Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 September 2025
Science, Technology, and Society (STS), a young academic field, explores how science and technology shape society and vice versa. Its rise stemmed from a growing awareness of technology’s impact on societies (e.g., think about artificial intelligence and social change); science’s nonobjective nature (i.e., scientific knowledge is influenced by social and cultural contexts); concerns about scientific advancements (e.g., the potential misuse of genetic engineering); and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. STS draws tools from various disciplines to tackle complex issues. STS researchers analyze the "goodness" and "badness" of science and technology. They tackle key concerns such as universality vs. context-dependence (i.e., does science hold everywhere, or does each culture shape it?); the influence of social forces on science (e.g., who decides research priorities and how they decide); risk analysis and ethical considerations to balance technological progress with safety and responsibility; and democratizing science and engineering (i.e., increasing public access and participation in these fields). STS encourages critical thinking about the complex interplay between science, technology, and society. It aims to guide us toward a future where advancements serve the greater good, ethically and inclusively.
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