Unit 13: Science, Technology and Development

Understanding the relationship between scientific knowledge, practical application, and societal progress.

13.1 Science and the Scientific Method

Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge about the universe through testable explanations and predictions. Its goal is to understand how the natural world works based on evidence from observation and experimentation.

Science is traditionally divided into three main branches, which are deeply interconnected:

  • Physics: The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
  • Chemistry: The study of the composition, properties, and behavior of matter.
  • Biology: The study of life and living organisms.

These fields are not isolated. For example, understanding biological processes like respiration requires knowledge of chemical reactions (chemistry), which are themselves governed by the laws of energy (physics). This overlap is why science is often viewed as a single, integrated science.

Solved Examples:
  1. Give an example of how biology relies on chemistry.
    Solution: The study of genetics in biology relies on understanding the chemical structure and reactions of DNA, a complex molecule.
  2. Give an example of how chemistry relies on physics.
    Solution: Understanding why chemical bonds form and how molecules interact requires knowledge of electrostatic forces and quantum mechanics, which are principles of physics.
  3. Define "integrated science".
    Solution: It is the approach to studying science as a single, interrelated body of knowledge, recognizing the significant overlap and dependence between fields like biology, chemistry, and physics.

13.2 Science, Technology, and Development

The Difference and Interdependence

While often used together, science and technology are distinct concepts.

  • Science is the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It seeks to answer "Why?".
  • Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, such as creating tools, processes, and systems. It seeks to answer "How?".
They are inter-dependent. Scientific discoveries (like understanding electricity) enable new technologies (like the electric motor). In turn, new technologies (like the microscope or computer) provide powerful new tools for scientific research.

Endogenous vs. Exogenous Technology

The origin of technology is crucial for sustainable development.

  • Endogenous Technology: Technology that is developed locally, within the society where it is used. It is tailored to local needs, resources, and skills. Examples include locally designed agricultural tools or small-scale food processing techniques.
  • Exogenous Technology: Technology that is developed elsewhere and imported. Examples include cars, smartphones, and televisions imported into Sierra Leone.
While exogenous technology can be beneficial, over-reliance on it can hinder long-term development. Sustainable progress is often driven by building the capacity for endogenous technology, which creates local jobs, develops skills, and ensures that solutions are appropriate for the local context. For example, a country that develops its own automotive industry can build vehicles suited to its roads and climate, while also creating skilled jobs and reducing reliance on imports.

Solved Examples:
  1. Is the invention of the telescope an example of science or technology?
    Solution: The telescope itself is an example of technology—a tool created for a practical purpose. However, it enabled massive scientific discoveries in astronomy. This shows their interdependence.
  2. What is the main advantage of endogenous technology for a developing nation?
    Solution: Its main advantage is that it fosters self-reliance. It builds local skills, creates jobs, and produces solutions that are specifically designed for local conditions and needs, leading to more sustainable development.
  3. Why can relying too much on imported (exogenous) technology be a problem?
    Solution: It can create a dependency on foreign countries for spare parts and skilled labor, lead to a drain of capital out of the country, and the technology may not be perfectly suited for local conditions.
  4. Classify a locally made garri processing machine in West Africa as endogenous or exogenous.
    Solution: This is a clear example of endogenous technology, as it was developed within the region to meet a specific local need.
  5. How does technology contribute to higher living standards?
    Solution: Technology improves efficiency, automates manual tasks, provides access to information, and creates new economic opportunities, all of which contribute to higher living standards and more leisure time.
  6. What is the primary goal of science?
    Solution: The primary goal of science is to gain knowledge and understanding of the natural world through observation and experimentation.
  7. What is the primary goal of technology?
    Solution: The primary goal of technology is to apply scientific knowledge to solve practical problems and create useful tools or processes.

🧠 Quiz

Answer: To gain knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

Answer: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

Answer: Exogenous technology.

Answer: Biology.

Answer: It creates local jobs and skills, and is tailored to local needs.

Answer: Interdependent.

Answer: Viewing science as a single body of knowledge where fields like physics, chemistry, and biology overlap.

Answer: Physics.

Answer: Dependence on other countries for repairs and spare parts.

Answer: "How?".

Answer: Biology (and chemistry).

Answer: Endogenous technology.

Answer: Chemistry.

Answer: It provides a tool for complex calculations and data analysis, advancing scientific research.

Answer: The development of its own endogenous technologies.

Answer: Experimentation.

Answer: Exogenous.

Answer: False.

Answer: By creating technologies that harm people or the environment, or by using resources unsustainably.

Answer: Chemistry and Physics.
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