STS

Science, Technology, and Society (STS) is an exciting interdisciplinary field of study rooted in the history, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology of science and technology. It examines deep cultural roots of our techno-scientific society and addresses pressing public policy issues. It constitutes a fundamental aspect of a liberal arts education and is excellent preparation for graduate study or future employment opportunities.

• Can we control technology?• Is technology predictable?• History of technology• Cultural uniformity or

diversity?• Abundance or ecological

crisis?• More or less work?• Security or danger?• Multiple future prospects.

You read and discussed…• The Two Cultures

AntiquityWhat was known?

How was it known?For what purposes?

Who were those guys?Legacy

• Frankenstein

White Noise

Extra Credit…

• Elizabeth Finch, An Artist at MIT: Gyorgy Kepes and the Center for Advanced Visual Studies

• Marits Ertsen, Nothing but Stored Environment: Structuring properties of irrigation systems

• Margaret Geller, Scott Kenyon, Andrew Lawler, lectures and discussions on astronomy and climate change

• Teasel Muir Harmony, From Spacecraft to Icon: Friendship 7’s Second Mission

•  Eric Sanderson, Geographic approaches to nature conservation: wildlife, wild places and Mannahatta

• STS Belgrade History Posters and STS Seniors• ST 298 Earth System Science talks (Wed. at 1, Miller 14)

Mumford’s Periodization of the History of Technology

Paleo-technic• Industrial• Steam/ Coal• Iron• Locomotive

Neo-technic•

High-tech•

Electricity/ Oil•

Aluminum/ Plastic•

Airplane

Eo-technic•

Agricultural•

Wind/ Water•

Wood•

Sailing Ship

tons

Per Capita CO2 Emissions

Energy-Income Inequity

A Consumer’s Prayer

And may we continue to be worthy of consuming an inordinate amount of this planet’s resources

10,000 Whatts?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSPJOTX06JU