Towards Science and Technology Studies

Author: Li Zhengfeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Science and technology are closely integrated in contemporary society and are increasingly profoundly and widely influencing the economic and social development. It is particularly important to have a comprehensive understanding of science and technology. On one hand, the profound impact of science and technology on human development holds both constructive and destructive possibilities. On the other hand, science is no longer just the free research of scientists, and technology is no longer just the personal invention of engineers; science and technology have become a social undertaking involving the full participation of economic sectors and government departments. The strong demand and reliance of science and technology on social resources, as well as society's relentless pursuit of high returns on investment in science and technology, have not only sharpened the contradictions between scientific and technological activities and social resources to an unprecedented degree but have also made the planning and management of the scientific and technological cause more important than ever before. To comprehensively understand science and technology, it is necessary to creatively integrate traditional, separated, and mutually exclusive research perspectives and shape a new academic vision that is inclusive and complementary.