• We are living in an era of science and technology, which dominate in modernized nations.
• Even economically backward countries have a strong desire for scientific achievement.
• Scientific and technological achievements are used to measure the economic strength of nations.
• Control over scientific and technical information is a source of prestige and power in post-industrial societies.
• Nations excelling in fields like computers, supercomputers, information technology, electronics, biotechnology, and telecommunications are considered the “most modern” and “scientifically advanced.”
• India, as a fast-developing nation, has started prioritizing science and technology in its educational system, particularly after 1995.
• Newly established engineering colleges in India have introduced more scientific subjects, attracting more students.
• Science is now a major institutional sector in modern societies, particularly in universities and research organizations.
• Science and technology have become integral to modern life, impacting areas like computers, telecommunications, satellite launching, aircraft, antibiotics, life-saving drugs, skyscrapers, synthetic fabrics, and automobiles.
• Modern society’s physical existence depends heavily on science and technology, and they also shape our worldview.
• The conception of subjects like physics, biology, psychology, medicine, astronomy, and sociology has radically changed due to scientific thought.
• The vision of future life revolves around science and technology and how they will transform the way of life.
• A century or two ago, science was not regarded as important and was seen as a hobby of wealthy gentlemen.
• Science has now become a central institution in all modern societies and is institutionalized.
• Science is standardized worldwide, with no specific way tied to capitalism, communism, Christianity, or atheismfor conducting scientific experiments.

MEANING OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• The terms ‘Science’ and ‘Technology’ are often used interchangeably but are distinct phenomena.
• Science refers to essential knowledge, derived from the Latin word Scientia, meaning knowledge.
• Science is a particular type of knowledge obtained through the scientific method.
• One definition of science is the systematic study of physical or social phenomena.
• A more restricted definition of science involves observation, experiment, quantification, and searching for universal general laws and explanations.
• From a sociological standpoint, science is a body of knowledge about the natural world and a method for discovering that knowledge, organized as a social institution.
• In simple terms, science is a systematic body of knowledge.

Two Main Branches of Science

• Science is divided into two branches: pure sciences and applied sciences.
• Pure Science focuses on the acquisition of knowledge without concern for immediate application.
• Pure Science is devoted exclusively to the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, with no immediate pressure to solve practical problems.
• Examples of pure sciences include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Economics, and Psychology.
• Applied Science involves the application of scientific principles to practical problems, often leading to the creation of new technologies.
• Applied Science focuses on applying theoretical knowledge for human utility and service.
• Each pure science may have one or more applied fields, such as:
  • Engineering is an applied field of Physics.
  • Pharmacology is an applied field of Chemistry.
  • Social work is an applied field of Sociology.