(GESTSOC) Notes

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SCIENCE (Know-Why Question)

➔ The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the natural and physical world
or knowledge obtained about the world by watching it carefully (cambridge dictionary)
➔ Refers to that dynamic, cumulative system of verifiable concepts, principles, methods,
laws, theories, and processes which seek to describe, understand, and predict natural
phenomena (Posadas, 1982)

TECHNOLOGY (Know-How Question)


➔ The methods used for using scientific discoveries for practical purposes especially
in industry (Cambridge Dictionary)
➔ Refers to that dynamic cumulative system of reproducible methods, techniques, and
process which may be derived from empirical know-how or scientific knowledge and
which are used by human societies for the production, improvement, and distribution of
goods and services as well as the satisfaction of other material needs (Posadas, 1982).

SOCIETY
➔ A large group of people who live together in an organized way, making decisions about
things and sharing the work that needs to be done. All the people in a country or in
several countries, can be referred to as a society (Cambridge Dictionary).
➔ Organized life in groups, typical of humans or animals (Kotak, 2000).
➔ People who interact in a defined territory and share culture (Macionis, 2000).

INTERACTION BETWEEN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY


- It is important to note that Science, Technology, and Society have the power to influence
each other.

TYPES OF RESEARCH
1. Basic or Fundamental
- discover knowledge for knowledge's sake without considering its application
to societal problems.
2. Applied Research
- discover knowledge that is relevant to the achievement of some specific and
socially relevant objective.
RESEARCH CONCEPTS
1. Reliability
- Extent to which the same answers can be obtained using the same
instruments more than one time. In simple terms, if your research is
associated with high levels of reliability, then other researchers need to be able
to generate the same results, using the same research methods under similar
conditions (e.g. using a ruler to measure length)
2. Validity
- Extent at which requirements of scientific research methods have been
followed during the process of generating research findings. It also means
that the appropriate methodology is chosen considering the characteristics of the
study.
- For example:
a. Using the appropriate time scale
b. Using the most suitable sample method and size for the study
c. Ensuring that respondents must not be pressured in any way when
answering surveys

SCIENTIFIC WORLDVIEW (4 CHARACTERISTICS)


1. Mathematical
- Relationships that exist in the natural world can be presented and abstracted
through mathematical equations or models.
2. Analytical
- Wholes can be understood by studying its components and interrelated
parts.
3. Experimental
- Knowledge derived through practical experiments, where observations can be
made and not through reflection and discussion alone.
4. Totalitarian
- Science has no limits in its scope in the sense that its coverage continues to
enlarge in the course of development. Domains that were not included are now
subject to scientific inquiry (e.g. Indigenous Knowledge System).

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
- Systematic process of inquiry that comprises the following activities.
1. Identification and definition of the problem
2. Formulation of the Hypothesis
3. Testing of Hypothesis

SCIENTIFIC WORK ETHIC


- Scientists are expected to be neutral, apolitical, and professional discoverers of
knowledge.
- Standard that govern scientific work
1. Universalism (truth is established using the scientific method)
2. Community (recognize that there are other scientists working on similar or
related topics)
3. Skepticism (checking if findings adhere to standards of logic and rationality)
4. Detached (remaining neutral and objective)

POLITICAL ECONOMY AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


- Political economy is a set of actors and institutions that are involved in the:
1. Production (knowledge is produced through research)
2. Consumption (knowledge is consumed when it is applied and used)
3. Reproduction (knowledge is reproduced with continuous research and
development and innovation)

EMPIRICAL-POSITIVISM
- an epistemology that defines the production of knowledge and truth about human
societies. This is used heavily in the social sciences and other related disciplines. It has
the following features:
1. Observability (knowledge is based on an actual observable phenomenon)
2. Objectivity (knowledge is based on the actual characteristics of the subject or
phenomenon)
3. Neutrality (knowledge is generated independently and free from any bias)
4. Measurability (knowledge is expressed in a numerical index)
5. Externality of Expertise (observer must be detached and have scientific
credentials)

4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION


- Confluence of emerging technological breakthroughs:
1. Internet of Things
- Refers to the billions of physical devices and sensors that are
connected to the internet collecting and sharing data. Connecting
different objects and adding sensors to them adds a level of digital
intelligence to devices that would be otherwise dumb, enabling them to
communicate real-time data without involving a human being.
2. Artificial intelligence
- Is a branch of computer science concerned with building smart
machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human
intelligence.
3. Robotics
- Design, construction, and use of machines (robots) to perform tasks
done traditionally by human beings.
- Social and Technology changes are to be expected in terms of:
1. Velocity (speed of change is exponential vs linear)
2. Breath and Depth (combines multiple technologies and requires a paradigm
shift (i.e. what and how things are done and who we are))
3. Systems Impact (transformation systems across countries, companies, and
industries)
SOCIETY 5.0
- One of the manifestations of the 4th Industrial Revolution
- A human-centered society that balances economic advancement with the resolution
of social problems (e.g. aging, health, and mobility) by a system that highly integrates
cyberspace and physical space.
- Society 5.0 was proposed in the 5th Science and Technology Basic Plan as a future
society that Japan should aspire to. It follows the hunting society (Society 1.0),
agricultural society (Society 2.0), industrial society (Society 3.0), and information society
(Society 4.0).
- Addresses social issues (e.g. aging, health, environment)
- Leverages on national advantages (e.g. research and development, manufacturing)
- Strong private sector participation
- However, these technologies would require advanced and stable infrastructure (e.g.
5th generation (5G) internet and standardized roads and sidewalks) and significant
investments in research and development.
- Pressman (2020) reports that the global forecast of 5G and 4G/LTE equipment and
installation spending by mobile carriers is roughly $6 billion and $16.4 billion
respectively, while 5G mobile devices remain limited and costly (e.g. Samsung S10
$1,300).
- Several products and services have been developed to serve these needs of the elderly
(e.g. Cyberdyne Hybrid Assistive Limb Exoskeleton Suit, Mirai Speakers for hearing
impaired, Tele-medicine, Toyota E-Palette, Electric Vehicles, and wheelchairs).

SOCIOCULTURAL EVOLUTION
- Sociocultural evolution refers to the changes that occur as a society gains new
technology.
- Societies with simple technology can provide for only a small number of people and offer
a few choices about how to live.
- Technology complex societies (while not necessarily better) support large populations
who live diverse, highly specialized lives.
TYPES OF SOCIETY

LIMITS OF TECHNOLOGY
- Technology is not a quick fix to social problems. Technology alone is not the
solution to establish peace, ensure justice, and sustain a safe environment.

COMPETITION
- Competitive advantage of nations written by Micheal Porter
- Competitiveness of a Nation is determined by its productivity:
● The use of a nation's capital and labor
● Value of the output produced by a unit of labor or capital
● Quality and features of products and services which determine market price
● Employee wages depend on the productivity of human resources
● Return for shareholder depend on the productivity of capital
- To ensure high levels of productivity a nation’s companies should be able to increase
productivity over time by continuously upgrading itself in terms of:
● Improving productivity of existing industries
● Raising product quality
● Adding desirable features
● Improving technology
● Boosting production and marketing efficiency
● New and sophisticated industries

WEF GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT


- Rank each and every country by its competitiveness
- Helps leaders of companies and countries understand the strengths and weaknesses
of each country
- Understanding the strengths and weaknesses allow leaders to allocate resources to
improve specific pillars (e.g. healthcare system, aging infrastructure)
- Important report for us to understand how best to develop and improve the
competitiveness of the country.

COMPETITION AND COOPERATION


1. Competition drives science and technology
- competition among nations strengthen the drive to advance science and
the application of technologies (e.g. Cold War)
- Countries invest heavily to attract companies to do business in their country and
benefit from their country’s competitiveness.
- Among companies, there is a competitive pressure to develop products and
services with superior value to its customers in terms of product features, cost,
and convenience
- The consequences of inaction or inability to adapt to advances in science and
technology is documented in the stories of companies like Kodak and Nokia who
have been unable to change through the times.
- Proper implementation of science and technology is important to ensure that
nation states and companies have the resources to assert themselves and
protect their interest in the spheres of international relations, global trade and
business.
- It is important that future leaders understand how best to use science and
technology to improve their country’s or company’s competitiveness.

2. Implement new technology slowly


- To remain competitive, we must accept the need to find better ways of doing
things with the help of science and technology.
- However, changes in technology come with a price. There will always be a
positive and a negative social impact (most often will impact the laws of
employment which new technologies can replace). Your job as a future leader is
to prepare your country or company for changes in technology.
- Give people sufficient time to adapt. It would be naive of us to think that just
because new technologies provide added benefits, people would be willing and
wholeheartedly accept it into their daily lives. We must factor in a period of
adjustment to help soften or eliminate the impact to the groups affected by the
implementation of new technology.

3. Importance of the scientific attitude and teaching others about science and technology.
- As future leaders, you must recognize the importance of using science and
technology to help develop your country’s and company’s competitive
advantage. This undertaking is not realized alone.
- You need to influence those around you to listen to science and convince them
to use technology properly. This is best done by taking time to teach.
- The responsibility to teach and educate others is a responsibility that comes
with being a leader.

4. An alternative to competition is cooperation. If a country or company is unable to


compete, they have the option to cooperate.
- Cooperation brings together the best scientific minds and makes technology
feasible in terms of ensuring economics of scale, shortening lead time, sharing
the cost of research and development, and managing risks.
- Sustainable development goals which aim to address 17 global issues and
provide a framework and venue for countries, companies, and ordinary citizens
to contribute to the resolution of several global issues.
- GESTSOC gives an opportunity to explore means and ways to make a positive
contribution to global efforts to achieve the 17 UN SDGs
It is important for future leaders to understand how science and technology affect our society
especially in the spheres of competition and cooperation.

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