UNIVERSITY OF

PERPETUAL HELP
SYSTEM DALTA

STS REVIEWER
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY and The realization that discoveries
SOCIETY (STS) and inventions are shaped by
historical forces and in turn
The intellectual roots of STS lie in
influence values, aspirations,
the history, philosophy and social
events and institutions, thus
study of science and technology.
shaping the course of history.
An arena where often-
S and T in social and cultural
controversial issues and choices
context.
interface with values and
Both academic and activist.
influence public policy.
Prepares students to understand ACADEMIC STS
both the technical and social
dimensions of science and Scholarly Study of Science and
technology. Technology.
helps them become more History, Philosophy, Sociology of
thoughtful and better-informed S&T.
citizens of our high-tech society. Interdisciplinary and
and develops their critical multidisciplinary.
interdisciplinary thinking, Perennial and structural problems
research and communication of history, philosophy and human
skills. nature.
Students flourish intellectually in Science dynamics
an environment where critical Technological dynamics
questioning is encourage and Informs activist STS issues
opportunities for research are ACTIVIST STS
abundant.
Gets involved in current issues.
ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, STS IS…
Covers a broad social spectrum (not just
Interdisciplinary education for life. academic).
Relevant to every field of study.
Builds coalitions:
A great major or double major or
“the minor for all majors”. 1. Awareness of a problem
A way to improve your writing
2. Need to take responsibility
and communications skills,
problem-solving abilities and 3. Draw on external expertise
ability to adapt to changes in 4. Make decisions and take actions
science and technology. (demonstrate, litigate, educate, legislate,
Attractive to potential employers. etc.,)
Needed at all levels, in education,
government, the private sector Strengths – relevance, empowerment,
democratic
and internationally.
Interdisciplinary study of the Weakness – emotional, NIMBY (not in
interaction of science and my backyard)
technology with society and
Example: nuclear power, toxic wastes,
culture. health care, climate change action.
Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City, 1740 Philippines • Tel. No.: (02) 871-0639
www.perpetualdalta.edu.ph
Las Piñas Campus
 UNIVERSITY OF
PERPETUAL HELP
SYSTEM DALTA
What does it mean to be a human? COMMUNITY – discipline, education,
credentials, careers, patrons and
TWO POSSIBILITIES
societies.
HOMO SAPIENS SAPIENS – primates
PROCESS – organized, but very
who think (a lot), contemplative.
diverse activity shaped by social forces
HOMO FARBER – primates who make and historical change.
things, manipulative.
IN GENERAL:
SCIENCE IS….
Science is an organized,
Natural knowledge hierarchical activity that
Natural philosophy investigates nature and human
Natural history nature by experiment and
Systematic inquiry into nature observation.
A human cultural activity Its goals are explanation,
A total societal enterprise understanding, prediction and
With vast social consequences control.
Organized, well-founded It tests its theories by logical,
knowledge of nature and human mathematical and technological
nature means.
“A sophisticated intellectual Science is shaped by social
version of Esperanto or the forces and historical change.
universal language that the While seeking objectivity, science
heroes of the scientific revolution also shapes culture.
imagined as an instrument of
TECHNOLOGY
global communication”.
“The cutting edge of ignorance”. a. ARTIFACTS OR HARDWARE.
Product fabricated by humans to meet
HOW DO WE DEFINE SCIENCE? specific needs. Tools, machines and
CONTENT – body of organized implements.
knowledge about nature b. KNOWLEDGE AND METHODS.
- From Latin scientia – knowledge A system of tacit and explicit knowledge,
techniques and materials utilized in
METHOD – of obtaining that knowledge, using, making or repairing a certain kind
experiment, observation, hypothesis, of artifact.
theory, law.
c. A HUMAN CULTURAL ACTIVITY
ATTITUDE – organized and systematic OR PROFESSION.
skepticism. E.g military or civil engineers, crafters
and machinists.
GOALS – explanation, understanding,
prediction and control. d. A TOTAL SOCIETAL
ENTERPRISES. E.g.
LANGUAGE – mathematics and
“American technological know-how”.
technical vocabulary.
R&D, invention, patronage, mass
TOOLS – uses instruments and production and mass consumption.
technologies.

Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City, 1740 Philippines • Tel. No.: (02) 871-0639
www.perpetualdalta.edu.ph
Las Piñas Campus
 UNIVERSITY OF
PERPETUAL HELP
SYSTEM DALTA
WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?
A discourse or treatise on an art
or arts.
The scientific study of the
practical or industrial arts.
Techne (art, craft, skill). Logos
(word).

Some other attempts at definitions:

Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City, 1740 Philippines • Tel. No.: (02) 871-0639
www.perpetualdalta.edu.ph
Las Piñas Campus