Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that studies the complex relationships and interactions between scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and social contexts. It examines how science and technology are created, developed, and embedded within society, and how they in turn influence social, political, and cultural values and processes
Key Aspects of STS
- Interdisciplinary Approach: STS integrates tools and perspectives from philosophy, history, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and other disciplines to understand science and technology beyond their technical aspects, focusing on their social dimensions
- Focus Areas:
- The nature and authority of science, including what counts as scientific knowledge and how it differs from pseudoscience.
- The impact of scientific discoveries and technological developments on societies.
- The influence of political, cultural, and social factors on scientific inquiry and technological innovation.
- How scientific knowledge and technology are communicated, interpreted, and trusted by the public
- Societal Interdependence: Science advances knowledge about the world, which drives technological innovation; technology shapes societal development; and society influences the direction and acceptance of scientific and technological progress
- Educational and Practical Goals: STS programs prepare students to critically reflect on science and technology within societal contexts, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping them to address real-world issues such as public health, environmental challenges, policy-making, and science communication
Historical Context
STS emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as scholars from various disciplines began to view science and technology as socially embedded enterprises. It has since grown into a recognized academic field with numerous programs worldwide
. In summary, Science, Technology, and Society is a field that explores how science and technology are intertwined with social factors, shaping and being shaped by cultural, political, and economic forces, ultimately influencing modern life and human flourishing
