INTRODUCTION
This paper seeks to summarize an understanding of the discipline of science, technology and society (STS) by analyzing the views and arguments presented by the author and the perspectives of other authors quoted by him. The aim is to build on the understanding of some ideas and concepts associated with STS and form associations within the topics discussed.
STS explores the inter-relationship between scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society (What Is STS: Harvard.edu). STS enables us to tackle the critical problems in today’s world whether it is climate change, improving access to medicines for the poor or the utilization of genomics. The issues of today are scientific and social, technological and political,
Standardized research is likely to be more successful. It talks about absolute objectivity referring to ideal perfect knowledge which literally doesn’t exist and formal objectivity referring to ideal of formal procedures. Formal objectivity which attempts at standardization can create conflicts between different standards of measures but eventually creates universality which is more desirable. Progress of science is histories of formal objectivity. Standardization can be reduced due to challenges if the rhetorical situation is such. Sismondo argues that formal rules cannot eliminate individual judgment and are not as big a constraint as the proponents of objectivity claim. They rather create space for interpretation and formal rules cannot replace expertise in complex situations. He also talks about common sense creating order and rules being seen goals as people attempt to align behavior as per the rule. Whenever scientists come to an agreement, they produce
(Standards in Innovation: ISO). Sismondo also mentions that scientist prefer a standardized package as it helps to make research like a routine. The pressure of continuing research is then diverted towards the solidarity in which researchers work in a standardized manner. This may be seen as a version of paradigm being followed based on standardization and objectivity.
He also talked about absolute objectivity being judgments by experts while formal objectivity refers to procedures leading to standardization. For instance, measurement saw conflicts between local and global measures which can be seen as an example of Kuhn’s incommensurability. Measurement required both expertise and local knowledge and standardization seeked to eliminate this and create a framework. A benefit of standardization can be seen in minimum acceptable quality standards which ensure that technological innovation is not inferior and can reduce risks by providing a framework (Newsletter 003: World Standards Cooperation