Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment. (UPSC CSE Mains 2022 - Sociology, Paper 1)
United nations - In 2016 UNHRC General assembly articulated access to the internet as an essential human right. Open internet is especially value for marginalized voices that might not otherwise reach the intended audiences.
Indian Constitution - In Fahema sihrin case 2019, Kerala HC stated that right to access internet is a part of right to education and right to privacy under article21 A & Article 21 respectively. Through 42nd amendment act Article 51A was added which states that “It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to develop Scientific temper, Humanism and the Spirit of inquiry and reform.
Sociological Thinker''s views
- As rightly remarked by Ogburn (cultural lag phenomenon) Science and Technology changes society by changing our environment to which we in turn adapt.
- Durkheim explains the transition from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity using the phenomenon of progress of science and technology. which has transformed the primitive society into industrialization society.
- Thorstein Veblen''s “Technological determinism” proponed that technology is any given society defines its nature.
- Karl Marx showed how a Society of handbill i.e.. Feudal society changed into the society of steam engine i.e.. Industrial capitalist society.
Ethos of modern science
- R.K Merton states that four sets of institutional imperatives-universalism(Objectivity), communism(Common ownership), disinterestedness(Lack of self centric motivations), organized skepticism(logical and empirical criteria)-are taken to comprise the ethos of modern science.
- The principle of communism is based on the fact that scientific findings are always a product of collaborative efforts and “constitute a common heritage in which the equity of the individual producer is severely limited”. Merton identified secrecy as the antithesis of communality.
- The principle of universalism specifies that the merits of scientific findings, as well as the excellence of scientists’ accomplishments, be evaluated without reference to the scientists’ nationality, race, religion, professional affiliations and other irrelevant characteristics.
- The principle of disinterestedness demands that scientists’ work remain uncorrupted by self-interested motivations. He carefully distinguished between personal altruism and the institutional mandate in favor of disinterestedness.
- The principle of organized skepticism means that ideas, results, and claims are critically examined through structured, predictable and/or mutually agreed procedures. Members of properly functioning scientific communities have moral bonds that make the norms binding both because they are “procedurally efficient” and because they are “believed right and good”.
Illustrations
- The covid 19 Pandemic has bought to the fore the digital divide and made education a privilege only a few can afford. Lack of smartphones, data cuts, technology illiteracy, mobile connectivity have exposed the ills of undemocratic access to technology.
- WHO during covid 19 pandemic warned of vaccine nationalism and hoarding of vaccines. It further said sharing finite supplies strategically and globally is actually in each country’s national interest.
Looking Forward
- A Democratized scientific development from a sociological perspective could produce a “planned and Directed Social change”. Disadvantaged sections of society will not able to flourish in the absence of inclusive and sustainable development of science and technology that creates Jobs, build skills and reduces poverty.
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