How Does Technology Affect Science?

The relationship between science and technology is somewhat complicated and could almost be described as circular. To describe the effect of one on the other, it is necessary to define the different terms involved. Science can, broadly speaking, be divided into two separate disciplines, namely pure, or fundamental science and applied science.

• Fundamental Science (FS)

FS is defined as the fundamental knowledge developed through the study of basic forces and objects, the laws that govern them and their relationship to each other. FS is not concerned with practical applications and depends on controlled experiments and close observation to make progress.

• Applied Science (AS)

AS is defined as the application of scientific knowledge in a physical environment. In other words, the knowledge gained through FS is applied by AS in order to find a practical solution to a problem. AS is used in research and development and is of great importance in the development of technology.

• Technology

Technology is defined as the knowledge, creation and use of crafts, techniques, methods, systems and tools required to serve a specific purpose or solve a particular problem. It is a result of the combined effort of FS and AS.

• The Effect of Technology on Science

This is where, at first glance, it gets just a little complicated. It has just been determined that technology is the result of science, so how can it have an effect on it? Quite simple, actually. Science relies on the knowledge of certain techniques, methods, systems and tools in order to gain knowledge, and then apply it to practical solutions of problems.

The knowledge science relies on is technology. This completes the circle. Fundamental science drives applied science, which drives technology, which in turn drives both fundamental and applied science. The result is continual advancement in science and technology.