Three perspectives in science, technology and society studies (STS) in the policy context

Abstract

In this essay I want to distinguish among what I view as three main perspectives in science, technology and society studies (STS) regarding science and technology and their relation to society. These three perspectives are: 1) Science and technology shape society; 2) society shapes science and technology; and 3) an interactive view of the science, technology, and society relationship. Each of these perspectives developed over the course of a ten to twenty year period after World War II, and each is tied to a specific policy context. However, they can also be seen as simultaneous perspectives that have been competing with one another during the past fifty years. For present purposes, however, I treat them historically in the policy context