Science & Technology

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE BEDROCK OF ANY SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT



Today, we’re discussing science and technology as a discipline, and how it affects any given society; its true impacts and roles towards societal development.

Science is a study of the nature and behaviour of natural things, and the knowledge we obtain from them. On the other hand, technology is the activity or study of using scientific knowledge for practical purposes. In other words, it (technology) could be defined as the implementation of the experience(s)/knowledge derived from science.

To begin with, honestly, science is not a term one can scribble at any given time because it’s as old as the world. More so, it’s powerful. Due to its powerful idiosyncrasy, most times, it appears mysterious to the sight of those we refer to as the laymen. Believe me, science is nature itself because it deals with the latter (nature) directly. This is why, most times, those things or occurrences we tag as mysteries could be scientific. To cut the story short, science is the representative of the ‘Almighty’ (creator) here on earth; it’s the means through which He (the creator) makes everything easier for mankind. Please, I’m not trying to mystify you, or introduce a mystique. The best thing you can do for yourself is, to accept the fact and forget the story that accompanies it.

This is the fact: God created the world and provided mankind with the materials he could use to create/invent, or manufacture the subsequent human wants (needs). Secondly, He introduced the techniques/mechanism man could use to subdue those materials he was provided with. This technique(s) is/are what we regard to as science, and that is the key. Then thirdly, God gave man the knowledge that could make those techniques to be properly utilized or implemented. The above knowledge is nothing but technology. Have you seen how old science is, or how far it has been existing? Science was initiated by God himself; and it’s being controlled by Him. In one of our subsequent editions on this column, we shall be discussing science and religion; this will enable you to acknowledge how the Supreme Being (God) controls the existence and progress of science.

Let’s ride on. The holy bible/quran has already said it all; God is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. Meaning, He remaineth the same and has complete power over all things and people. He’s everywhere; and, He knowneth everything; respectively. Since science represents God himself, and as well, being controlled by Him, it (science) also possesses the aforementioned idiosyncrasies or endowments. Honestly science remains the same and has complete power over all things and people; it’s everywhere or affects all lives at the same time; and, it seems to know everything. In a more concise sentence, it is everything or anything.

Yes, science is anything. Since it deals with nature, or it’s nature itself; which is, whatever we can feel, see or touch. Thus, it is anything; anything around, beneath, or beyond us. This’s no cock and bull story; it’s a fact. I had earlier advised you to dwell with only the fact and keep the story behind you.

So, in what way has science contributed in societal development? First, let’s consider the true meaning or the definition of the tool, development, in accordance with the context of this edition, or as it is used in the above sentence/topic.

Development could be used in many contexts. But, in this edition, we’re only concerned on the improvement of lives of the citizenry/occupants of any society, or country, as the case may be. Has science truly improved the welfare/lives of the people? It’s a very simple question, because, that we can walk/work, travel, and/or study faster is by the sole effort of science. Your car, aeroplane/jet/rocket, computer, canvass/shoe, gas cooker, and what have you, are sciences. They were all actualized by the proper implementation of the knowledge acquired from science. Or, in a simpler form; they’re the products of scientific methodology/initiative.

One certain day, I was driving with one of my intimate friends. Our starting point was my home town, Awo-Omamma in Imo State and we were heading to Owerri. I told my friend that we shall arrive Owerri within fifteen minutes by the special grace of God; I promised him because we were already late to the meeting we were heading to, and he was deeply disturbed over the lateness. But, he was doubtful over my solemn promise because he has been used to public transport that believes in, or operates on ‘dropping and picking’. Believe me, before thirteen minutes we were at the stipulated venue for the meeting. As soon as we arrived, he glanced at his wrist watch, and smiled. I asked him the reason for the smile. He looked at me and exclaimed, “Science is good!” I understood the compliment in the fullness, so, I responded, “you can say that again.” Brethren, a novice (layman) who happened to be around us may think that my friend spoke Greek. But, being his fellow scientist, I comprehended the remark.

Frankly speaking, science is good. Infact, being good is an understatement; it’s intact and truly powerful. Honestly, I don’t know where to begin or where to end while discussing science because its content is versed, or highly voluminous.

Highly voluminous? No; limitless! Actually, it has been a holistic approach. Think about it!!



FDN NWAOZOR

frednwaozor@gmail.com