Man, the Homosapiens has existed and even flourished for millions of years and it is largely believed that he civilizationally advanced from a food-gathering jungleman to e-commercial urban man of today with the help of science and technology. Science is the reasoned investigation or study of phenomena, aimed at discovering enduring principles among elements of the phenomenal world by employing formal techniques such as the scientific method. Technology is often a consequence of science and engineering-although technology as a human activity precedes the two fields.
Science and technology has affected human development in a number of ways. The prohistorical discovery of the ability to control fire increased the available sources of food and the invention of the wheel helped humans in travelling in and controlling their environment. Recent technological developments, including the printing press, the telephone, and the internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact on a global scale. However, not all technology has been used for peaceful purposes; the development of weapons of ever-increasing destructive power has progressed throughout history, from clubs to nuclear weapons.
In many societies, science and technology has helped develop more advanced economies and has allowed the rise of a leisure class. Many technological processes produce unwanted by-products, known as pollution, and deplete natural resources, to the detriment of the earth and its environment. Various implementations of technology influence the values of a Society and new technology often raises new ethical questions. Philosophical debates have arisen over the present and future use of science and technology in society, with disagreements over whether technology improves the human condition or worsens it.
This encyclopaedic work on science and technology has been designed to fulfil the need of teachers, students and researchers from various academic fields. Written in fifteen comprehensive volumes, this work would hopefully prove to be quite informative and relevant for the reader. |
