Discuss the power science and technology wields in the modern world. A WRAITEC Approach

W -WHAT What is the definition of science and technology? Science: (knowledge from) the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical world, especially by watching, measuring and doing experiments, and the development of theories to describe the results of these activities Technology: (the study and knowledge of) the practical, especially industrial, use of scientific discoveries Both are symbiotic and closely intertwined

W - WHAT What advantages and disadvantages are there with science and technology? Advantages: Extend life (genetic engineering) Make life easier or more productive (machines, gadgets) Improve quality of life (transport, daily activities) Disadvantages: Make life too easy, promote laziness Become too reliant on computers etc.

W - WHAT What is the “future” or possibilities of science and tech ? (How far is the projection?) ~20 years later like how robots in “I, Robot” control the daily lives of people Since some of the examples in Bladerunner has already materialized nowadays Improve current developments To an extent that those ideas of sci-fi writers are realized?

R - REASONS Why is Science and Technology important in our daily lives? We cannot live without them. For example, students nowadays cannot do their homework and assignments without a computer. Why is it that Science and Technology is able to hold power over Man? The advantages and benefits that science and tech can give Man are too good that Man simply cannot afford to go back to a primitive way of living.

A - ASSUMPTIONS Are we assuming that Science and Technology would evolve increasingly with time? If Science and Technology continue to increase with time, then does that mean that the power that Science and Technology holds over us continue to increase? According to the Time magazine, there are differing views on this issue, but if it were true, then a situation known as singularity would exist, where the advancement of technology would be so advanced that it ruptures the existing human civilisation.

A - ASSUMPTIONS Are we assuming that Mankind is able to preserve control over Science and Technology, or will Science and Technology control Mankind eventually?  Science and Technology are primarily for the purpose to improve living standards and human life. However, as reflected in several Science Fiction movies such as "Bladerunner", there is a possibility that Science and Technology might overtake Mankind. Here, Man wants to be in control, but it could be his inventions that control him in the future.

I - INFERENCES What can we infer from the advancement of Science and Technology over Mankind and its increasing power? Technology exercises more power over us, in more aspects of our        otherwise normal life.        The species of Man is improving        Man is being more dependent on Science and Technology, and hence sees    the need to further improve technology.

I - INFERENCES What are the implications of the advancement of Science and Technology?        Depending on the assumptions, there are different outcomes:                1. If Science and Technology is able to help Man, then Man would be free from mundane tasks. But there might be adverse impacts such as Man being over-dependent on technology.                2. Man might be in control and his inventions would backfire.5

T – TRUE Is it true that Man is overly-dependent on Science and Technology? This is true for most of the time. For example, the computer is needed for many kinds of work, due to the abundance of online resources. Students, under the stress of producing a good piece of assignment and a tight deadline, would resort to researching for online resources to complete his work. This shows the over-dependency of students on Science and Tech.

E - EXAMPLE What examples are there to show that Science and Technology holds power in the Modern world? The creation of social network such as Facebook connects people with different nationality, races and religion from all over the world. The distance between people is therefore shortened. When something happens, people from another side of the world can know it within minutes due to the media.

C – COUNTER-EXAMPLE While it may seem that everyone is dependent on science and technology, there are people who do not have access to such privileges yet do not quite suffer “Old school conservatives” [Generation Xs] The world of Science and Technology was not something they were born into but the insurgence only came during their lives, hence they are not that dependent

The END Foo Tze Han [07] Joshua Lim [12] Tay Jia Shin [17] Yu Sheng Jie [20]