If you’re curious about the similarities between science and technology, you’ve come to the right place. Both are empirical sciences, which means that they’re based on knowledge, and they’re both crucial cornerstones of the American economy. However, what makes science so much better than technology? The differences between the two are numerous, but they can’t be dismissed. After all, they’re both the application of scientific discoveries.
Science and technology are empirical sciences
The field of science is a systematic study of the physical world, whereas technology is the practical application of this knowledge. The introductory essay describes four formulations of STS: conceptual minimalism, theoretical materialism, and the empirical. These formulations don’t identify conceptual and empirical as the opposites of one another; instead, they point to the use of the empirical as a path to conceptual minimalism. For a thorough treatment of the subject, Oxford Reference is a useful resource.
The scientific method of discovery relies on experiments and observation. Experiments are conducted to simulate natural events under controlled conditions. In observational sciences, controlled experiments may replace observations. Experimentation is critical in establishing causal relationships and avoiding the correlation fallacy. Although the methods used by scientists differ, they all follow a similar methodology. Therefore, both science and technology are empirical sciences. There is a strong link between theory and experimentation.
They are the pursuit of knowledge
While these two fields are often thought of as separate, they are in fact related in that they both focus on achieving and communicating knowledge. In both cases, scientists present their findings to juries and prosecutors, who then decide who is right and who is wrong. In either case, the decision is usually final, but scientific inferences are always subject to revision by other scientists. In this way, technology provides a powerful cross-check of scientific knowledge.
Both science and technology are based on observation and experiments. Both disciplines use the scientific method to study the world and determine what is true. They then test their hypotheses through experimentation and formulate theories and laws that explain what has been observed. While science does not claim to provide definitive answers, it does have the potential to be useful for understanding the world around us. And because technology is based on technology, it often has a positive impact on human behavior.
They are practical applications of science
In both science and technology, the development of new products and processes is based on advances in knowledge and the application of that knowledge. The basic knowledge of science is important to society because it leads to improvements in living standards and the cure for diseases. Science is also an economic activity and is justified in part by providing a return on
investment for public funds. In recent decades, a new objective has emerged as a direct result of the progress of science. It is called sustainability and aims to ensure that resources are used in a prudent manner.
While science stays constant, technology is always evolving and improving on its previous versions. While science focuses on discoveries, technology relies on inventions. Both processes focus on the application of scientific principles, making them useful for humankind. Science seeks to gain knowledge by conducting experiments and determining the causes of natural phenomena, while technology looks to make them practical. Technology takes that knowledge and implements it to improve man’s life.
They are cornerstones of the American economy
The Department of State implements public diplomacy programs to promote science and technology, and implements capacity-building programs in emerging markets. These programs strengthen global innovation ecosystems, advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, and promote the development of scientific enterprises and contribute to economic growth. The Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (OSTC) also leads expert meetings and negotiates bilateral Science and Technology Agreements worldwide.
They are closely related to social sciences
In recent decades, social sciences have been recognized as separate academic fields, but their goals date back to ancient Greek thinking. Both science and social sciences are concerned with the way people live, work, and interact with their surroundings. Social scientists study human behavior and community development. While natural scientists use experiments to gather data, social scientists conduct interviews with individuals, study communities, and analyze data. They are closely related to both technology and science.
These two fields work hand-in-hand to achieve the same goal: solving problems through innovation. A barometer, for example, was developed in 1643 AD by Italian physicist and mathematician Evangelista Torricelli. This tool was subsequently developed by another Italian, Gasparo Berti. Both men used different methods to measure the water level in a river. Despite the close ties between science and social sciences, they continue to contribute to the technologies we use every day.
