GECC 102 - Science, Technology, and Society Final Notes

When Technology and Humanity Advancements: Genetic engineering,

CRISPR, stem cell research.
Cross
Ethical Issues: Designer babies,
Introduction genetic privacy, patenting of life
forms.
Purpose: To understand how technological
advancements intersect with human life, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics:
shaping our society, ethics, and future.
Applications: Autonomous vehicles,
Key Question: How does technology redefine facial recognition, AI in healthcare.
what it means to be human?
Societal Impact: Job displacement,
Historical Context ethical programming, AI bias.

Pre-Industrial Era: Use of basic tools and Ethical and Societal Implications
simple machines, leading to the development
of societies based on agriculture and Privacy and Surveillance: Balancing benefits
craftsmanship. of technologies like CCTV and online data
collection with individual rights.
Industrial Revolution:
Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology
Significance: Marked a shift from leads to disparities in education, job
agrarian societies to industrialized opportunities, and healthcare.
ones.
Human Identity and Augmentation:
Examples: Steam engine, mechanized
weaving. Example: Neural implants for
enhanced cognitive abilities.
Impact: Urbanization, changes in
Debate: Ethical concerns about
labor, and the birth of the modern economy. creating a 'superhuman' divide.

Contemporary Technological
Case Studies
Developments Social Media and Democracy:

Information Technology: Issue: Influence on elections, spread

of fake news.
Innovations: Internet, smartphones,
social media. Example: Facebook's role in political
campaigns.
Impact: Revolutionized
communication, but raised issues Autonomous Vehicles:
about data privacy and mis-
information. Ethical Dilemma: Decision-making in
life-threatening scenarios (trolley
Biotechnology: problem).

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GECC 102 - Science, Technology, and Society Final Notes

Example: Self-driving car accident • "Life 3.0" by Max Tegmark.

cases.

CRISPR and Gene Editing: Why Does the Future Not Need Us?
Potential: Cure genetic diseases. Introduction
Risks: Unintended genetic Purpose: Examine the implications of rapid
technological advancements and their
mutations, ethical concerns about
potential to make human skills and labor
redundant.
'playing God'. Future Trends and
Key Question: What is the role of humanity in
Considerations
an increasingly automated and AI-driven
Transhumanism:
future? Technological Displacement
Concept: Using technology to
enhance human capacities. Definition: The phenomenon where
technology, especially automation and AI,
Example: Brain-computer interfaces
replaces human labor.
like Neuralink.
Historical Examples:
Technological Singularity:
Industrial Revolution: Machines
Theory: Point where AI surpasses
replacing manual textile workers.
human intelligence.
20th Century: Assembly line robots in
Implications: Unpredictable changes
automotive industry.
in society and human existence.

Sustainable Technologies:
Current Trends: AI and robotics in sectors like
Need: Address environmental issues.
manufacturing, services, and even creative
industries.
Examples: Renewable energy, electric
vehicles.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Reflective Questions Advancements in AI: Machine learning, deep
learning, and neural networks surpassing
How can we ensure ethical use of
human capabilities in specific tasks.
technology?
Impact on Jobs:
What policies should govern the
development and implementation of
Examples: Self-checkout systems,
new technologies?
automated customer service, AI in
content creation.
Further Reading
Result: Shift in job market with a
• "Homo Deus" by Yuval Noah Harari. decrease in demand for certain skills.
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Ethical and Societal Implications Policy and Governance

Economic Inequality: Risk of widening the gap Regulation of AI and Automation: Need for
between those who control technology and policies to manage the impact of technology
those displaced by it. on employment and society.

Social Impact: Universal Basic Income: Discussing UBI as a

potential solution to job displacement caused
Potential Issues: Loss of purpose, by automation.
identity crisis, mental health
challenges due to job displacement. Reflective Questions:
Need for Reskilling: Importance of How can society prepare for a future where
adapting education and training to many traditional jobs are automated?
prepare for new job landscapes.
What new roles can humans assume in an AI-
Human-Machine Synergy dominated world?

Collaborative Roles: Exploring how humans Further Reading:

can work alongside AI and robots, leveraging
human creativity and emotional intelligence. • "The Second Machine Age" by Erik
Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee.
New Job Creation:
• "Rise of the Robots" by Martin Ford.
Areas: AI ethics, machine learning
oversight, human-AI interaction
design.
Biodiversity and the Healthy Society
Example: AI trainers who teach AI
systems about human nuances. Introduction
Purpose: Explore the vital role of biodiversity
Philosophical Perspectives
in maintaining a healthy society and its
Questioning Human Centrality: The debate broader implications for ecosystem services,
over whether human beings are central to the human well-being, and sustainable
future or if we are becoming peripheral to development.
technological systems.
Key Question: How does biodiversity
Transhumanism: contribute to the health and sustainability of
human societies?
Concept: Enhancing human
capabilities through technology. Understanding Biodiversity
Ethical Questions: Concerns about Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of
equity, identity, and what it means to life on Earth, encompassing variability among
be human. living organisms from all sources, including
terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic
ecosystems.

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GECC 102 - Science, Technology, and Society Final Notes

Components: Mental health benefits of interacting

with diverse natural environments.
Genetic Diversity: Diversity within
species. Threats to Biodiversity
Species Diversity: Variety of species Human Activities: Habitat destruction,
within a habitat or region. pollution, overexploitation, climate change.

Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of Impact: Loss of species, weakened

ecosystems, reduced quality of ecosystem
habitats, natural communities, and ecological
services.
processes. Biodiversity's Role in Society
Example: Deforestation leading to loss of
species and reduced carbon sequestration.
Ecosystem Services:

Provisioning Services: Food, fresh Biodiversity Conservation and

water, medicinal resources. Sustainable Practices

Regulating Services: Climate Conservation Strategies: Protected areas,

regulation, flood control, disease habitat restoration, sustainable resource
regulation. management.

Cultural Services: Spiritual, Sustainable Development: Balancing

recreational, and cultural benefits. biodiversity conservation with economic and
social development.
Supporting Services: Nutrient cycling,
soil formation, primary production. Global Initiatives: Convention on Biological
Diversity, Sustainable Development Goals
Examples: (SDGs).

Pollination of crops by bees. Policy and Governance

Wetlands filtering pollutants, Importance of Legislation: Laws and
providing flood protection. regulations to protect endangered species
and habitats.
Biodiversity and Human Health
Community Involvement: Engaging local
Direct Benefits: Medicinal resources and communities in conservation efforts and
genetic materials, nutritious food sources. decisionmaking processes.

Indirect Benefits: Well-being through

Reflective Questions:
ecosystem stability, clean air and water, and
recreational spaces. How can individuals contribute to biodiversity
conservation?
Case Studies:
What role should governments and
Traditional medicines derived from
international organizations play in preserving
plants.
biodiversity?

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Further Reading: Disease Resistance: Genetic modifications can

make crops resistant to diseases and pests,
• "The Diversity of Life" by Edward O. reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Wilson.
• "Half-Earth: Our Planet's Fight for Example: BT crops that produce a toxin
Life" by Edward O. Wilson. harmful to specific pests but safe for human
consumption.

Health Impacts
Genetically Modified Organisms: Nutritional Enhancement: GMOs like Golden
Science, Health, and Society Rice, fortified with Vitamin A to combat
malnutrition.
Introduction
Safety Concerns: Debates over potential
Purpose: To explore the science behind allergenicity, long-term health effects.
genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their
impact on health and society, and the Regulatory Aspects: Stringent testing and
surrounding ethical debates. approval processes by bodies like the FDA,
EFSA.
Key Question: How do GMOs affect our
health, environment, and society, and what Environmental Considerations
are the ethical considerations involved?
Reduced Chemical Use: Some GMOs require
What are GMOs? fewer chemical inputs (pesticides, herbicides),
reducing environmental impact.
Definition: Organisms whose genetic material
has been artificially manipulated through Biodiversity Concerns: Potential risks to non-
genetic engineering. target species, gene flow to wild relatives.

Methods Used: Techniques like CRISPR, gene Soil Health: Impact of genetically modified
splicing, and transgenic technology. crops on soil ecosystems.

Types: Ethical and Societal Debates

Agricultural Crops: Modified for pest Labeling and Consumer Choice: Debates over
resistance, herbicide tolerance, or labeling GMO foods and the right to know
improved nutritional content. what's in our food.

Medical Applications: Genetically Corporate Control: Issues around patenting of

modified bacteria or yeasts for insulin life forms and the dominance of large
production. corporations in agricultural biotechnology.

GMOs and Food Security Global Perspectives: Varied acceptance and

regulation of GMOs in different countries.
Increased Yield: GMO crops can have higher
yields, contributing to food security.

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Case Studies technology, and the challenges we face in

society?
The Flavr Savr Tomato: First commercially
grown genetically engineered food to be Basics of Nanotechnology
granted a license for human consumption.
Definition: Nanotechnology involves
Golden Rice: Genetically modified to produce manipulating matter at the nanoscale
Vitamin A, aimed at reducing vitamin A (approximately 1 to 100 nanometers) to
deficiency in developing countries. create new materials and devices.

Policy and Governance Concepts:

Regulation of GMOs: National and Nanoscale: A nanometer is one-

international regulations governing the billionth of a meter. At this scale,
development, testing, and sale of GMOs. materials exhibit different physical
and chemical properties.
Intellectual Property Rights: Patent laws and
their implications for GMOs and agricultural Quantum Effects: Unique
practices. phenomena at the nanoscale affecting
conductivity, reactivity, and optical
Reflective Questions:
properties. Applications of
What are the ethical implications of
genetically modifying organisms? Nanotechnology

How should society balance the potential Medicine:

benefits and risks of GMOs?
Drug Delivery: Nano-carriers for
targeted drug delivery, improving
Further Reading:
efficacy and reducing side effects.
• "Seeds of Science: Why We Got It So
Diagnostics: Nanosensors for early
Wrong On GMOs" by Mark Lynas.
disease detection.
• "Mendel in the Kitchen: A Scientist's
View of Genetically Modified Foods" by Materials Science:
Nina V.
Fedoroff and Nancy Marie Brown. Stronger Materials: Nanocomposites
used in aerospace, automotive
The Nano World industries.

Introduction Smart Textiles: Fabrics with enhanced

properties like stain resistance or
Purpose: To delve into the realm of thermal regulation.
nanotechnology, exploring its principles,
applications, and the potential impact on Environment:
society and the environment.
Water Purification: Nanofilters for
Key Question: How does nanotechnology removing pollutants from water.
transform our approach to science,

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Energy Efficiency: Nanomaterials in Nanomedicine in Cancer Therapy: Use of

solar panels and batteries enhancing nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment,
efficiency and reducing costs. reducing harm to healthy cells.

Health and Safety Aspects Reflective Questions:

Unknown Risks: Uncertainty about the long- What ethical considerations should guide the
term health and environmental impacts of development of nanotechnology?
nanoparticles.
How can we ensure equitable access to the
Research Efforts: Ongoing studies to benefits of nanotechnology?
understand and mitigate potential risks.
Further Reading:
Ethical and Societal Implications
• "Nanotechnology: Understanding
Privacy Concerns: Nano-enabled surveillance Small Systems" by Ben Rogers, Sumita
technologies. Pennathur, and Jesse Adams.
Economic Disruption: Potential job • "Nano: The Essentials" by T. Pradeep.
displacement in traditional industries.

Global Divide: Risk of widening the gap

between nations with and without The Aspects of Gene Therapy
nanotechnology capabilities.
Introduction
Nanotechnology and Sustainability
Purpose: Explore the science of gene therapy,
Green Nanotechnology: Developing its applications, challenges, and impact on
sustainable nanomaterials and processes. healthcare and society.

Solutions for Environmental Challenges: Key Question: How does gene therapy work
Nanotech applications in renewable energy and what are its implications for the future of
and pollution control. medicine?

Policy and Governance

Regulation Needs: Developing guidelines for
safe development and use of nanotechnology.

Intellectual Property: Challenges in patenting

nanoscale inventions.

Case Studies
Carbon Nanotubes: Revolutionizing materials
with their strength and electrical conductivity.

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Understanding Gene Therapy

Definition: A medical field that involves modifying or manipulating genes to treat or prevent disease.

Methods:

Gene Replacement: Introducing a healthy gene to compensate for a dysfunctional one.

Gene Silencing: Turning off genes that are functioning improperly.

Gene Editing: Precisely altering genetic sequences, e.g., using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Applications in Medicine

Target Diseases:

Genetic Disorders: Cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia.

Cancer: Tailoring treatments to target specific genetic mutations in tumors.

Viral Infections: Developing antiviral therapies, including HIV treatment strategies.

Recent Breakthroughs: Success stories and ongoing clinical trials in gene therapy.

Technological and Scientific Challenges

Delivery Systems: Developing safe and effective methods to deliver genetic material into cells (e.g., viral
vectors).

Precision and Control: Ensuring targeted and controlled gene editing to avoid off-target effects.

Long-term Effects: Understanding and monitoring the long-term implications of gene modifications.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications

Consent and Access: Ensuring informed consent and equitable access to gene therapy treatments.

Ethical Considerations: Debates around genetic modification, especially in germline cells.

Regulatory Frameworks: Navigating the complex landscape of regulatory approvals for new therapies.

Case Studies
Luxturna: A gene therapy for treating a rare form of inherited vision loss.

CAR T-cell Therapy: A revolutionary approach in cancer treatment using genetically modified Tcells.

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The Future of Gene Therapy

Potential Developments: Expanding the range of treatable diseases, improving delivery methods, and
reducing costs.

Personalized Medicine: The role of gene therapy in the move towards more personalized treatment plans.

Reflective Questions:
What are the ethical boundaries in the application of gene therapy?

How can society ensure that gene therapy is developed responsibly and equitably?

Further Reading:

• "The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee.

• "Gene Therapy: Principles and Challenges" by Amit Nathwani and Andrew Davidoff.

Climate Change and the Energy Crisis

Introduction
Purpose: To examine the interconnected nature of climate change and the global energy crisis, exploring
their causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Key Question: How do climate change and the energy crisis influence each other, and what can be done to
mitigate these interlinked global challenges?

Understanding Climate Change

Definition: A long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to define Earth’s local,
regional, and global climates.

Causes:

Natural Factors: Volcanic eruptions, variations in solar radiation.

Anthropogenic Factors: Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial
processes.

Effects: Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, increased frequency of extreme weather events.

The Global Energy Crisis

Overview: The increasing demand for energy, dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels, and the challenges
in transitioning to renewable energy sources.

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Key Issues:

Resource Depletion: Diminishing reserves of oil, coal, and natural gas.

Energy Security: Reliance on energy imports, geopolitical tensions.

Economic Impacts: Fluctuating energy prices, impact on global and local economies.

Link Between Climate Change and Energy

Energy Production and Emissions: The majority of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels for
energy.

Renewable Energy as a Solution: Transitioning to solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable sources to reduce
carbon footprint.

Mitigation Strategies
Policy Interventions: International agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement), government policies promoting
renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Technological Innovations: Advances in renewable energy technology, energy storage, and smart grid
systems.

Behavioral Changes: Encouraging energy conservation and sustainable consumption patterns among
individuals and communities.

Adaptation to Climate Change

Building Resilience: Developing infrastructure and communities to be more resilient to climate change
impacts.

Support for Vulnerable Regions: Assisting regions and populations most affected by climate change.

Case Studies

Germany’s Energiewende: Transition to a low-carbon, environmentally sound, reliable, and

affordable energy supply.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Vulnerability to climate change and innovative approaches to
sustainable energy.

Policy and Governance

International Collaboration: Importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change and energy
challenges.

National Policies: Examples of countries leading the way in renewable energy adoption and climate change
mitigation.

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Reflective Questions:
What roles can individuals, communities, and governments play in addressing the dual challenges of climate
change and the energy crisis?

How can we balance economic growth with the need for sustainable energy practices?

Further Reading:

• "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate" by Naomi Klein.

• "Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air" by David J.C. MacKay.

Environmental Awareness
Introduction
Purpose: To foster a deeper understanding of environmental awareness, its importance, and how it
influences individual and collective actions towards sustainable living.

Key Question: How can increased environmental awareness lead to more sustainable practices and policies?

What is Environmental Awareness?

Definition: A broad understanding of environmental issues, their causes, and impacts on ecosystems and
human health.

Components: Knowledge of environmental challenges, sensitivity to nature, and a willingness to engage in

sustainable practices.

Key Environmental Challenges

Climate Change: Understanding the causes, impacts, and responses to global warming.

Pollution: Types (air, water, soil) and their effects on ecosystems and health.

Biodiversity Loss: Causes and consequences of declining species and ecosystems.

Resource Depletion: Overconsumption of natural resources like water, forests, and minerals.

The Role of Education and Awareness

Environmental Education: Integrating environmental topics in education to build a knowledgeable and
engaged public.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Media campaigns, events, and initiatives to raise awareness and encourage
action.

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Sustainable Practices
Individual Actions: Reducing waste, recycling, conserving water and energy, and adopting ecofriendly habits.

Community Initiatives: Community gardens, local conservation projects, and sustainable urban planning.

Corporate Sustainability: Corporate social responsibility initiatives, sustainable business practices.

Policy and Advocacy

Environmental Policies: Importance of governmental policies in regulating and promoting sustainable
practices.

Activism and Advocacy: Role of NGOs, activists, and the public in advocating for environmental protection.

Case Studies
Plastic Pollution and Reduction Initiatives: Success stories of plastic bans and reduction strategies.

Community-led Conservation Projects: Examples of successful local initiatives in preserving and restoring
natural habitats.

The Future of Environmental Awareness

Technological Solutions: Innovations contributing to environmental protection and sustainability.

Global Movements: The rise of global environmental movements and their impact on policy and societal
change.

Reflective Questions:
How can individuals and communities become more actively involved in environmental protection?

What are the most effective strategies for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living?

Further Reading:

• "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson.

• "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming" by David Wallace-Wells.

Alternative Energy Resources

Introduction
Purpose: To explore the range of alternative energy resources, their benefits, challenges, and the role they
play in transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

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Key Question: How can alternative energy resources contribute to solving the global energy crisis and
mitigating climate change?

Overview of Alternative Energy Resources

Definition: Energy sources that are an alternative to the most commonly used non-sustainable sources like
coal, oil, and natural gas.

Types:

Solar Power: Harnessing energy from the sun.

Wind Energy: Using wind to generate electricity.

Hydropower: Electricity generated from flowing water.

Geothermal Energy: Heat derived from the earth's internal heat.

Biomass: Organic material used as fuel.

Solar Energy
Technology: Solar panels (photovoltaic cells) and solar thermal systems.

Applications: Residential, commercial, utility-scale solar farms.

Advantages: Abundant, renewable, low operating costs.

Challenges: Intermittency, storage, and land use.

Wind Energy
Technology: Wind turbines.

Applications: Onshore and offshore wind farms.

Advantages: Renewable, low emission, cost-effective at scale.

Challenges: Variability, visual impact, and impact on wildlife.

Hydropower
Types: Traditional dams, run-of-the-river, tidal energy.

Advantages: Reliable, renewable, and capable of large-scale energy production.

Challenges: Environmental and social impact of large dams, ecosystem disruption.

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Geothermal Energy
Technology: Tapping into the earth's heat with geothermal plants.

Advantages: Reliable, low emissions, small land footprint.

Challenges: Location-specific, high initial investment.

Biomass Energy
Sources: Wood, agricultural residues, energy crops.

Applications: Electricity generation, heating, biofuels.

Advantages: Utilizes waste materials, can be carbon-neutral.

Challenges: Competition with food production, land use, and air quality concerns.

Integration and Grid Challenges

Energy Storage: Importance of developing efficient storage solutions like batteries.

Grid Integration: Managing the variability and distribution of renewable energy in the power grid.

Policy and Economic Considerations

Government Incentives: Subsidies, tax incentives, and funding for research and development.

Economic Viability: Reducing costs through technological advancements and economies of scale.

Global Perspectives and Case Studies

Leading Countries: Examples of countries that have successfully integrated high levels of alternative energy
(e.g., Denmark, Iceland, Germany).

Innovative Projects: Notable projects like the Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered aircraft or the Orkney Islands'
renewable energy initiatives.

Reflective Questions:
What are the key barriers to adopting alternative energy resources on a wider scale?

How can individuals and communities contribute to the transition towards alternative energy?

Further Reading:

• "Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air" by David J.C. MacKay.

• "Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future" by Godfrey Boyle.

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