Science, Technology and Modernity: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Description

This book provides a full scale description and discussion of science, technology, society, cross-cultural communication and modernity and is presented at a level that makes it accessible to the interested academic. Starting with the historical overview, the text outlines the relevance of technology today and in the future. Then follows an introduction to the discovery and invention by agricultural, feudal, capitalist and socialist systems, and conversely the ways in which science and technology has altered economic, social, and political beliefs and practices during industrial revolutions and have transformed the whole nature of human society. Tracing the relationship between science and technology from dawn to civilization to the twenty first century, the book argues that technology is applied science and vice versa and this phenomenon emerged relatively recently, as industry and governments began funding scientific research that would lead to new technologies. The book goes beyond technology by also describing the path from modernity to post modernity and discussing the theories of modernity. Further the internet and social media receive increased attention as well. Finally, the discussion turns to the future structure of society and gender equality, expected to have a more distributed future generation, thereby addressing the synergies between education system, globalization and cross-cultural communication. This book is designed as the primary general textbook for Engineers at the undergraduate level in any university. This course is a multidisciplinary elective course from emerging areas in the 4- year institution and is a required course in most universities. Foreword Preface Structure of the Book Chapter 1: Engineering Ethics Chapter 2: Understanding Science, Technology & Modernity and the Emergence of Modern Science and Technology Chapter 3: Modernity and Modernism Chapter 4: Theories of Modernity Chapter 5: The Greek Philosophy Chapter 6: The First and Second Industrial Revolution Chapter 7: Globalization and the Third and Fourth Industrial Revolution Chapter 8: Modernity and Society Chapter 9: Introduction to Cross Cultural Communication Chapter 10: Feminism and Gender Equality Acknowledgment Contents About the Author With Contributions by List of Figures List of Tables Chapter 1: Engineering Ethics 1.1 Introduction 1.2 The Code of Ethics 1.2.1 Preamble 1.3 Fundamental Canons 1.4 II. Rules of Practice 1.5 III. Professional Obligations 1.6 Case Studies 1.6.1 Case I 1.6.2 Case II [1] 1.6.2.1 Making Changes to the Work of Another Engineer (Table 1.1) 1.6.3 Case III 1.6.3.1 Duty to Report Improper Conduct by Management (Table 1.2) References Chapter 2: Understanding Science, Technology & Modernity and the Emergence of Modern Science and Technology 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Civilization 2.3 Science 2.4 Science Vs Technology 2.5 Science and Technology through the Years 2.5.1 Stone Age (1,000,000–3000 BC) 2.5.2 Bronze Age (3000–1200 BC) 2.5.3 Iron Age (1200 BC–1300 AD) 2.5.4 Middle Ages (500 AD–1500 AD) 2.5.5 The Renaissance (1300–1600 AD) 2.5.6 Industrial Revolution (1750–Ongoing) 2.5.7 The Information Age (Present–Ongoing) 2.6 Review Questions References Chapter 3: Modernity and Modernism 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Modernity 3.2.1 The History of Modernity 3.3 Modernity Technology Relationship 3.4 Modernism 3.5 Role of Modernism in Art 3.6 Modernism in Literature 3.7 The Relationship Between Modernity and Modernism? 3.8 Weber’s Theory of Modernity: Theory of Rational Bureaucratic Society 3.9 Postmodernity 3.9.1 Five Key Features of the Post-modern Society 3.9.2 Postmodern Society Has Two Key Characteristics 3.9.3 Criticisms of Postmodernity 3.10 Science Technology and Modernity- Connecting the Concepts (Fig. 3.6) 3.11 Absolutism 3.12 Relativism 3.13 Cultural Relativism and Absolutism 3.14 Review Questions References Chapter 4: Theories of Modernity 4.1 Max Weber’s Theories on Rationalization and Bureaucracy 4.1.1 Understanding Rationalization 4.1.2 Weber’s Theory of Rationalization 4.1.3 Types of Rationality 4.1.4 Bureaucracy 4.1.5 Types of Leaders 4.2 Karl Marx’s Theory of Modernity 4.2.1 Capitalism 4.2.2 Capitalism and Society 4.2.3 Religion 4.2.4 Communism 4.2.5 Criticisms of Marxist Ideology 4.2.6 Looking Forward 4.2.7 Marx and Modernity 4.3 Comparing and Contrasting Marx and Weber’s Theories of Modernity 4.4 Emile Durkheim 4.5 Anthony Giddens 4.6 Review Questions References Chapter 5: Greek Philosophy 5.1 Sociology 5.2 Ancient Greek Philosophy 5.2.1 Pre-Socratic Philosophy 5.3 Pluralism 5.4 Sophism 5.5 Athenian Democracy 5.6 Classical Greek Philosophy 5.6.1 Socrates 5.6.1.1 Socratic Problem 5.6.1.2 The Socratic Method 5.6.1.3 Philosophical Beliefs 5.6.1.4 Remarkable Paraphrased Quotes by Socrates 5.6.1.5 The Death of Socrates 5.6.1.6 The Three Accusers of Socrates 5.6.2 Plato 5.6.2.1 Beliefs and Ideas 5.6.2.2 The Allegory of the Cave: Reality vs Perception 5.6.2.3 The Apology 5.6.2.4 The Body Soul Distinction 5.6.2.5 Impact 5.6.2.6 Remarkable Paraphrased Quotes by Plato 5.6.3 Aristotle 5.6.3.1 Plato and Aristotle: Relationship and Beliefs 5.6.3.2 Beliefs and Ideas 5.6.3.3 Remarkable Paraphrased Quotes by Aristotle 5.7 Modern Philosophy 5.7.1 Friedrich Nietzsche 5.7.1.1 The Doctrine of the Will to Power 5.7.1.2 Perspectivism Based Conception of Truth 5.7.1.3 Nihilism 5.7.1.4 Optimistic/Positive Nihilism 5.7.2 Rene Descartes 5.7.2.1 Existence and Thought References Chapter 6: The First and Second Industrial Revolution 6.1 Introduction 6.2 The First Industrial Revolution 6.2.1 Developments During the First Industrial Revolution 6.2.1.1 Technological Changes 6.2.1.2 Socioeconomic and Cultural Changes 6.2.2 Spread of the Industrial Revolution 6.3 The Second Industrial Revolution 6.3.1 Introduction 6.3.2 Pursuit of Science 6.3.3 Economic Changes 6.3.4 Political Changes 6.3.5 Social Changes 6.4 Science, Technology and the Industrial Revolution References Chapter 7: Globalization and the Third and Fourth Industrial Revolution 7.1 The Third and Fourth Industrial Revolution 7.2 Globalization 7.2.1 Modern Globalization 7.2.2 Impacts of Globalization 7.3 Conclusion: Shaping the Future and Challenges References Chapter 8: Modernity and Society 8.1 Society 8.2 The Individual and the Society 8.2.1 Nature and Nurture 8.2.2 Social Influences 8.3 Socio-Cultural Change 8.3.1 Factors Influencing Socio-Cultural Change 8.3.2 Causes of Socio-Cultural Change 8.4 Modernization 8.4.1 Individualization 8.4.2 Self-Identity 8.4.3 Rationalization 8.4.4 Urbanization 8.5 Dilemmas of Modern Society References Chapter 9: Introduction to Cross Cultural Communication 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Origins of Cross-Cultural Communication 9.3 Globalization and Cross-Cultural Communication 9.4 Cross-Culture Communication Theories 9.4.1 Hofstede’s Six Dimensions of Culture 9.4.2 Trompenaars: The Basis of Cultural Differences in Relationship with People References Chapter 10: Feminism & Gender Equality: An Ongoing Debate 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Types of Feminism 10.3 Waves of Feminism 10.4 Stockholm Syndrome 10.4.1 The Origin of Stockholm Syndrome 10.4.2 Causes of Stockholm Syndrome 10.4.3 Corporate Stockholm Syndrome 10.4.4 Cases of Stockholm Syndrome 10.5 Feminism in India 10.6 Conclusion References Index