Module One: Science, Technology and Development | Dr Olugbenga Elemile
GEC 217: Engineers and Society
Module One: Science, Technology and Development
Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University, Kwara State, Nigeria
1.0 Introduction
Science is the study of knowledge which can be made into a system and usually depends on seeing and testing
facts and stating general laws. Technology on the other hand is the practical application of scientific knowledge
or inventions to the solving of everyday problems or facilitating tedious human activities. The words science
and technology can and often are used interchangeably. But the goal of science is the pursuit of knowledge for
its own sake while the goal of technology is to create products that solve problems and improve human life.
Simply put, technology is the practical application of science.
Generally, Science is the study of the physical world, while Engineering applies scientific knowledge to design
processes, structures or equipment. Both Engineers and Scientists will have a strong knowledge of science,
mathematics and technology, but engineering students will learn to apply these principles to designing creative
solutions to Engineering challenges.
Science, Engineering, and Technology are often confused with each other. All three are closely related but
mean different things. In this lecture, we will try to bring out the differences between science, engineering, and
technology. Let’s start with a quote that brings out the difference between Science & Engineering:
“Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been.”
—Theodore von Kármán
However, I would like to modify the quote in order to bring out a comparison between science, engineering and
technology:
“Science is the study of the natural world as it is; engineering is creating new tools, devices, and processes
based on scientific knowledge; technology is the sum total of all the engineered tools, devices and processes
available.”
SCIENCE
Knowledge of general truth and laws
ENGINEERING
Acquiring and applying scientific knowledge to build/design/create something
TECHNOLOGY
The sum of all engineered tools/ devices/process available
Module One: Science, Technology and Development | Dr Olugbenga Elemile
Table 1: Comparison between Science and Technology
Science Technology
Motto Science is knowing Technology is doing
Mission The search for and theorizing The search for and theorizing about new
about cause processes.
Result Making virtually value-free Activities always value-laden
Relevance statements
Evaluation Analysis, generalization and Analysis and synthesis of design
Methods creation of theories
Goals achieved Corresponding Scientific Key Technological Processes
through Processes
Focus Focuses on understanding Focuses on understanding the made
natural phenomena environment
Development Discovery (controlled by Design, invention, production
Methods experimentation)
Most observed Drawing correct conclusions Taking good decisions based on
quality based on good theories and incomplete data and approximate models
accurate data
Skills needed Experimental and logical skills Design, construction, testing, planning,
to excel quality assurance, problem solving,
decision making, interpersonal and
communication skills
Development is the systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives or
requirements. The UNDP (UN development programme) describes development as: ‘the three essentials of
development include the ability to lead a long and healthy life, to acquire knowledge, and to have a decent
standard of life’.
1.1 Stages in Development (Rostow’s Model)
Rostow’s ‘stages of economic growth’ model shows five crucial stages in the development of a country. The
first stage in the model is traditional society, this is where the countries’ population use primitive technology
and their trade is still based on bartering. The second stage, names preconditions for take-off, means the country
has improved technology and an increase in trade and investment. The Take-off stage is third and Rostow
believed it to be the most important of all the stages because the economic growth was rapid and sophisticated.
Module One: Science, Technology and Development | Dr Olugbenga Elemile
The drive to maturity stage which is the fourth stage is a period of self-sustaining growth, with increasing
investment and diversification. The fifth and final stage of the rostow model is the high mass consumption.
Figure 1. Rostow Model of Development
1.2 What is the Role of Science and Technology in Development?
Science and technology are considered by many to be forces for improvement in the welfare of developing
states. On the other hand, science and technology are also feared by many to be potential contributors to the
dehumanization of man and to the degradation of environment. Recognizing these two seemingly opposing
influences of science and technology in development, we need to be objective in our perspective, that is, to view
science and technology in development.
1. The role of science and technology in development should be directed toward reduction of inequalities
between advanced and the developing countries and between various sections of population within a
country. In doing so, science and technology should make the natural and social environment harmonious,
without seriously endangering the future.
2. Science and technology should not be inserted as separate packages of development techniques
implemented in isolation from the rest of the national evolution whether material or otherwise failure to
Module One: Science, Technology and Development | Dr Olugbenga Elemile
integrate development programs based on science and technology into national concepts and ways of life
may lead to their total rejection.
3. The role of science and technology for development must be directed within the framework of the
fundamental social, cultural, and economic rights in a peaceful and cooperative world.
The importance of science and technology in national development cannot be over-emphasized. It is a known
fact that no nation can develop without science and technology. Developed nations of the world like the
America, Germany, France etc. boast of several scientific inventions which make them to be rated as the world
powers. Science and technology is the pivot of any nation’s development. A nation without science and
technology is definitely a backward nation. Such nation will be considered undeveloped. Science and
technology is associated with modernity and it is an essential tool for rapid development. In addition to this
science and technology has helped in easing stress, brought by the movement of goods and people from one
place to another, by inventing easy transportation equipments like automobiles, aircrafts and so on.
Furthermore, science and technology has helped in the area of medicine. Some natural herbs converted to drugs
with the aid of modern equipment and these drug are used in our hospitals and pharmacies. Moreover, rural
communities are transformed to urban settlements through science and technology. This is made possible
through the availability of electricity, pipe borne water, good road, schools, hospitals and other social amenities.
Which makes these places developed, by an increased population.
Equally important is the fact that science and technology has helped in making work more easier for people to
do through the invention of computers and household machineries, it has also made communication faster,
through the use of mobile phones, televisions, radio, used in communication. Science and technology has aided
so many sectors of the economy such as the advertising sector, sports and fitness (weight loss), transportation,
and so on.
In conclusion, science and technology, has played an important and vital role, in the development of this great
nation and the wide-world.
1.3 Conditions for the Application of Science and Technology to Development
The application of science and technology is a fundamental factor which influences the pace of economic
development. Material and social benefits enlarge through the proper application of science and technology.
The effective application of science and technology implies the existence of certain prerequisites, among which
are the following:
Creation of a social climate favourable to the application of science and technology;
Role and responsibilities of the universities in the implantation of science;
Technical and technological education and training;
Module One: Science, Technology and Development | Dr Olugbenga Elemile
Promotion of technological sciences and applied research;
Agricultural education and research; and
Infrastructure of auxiliary services
