STS Exam 1 Latest 2023 Questions and Answers Complete
Why study STS?
Science, technology, and society are in a complex, intermingled relationship. It is
important to study this relationship because we are impacted by it everyday of
everyweek and there is no part of our lives that is not intwined in this relationship.
What is the purpose and goals of STS?
The purpose of STS is to develop an understanding of the way the world works, as well
as how the complex relationship between science, technology, and society works.
How does STS affects our lives?
Every minute of everyday, we are impacted by science and technology. We interact with
technology every moment, therefore, having an understanding of the complex
relationship between science, technology, and society is key to understanding our lives.
Causality
It is the relationship between a "cause" and the "effect"
Geniune causal relations are "musts" in the sense that if one thing happens, then the
second thing will happen.
Contingent Coicendences
These are events that occur that have no relation, even though at times they may
appear to be related.
They are important to understand when attempting to find logical fallacies
How do natural laws relate to causility?
Natural laws are of the form, "all F are G"
Therefore, to distinguish between causal relations and purely accidental ones, putting
them in the form of a natural law ensures causal relation.
Determinism
The belief that the present was determined by the past and the future wil be determined
by the present.
It is based on tradition and does not allow someone to think critically and observe the
world for what it truly is.
Progress
An enlightenment ideal that describes the positive advancement of mankind.
The enlightenment thinkers thought progress not only as the improvement of the
material conditions of everyday life, but also the prevailing social arrangements.
Not concerned with technology.
Technological Somnambulism
The notion that society is willing to sleepwalk through the process of reconstructing the
conditions of human existence.
What is the difference between technological somnambulism and technological
determinism?
, Technological somnambulism is the notion that society is willing to sleepwalk through
the process of reconstructing the conditions of human existence. In this notion, humans
choose to ignore the advancement of mankind.
Technological determinism is the notion that technological advancement is due to
changes in society and that humans have no other choice but to sit back and watch
everything unfold.
Why do we need to be awaken from technological somnambulism?
Through technological innovation, we make a world for ourselves to live in. There are, of
course, technological advancements that are not of great significance, but where there
are any substantial changes to human life coming at a cost of substantial social
resources, then it is beneficial to ask about the quality of the innovation in question.
How are technologies forms of life? Example?
"Forms of life" are the things that would make life unthinkable without them.
In the 1930's, people would laugh at the idea of someone watching T.V., but now,
people spend 1/3rd of their lives in front of a television. If someone was asked if they
"need" it, they could always answer that it can be turned off, but television is now a
central part of everyday life and communication. Therefore, television is a phenomon
that can not simply be turned off.
How does technology affect our language?
Technology has altered the way that we communicate in our everyday lives. It has
become common that we talk about technology everyday as if it were apart of us.
How did the Enlightenment define progress?
The Enlightenment thinkers defined progress as the advancement of mankind
spiritually.
Luddites
People who are physically or verbally opposed to technology.
How did the idea of progress changed during the 19th century?
People in the 19th century believed that progress happened, simply because it
happened, and that there was a special force behind progress; invention. They believed
that, if something could be done, then it should be done, and the question of "why?"
receeded in importance.
How do we define progress now?
Progress is now defined by the linkage between moral, social, and psychic progress
with technological advancement.
Progress is neither natural nor embedded in the structure of history. It happened
because society made it happen.
How do the aims of science and technology differ?
The aim of science is to develop a body of knowledge that describes reality.
The aim of technology is to employ justified beliefs to achieve practical solutions for
concrete problems.
Science
Why study STS?
Science, technology, and society are in a complex, intermingled relationship. It is
important to study this relationship because we are impacted by it everyday of
everyweek and there is no part of our lives that is not intwined in this relationship.
What is the purpose and goals of STS?
The purpose of STS is to develop an understanding of the way the world works, as well
as how the complex relationship between science, technology, and society works.
How does STS affects our lives?
Every minute of everyday, we are impacted by science and technology. We interact with
technology every moment, therefore, having an understanding of the complex
relationship between science, technology, and society is key to understanding our lives.
Causality
It is the relationship between a "cause" and the "effect"
Geniune causal relations are "musts" in the sense that if one thing happens, then the
second thing will happen.
Contingent Coicendences
These are events that occur that have no relation, even though at times they may
appear to be related.
They are important to understand when attempting to find logical fallacies
How do natural laws relate to causility?
Natural laws are of the form, "all F are G"
Therefore, to distinguish between causal relations and purely accidental ones, putting
them in the form of a natural law ensures causal relation.
Determinism
The belief that the present was determined by the past and the future wil be determined
by the present.
It is based on tradition and does not allow someone to think critically and observe the
world for what it truly is.
Progress
An enlightenment ideal that describes the positive advancement of mankind.
The enlightenment thinkers thought progress not only as the improvement of the
material conditions of everyday life, but also the prevailing social arrangements.
Not concerned with technology.
Technological Somnambulism
The notion that society is willing to sleepwalk through the process of reconstructing the
conditions of human existence.
What is the difference between technological somnambulism and technological
determinism?
, Technological somnambulism is the notion that society is willing to sleepwalk through
the process of reconstructing the conditions of human existence. In this notion, humans
choose to ignore the advancement of mankind.
Technological determinism is the notion that technological advancement is due to
changes in society and that humans have no other choice but to sit back and watch
everything unfold.
Why do we need to be awaken from technological somnambulism?
Through technological innovation, we make a world for ourselves to live in. There are, of
course, technological advancements that are not of great significance, but where there
are any substantial changes to human life coming at a cost of substantial social
resources, then it is beneficial to ask about the quality of the innovation in question.
How are technologies forms of life? Example?
"Forms of life" are the things that would make life unthinkable without them.
In the 1930's, people would laugh at the idea of someone watching T.V., but now,
people spend 1/3rd of their lives in front of a television. If someone was asked if they
"need" it, they could always answer that it can be turned off, but television is now a
central part of everyday life and communication. Therefore, television is a phenomon
that can not simply be turned off.
How does technology affect our language?
Technology has altered the way that we communicate in our everyday lives. It has
become common that we talk about technology everyday as if it were apart of us.
How did the Enlightenment define progress?
The Enlightenment thinkers defined progress as the advancement of mankind
spiritually.
Luddites
People who are physically or verbally opposed to technology.
How did the idea of progress changed during the 19th century?
People in the 19th century believed that progress happened, simply because it
happened, and that there was a special force behind progress; invention. They believed
that, if something could be done, then it should be done, and the question of "why?"
receeded in importance.
How do we define progress now?
Progress is now defined by the linkage between moral, social, and psychic progress
with technological advancement.
Progress is neither natural nor embedded in the structure of history. It happened
because society made it happen.
How do the aims of science and technology differ?
The aim of science is to develop a body of knowledge that describes reality.
The aim of technology is to employ justified beliefs to achieve practical solutions for
concrete problems.
Science
