por The relationship of technology with natural and social sciences it has been symbiotic, especially after the Industrial Revolution. It is generally assumed that all scientific developments will in some way or another lead to some new or improved technologies.
Also, it is often assumed that the successful development of new technologies requires some breakthrough or discovery in science. Furthermore, many of the recent developments in the so-called hard sciences would not have been possible without the development of new technologies.
But also, technology is an essential tool for the collection and interpretation of empirical data in the social sciences.
Aspects that denote the relationship of technology with the natural and social sciences
The terms science and technology are often used interchangeably. This is an indication of the close relationship of technology with the natural and social sciences.
However, although in modern society they are interdependent, there are differences between the two concepts. The key difference is that the role of science is to create knowledge, while that of technology is to create artifacts, standards, or action plans.
In this way, science seeks to understand the natural or social world. For its part, the goal of technology is to control natural or social processes for the benefit of some social group.
Despite their divergent purposes, there are several aspects that make the relationship of technology with the natural and social sciences evident.
Creation and use of knowledge
Science’s function is to create new knowledge. This includes elucidating phenomena and discovering new laws and principles.
For its part, technology uses that acquired knowledge and applies it in the real world. These two functions interact and are therefore difficult to separate. Both imply accumulation of knowledge.
At the same time, this accumulation expands the limits of people’s activities both in space and time, expanding possibilities and serving as the driving force of society.
Innovation
Throughout recent history, there are several examples of technological innovation processes arising from new discoveries in science.
Some of these examples are the atomic bomb, radar, laser, and computer. In addition, the discovery of recombinant DNA techniques can be mentioned, which has resulted in an incipient biotechnological industry.
All these innovations have had a profound impact on the lifestyle of society.
source of ideas
Science is a constant source of ideas for technological development. But this relationship is bidirectional, as technology has also inspired scientific knowledge.
An obvious example of this is the invention of the steam engine. The science of thermodynamics was born out of the need to build better engines. The same thing happened with computer science.
expansion of horizons
Technology allows us to extend the frontiers of science. The more sophisticated the technology, the greater the possibility of making more detailed observations. This often leads to revision or adjustment of theories.
This can be clearly seen by comparing the contributions of early telescopes and those of the Hubble Space Telescope, for example.
Overcoming laws of nature
The evolution of technology has allowed man to go beyond several of the laws of nature, modifying the environment to his needs. The limits of man are possibly where his imagination reaches, since he is capable of achieving any goal that arises step by step thanks to his knowledge of natural sciences.
For example, with biohacking, human beings intend to expand their physical and mental capacities, taking them to extremes that are impossible to discover naturally. See in the dark to overcome, exceed 120 years of age or increase the intelligence quotient, are some of the challenges that are being overcome thanks to this methodology.
References
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Brooks, H. (s/f). The relationship between science and technology. Retrieved on December 3, 2017, from belfercenter.org.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology- Japan. (2011, March 03). Contribution of scientific and technological progress. Retrieved on December 3, 2017, from mext.go.jp.
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Wiens, AE (s/f). The Symbiotic Relationship of Science and Technology in the 21st Century. Retrieved on December 3, 2017, from scholar.lib.vt.edu.