Iloilo Science and Technology University

GE 7 SCI: Science, Technology, and Society

Lesson 2: Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society
Intellectual Property of Dr. Jasper L. Pastrano

Introduction to Science, Technology, and Society

Welcome to the fascinating study of Science, Technology, and Society (STS). This interdisciplinary field connects the dots between
three critical aspects of our modern world - the scientific phenomena that govern our natural world, the technological tools we have
engineered to manipulate it, and the social structures within which both of these exist and evolve.
In the STS study, we are not just concerned with the mechanics of science and technology, but also their impact and influence on the
societies we live in. We explore questions like - How has technology shaped our social norms, culture, and behaviors? How have
societal needs and pressures directed the course of scientific research and technological innovation? And importantly, how should
we navigate the ethical, political, and social implications of rapidly advancing technologies and scientific understanding?
This is a field that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of scientific or technological studies. It requires a deep understanding of
history, sociology, philosophy, and ethics, all of which contribute to our overall understanding of the complex relationship between
science, technology, and society.
The course is designed to open your mind to the multifaceted role of science and technology in our lives. It will foster a critical
understanding of both the opportunities and challenges we face in the 21st century - from artificial intelligence and genetic
engineering to climate change and data privacy.
As we delve into the intricacies of STS, remember that this field is not just about understanding the world as it is, but also about
envisioning and shaping the world as it could be. So, get ready to explore, question, and reimagine the interplay between science,
technology, and society. Your journey starts here. Welcome aboard.

Interaction between Science, Technology, and Society

1. Influence Of Science And Technology On Society
A. Innovation and Economic Development:
Technological advancements drive economic growth by increasing efficiency, creating new industries, and opening new avenues for
commerce and work.
Example: Internet Revolution - The advent of the Internet has drastically transformed the global economy. It has increased
productivity by streamlining communication and enabling the instant transfer of information. Entirely new industries and jobs
emerged with the Internet's development, such as web development, digital marketing, and e-commerce [18].
A.1. E-Commerce: With the rise of the Internet, traditional retail has been complemented (and in some cases, replaced) by
online marketplaces. Companies like Amazon and Alibaba have become retail giants, providing consumers with a wide
variety of products from different vendors that can be purchased from the comfort of their homes[19].
A.2. Remote Work: The Internet and digital technologies have also enabled remote work, allowing people to work from
anywhere in the world. This has not only increased job opportunities for individuals but also expanded the talent pool for
companies [20].
A.3. Digital Marketing: Traditional marketing methods have evolved to incorporate digital channels. As a result, a new
industry has emerged that includes search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, and more
[21].
As you can see, technological advancements like the Internet have not only driven economic growth but have also created a wealth
of new job opportunities and industries. This is a key example of how science and technology can influence society.

B. Cultural Influence:
Science and technology have a profound impact on societal norms, behaviors, and culture. They shape the ways we communicate,
interact, work, and even think.
Example: Social Media Revolution - Perhaps one of the most significant cultural shifts in recent years has been driven by the advent
and adoption of social media platforms. Social media technologies like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have transformed
how we communicate, share information, form our identities, and understand the world around us [22].
B.1. Communication and Interaction: Social media has fundamentally changed how we communicate and interact. It has
enabled real-time, asynchronous communication across vast distances, allowed us to maintain connections with a wider
network of people, and facilitated the rapid spread of information (and misinformation) [23].
B.2. Identity Formation: Social media also plays a role in identity formation, especially among younger generations. Online
personas, influencers, and viral trends can shape people's perceptions of self, their aspirations, and their sense of belonging
[24].
 B.3. Public Opinion and Cultural Trends: Social media platforms have become significant influencers of public opinion and
cultural trends. They can rapidly amplify voices, ideas, and trends, influencing everything from fashion and entertainment
to politics and social movements. For instance, movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo gained global attention
largely through social media [25].
As such, the influence of science and technology on cultural norms and behaviors is evident. The social media revolution
offers a prime example of how new technologies can reshape societal norms and behaviors, drive cultural trends, and even
influence public opinion.

C. Health and Medicine:

Science and technology have had profound impacts on health and medicine, leading to improved health outcomes, increased life
expectancy, and a better understanding of diseases.
Example: Vaccination and Public Health Education
C.1. Medical Advancements: Perhaps one of the most significant advancements in medical technology is the development
of vaccines. Vaccines have drastically improved life expectancy and quality of life by preventing infectious diseases. For
instance, the smallpox vaccine led to the eradication of the disease in 1980, a feat achieved through a worldwide
vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization [1]. More recently, the rapid development and distribution of
COVID-19 vaccines have been instrumental in managing the pandemic and saving countless lives [2].
C.2. Public Understanding of Health and Disease: Scientific discoveries shape the public's understanding of health and
disease. For example, research on the harmful effects of smoking has led to widespread public awareness campaigns and
policy changes, resulting in decreased rates of smoking and smoking-related diseases [3]. Similarly, the public's
understanding of COVID-19 has been shaped by ongoing scientific research and communicated through public health
education.
Overall, the advancements in health and medicine made possible by science and technology have led to significant
improvements in life expectancy and quality of life, while also shaping the public's understanding of health and disease.
D. Environmental Impact:
Science and technology have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. While some technological developments
contribute to environmental degradation, others provide solutions for environmental protection. Scientific research guides our
understanding of and response to environmental challenges like climate change.
Example: Impact of Mining and Renewable Energy in the Philippines
D.1. Environmental Degradation: One of the significant ways technology affects the environment in the Philippines is
through mining. The Philippines is rich in mineral resources, and mining is a crucial sector of the economy. However, it leads
to significant environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution of water bodies [1].
D.2. Technological Solutions: On the other hand, technology also offers solutions for environmental protection. The
Philippines, given its geographic location, has vast potential for renewable energy, including geothermal, solar, wind, and
hydropower. The development and adoption of these technologies can significantly reduce the country's reliance on fossil
fuels, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions [2].
D.3. Response to Climate Change: The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, experiencing
increased intensity and frequency of typhoons, rising sea levels, and changing rainfall patterns. Scientific research has been
instrumental in understanding these changes and informing policies and strategies for climate change adaptation and
mitigation. For instance, climate modeling and forecasting have guided the development of the Philippines' National
Climate Change Action Plan [3].
Thus, while technological developments like mining can lead to environmental degradation, other technologies, like
renewable energy, offer solutions for environmental protection. Furthermore, scientific research plays a crucial role in
guiding society's understanding of and response to climate change.

2. Influence of Society on Science and Technology

2A. Societal Needs Driving Innovation:
Social demands and needs often shape the direction of scientific research and technological development. This is especially true in
contexts where societal challenges require urgent solutions.
Example: Rice Research and Development in the Philippines
Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and the country has long faced challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in rice production due
to issues such as pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions. As a result, societal needs have driven significant innovations in
rice research and development.
1. Development of High-Yielding and Resilient Rice Varieties: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), based in the
Philippines, has led efforts in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant rice varieties to increase production and ensure food
security. For instance, IR8, a semi-dwarf variety developed by IRRI, significantly increased rice yields and played a pivotal role in the
Green Revolution [4].
2. Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties: Given the increasing threat of climate change, research efforts have also focused on developing
climate-resilient rice varieties. For example, IRRI has developed submergence-tolerant (Sub1) and drought-tolerant rice varieties to
help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions [5].
Thus, societal needs, particularly the need for food security and climate change adaptation, have significantly shaped scientific
research and technological development in the context of the Philippines.

2B. Regulation and Policy:

Policies and regulations significantly influence the course of scientific research and technological development.
Example: Regulation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the Philippines
1. Encouragement or Limitation: In the Philippines, the regulation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is an example of how
policy can both encourage and limit scientific research and technological development. The country has a regulatory system in place
for the responsible use of modern biotechnology, including the use of GMOs in food and agriculture [6]. These regulations ensure
safety while also allowing for research and application of GMOs, like Bt corn, which has been grown in the country since 2003 to
improve pest resistance [7].
2. Legal Framework Impact: The legal framework for GMOs also impacts the commercialization of scientific discoveries. For
example, the approval process for GMOs includes scientific risk assessment, socio-economic considerations, and public consultation,
which can influence whether a GMO product is commercialized [6].
2C. Ethical, Social, and Cultural Considerations:
Ethical, social, and cultural values play a significant role in shaping research and technological development.
Example: Family Planning and Reproductive Health in the Philippines
1. Influencing Research and Development: In the Philippines, societal values and beliefs have greatly influenced policy and practice
in areas such as family planning and reproductive health. For instance, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of
2012 (RPRH Law) was a landmark legislation that aimed to provide universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control,
sexual education, and maternal care [8]. However, the law was met with significant controversy and legal challenges, largely due to
the predominantly Catholic country's cultural and religious values around contraception and reproductive health [9].
2. Societal Acceptance or Rejection: The success or failure of certain technological advancements in health can be determined by
societal acceptance or rejection. In the case of the RPRH Law, despite its eventual enactment, its implementation has faced hurdles
due to societal attitudes and beliefs about contraception [9].

3. Mutual Shaping of Science, Technology, and Society

3A. Co-evolution:
The relationship between science, technology, and society can be described as co-evolutionary, with each influencing and being
influenced by the others.
Example: Mobile Phone Technology in the Philippines
The evolution of mobile phone technology and its impact on society in the Philippines provides an excellent example of this co-
evolution. The Philippines, often referred to as the "texting capital of the world," has a high mobile phone penetration rate, with
people relying heavily on mobile technology for communication, commerce, and even political mobilization [10].
As mobile phone technology advanced (technology evolution), it changed the way Filipinos communicate and conduct business
(societal change). In turn, the high demand for mobile services in the Philippines has spurred telecommunications companies to
further improve and innovate their services (technology evolution shaped by societal needs).

3B. Technological Determinism vs Social Construction:

This is a longstanding debate in the field of Science and Technology Studies. Technological determinism argues that technology
shapes society, while social constructionism posits that society shapes technology.
Example: Internet and Social Media Use in the Philippines
In the context of the Philippines, the rise of the internet and social media illustrates this debate. On one hand, the widespread use of
social media platforms like Facebook has significantly influenced Filipino society, impacting everything from daily communication to
political discourse—a case of technological determinism [11].
On the other hand, the unique ways in which Filipinos use social media—for instance, the popularity of "community pantries"
organized through social media during the COVID-19 pandemic—demonstrate how societal contexts and needs can shape the use
and impact of technology, aligning with the social constructionist viewpoint [12].
3C. Public Engagement in Science and Technology:
Public engagement plays a crucial role in shaping science policy and technological innovation.
Example: Public Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines
Given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters, there are numerous initiatives in the Philippines aimed at involving the public
in disaster risk reduction. For instance, Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), launched by the Department
of Science and Technology, used science and technology to provide the public with accessible and actionable weather data. The
project encouraged public engagement and participation in mitigating disaster risks, illustrating the vital role of the public in shaping
science policy and technological innovation [13].

4A. Ethics in Research and Innovation:

Ethical considerations are paramount in research and innovation. Ethical guidelines ensure that research is conducted responsibly,
considering factors like informed consent, confidentiality, and the welfare of participants.
Example: Clinical Trials in the Philippines
In the Philippines, clinical trials involving human participants are subject to rigorous ethical guidelines outlined by the Philippine
Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB). These guidelines mandate that clinical trials must respect the rights, safety, and well-being of
participants. They also require informed consent, privacy protection, and transparency in reporting results [14].
4B. Social Justice and Equity:
Science and technology also have significant implications for social justice and equity. They can either exacerbate or alleviate societal
inequalities, depending on their use and distribution.
Example: Internet Access in the Philippines
In the Philippines, access to the internet is a key issue of social justice and equity. Despite the country's high social media usage,
internet access remains unequal, with disparities between urban and rural areas, and among different income groups [15]. This
digital divide can lead to further inequalities in areas like education, especially with the increased reliance on online learning due to
the COVID-19 pandemic [16].
4C. Future Society and Technological Forecasting:
Predicting the societal implications of new technologies is a complex but essential task. It allows us to prepare for potential benefits
and risks, making technology a tool for shaping a desirable future.
Example: Artificial Intelligence in the Philippines
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly advancing field with significant implications for the future of society in the Philippines. For
instance, AI could revolutionize sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. However, it also raises concerns about job
displacement and privacy [17]. Therefore, forecasting these potential impacts is crucial for shaping policies and preparing society for
an AI-driven future.