Science & Technology - Introduction

The evolution of science is like a boon to the world, as human beings

come to know a lot about the world they are living in including the
activities they indulge into. Furthermore, the development of technology
along with the advancement in Science helps to bring in a revolution in
various fields such as medicine, agriculture, education, information and
technology, and many more.

In the present world, if we think of any sort of development, then the

presence of science and technology cannot be ignored.
WHAT IS SCIENCE?

Science fundamentally is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the
natural and physical world through observations and experiments.

Study of science evolved with the civilization of human beings.

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?

Technology (which is basically derived from the Greek word ‘technologia’) is an

art, skill or ability, which is used to create and develop products and acquire
knowledge.

Scientists used their knowledge to develop technology and then used technology to
develop Science; so, because of this reason science and technology are an
integrated term in today’s world.

Consider the following points to understand the relationship between Science and
Technology −

 Contribution of Science to Technology

 Contribution of Technology to Science

Let us discuss these points in brief.

CONTRIBUTION OF SCIENCE TO TECHNOLOGY

A. Science as a direct source of new technological ideas

For example, innovation and development of medical instruments; nuclear

technology, radar system, etc.
B. Science as a source of engineering

Most of the technical knowledge used in the designing and development of tools
and techniques is actually an outcome of ‘engineering science’.

Science has also helped in the development of human skills. This is one of the
fundamental contributions of Science.
CONTRIBUTION OF TECHNOLOGY TO SCIENCE

Consider the following points to understand the contribution of Technology to

Science −

1. Technology as a source of scientific challenges

The development in the field of technology paves way for research and
development in the field of Science. For example, space science is one of them.
Technological development likewise indirectly stimulates basic research in the
field of science.

2. Instrumentation and measurement techniques

Development of advanced instruments facilitated scientists to measure the distance

between sun and earth, the intensity of sun’s rays, the revolution of celestial
bodies, internal problems of human beings, life of a bridge, etc.
ROLE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY IN TODAY’S LIFE

In today’s world, the role of science and technology is indispensable. We need

Science and Technology in every sphere of our life like to treat diseases such as
cancer or even to book a cab or train/flight ticket.

In fact, without technology (integrated with science), we cannot imagine our life
per se.

One of the most important aspects of Science and Technology is that it has solution
to the difficult of the difficult problems, the problems which have the potential to
become major bottlenecks to the overall growth of the country. Some of these
problems could be −

 Health aspects
 Standard of education
 Availability of healthy food and safe drinking water
 Infrastructure

On the other hand, once mitigating solutions are found for these problems, then the
second major issue is the under-development in the field of scientific research and
technology that directly affects the development of the country’s economy,
infrastructure, higher education, and a few other fields listed below −
  Development of nuclear technology
 Defense technology
 Development of satellites
 Biotechnology
o Biotechnology is the broad area of science involving living systems and
organisms to develop or make products, or "any technological application that
uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or
modify products or processes for specific use" (UN Convention on Biological
Diversity, Art.
 Meteorological science
o Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather
processes and forecasting.
 Space technology
o Space technology is technology developed by space science or the aerospace
industry for use in spaceflight, satellites, or space exploration.
 Nanotechnology
 Wireless communication, etc.

All these technologies, in turn, provide favorable conditions for the country’s
growth and increase healthy competition nationally and also internationally.

In today’s world, more often, we get to read or listen that developed countries,
developing countries, underdeveloped countries, or even third-world countries, all
these designate the level of development of Science and Technology in other
countries, they have the influence on.

Government has also created an exclusive department to emphasize on the

development of Science and Technology and a separate budget is also allocated for
the same.
NATURE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Let us now discuss the nature of Science and Technology. There are normally two
types of knowledge required for the overall development of a country −

Technical Knowledge

It can be defined in the simplest term as – ‘know-how’. It includes ranges of basic

skills such as advancement in agriculture, development of chemical industries,
medical technology, software engineering, etc.

Understanding of the attributes or elements

It means, knowledge and understanding of the intelligence of workers, quality of

products, value of a firm, effectiveness of market, etc.

The uncompetitiveness of any of the attributes or elements leads to knowledge gap

and information deficiency, which is directly related to the under-development of
the respective country.

Likewise, Science and Technology is directly related to the overall development of

the country. As a matter of fact, Science and Technology facilitates healthy
competition between the different attributes and elements and acts like a platform
for a better life.

Therefore, in order to alleviate the basic problems of food and supply, safe drinking
water, health problems, education, infrastructure, etc., the emphasis and gradual
development of Science and Technology is essential.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

21st century has come to be known as the era of Information Technology; it is the
key driver of economic growth of not only a nation, but rather the whole world.

The growth and progress of every sector of the country today depends on the level
of Information Technology.

Furthermore, technology is not important only at the work place, but also in our
everyday life; whether it is working with the microwave oven which is a cooking
appliance or a super computer, an appliance is based on information technology,
technology helps everywhere.

From hi-tech industry to an education system, Information Technology footprints

can be seen everywhere.

Likewise, Information Technology is one of the essential features for the overall
development of a country.

Meaning of Information Technology

The technology, which is exclusively designed to store, process, and transmit

information, is known as Information Technology.
The following diagram illustrates the basic features and applications of
Information Technology −

Though the diagram given above is not inclusive, as it does not include every
aspect and application of information technology, but it comprehensively covers
the major aspects.

Important Features of Information Technology

Following are the major features as well as advantages of Information Technology

−

 The development of Information Technology has made education system

simpler, easier, and widespread. Now, people of remote areas can also use
technology for their children’s education and also avail the benefits of adult
education.
 Diffusion of e-governance on a large scale.
  Participation of public in governance and policy making.
 Fast economic development.
 Development of remote areas.
 Technology helps the police in nabbing the criminals.
 The judiciary and other administrative services can also take the help of
technology to make work easier and faster.
 Highly beneficial for the common people, as they can access their rights and
can take legal action against the person who violates his/her rights.
 It increases the happiness and prosperity of not only an individual, but rather
the society as a whole.

Besides, there are many other advantages too that can be availed in our everyday
life only with the further development of information technology.

Demerits of Information Technology

Information Technology is like a boon on the society. However, it comes with its
own disadvantages −

 As discussed above, with the help of technology, police can arrest criminals
and criminal activities; at the same time, technology has also opened the
door for criminals as well to practice smart criminal activity.
 There are chances that children can misuse technology and take a wrong
path.
 Some distorted and perverted minds use technology to demean or defame
someone unethically and also illegally.
 These are basically not demerits but rather the misuse of technology.