The Inevitability of Science and Technology
Forgive me if the answer to the question seems enormously obvious to you, but let's explore the idea that the development of science and technology is inevitable. Think of it this way:
Science: The Early Journey of Knowledge
Early humans, in their quest to understand the world around them, began to study the characteristics of various objects like plants, sticks, stones, and more. They observed how different plant stalks differed, noticed that rubbing a certain type of stick against a rock could create a sharp edge, and discovered that heating certain materials could alter their properties (e.g., making them harder). Observations of how vines could wrap around rocks or leather led to the crude understanding that these materials could be used for binding. Slowly, through trial and error, these ancient humans began to piece these observations together, eventually leading to the invention of the stone axe—a simple yet critical innovation that could be used for a multitude of tasks, from cracking nuts to cutting animal bones.
Technology: The Path to Improvement
The evolution from these early observations to the eventual invention of the stone axe is the beginning of technology. Over time, people continued to refine their creations, making each version better than the last. This process of continually improving their tools and methods is a quintessential aspect of technology. Fast-forward to today, the principle remains the same: countless observations, analysis, and refinement lead to complex and efficient technologies. Consider the gasoline engine—a prime example. The initial sciences that led to the creation of materials strong enough to withstand the pressures of the engine, the chances of spark ignition, and the thermal efficiency all contributed to the eventual development and improvement of the gasoline engine. The development of more complex tools and machines to study these engines further fueled the process, leading to optimized and highly efficient technology.
The Dichotomy Between Science and Technology
While science involves the discovery and understanding of natural phenomena and principles, technology is the application of these insights to create practical solutions. High-level scientists with PhDs work tirelessly to discover the world around us, while engineers strive to implement these discoveries in practical and useful technologies.
The relationship between science and technology is symbiotic. One scientist can, in fact, mobilize a million workers by developing groundbreaking technologies. Conversely, one engineer can put to work about 63 workers through the design and implementation of efficient and effective technologies.
The Role of Science in Technology
You may wonder if there is any technology that exists without the contribution of science. While it's difficult to think of modern technology that doesn't have a scientific foundation, there are certainly historical examples where simple tools, like a hand-made flint arrowhead, could have been developed without advanced scientific knowledge. However, it's worth noting that even in these cases, the understanding of basic principles and the experimentation required to create such tools can be seen as a form of early scientific activity.
Take my example of a cat lover using a laser pen to drive their cat around the house (Laser Tag). The science behind the laser took a considerable amount of scientific understanding to develop. The cat owner then used this scientific tool to create a playful and amusing technology for their pet.
Therefore, it can be argued that the undeniable progression of humanity towards science and technology is a natural and inevitable path—one that relies on the continuous cycle of discovery, observation, and application. Without science, technology would lack the foundation and without technology, science would lack the tools to further its discoveries. In essence, they are inherently intertwined and each plays a critical role in the evolution of human progress.