Science, Ethics, and Society Concepts

The video explores the sociology of science, discussing how scientific paradigms and revolutions shape our understanding. It examines the influence of social factors on scientific research, the impact of agriculture on the environment, and the debates surrounding organic and GMO foods. The concept of risk society and the Green Revolution are also covered, along with biotechnology and the human genome project. The video concludes with a discussion on DNA testing and an extra credit question on organic and GMO foods.

What is the main focus of sociologists of science?

• The study of scientific facts

• The history of scientific discoveries

• The development of new technologies

• The interactions between science and society

According to Thomas Kuhn, what occurs during a paradigm shift?

• Scientists agree on a new theory

• Existing paradigms are reinforced

• A new scientific theory is disproven

• Anomalies challenge the existing paradigm

What does the normative view of science suggest?

• Science follows objective rules of evidence

• Science is influenced by personal beliefs

• Science is always accurate

• Science is unaffected by social factors

What is boundary work in scientific research?

• Research that is purely theoretical

• Research that is not legitimate

• Research on the border between legitimate and non-legitimate science

• Research that crosses disciplinary boundaries

How does agriculture contribute to global warming?

• Through deforestation and burning fossil fuels

• By reducing carbon emissions

• By increasing biodiversity

• Through organic farming practices

What is one way to mitigate the effects of climate change?

• Increase fossil fuel usage

• Promote clean energy

• Ban all agricultural activities

• Ignore global warming

What is a criticism of the organic food market?

• It has no health benefits

• It is not regulated

• It excludes small farmers and low-income individuals

• It is too affordable

What is a potential risk of GMOs?

• They increase food prices

• They reduce crop yields

• They are always labeled

• They may lead to antibiotic resistance

What was a major goal of the Green Revolution?

• To introduce high-yield crop varieties

• To decrease agricultural productivity

• To reduce the value of formal schooling

• To eliminate the use of fertilizers

What is a concern raised by the Human Genome Project?

• It only benefits scientists

• It has no ethical implications

• It raises issues of privacy and stigmatization

• It is unrelated to social factors