the meaning of the concepts science and technology and also the relationship between them.


Introduction
It seems obvious that while various animals demonstrate some levels of curiosity, it is only human beings that possess the skills of systematic organisation; recording and application of knowledge, to enable them attain a harmonious relationship with nature and the world around them. Hence, science and technology exist because of such human ingenuity.
Consequently, this paper attempts to present the meaning of the concepts science and technology and also the relationship between them. We shall also consider the ways in which science and technology is claimed to need philosophy. Furthermore, we shall consider science and technology and human interest. Finally, we will discuss the impact of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence to our world view and value system.
Conceptual Clarification
Science: The word “science” is derived from the Latin verb scire meaning “to know” and from the noun Scientia, meaning “knowledge”. Thus, science, etymologically, means knowledge. Science could be considered a body of empirical, theoretical and practical knowledge about the natural world, through observation, experimentation and prediction. Science deals with human’s understanding of the real world, human beings, the inherent properties of space, matter, energy, and their interactions. Though the usage of the word science generally applies to a wide variety of disciplines or intellectual activities which have certain features in common, it particularly refers to those disciplines that are characterised by the possibility of making precise statements which are susceptible to some sort of check or proof-empirical verification.[1]  This however, distinguishes sciences from non sciences and pseudo sciences. Science carries out this empirical verifiable inquiry about reality through what is known as the scientific method.
Scientific Methods: Procedures for attaining scientific knowledge are known as scientific methods. These methods include formulating theories and testing them against observation or experiment.[2] Scientific methods are determined by the general nature of the objective in view and by the nature of the subject matter. These methods are however considered prerequisite to nearly every science in describing its subject matter. Furthermore, the language of such description must be capable of reproducing or recalling the subject matter with precision and uniqueness.
Technology: The term “technology” is a combination of the Greek techne, meaning “art”, and logos, meaning “word” or “discourse”.[3] In English, it first denoted a discourse on an art or arts; later, it embraced the scientific study of the practical and industrial arts and their methods. In philosophical literature, the terms technology, technic (or technics), and technique are differentiated. Aristotle defines technology as “a human arrangement of technics - tools, sciences, and personnel - to make possible and serve the attainment of human ends”.[4] Martin Heidegger gives a broader concept of the term technology. He defines it as the manufacturing and utilization of equipment, tools and machines. Technology entails things manufactured; things used; and the needs and the ends they serve. Simply put, for Heidegger technology is “a means and a human activity”[5]. Following from the above conceptions, technology could be defined as the study, development, and application of devices, machines and techniques for manufacturing and productive processes.

Does Science and Technology Need Philosophy?
History has it that science used to be a branch of philosophy. The history of science from the ancient Greeks to the present is the history of one compartment of philosophy after another breaking away from philosophy and emerging as a separate discipline. Thus, by the third century BC, Euclid’s work had made geometry a ‘science of space’ separate from but still taught by philosophers in Plato’s Academy.[6] In 1859, the origin of species set biology apart from philosophy (theology).[7] Newton’s revolution in the seventeenth century made physics a subject separate from metaphysics.[8] So science is the handmaid of philosophy. The fact that Science as a discipline evolved from Philosophy makes people think that Science is somehow “better” than Philosophy. But this is not true because there would be no experimentation without an original observation. Philosophy, which begins from wonder, is the rational investigation into the truths and principles of being, knowledge, and conduct. Science, on the other hand, inquires about knowledge that seeks to answer the questions asked by philosophy. According to Aristotelian concept, science is certain and evident knowledge obtained by demonstration.[9]
Philosophy deals with the whole body of knowledge and it encompasses all fields of knowledge, which science is no exception. So, to ask whether science need philosophy seems absurd because the scientific pursuit of knowledge is made whole and granted secure foundation by philosophy. According to Einstein, “…even if philosophy is not important to do everyday science, it certainly is important when experience forces us to seek a newer and more solid foundation[10]. Philosophy is of value to scientists not just for methodological reasons when they face foundational problems, but also for theoretical and broader educational reasons.
Science makes a lot of presumptions and assumptions which purportedly rests on secure foundation. Most of these, however, do not possess such strong foundation as scientific culture would make us believe. Philosophy’s task in this is to subject many of these presumptions and assumptions to the acid test of critical judgment so as to reveal their shaky foundations and thus ensure that their roots are thrust much deeper into more solid ground. This is the objective of Philosophy of Science.
Whereas science is the handmaid of philosophy, technology is the handmaid of science, insofar as it emerges with the help of scientific researches and experiments. The relation between science and technology has become paramount because of the distinguishing features of modern technology, as compared to traditional forms of technology, is that it is science-based. For Aristotle, science and technology belonged to two different spheres of human experience (contemplation versus productive action) and constituted two different forms of knowledge (theoretical versus practical knowledge).[11]
Human beings have been considered to be limited animals that are dependent on technology for their survival. Technology has become the substitute for our biological shortcomings.[12] Thus, one of the tasks of philosophy, especially moral philosophy, is to postulate true values that will ensure good conduct and peaceful coexistence of humans with fellow humans, and humans with the rest of other creation. This task is well concretized in the field of science and technology. Science and technological advancement can easily become tools for destruction in the world if not well guided by good human values, which philosophy attempts to provide. The philosophy of technology deals with the nature of technology and its effects on human life and society. Therefore, since Science cannot deny Philosophy especially in the area of Metaphysics, and Technology cannot deny both Science and Philosophy, it then follows that science and technology need philosophy.
Relationship between Technology and artifacts
The usual conception of technology is that it is the transformation or manipulation of nature to satisfy human needs and goals. Technology is thus conceived to be a specific form of purposeful (teleological) action, that may result in a ‘technological artifact’: a human-made object or state of affairs that fulfils a utilitarian or practical function.[13] The transformation of nature may or may not itself be mediated by artifacts, which are then called tools. This conception of technology raises many questions. On the one hand, it appears too restrictive, for it does not fit certain domains which are considered to belong to modern technology, such as software engineering which deals with the transformation of something immaterial (information).[14] On the other hand, it is too broad, since it makes any object or state of affairs which satisfies a practical need, and is the result of intentional human intervention in nature, a technological artefact. In this context lies the demarcation problem, that is, what kind of action constitutes a technological action and what kind of objects or states of affairs are technological artifacts?  Not only is the distinction between the technological and the artificial, a problem, but also that between the artificial and the natural. The latter raises fundamental philosophical issues about the relation between the human race and nature. The distinction between the natural and the artificial is commonly taken to be identical to the distinction between the spontaneous and the intentional; these notions themselves, however, raise all kinds of philosophical problems.[15]
Similar questions arise when technological artifacts are characterized as objects that perform practical functions on the basis of human designs. In technology a design is taken to be a pattern or scheme that describes the structure and mode of operation of a system and shows how a given practical aim or function may be realized.[16] The notion of design stresses the inherently intentional/teleological nature of technological artifacts. The distinctive feature of technological artifacts as compared to objects from nature remains a problem, however. Is the difference primarily a genetic one  (produced by humans or by nature), or is it more fundamental in the sense that the attribution of a design to objects of nature is meaningless (as in the modern scientific conception of nature)? These questions inevitably lead to issues in the philosophy of nature.

The Relationship between Experimental Science and Technology
Science and Technology are correlated. Science has been very closely connected and    involved with the development of technology. The relationship between science and technology became more popular after Archimedes developed his lever and pulley system to the clone sheep - Dolly.[17] Science is structure built upon facts[18], which can be deduced as the foundation from which technological innovations emanate. In a sense technology could be regarded as applied science, since it is in technology that the scientific theories that are produced through scientific research and investigations are put into practical effect and used to produce results. Thus, while pure science enables us to gain knowledge about the contents, laws, functions and causal relationships between different aspects of nature; applied science or technology as commonly called enables us to control, influence and transform natural phenomena and objects in nature based on human interests in order to suit our needs and purposes.[19]
            Science systematically observes natural events to see how they happen and under the conditions they happen in order to discover facts about them and to formulate laws and principles based on those facts. Now the application of these laws and principles formulated from the facts for practical purposes, especially in industry is called “Technology”. In other words science put in practical use may be termed as technology.
            Experimental science makes use of specifically designed instruments / equipments for particular investigation in order to attain a better result; and as such, the research science does often bring about technological innovations.[20] Technology has made better instruments that profoundly affected scientific theories. For instance, the invention of the telescope by Galileo led to better astronomical measurements which changed the idea of an earth-centred universe to the idea of a Sun-centred universe. Again, Archimedes’ principle, which states that ‘a body immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid’ led to the discovery of a high technology called ship and submarine which float on the water surface because they are designed to displace a weight of fluid equal to their own weight. For example a 10,000 ton ship must be built wide enough to displace 10,000 tons of water.
            Furthermore, another great impart felt in our world today from the relationship between science and technology is the operation of the steam engine which has brought about new innovations most especially in the transportation and industrial systems. The science of thermodynamics underlies the working of steam engines. The principle of thermodynamics states that ‘energy can neither be created nor destroy, but can be change from one form to another.’ Based on this principle, steam engine converts heat energy into mechanical energy by allowing steam to expand in a cylinder which has a movable piston that moves up and down to drive the wheel.[21]
From the scientific knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties or contents of objects different kinds of tools, machines, structures; such as buildings, ships, aircrafts, cars, armament, electricity and electrical / electronic products, agricultural equipments etc, have been invented and constructed. All these structures constructed with the aid of scientific knowledge to control nature and to serve humans’ need for transportation, shelter, clothing, drug and medicine, food, communication, energy, sports, etc - and the skill, instruments, equipments and the necessary know-how for achieving them make up what is called “technology”.[22]
            Our theoretical scientific knowledge enables us to transform objects with the aid of technological devices to produce what we need in industry and daily life. For example we use scientific knowledge with the appropriate equipments to extract from crude oil the following gas, diesel, gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oil, asphalt chemicals, bitumen, etc. From plants, we get drugs; from wood, papers, chairs, tables are manufactured.



Human Interests on The Basis of Science and Technology
Science in itself does not necessarily nor directly relate with human interests. This is where Technology comes in. Technology is the application of science.[23] Scientific theories, on the other hand serve as a linking-point between scientific methods and scientific knowledge. They are synonymous with science because they are used to explain the irregularities and the essential relationships between one phenomenon and another in the universe; and they enable us to form a correct picture of the world and of events occurring within it.
Technology being the application of science; takes from what science has learned and applies it. For example, a scientist may spend years performing series of stress tests on various metallic materials: Whereas, an inventor or an engineer may just read over the published data from the scientist and use the scientific knowledge [which is reliably proven] to build a magnificent building or bridge. Human interests, in all these include the subjects that are been investigated using scientific methods, which in turn depends on the person(s) who are using these methods, those who are funding it [if it requires funding], the cultural interference, the applicable laws, among other things. However, despite these connections, the scientific method is removed from many of the human connections. Scientists are being taught to be quantitative as opposed to being qualitative; to repeat tests and experiments over and over beyond common sense; as well as to be unbiased observers, etc. The fact that most people are unable or unwilling to be scientists testifies to the degree of the ‘abstractness’ with which the scientific method is withdrawn from normal human reasoning, and very often contradicts ‘common-sense’.[24]
Impacts of Human Interests: The impact of human interests on the advancement of science and technology cannot be over emphasized. This notion finds its bearing on the fact that the value of our scientific knowledge depends to a high degree on the influences of human interests to which it provides technological possibilities, that is the degree to which our scientific knowledge can be useful in technological terms. In modern times technological innovations have increased tremendously due to the utilization of scientific knowledge and procedures stimulated by human interests towards the realization of the practical aims of life. This is so widespread and intense to the extent that technology has come to mean simply “the utilization of the results of science”, in relation to human interests towards “the creation of useful products, services and processes”. Thus, one can say that these three; human interests, technology and science are separated from each other in a line, human interests being on the far right, science being on the far left, and technology being a bridge between the two. One of the key problems in this field is whether technological development is primarily determined by its context (social shaping of technology), or whether technology determines the social context including its systems of norms and values. In the latter case, the idea of a technocratic society emerges in which technological rationality imposes itself on all domains of social life.[25]
Dimensions of Scientific Applications: Technological innovation has not only made new observations and experiments possible but it has also transformed our experience and conception of reality. These have brought about numerous inventions, which are meant to be interpreted based on the behaviour of the respective device or instrument, that is in terms of an understanding of how it works and not how it is used. Since most inventions bring about new phenomena, data and subsequently change our understanding of the world. Thus,
Whilst [Science and] Technology transforms ends into means... we are often so overwhelmingly immense that we are unable to cope with it as a means and, consequently, treat it as an end... Modern Technology sets upon and challenges nature to disclose itself, unlock and expose itself, as energy or resources for future use.[26]
However, the controversies / challenges surrounding most scientific experiments and inventions have often misled many away from their enormous benefits in diverse fields of human endeavours. The following are some examples:
-Stem Cell Research: The benefits of stem cell usage in the treatment of serious diseases are well documented and it is expected that continued research will pave the way for new treatment methods.
-Space Exploration: This has revolutionized the concept of science; by the introduction of space-satellites, and even the possibility of establishing life in other planets.
-Globalization: through which technological-transfer has been aided, and more room for improvement and new opportunities have equally been created in numerous areas of human endeavours.

Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence: Their Impact on Our World View and Value System 
In our modern world, we always strive for innovation. This is one of the many good aspects of human beings, being ambitious. Even in the past, people aspire for something great like robots, super computers and many more. Nowadays, our aspirations have not changed much.  Artificial intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT) are part of the promising inventions that some people are excited about. Many contend that these will change the face of how we live our life.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines. It is about designing machines that seem to think like humans. Intelligence may be defined as the ability of an individual to adapt his/her behaviour to new circumstances. Human intelligence is not a single ability, but is rather a composition of abilities like learning, reasoning, problem solving, perception and understanding of language. Information Technology on the other hand, may be defined as a technology that serves to generate, store, process and disseminate information in various forms of media and formats age, sound, text, motion, pictures, etc.).[27] 
Indeed, artificial intelligence finds applications in space exploration. Intelligent robots can be used to explore space. They are machines and hence have the ability to endure the hostile environment of the interplanetary space. They can be made to adapt in such a way that planetary atmospheres do not affect their physical state and functioning. Intelligent robots can be programmed to reach the Earth's core. They can be used to dig for fuels. They can be used for mining purposes. The intelligence of machines can be harnessed for exploring the depths of oceans. These machines serve human so well especially where human intelligence has serious limitations. They can even be used to detonate bombs; thereby saving human life. More so, emotions that often intercept rational thinking of a human being are not a hindrance for artificial thinkers. Though lacking the emotional side, robots can think logically in accordance with the way they are programmed, but not intuitively or creatively as humans and still make or take the right decisions. Sentiments are associated with moods that affect human efficiency. This is not the case with machines with artificial intelligence. Thus artificial intelligence can be utilized in the completion of repetitive and time-consuming tasks efficiently.[28]
Similarly, information technology has made communication much easier in areas such as chatting on Net, Facebook, Twitters, E-Mails, Video-Conferencing, just to mention but a few. Nowadays, we can do so many things with the computer.
However, one of the concerns regarding the application of artificial intelligence is about ethics and moral values. Is it ethically correct to create replicas of human beings? Do our moral values allow us to recreate intelligence? Intelligence is after all a gift of nature. It may not be right to install it into a machine to make it work for our benefit. The idea of machines replacing human beings sounds wonderful; it helps to reduce stress and strain. But is it really such an exciting idea? Imagine robots working in hospitals; can they show care, empathy and concern towards patients as humans would? Thinking machines lack minds. Human beings are emotional intellectuals - we think and feel. Our feelings guide our thoughts. If robots begin to replace human beings in every field, it may lead to unemployment. People will be left with nothing to do. Empty time may result in its destructive use. Thinking machines will govern all the fields and populate all positions pre-occupied by people.[29]
Apart from all these issues, there is a fear of robots superseding us! Ideally human beings should continue being the masters of machines. If things turn the other way round, the world will turn into chaos. Intelligent machines may prove to be smarter than us; they might enslave us and start ruling the world. Our greedy creativity may endanger our life!
Similarly, people spend lots of time on the computers and less time with their families and friends. This affects relationships. What about the various degrees of crimes, cybercrimes, deceits and misinformation that characterize the internet. Hackers and crackers of codes and websites are on the increase. At times too, we over rely so much on information posted on websites that cripple our innovative skills. What about the abuse of copyrights and patent rights? In fact, the insecurity that greets certain information that may be classified is another serious issue.
Eventually, in the face of all these, is our world better or worse? Certainly, there is no ideal replacement for human beings. Artificial intelligence can help alleviate the difficulties faced by humans, but they can never be “humans”. In the same way, information technology should serve our needs. We should not become slaves to it and abuse its use for the betterment of life.

Evaluation and Conclusion
In this essay, we have attempted an articulated exposition of various discussions about science and technology. In the first instance, we considered science as a systematic, objective and reliable body of knowledge of the world and ourselves. As such, science, being a systematic body of knowledge, has a logical relation and inference from one element to the other. We equally discussed technology as a process by which human beings intimately relate with nature[30] through production of tools and machines. Thus, it could be claimed that both science and technology hold each other with an absolute necessity. For while science offers us knowledge about the contents, laws, functions and causal relationships between various aspect of nature, technology enables us to control, influence and transform natural phenomena and objects for human uses. In other words, technology is an applied science.[31]
Furthermore, we also showed that science and technology need philosophy. Though, many denied such relationship under the pretext that philosophy and science are concerned with two different domains and methods, yet the relationship seems obvious. In the first analysis, it should be noted that “science grew out of philosophy”[32] and by implication, the critical and rational character of philosophy is running through the system of science and technology.[33] And this helps science in its quest for objective, rational and systematic knowledge about the universe.
Furthermore, we expounded on various ways in which science and technology is of interest to the society. Perhaps, there would have been no changes between the world of today and that of three centuries ago if necessity and quest for new discoveries had not driven men and women to achieve great things as they had done. As a result of these discoveries, human beings are able to understand, explain and predict the course of nature and natural phenomena. In this way, a systematic, objective and rational body of knowledge about nature is developed. The knowledge, however, equips the society with the know-how, which enables it to transform the world and build the massive technology and industry.[34]
Moreover, in modern times human technical knowledge has increased tremendously due to the utilization of pure scientific knowledge and procedures towards the realisation of practical aims of life. This is so widespread and intense that technology has come to mean simply “the utilization of the results of science”, instead of being just “the creation of useful products and processes.”
More still, we indicated that science and technology has another effect in the area of communication and the use of artificial intelligence. Their use has resulted in the advancement of communication and expansions of economic commerce. Thus, any institution worth its name must have Information Technology / Artificial Intelligence in place to be really outstanding. Through them, work performances are boosted with less effort and greater productivity.[35] For instance, many jobs better suited for computers have decreased errors and increased efficiency. In America, the use of detecting credit card fraud is an example. This system is more accurate and faster than when done by a human being. These and many other infinite possibilities exist in using artificial intelligence to increase efficiency.
However, along with this progress in technology are some challenges. This could be seen from the aspect that our increase in the use of Information Technology / Artificial Intelligence technologies would decrease job opportunities thereby rendering many people unemployed. The implication of this for the society is obvious. Although Information Technology / Artificial Intelligence are efficient, they are also limited because they have no minds and possess no emotions, they could cause more harm than good in certain areas of human interests. Consequently, they can never replace human beings.


Science and technology in nigeria
The etymology of the word
Mind



[1] Cf. Hill McGraw, “Science”, Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, vol. 12, (1960, 1966 ed.), p. 71.
[2] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science (London: New York Press, 1998), p. 399.
[3] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science (London: New York Press, 1998), p. 443.
[4] W. F. Hood, In Philosophy and Technology: Readings in the Philosophical Problems of Technology edited by C. Mitcham and R. Mackey (New York: Free Press, 1983), pp. 347-63.  
[5] Martin Heidegger, The Question Concerning Teaching and other Essays, translated by W. Lovitt, (New York: Humanities, 1977), pp. 4-5.
[6] Alex Rosenberg, Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction (New York: Routledge, 2005), p. 2.
[7] Alex Rosenberg, Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction, p. 3.
[8] Alex Rosenberg, Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction, p.3.
[9] Antonio Moreno, Science and Philosophy (Illonios: River Forest Press, 1960), pg. 9.
[10] Desidério Murcho, Does Science need Philosophy? (London: King’s College Press, 1998), p.50
[11] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science (London: New York Press, 1998), p. 398
[12] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science (London: New York Press, 1998), p. 445.
[13] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, p. 445.
[14] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science , p. 445.
[15] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science,  p. 446.
[16] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, p. 446.
[17] Cf. Sahotra Sarkar and Jessica Pfeifer (ed.) The Philosophy of Science an Encyclopedia (New York: Routledge, 2006), p. 272.
[18] Alan Chalmers, What is this thing called Science? 2nd ed., (St. Lucia: University of Queensland Press, 1982), p.1.
[19] Cf. T. Uzodimma Nwala, (ed.) History and Philosophy of Science (Nsukka: Niger Books and Publishing Co. Ltd, 1997), p.131.
[20] Cf. Sahotra Sarkar and Jessica Pfeifer, The Philosophy of Science an Encyclopedia, p. 272.
[21]Cf.  Raymond H. Merritt, Technology Microsoft Encarta 2009. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.
[22] Cf. T. Uzodimma Nwala, (ed.) History and Philosophy of Science (Nsukka: Niger Books and Publishing Co. Ltd, 1997), p.8.
[23] Alan Chalmers, What is this thing called Science? 2nd ed., (St. Lucia: University of Queensland, 1982), p.1.
[24] Cf. T. Uzodimma Nwala, (ed.) History and Philosophy of Science (Nsukka: Niger Books and Publishing Co. Ltd, 1997), p.130.
[25] Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, p. 444.
[26] Karl Rogers, On the Metaphysics of Experimental Physics (Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005), p. 14.
[27] Manali Oak, Pros and Cons of Artificial intelligence, http://www.buzzle.com/article/pros-and-cons-of-artificial-intelligence.html (20 April, 2015).
[28] Manali Oak, Pros and Cons of Artificial intelligence, http://www.buzzle.com/article/pros-and-cons-of-artificial-intelligence.html (20 April, 2015).
[29] Cf. Pollock John, “My Brother, the Machine’’ In Nous vol.22 No 2, Meneth M. Sayre, A Philosophical Study of Minds and Machines (New York: Random House, 1988) pp.173-210.
[30] Routledge Enclopedia of Philosophy of Science, p. 444.
[31] Cf. T. Uzodimma Nwala, (ed.) History and Philosophy of Science (Nsukka: Niger Books and Publishing Co. Ltd, 1997), p. 8.
[32] Routledge Enclopedia of Philosophy of Science, p. 394.
[33] Einstein pointed out that philosophy is invaluable and useful for the workings of the scientists; especially when research pushes them to the boundaries of science. This implies for Einstein that rational enquiry is still possible even in the absence of clear-cut methods of enquiry. Revista Eletronica Informacao e Cognicao, v.5, n2, p.53. 
[34] Hermes Trismegistos (1500BC) also visualised a world in which man used his knowledge to create a life free of disease, want and possibly death. The modern versions of this view have been well expressed by Francis Bacon and Karl Marx, among others.
[35] Cf. “Science and Technology” StudyMode.com (April 2015) http://www.studymode.com/essays/science-And-Technology-1472220.html.

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