Tech 98 / Engr 98: Women & Technology

Three course themes about science and technology

What is a fact?

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1. Scientific truths, facts, theories are always
   embedded in a social context.  Scientific truth is Dynamic, relative.
   

   –bcp, Tuskegee, implants, formula
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2. Science and technology carry their own inherent biases.

–airbags, pinhole cameras, washing machines, military tech
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3. Technology does not equal progress

– medicine, domestic work, violence, labor
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Technology is a SYSTEM, a discourse

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What is Science? The Scientific method -

1. Observation

2. Hypothesis

3. Experimentation

4. Analysis

5. Theoretical Synthesis

And some general characteristics

• Rational thought – Plato

• Systematic research

• Repeatability – operational definitions

• Uncertainty

• Facts

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Technology & Social Context
What are the assumptions inherent in these technologies?

Bicycles (click here to download Powerpoint presentation)

Who is the technology for?

How is it built?  What do you need in order to use it?

What other technologies is it built on?

What are its social consequences?

Does it address the status of a particular group?

How will we dispose of it?  Long-term consequences?

Will it improve society?

Study Guide Questions for Wednesday’s reading