The role of science in the development of society, the goals and objectives of science

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LECTURE 1 

THE ROLE OF SCIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY, THE 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF SCIENCE 

PLAN: 

1. Science is one of the most important channels of knowledge 

2. The aims of the teaching and study of science 

3. Communication in science 

4. Knowledge and understanding of science 

5. Attitudes in science 

6. Scientific research 

Key words:Scientific investigation, scientific evidence, arguments, creatively to 

solve problems, phenomena, empirical,armaments. 

 

Science  is one of the most important channels of knowledge. It has a 

specific role, as well as a variety of functions for the benefit of our society: creating 

new knowledge, improving education, and increasing the quality of our 

lives. Science must respond to societal needs and global challenges.      Science is 

based on 

research

, which is commonly conducted in 

academic

  and  research 

institutions as well as in government agencies and companies. The practical impact 

of scientific research has led to the emergence of  science policies  that seek to 

influence the scientific enterprise by prioritizing the development of  commercial 

products, armaments, health care, and environmental protection.   Modern science 

is divided into three major branches: natural sciences( biology, chemistry, physics), 

social sciences ( economics, psychology, sociology) and formal sciences (logic, 

math, theoretical computer science).  Natural science  is concerned with the 

description, prediction, and understanding of natural phenomena based on empirical 

evidence  from  observation  and  experimentation. It can be divided into two main 

branches: life science (or biological science) and physical science.  

 

Physical science is subdivided into branches, 

including  physics,  chemistry,  astronomy  and  earth science.  Social science  is 

concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. It 

has many branches that include, but are not limited 

to, anthropology, archaeology, communication studies, economics, history, human 

geography, jurisprudence, linguistics, political science, psychology, public health, 

and sociology. Social scientists may adopt various philosophical theories to study 

individuals and society.Formal science is involved in the study of formal systems.  

It includes  mathematics,  systems theory, and  theoretical computer science. The 

formal sciences share similarities with the other two branches by relying on 

objective, careful, and systematic study of an area of knowledge. 

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The aims of the teaching and study of sciences are to encourage and enable 

students to: 

• 

develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world 

• 

acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make 

informed decisions in scientific and other contexts 

• 

develop skills of scientific inquiry to design and carry out scientific investigations 

and evaluate scientific evidence to draw conclusions 

• 

communicate scientific ideas, arguments and practical experiences accurately in a 

variety of ways 

• 

think analytically, critically and creatively to solve problems, judge arguments and 

make decisions in scientific and other contexts 

• 

appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological 

developments 

• 

understand the international nature of science and the interdependence of science, 

technology and society, including the benefits, limitations and implications imposed 

by social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical factors 

• 

Demonstrate attitudes and develop values of honesty and respect for themselves, 

others, and their shared environment. 

    

The objectives of sciences listed below are final objectives and they describe 

what students should be able to do by the end of the course.