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Learning outcomes |
This curricular unit aims to deepen the theoretical-conceptual debate on the (inter)relations between science, technology and society, to broaden the knowledge of risks and consequences that could compromise the future of humanity, and to deepen the knowledge of public participation mechanisms, thus promoting a realistic view of science and technology.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
- Know the main theoretical approaches to science, technology and society;
- Develop a critical view of S&T policies and systems;
- Mobilise concepts and theoretical perspectives to analyse problems of scientific and technological development at different levels (macro, meso and micro);
- Analyse the political nature of science and technology and understand the importance of exercising citizenship;
- Demonstrate a critical and ethical awareness of scientific and technological development.
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Syllabus |
1. Science, technology and society: Concepts, debates and main theoretical approaches
1.1 From traditional to post-academic science
1.2 Technological determinism vs. constructivist approaches
2. S&T policies and systems
2.1 From "classical" innovation to responsible innovation
2.2 S&T policies in Europe and Portugal
2.3 Organisation and actors in the Portuguese S&T system
3. Emerging technologies and risks, theoretical debates and new inequalities
3.1 ICT
3.2 Artificial Intelligence
3.3 Biotechnology
3.4 Nanotechnology
3.5 Internet of Things
3.6 Climate change
4. Scientific and technological risks, uncertain futures and public participation
4.1 Relationships, controversies and conflicts between science, technology and society
4.2 Risks, citizenship and public participation
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Main Bibliography |
Bijker, W., Hughes, T. e Pinch, T. (eds.) (2012), The Social Construction of Technological Systems: New Directions in the Sociology and History of Technology, Cambridge, The MIT Press.
Doubleday, R. (2007), “Risk, public engagement and reflexivity: Alternative framings of the public dimensions of nanotechnology”, Health, Risk & Society, 9(2), pp.211–227.
Garcia, J. L. (2010), “Tecnologia, mercado e bem-estar humano: para um questionamento do discurso da inovação”, em M. Costa e J.P. Neves (orgs.), Tecnologia e configurações do humano na era digital, Ermesinde, Edições Ecopy, pp.65-90.
Latour, B. (2005), Reassembling the social: an introduction to actor-network-theory, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Matos, A. R., Almeida, M. S. & Mendonça, P. X. (2024), Tecnociência e Sociedade – Sociologia do Conhecimento, Ciência e Tecnologia em Portugal, ICS.
+ Bibliography to be indicated in class
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