Generally, science and technology studies are concerned with the creation, development, and consequences of scientific and technological knowledge. This includes the study of the creation, development, and consequences of science and technology in social, historical, and cultural contexts.
Myths
Throughout the history of science and technology, myths have played a crucial role in shaping the culture of the field. Stories about great scientists and events in the history of science have helped young scientists understand the collective benefits of their research.
Many of these stories are based on real events. For instance, Christopher Columbus feared that oceans would be too large. However, the Trojan Horse was not a huge-scale model of a horse. Similarly, Piltdown man was a fossilized skull, mixed with human and ape features. Despite the fact that carbon dating methods have revealed that the man was no more than 50,000 years old, the man was promoted as the best specimen of a “missing link” between man and ape.
During the early years of the digital revolution, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s, AI centered on the possibility of creating intelligent brains. This was done by combining jaw and skull fragments from two species. Dawson also filed teeth to fit the fragments, giving the illusion of age.
Current scientific issues
Among the current scientific issues in science and technology is the need for coherent scientific policy. This can help prevent the loss of a technological and intellectual environment. It can also address the plethora of pressing issues facing the world.
Some of the big science projects of the past several decades included the Manhattan Project, peaceful exploitation of nuclear energy, and a mission to the moon. These projects fueled the imaginations of citizens and arose major investments in science education. Today’s leaders should acknowledge the need for scientific expertise and recognize the value of science education.
The best way to achieve these goals is through well-directed research. This should include research into climate change. It should also include an increased focus on public engagement. It is critical that citizens understand the science and technology that is shaping their lives.
There are several ways to go about this. One is through the creation of large-scale Academic Year Institutes, which can be organized by states. Another is through the formation of think tanks that can explore on-demand matters.
Pragmatism in science & technology
During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, pragmatism emerged as a philosophical movement that emphasized the social construction of knowledge. It was also concerned with the relationship between science and common sense. The pragmatists’ view is that knowledge is produced by human actions and that these are inextricably linked to past experiences. They propose that this relationship between science and common sense can be reformulated and bridged to make a more productive relationship between science and technology.
The pragmatist’s proposal involves tracing back an ontological conflict between scientific and common sense objects and practices. It also aims to test the validity of a theory with the most appropriate research method. Ultimately, the pragmatist’s overriding concern is whether a methodology is useful.
The pragmatist researcher is involved in all stages of the research process, from selecting the most appropriate method to collecting data. They are also involved in the creation of theories.
The pragmatist’s worldview focuses on the democratic processes, including the pursuit of justice and equality. It also stresses the importance of imagination. It is defined as the ability to see possibilities and uncover moral tendencies in present conditions.
