques, skills, and
methods
• Society consists of a group of people living within a
defined area, subject to common political authority
and sharing a distinct identity
Importance
and
Implications of
STS
• STS serves as a lens to examine ethical,
social, and environmental impacts of
scientific and technological advancements
• The field raises critical questions, such as
bioethical concerns in the development of
GMOs
• Provides a framework for responsible
innovation, encouraging ethical and
sustainable practices in science and
technology
• Traditional science is often rooted in • Modern science is characterized by
indigenous knowledge systems and is collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and a
deeply embedded in local cultures. focus on societal benefits.
• Practices like "kaingin" in the Philippines • It involves systematic methods like
exemplify traditional agricultural methods hypothesis formulation, data collection,
passed down through generations. analysis, and peer review.
• Herbal medicine practices such as using • Technological advancements like GIS are
"lagundi" and "tawa-tawa" for treating leveraged for applications like risk
ailments are community-based and assessment in disaster-prone areas.
localized. • Challenges include ethical considerations
• Challenges include lack of documentation, and the environmental impact of
making it difficult to validate and technological advancements.
standardize these traditional methods.

Traditional Science vs Modern Science

Key Scientific Method
Components The scientific method is a structured approach to
inquiry that is foundational to the scientific
disciplines.

of Science,
Technology, Technological Innovations
Technological innovations have been instrumental in

and Society advancing scientific research and societal

development.

Social Structures and Norms

Social structures and norms significantly influence
how science and technology are applied and
received in society.
The Scientific
Method
• Structured approach to inquiry foundational
to scientific disciplines.
• Steps include observation, question
formation, hypothesis, experimentation, data
collection, conclusion, and publication.
• Often used in environmental science to study
impacts of human activities, such as mining
effects on water quality in the Philippines.
Technological
Innovations
• Advances in AI are revolutionizing healthcare,
including telemedicine in remote areas of the
Philippines.
• Renewable energy technologies like solar
and wind are becoming more efficient and
affordable.
• Blockchain is improving transparency in
governance, and precision agriculture is
enhancing farming practices.
Social Structures
and Norms
• The "Bayanihan" spirit exemplifies
community cooperation during natural
disasters in the Philippines.
• Traditional gender roles have influenced
career choices, but initiatives are
encouraging more women in STEM.
• Indigenous knowledge is being integrated
into modern conservation efforts.
 changing privacy
financial concerns.
transactions • Remote
. Technological Impact on Social
work
• Telemedicin technologie
Innovations
e has
in the Structures
s are
and Norms
becomePhilippines altering
vital during work
the COVID- culture and
19 blurring
pandemic. work-life
• E- boundaries.
commerce • Online
platforms learning
like Lazada highlights
are the digital
transformin divide, and
g retail, and consumer
ride-sharing behavior is
apps like shifting
Grab are towards
altering online
 • Science, technology, and society (STS) are
The deeply interconnected, each influencing
the other in various ways.
Interconnected • Advances in science often lead to
technological innovations, which have
Nature of STS social, economic, and ethical implications.
• Public perception, cultural attitudes, and
government policies can influence the
direction of scientific research and
technological development.
 The Interconnected Nature of
STS

How How Society

How Science
Technology Influences
Influences
• Medical advancements from scientific Influences
• Technological advancements in • Science
Public opinionand
and ethical considerations
Society
research have increased life expectancy
and improved quality of life.
communication have
Society Technology
can steer the direction of scientific
revolutionized societal research, such as debates around stem
• Scientific studies on environmental issues interactions. cell research.
have led to increased public awareness • Automation in industries can both • Government policies and funding often
and policy changes, especially in the create and eliminate jobs, leading dictate the focus areas of scientific
Philippines. to shifts in employment research, like the emphasis on renewable
• Economic development is often driven by
landscapes. energy in the Philippines.
technological innovations stemming from
• The rise of big data and analytics • Cultural beliefs and norms, like the
scientific research, such as the BPO
has raised ethical concerns about "Bayanihan" spirit, can impact the
industry in the Philippines.
data privacy and security. adoption and utilization of technology in
community-based solutions.
The Role of • The interplay between science, technology,

Science, and society (STS) is crucial for addressing

global challenges like climate change, poverty,

Technology, and and public health crises.

• This triad collaborates to provide

Society in comprehensive solutions to pressing issues

affecting humanity on a global scale.

Addressing
Global
Challenges
 Climate Poverty
Public
Change and Alleviation
Health and
Environmen and
Medical
tal Economic
Advanceme • Scientific studies on social
Sustainabilit
• Scientific research provides • Scientific research in medicineDeliverables
Developme
essential data for nts structures and economic
y has led to life-saving vaccines,
models
What is the
ntinform
expected policymaking
output?
understanding climate change, treatments, and preventive
leading to initiatives like fornecessary
Include any poverty alleviation.
information,
measures, such as the rapid
coastal protection in the such as • Technological
submission innovations like
guidelines.
development of COVID-19
Philippines. mobile banking and e-
vaccines.
• Technological solutions such as commerce platforms empower
• Technological innovations like
renewable energy technologies impoverished communities by
telemedicine and health Assessmentproviding economic
help mitigate climate change informatics improve healthcare
effects. opportunities.
delivery and patient outcomes. What are the criteria for assessment?
• Societal actions, including • Societal impact through social
• Public awareness and You can opt to use bullet points.
grassroots movements and welfare programs and
government policies, shaped Expound on the criteria as needed.
policy changes, are influenced community-driven initiatives,
by scientific evidence, are
by scientific evidence and play often backed by scientific
crucial for the effective
a key role in promoting research, plays a vital role in
implementation of public
environmental sustainability. poverty alleviation.
health initiatives.
 • Ethical considerations guide the conduct of
Ethical scientific research, the development and
implementation of technological innovations, and
Considerations societal engagement with these advancements.
• Ethical dimensions are integral to the relationship
in STS between science, technology, and society.
 • Informed consent is crucial in research involving human
subjects, ensuring participants are fully aware of risks and
benefits.
1 Scientific Research • Data privacy is a must, especially in sensitive areas like
medical or social research.
• Animal welfare is also a concern, requiring humane treatment
and justifiable scientific reasons for their use in research.

• Informed consent is crucial in research involving human

subjects, ensuring participants are fully aware of risks and
benefits.
2 Technological Innovations • Data privacy is a must, especially in sensitive areas like
medical or social research.
• Animal welfare is also a concern, requiring humane treatment
and justifiable scientific reasons for their use in research.

• Public awareness about the ethical implications of scientific

and technological advancements is a societal responsibility.
• Policy and regulation should reflect ethical considerations and
3 Societal Engagement
often rely on scientific data for informed decision-making.
• Community involvement plays a vital role in shaping ethical
standards and policies, such as grassroots movements.
Key Points • STS is an interdisciplinary field that explores the
complex relationships among science, technology, and
society.
• Advances in science often lead to technological
innovations, which in turn have social, economic, and
ethical implications.
• Society shapes and is shaped by scientific and
technological advancements, influencing public
perception, cultural attitudes, and government policies.
• Ethical considerations guide the conduct and
application of science and technology, affecting societal
engagement.
• STS is pivotal in addressing global challenges such as
climate change, public health, and poverty alleviation.
• Understanding the intricate relationship between
science, technology, and society is crucial for balancing
the benefits and risks associated with scientific and
Thank you for listening

GERALD M. SALAS
Assistant Professor IV