Interaction of Science, Technology, and Society
•The interaction between science, technology, and
society (STS) is a dynamic and multifaceted
relationship that has evolved over time.
•Together, science, technology, and society can
develop novel solutions and improve conditions.
• New discoveries have the power to improve lives,
boost economies, and address societal issues.
•Scientific research enables us to comprehend nature
better and solve significant global issues
Benefits
●Healthcare Advancements: Innovations in medical
technology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic tools have
improved life expectancy and quality of life.
Benefits
Communication: The development of the internet, smartphones,
and social media has transformed how people communicate,
access information, and form communities.
Benefits
Transportation: Advances in engineering and technology have
revolutionized transportation, making it faster, safer, and more
efficient.
.
Benefits
Education: Technology has changed how education is
delivered, with online learning platforms and digital resources
making education more accessible.
Benefits
Economic Growth: Technological innovations drive economic
development by creating new industries and job opportunities.
CASE STUDY
Major Technology impacts (both positive and negative)
– on society.
Major technology impacts – both positive and negative – on
society.
The Internet
Perhaps the most significant
development in recent decades
It has changed every single aspect
of everyday existence
The benefits to individuals and to
society are truly immense –
freedom, convenience,
collaboration, speed, knowledge,
learning, entertainment, and so on.
●Screen exposure – children are exposed to bright screens from a very
early stage. This can be detrimental to their eyesight and overall
health.
●Internet addiction – children, and even adults, tend to get hooked onto
the internet via their devices, to the exclusion of any other form of
social interaction
●Social Isolation–over-reliance on the internet affects people’s
interactions socially, they tend to isolate themselves from society
●Privacy loss – inadequate controls or misuse of the internet can lead to
cyber-crimes such as online fraud, identity theft and other loss of
private information
Social Networking
An important byproduct of the internet has been the
growth and availability of dedicated websites and
applications such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn and many more,to interact with other users –
friends, family, even strangers – and to find other users
of similar interests and inclinations as ours.
Social Networking
This too has tremendous benefits to society – instant
communication ability, furthering knowledge boundaries,
developing new hobbies and pursuits, building professional
careers,
Drawbacks
●You may be subjected to cyber-bullying and trolling based
on the views you hold and share
●You may be drawn into and influenced by fringe groups that
are racist or have other such undesirable inclinations such
as cyber-crimes
●could lead to mental and emotional traumas such as
depression, isolation, even suicide
Genetic Engineering
The discovery of genes and the ability to map the
genomes of humans, plants and animals, has led to
remarkable advances in many fields, notably in food
and medicine.
This relatively recent technology innovation has
created a new field known as Genetic Engineering.
Scientists have embarked on artificially
reconstructing DNA in seeds, plants and animals
with diverse benefits, mostly focused around issues
of hunger and health
Genetic Engineering
●To make food taste better, last longer, be more nutritious
●To increase crop yield, reduce water, fertilizer and
pesticide usage, make plants more resistant to disease
●To grow food with more health-giving qualities and to
reduce or eliminate disease or infection causing nature of
foods (for example, potatoes when fried are less likely to
cause cancer)
●To create infertility in insects which spread disease, such
as mosquitos
●To clone animals and other organisms
Drawbacks
Genetic engineering too can have adverse
impact on our lives.
Foremost is the ethical issue of whether
humans should interfere with nature and
create food and animal strains that are “not
natural”.
Genetically modified crops could create
allergies in some people or may even be
toxic.
Gene transfers in plants may not suit all
species.
Pollen produced by genetically modified
plants could be toxic to insects and to the
plants that these insects carry it to.
1.Which is NOT an advantage of science and technology to society?
1.Rapid means of transport
2.Remote means of communication
3.Depletion of natural resources
4.Novel means of entertainment
1.Which of these is NOT a negative impact of the Internet on
society?
1.Freedom and convenience
2.Screen exposure
3.Social isolation
4.Privacy loss
1.Which of these is NOT an advantage of social networking to society?
1.Instant communication ability
2.Cyber-bullying and trolling
3.Developing new hobbies and pursuits
4.Building professional careers
SOURCES OF HISTORY ON SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
SOURCES OF HISTORY ON SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA
•India has a rich and diverse history of science and
technology that spans a period of a thousand years.
•The sources of this history are varied,
encompassing ancient texts, archaeological
findings, historical documents, institutional records,
and more.
Ancient Texts
Vedas : These are some of the oldest texts in Indian
literature, dating back to the second millennium BCE.
They contain early references to astronomy,
mathematics, and medicine.
Ancient Texts
There are four Vedas:
the Rigveda.
the Yajurveda.
the Samaveda
and the Atharvaveda.
Rigveda
Rigveda-RigVeda was composed
during the Early Vedic Age. The
other three were written in the
Later Vedic Age.
●Rig Veda – this is the oldest
religious text in the world. It
contains 1028 hymns and is
classified into 10 mandalas.
Sama Veda
Sama Veda – deals with music.
Indian music is said to be
originated from Sama Veda.
Yajur Veda
Yajur Veda – this deals with the ways to
perform rituals.
Samhitas and Brahmanas: These texts include significant
astronomical and mathematical content, such as the
Shulba Sutras, which discuss geometry.
Puranas and Epics: Texts like the Mahabharata and
Ramayana contain references to various technologies
and scientific concepts, such as advanced weaponry and
flying machines (vimanas).
Classical Scientific Texts
Aryabhatiya by Aryabhata: This 5th-century CE text is one of the earliest
known Indian works on mathematics and astronomy.
Brahmasphutasiddhanta by Brahmagupta: Written in the 7th century CE,
this text is significant for its contributions to algebra and astronomy.
Sushruta Samhita: An ancient Indian text on surgery and medicine,
attributed to Sushruta, dating back to the 6th century BCE.
Charaka Samhita: A foundational text of Ayurveda, attributed to Charaka,
focusing on medicine and healthcare.
Archaeological Evidence
Indus Valley Civilization: Excavations at sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-
Daro reveal advanced urban planning, architecture, and metallurgy from
as early as 3300 BCE.
Iron Age Artifacts: Discoveries of iron tools and weapons from various
parts of India indicate advanced metallurgical practices from the early
1st millennium BCE.
Ancient Observatories: Structures like the Jantar Mantar observatories
built in the 18th century CE in several Indian cities reflect advanced
knowledge of astronomy.
137 Iron age tools
Jantar Mantar , New Delhi
Historical Documents
Travelogues and Accounts: Writings of foreign travelers like
Al-Biruni, Hiuen Tsang, and Marco Polo provide insights into
the scientific and technological practices in ancient and
medieval India.
Royal Inscriptions: Edicts and inscriptions, such as those by
Emperor Ashoka, provide information on the use of
technology in administration and infrastructure
development.
Colonial Records
British East India Company Records: Documents from
the colonial period provide insights into the state of
Indian science and technology during the 18th and 19th
centuries.
Gazetteers and Surveys: Detailed surveys and gazetteers
produced by British administrators contain extensive
information on Indian agriculture, industry, and scientific
practices.
Institutional Archives
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Archives and records from IITs,
established post-independence, highlight the development of modern
science and technology education in India.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): Documents and mission
reports from ISRO provide a history of India’s space exploration efforts.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Publications and
records from CSIR, which was established in 1942, chronicle scientific
research and industrial development in India.
Biographies and Personal Papers
Works of Prominent Scientists: Biographies and
collected works of Indian scientists like C.V. Raman,
Homi J. Bhabha, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam provide personal
insights into scientific advancements.
Letters and Diaries: Personal papers of scientists and
technologists offer a more intimate view of their
contributions and the challenges they faced.
Museums and Libraries
National Science Centre, Delhi: Exhibits and archives focusing
on the history of science and technology in India.
Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata: Collections
that showcase the technological heritage of India.
Government and University Libraries: Libraries like the
National Library in Kolkata and various university libraries
house extensive collections of scientific and technological
literature.
Research Papers and Journals
Academic Publications: Research papers published in
journals like "Current Science" and "Indian Journal of
History of Science" provide scholarly insights into
various aspects of the history of science and technology
in India.
Conference Proceedings: Documents from conferences
on the history of science and technology offer
collections of research papers and discussions on
relevant topics.
Oral Histories and Traditions
Folklore and Oral Traditions: Indigenous knowledge systems and
traditional practices, passed down through generations, provide
valuable insights into historical technological practices.
Interviews with Practitioners: Oral histories from traditional
craftsmen, artisans, and practitioners of indigenous technologies
offer firsthand accounts of historical methods and innovations.