Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Note on the Text
- Introduction
- 1 Which Disciplines Are Concerned with the Intersections of Science, Technology, and Society? What Are Some of Their Core Contributions?
- 2 Do Science and Technology Shape Society or Does Society Shape Science and Technology?
- 3 Where Do Scientific and Technological Innovation Come From? Can Innovation Be Deliberately Promoted, or Do We Just Have to Wait for the Light Bulbs to Go Off?
- 4 When and How Do New Technologies Spread through Society? Why Do Some Die on the Vine?
- 5 What Can We Learn by Comparing the Combination of Science, Technology, and Society in Different Parts of the World and at Different Times in History?
- 6 Can a Technology Be Inherently Good or Bad for Society, or Is That a Matter of What We Do with It?
- 7 How Can One Be a Savvy Consumer of Increasingly Complex Scientific Research?
- 8 Do Children Develop Differently in a Digitally Saturated World? Is Digital Technology Helping Children Thrive – or Stunting Them?
- 9 What Is “Big Data” and Why Does It Make Such a Big Difference?
- 10 Do Algorithms Make Wise and Fair Decisions?
- 11 Are New Technologies Beneficial to Liberal Democracy and Good Governance – or Wreaking Havoc on Them?
- 12 Does Technological Progress Make People Happier?
- 13 What Has the Relationship between Sex, Gender, Science, and Technology Been – and What Might It Be?
- 14 What Are Digital Divides and Why Do They Matter?
- 15 How Do Science and Technology Impact International Development, and How Might They Lead to a More Sustainable Global Community?
- 16 Will AI Be Conscious?
- 17 Will the AI Robot Economy Be a Golden Age or a Dystopian Era?
- 18 Will AI Create Great Art?
- Select Bibliography
- Index
Introduction
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 September 2025
Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- Note on the Text
- Introduction
- 1 Which Disciplines Are Concerned with the Intersections of Science, Technology, and Society? What Are Some of Their Core Contributions?
- 2 Do Science and Technology Shape Society or Does Society Shape Science and Technology?
- 3 Where Do Scientific and Technological Innovation Come From? Can Innovation Be Deliberately Promoted, or Do We Just Have to Wait for the Light Bulbs to Go Off?
- 4 When and How Do New Technologies Spread through Society? Why Do Some Die on the Vine?
- 5 What Can We Learn by Comparing the Combination of Science, Technology, and Society in Different Parts of the World and at Different Times in History?
- 6 Can a Technology Be Inherently Good or Bad for Society, or Is That a Matter of What We Do with It?
- 7 How Can One Be a Savvy Consumer of Increasingly Complex Scientific Research?
- 8 Do Children Develop Differently in a Digitally Saturated World? Is Digital Technology Helping Children Thrive – or Stunting Them?
- 9 What Is “Big Data” and Why Does It Make Such a Big Difference?
- 10 Do Algorithms Make Wise and Fair Decisions?
- 11 Are New Technologies Beneficial to Liberal Democracy and Good Governance – or Wreaking Havoc on Them?
- 12 Does Technological Progress Make People Happier?
- 13 What Has the Relationship between Sex, Gender, Science, and Technology Been – and What Might It Be?
- 14 What Are Digital Divides and Why Do They Matter?
- 15 How Do Science and Technology Impact International Development, and How Might They Lead to a More Sustainable Global Community?
- 16 Will AI Be Conscious?
- 17 Will the AI Robot Economy Be a Golden Age or a Dystopian Era?
- 18 Will AI Create Great Art?
- Select Bibliography
- Index
Summary
The Introduction explores the historical progression of human civilization, emphasizing the pivotal role of tools, science, and technology. It traces the evolution from primitive tools to advanced technologies, highlighting the impact on various aspects of human life such as food production, transportation, communication, and societal organization. The text also parallels past innovations like the wheel and the printing press and contemporary advancements in lab-grown meat, controlled fusion, gene-editing, and AI. The narrative underscores the profound choices and debates surrounding technological development, acknowledging the responsibility of individuals and society to navigate the ever evolving technological landscape with wisdom and foresight. The Introduction invites readers to reflect on the trajectory of science and technology, posing critical questions about the direction of future advancements and the ethical considerations associated with them. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the material, thinking critically, and making informed decisions in the face of technological progress.
Keywords
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- Chapter
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- Understanding Technology and SocietySeminal Questions and Enduring Insights, pp. 1 - 4Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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