Science in Society (LC 2027) (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes
Science in Society
Science and society are deeply interconnected. Scientific discoveries shape our world, whilst societal needs and values influence the direction of scientific research. Understanding this relationship is crucial for evaluating scientific information and appreciating how science impacts our daily lives.
This bidirectional relationship means that as students of science, we must consider both how scientific advances affect society and how society's demands drive scientific research priorities.
Evaluating scientific evidence
When studying science in society, you must be able to critically assess scientific information from various sources. This skill helps you distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.
Evidence in science refers to information gathered from properly conducted scientific research. As a student, you need to gather information from multiple sources including newspapers, books, magazine articles, and websites. It's essential to judge each source using specific criteria.
Relevant evidence
Relevant evidence means that the information directly relates to the topic you are investigating. When evaluating relevance, consider several key factors:
- Is the source of evidence closely related to your specific needs?
- Does the title seem appropriate? If so, read the introduction or summary (often called an abstract)
- How specific is the source? Does it provide a general overview or precisely what you want?
- How can you relate the ideas to your own understanding and interpretation?
- For recent information, check the publication date
Always start with the title and abstract when evaluating relevance - these will quickly tell you if the source is worth your time to read in full.
Accurate evidence
Accuracy refers to how close a measurement or piece of information is to the true or accepted value. When judging accuracy, ask yourself:
- Can you check the truth of the information?
- Is the evidence based on prior research? Look for references to other studies
- Is the evidence based on scientific research involving randomised, double-blind testing with proper controls?
- Has the information been peer reviewed?
- Is the information from a primary source (original research) or secondary source (someone else's interpretation)?
Primary vs Secondary Sources:
- Primary sources report original research and findings directly
- Secondary sources interpret, analyse, or summarise primary research
- Primary sources are generally more reliable for scientific accuracy
Biassed evidence
Bias means unfairly selecting or encouraging one outcome over another. A biassed test provides an unfair result. To identify bias, consider:
- What is the purpose of the publishers? Do they have a hidden agenda?
- Who created the information and what is their expertise?
- Does the source present a balanced view or is it one-sided?
- Is the evidence designed for a particular audience or purpose?
- Who funded the source of information?
Red Flags for Bias:
- Sources funded by organisations with vested interests
- Information that seems too good to be true
- Lack of references to other scientific studies
- Emotional language rather than objective reporting
Relating science and scientists to society
The relationship between science and society is bidirectional - each influences the other in significant ways.
Science has changed society
Over the past century, rapid advances in scientific knowledge have transformed society. Key examples include:
Medical advances: Discoveries about DNA structure and genetic mapping have revolutionised medicine and evolution understanding. New materials like silicon, graphene, and nanoparticles have enabled innovations in various fields.
Technology development: These scientific discoveries have led to new products including:
- New types of foods (packaged and frozen foods, vegan products)
- New forms of transport (jet engines, electric engines)
- New ways to spend time (computer games, virtual reality)
- New communication methods (computers, information science, internet)
Biological applications: New discoveries have improved disease control, medicines, food production, agriculture, biotechnology, and our understanding of how organisms interact.
Worked Example: Impact of DNA Discovery
The discovery of DNA structure in 1953 by Watson and Crick led to:
- Development of genetic fingerprinting for forensics
- Gene therapy treatments for genetic disorders
- Genetically modified crops for improved food security
- Personalised medicine based on genetic profiles
This shows how one scientific breakthrough can transform multiple aspects of society.
Society has changed science
Science began with wealthy individuals conducting investigations in areas that interested them. Modern science has evolved into a more structured, cooperative process funded by governments and industries.
Society now influences science by:
- Encouraging research in areas that serve societal needs
- Discouraging research in controversial areas
- Providing funding that shapes research directions
- Creating demand for practical applications
Modern Scientific Funding: Today's scientific research is largely driven by government priorities (like health and defence) and industry needs (like developing new products), rather than individual curiosity alone.
Relationships between science, scientists and society
Four key factors govern the relationship between science, scientists, and society: economic, social, sustainability, and ethical considerations.
Economic factors
Science generates new knowledge through two main approaches:
Basic (pure) science seeks to develop knowledge for knowledge's sake, focusing on forming theories rather than immediate practical or economic value.
Applied science (technology) uses scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems. Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Technology enables us to develop new methods and devices that alter and control our environment, leading to commercial and financial advances. Science has produced huge economic gains for society, allowing us to control diseases, increase crop production, and improve living standards, whilst also providing more leisure time.
Worked Example: Economic Impact of Science
The development of the internet demonstrates both pure and applied science:
- Pure science: Research into computer networks and communication protocols
- Applied science: Creating user-friendly web browsers and online services
- Economic impact: Trillion-dollar digital economy, new industries, transformed business models
Social factors
Science has improved society by making life easier and more comfortable. We now have better healthcare, improved communication, travel, and homes.
By making life easier, science gives us opportunities to pursue shared concerns such as art, education, justice, and human improvement. However, science can also have negative effects. For example, having access to high-energy foods affects our health negatively. Similarly, smoking, addictive substances, and misuse of multimedia can impact our wellbeing.
Balancing Benefits and Risks: While science brings many improvements to daily life, we must be aware of potential negative consequences and work to minimise harm whilst maximising benefits.
Sustainability factors
Sustainability means meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Sustainability requires that we live in harmony with the natural world and protect it from damage and destruction. Sustainable development involves balancing three essential areas:
- Economic development: Allowing economic progress without overconsuming resources
- Social development: Allowing society to develop whilst reducing pollution and environmental damage effects
- Environmental protection: Protecting our surroundings and controlling natural resource use
The Three Pillars of Sustainability: These three areas must work together - you cannot achieve true sustainability by focusing on just one area whilst ignoring the others. For example, economic growth that destroys the environment is not sustainable in the long term.
Sustainability extends beyond materials and environment to include health concerns. We must ensure that no people or areas suffer due to environmental legislation, whilst being aware of the long-term effects of our actions.
Ethical factors
Ethics relating to biology is often called bioethics. It's important that science is conducted correctly and properly, with bioethics committees having the power to evaluate scientific studies and ensure they follow correct standards.
Scientific research should follow agreed principles including:
Professional Conduct Principles:
- Honesty: Precise reporting of research goals, intentions, methods, and procedures
- Reliability: Fair, full, and unbiased reporting of results
- Objectivity: Fact-based interpretations and conclusions with transparent data collection
- Fairness and independence: Freedom from external pressure and economic interests
- Open communication: Contributing to public knowledge through publication and honest communication
- Duty of care: Considering impacts on participants, subjects, environment, and cultural objects
- Fairness: Providing proper references and credit to others' work
- Responsibility: Maintaining high standards for teaching and supervision
- Ethical principles: Using appropriate review processes for research design and conduct
Contribution of scientists to scientific discovery and invention
Scientists make vital contributions to scientific discovery and invention through their research, creativity, and dedication. Using resources like books, magazines, libraries, and internet sources, you can research information about scientists' contributions to scientific discovery and invention.
Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our modern world, from medical advances to technological innovations. Their work continues to address societal challenges and improve quality of life through both basic research and applied science applications.
Researching Scientists' Contributions: When investigating specific scientists and their discoveries, consider not only what they discovered, but also how their work was influenced by the society of their time and how their discoveries went on to influence future scientific research and societal development.
Key Points to Remember:
- Evaluate evidence using RAB: Check for Relevance (is it related to your topic?), Accuracy (is it truthful and reliable?), and Bias (is it fair and balanced?)
- Science and society influence each other: Scientific discoveries change how we live, whilst societal needs shape what scientists research
- Four key relationship factors: Economic (funding and applications), Social (impacts on daily life), Sustainability (protecting future generations), and Ethical (doing science responsibly)
- Technology applies science: Technology uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems and improve our lives
- Sustainability balances three areas: Economic development, social development, and environmental protection must work together for a sustainable future