Science, Technology, and Society
The impressive growth of science and technology over the past century raises urgent philosophical, historical, and social questions. Longstanding inquiries examined by philosophers and historians for generations—How can we acquire objective knowledge? On what criteria can we determine one theory's superiority over another? In what contexts has science operated throughout history? What is science's social role?—remain relevant today.
Meanwhile, scientific and technological advancement has generated new questions: In a world where biotechnology creates new species, what remains of the concept of "nature"? Should parents be permitted to modify their offspring's genetic makeup according to their preferences? Should researchers be restricted from human cloning? From weaponizing microorganisms? From privatizing seed banks for food crops? From developing technologies with harmful environmental impacts? Does virtual interaction with strangers through screens and keyboards foster community, or intensify the isolation of those—whose numbers continue to grow—who spend most of their time in the pale glow of computer monitors?
Science and technology are woven into every aspect of societal institutions. Educational systems evaluate students "scientifically," classify them "scientifically," and strive for "scientifically" based pedagogy, with increasing computerization. Courts increasingly rely on competing expert scientific witnesses to establish the "truth" behind contested events. Religious leaders struggle to reconcile laboratory findings that often directly challenge religious traditions and beliefs. Governments seek scientific advice in policymaking while simultaneously attempting to influence research priorities. Art, too, reflects the central position of technology and science in our lives, from films to music that now depend on computers for previously unimaginable creations.
The graduate program in Science, Technology and Society at Bar-Ilan University invites you to embark on a fascinating intellectual journey, exploring science and technology through a profound and creative approach from an interdisciplinary perspective encompassing history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, literary criticism, critical theory, and more. Our students develop tools to understand science, technology, and medicine from a comprehensive and critical standpoint. While our faculty values contemporary scientific achievements and their rich history as impressive testimony to human creativity, we remain mindful of the complexities and potential dangers in the interplay between science, technology, and society.
Students and faculty in the Science, Technology and Society program investigate diverse topics from multiple perspectives. In recent years, several research clusters have formed around subjects of particular interest. In most cases, students and faculty have established ongoing informal study groups and forums in these areas, often organizing workshops and conferences at both national and international levels.
