TMN3705
ASSIGNMENT 2
ANSWERS 2025
TMN3705 ASSIGNMENT 2 ANSWERS
2025
,TMN3705
ASSIGNMENT 02
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE: 20 JUNE 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Are Science and Technology Inseparable?
To address whether science and technology are inseparable, it's important to define
each term:
* **Science:** Science is a systematic and organized body of knowledge built
through observation, experimentation, and analysis to explain the natural world. It
seeks to understand *why* things happen and develop general principles or laws.
* **Technology:** Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes, often to solve problems or improve human capabilities. It involves the
design, creation, and use of tools, techniques, and systems. It focuses on *how* to
do things.
**Argument:**
I **agree** that science and technology are deeply intertwined and practically
inseparable in modern times. Here's why:
* **Science drives technology:** New scientific discoveries provide the foundation
for technological advancements. For example, understanding the principles of
electromagnetism (a scientific discovery) led to the development of electric motors,
, generators, and the entire field of electronics (technology). Without the initial
scientific knowledge, these technologies would not be possible.
* **Technology enables scientific progress:** Advanced technologies provide
scientists with tools to conduct research that would otherwise be impossible. High-
powered microscopes allow scientists to observe cells and molecules in greater
detail, particle accelerators allow physicists to explore the fundamental forces of
nature, and powerful telescopes allow astronomers to peer deeper into the universe.
These technologies advance our scientific understanding.
* **Iterative relationship:** The relationship is often iterative. Science leads to new
technology, which enables further scientific investigation, leading to more advanced
technology, and so on. For instance, the development of computers (technology)
allowed scientists to analyze vast amounts of data and create complex simulations
(science), which in turn led to the development of even more powerful computers
(technology).
* **Modern Applications:** In most contemporary applications, it is impossible to
isolate science from technology. The creation of a COVID-19 vaccine is a prime
example. The scientific understanding of viruses and immune responses, combined
with technological advancements in genetic engineering and pharmaceutical
manufacturing, led to the rapid development and deployment of vaccines.
* **Blurring Lines:** There are areas where the distinction between science and
technology becomes increasingly blurred. Fields like nanotechnology and materials
science involve both the fundamental scientific understanding of materials at the
nanoscale and the development of practical applications using these materials.
**However, a nuanced view is important**: In the very early stages of human history,
practical technologies often developed before a deep scientific understanding. For
example, people were using tools and agriculture long before they understood the
scientific principles behind them. Therefore, while deeply interconnected now,
technology can sometimes precede scientific explanation, but in modern times they
are usually deeply interconnected.
ASSIGNMENT 2
ANSWERS 2025
TMN3705 ASSIGNMENT 2 ANSWERS
2025
,TMN3705
ASSIGNMENT 02
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE: 20 JUNE 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Are Science and Technology Inseparable?
To address whether science and technology are inseparable, it's important to define
each term:
* **Science:** Science is a systematic and organized body of knowledge built
through observation, experimentation, and analysis to explain the natural world. It
seeks to understand *why* things happen and develop general principles or laws.
* **Technology:** Technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes, often to solve problems or improve human capabilities. It involves the
design, creation, and use of tools, techniques, and systems. It focuses on *how* to
do things.
**Argument:**
I **agree** that science and technology are deeply intertwined and practically
inseparable in modern times. Here's why:
* **Science drives technology:** New scientific discoveries provide the foundation
for technological advancements. For example, understanding the principles of
electromagnetism (a scientific discovery) led to the development of electric motors,
, generators, and the entire field of electronics (technology). Without the initial
scientific knowledge, these technologies would not be possible.
* **Technology enables scientific progress:** Advanced technologies provide
scientists with tools to conduct research that would otherwise be impossible. High-
powered microscopes allow scientists to observe cells and molecules in greater
detail, particle accelerators allow physicists to explore the fundamental forces of
nature, and powerful telescopes allow astronomers to peer deeper into the universe.
These technologies advance our scientific understanding.
* **Iterative relationship:** The relationship is often iterative. Science leads to new
technology, which enables further scientific investigation, leading to more advanced
technology, and so on. For instance, the development of computers (technology)
allowed scientists to analyze vast amounts of data and create complex simulations
(science), which in turn led to the development of even more powerful computers
(technology).
* **Modern Applications:** In most contemporary applications, it is impossible to
isolate science from technology. The creation of a COVID-19 vaccine is a prime
example. The scientific understanding of viruses and immune responses, combined
with technological advancements in genetic engineering and pharmaceutical
manufacturing, led to the rapid development and deployment of vaccines.
* **Blurring Lines:** There are areas where the distinction between science and
technology becomes increasingly blurred. Fields like nanotechnology and materials
science involve both the fundamental scientific understanding of materials at the
nanoscale and the development of practical applications using these materials.
**However, a nuanced view is important**: In the very early stages of human history,
practical technologies often developed before a deep scientific understanding. For
example, people were using tools and agriculture long before they understood the
scientific principles behind them. Therefore, while deeply interconnected now,
technology can sometimes precede scientific explanation, but in modern times they
are usually deeply interconnected.
