Science, technology, and society

This text covers science and technology from a sociological and philosophical perspective and provides an analysis of the profound and reciprocal influence that science, technology and society have on each other. The author offers theoretical, historical and contemporary perspectives on the nature of science and technology and their role in shaping modern society, drawing upon a broad socio-cultural-environmental basis for determining the causes and consequences of scientific and technological developments. The book also explores science and technology's influence on certain aspects of modern society including institutions, social groups, ethics, the fine arts and international relations. At the same time, the book shows how science and technology are influenced by their social and cultural contexts and discusses political mechanisms for their social control, concluding with an analysis of the kinds of cultural obstacles that work against any such improved social management.

I. FOUNDATIONS. 1. Why Study Science and Technology in Society? 2. Science and Technology: Their Natures and Relationship. 3. Contemporary Science and Technology: Some Important Characteristics. 4. Contexts of Science and Technology. 5. Theories of Science and Technology in Society. II. THE INFLUENCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON MODERN SOCIETY. 6. Social Institutions. 7. Social Groups. 8. World Views and Human Values. 9. Ethics. 10. The Character of Everyday Life. 11. The Fine Arts. 12. International Relations. III. THE INFLUENCE OF MODERN SOCIETY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. 13. Influence Agents, Types, and Effects. 14. Social Control of Science and Technology. 15. Science, Technology, and the Future: New Mentalities, New Practices. Appendix. Glossary. Bibliography.