Science and Technology
There is a difference between science and technology.(46)Science has to do with discovering the facts and relationships between observable phenomena in nature and with establishing theories that serve to organize these facts and relationships; technology has to do with tools, techniques, and procedures for applying the findings of science.(47)
Progress in science excludes the human factor. Scientists, who seek to understand the universe and know the truth within the highest degree of accuracy and certainty, cannot pay attention to their own or other people's likes or dislikes or to popular ideas about the fitness of things.(48)But even an unpleasant truth is more than likely to be useful; besides, we have the choice of refusing to believe it! But hardly so with technology; we do not have the choice of refusing to hear the sound produced by a supersonic (超音速的) aircraft flying overhead; we cannot refuse to breathe polluted air.(49)The purpose of technology is to serve people —— people in general, not merely some people; and future generations, not merely those who presently wish to gain advantage for themselves.
(50)Many people blame technology itself for widespread pollution, resource depletion (枯竭) and even social decay in general - so much so that the promise of technology is "obscured". That promise is a cleaner and healthier world. If wise applications of science and technology do not lead to a better world, what else will?
A Another distinction between science and technology has to do with the progress in each.
B Unlike science, progress in technology must be measured in terms of the human factor.
C What scientists discover may shock or anger people w as did Darwin's theory of evolution.
D Science and technology are different
E We are all familiar with the improper use of technology.
F Science is a method of answering theoretical questions; technology is a method of solving practical problems.