The two terms, Science and Technology, are very closely related to each other. Hence many use them as synonyms of each other. But if one sees closely, he will understand that they are vastly different from each other despite their similarities. These differences are usually overlooked or neglected. The moto of science is to know something new, whereas the moto of technology is to do something new.
Science vs Technology
The difference between Science and Technology is that Science is basically about gaining information and knowledge regarding the natural phenomenons simultaneously with the causes for such happenings. When this aforementioned information is used by putting the latter into practice to solve human requirements, needs wants, or problems, it is termed Technology.
The earliest origins of science can be traced back to Mesopotamia and Egypt in around 3000 to 1200 BC. Science is a methodical and systematic program that develops and synthesizes information in the form of testable descriptions, explanations, and predictions about the universe.
Technology is the aggregate of methods, abilities, techniques, and processes that are used in the generation of goods or services or the attainment of purposes like scientific investigations. Technology permits humans to analyze and develop the dynamic elements that are present in and around their lives.
Comparison Table Between Science and Technology
| Parameters of Comparison | Science | Technology |
| Definition | Science is a systematic process of obtaining knowledge on a specific subject through research, observation, and experiments. | Technology is the practical implication of scientific knowledge for multiple objectives. |
| Effect | The effect of science is useful for humankind. | The effect of technology can be either useful or harmful. |
| Alteration or change | It does not change. It remains the same. | It changes with every passing day. |
| Focuses on | Discovery | Invention |
| Method | Theory Development, analysis, and deduction. | Review and integration of design. |
What is Science?
Science is the process of exploring new knowledge methodically through research, investigation, and experiments. It concentrates on the various ethical methods for gathering data from various fields. In science, the main goal is to achieve the target through the analogous scientific process.
Science is a continuous process of examining knowledge. Science largely focuses on learning natural phenomena and the reasons behind such occurrences—examination in science events in advanced scientific knowledge and discovery.
The initial beginning of science can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in the timeline line between 3000 to 1200 BC.
Today, modern science has evolved with every passing minute, to be precise, and now can be divided into three separate branches. The first branch is Natural Sciences which can be sub-segmented into Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. The second one is Social Sciences, which again can be sub-segmented into Economics, Sociology, and Psychology. And the third one in the list is Formal Science, which can be sub-segmented into Logic, Theoretical Computer Science, and Mathematics.
Disciplines like Engineering and Medicine use the existing scientific information and data for practical purposes. This phenomenon is called Applied Sciences.
Science is completely based on research and assumptions based on various factors like calculations, analysis, etc. These researches are conducted by scientists, who mainly work in research institutions, academic institutions, government agencies, and various applied science-based companies.
Since the 17 century, the scientific method is an observational process of obtaining knowledge that has been associated with the advancement of science.
What is Technology?
Technology is referred to the method of applying scientific knowledge in practical applications for several causes. It concentrates on the ethical consequence of exercising particular action. In technology, the aim is to achieve the desired target by undertaking similar scientific processes.
It is a constant process of implementation of knowledge. It can be beneficial or destructive or even both depending on how you are using the knowledge. The latter is said because, with the knowledge of science, one can make a bomb, which is harmful to the world, whereas, with the help of the knowledge, one can come up with a specific medicine that cures a deadly disease.
If we observe, we will be able to understand that technology always concentrates on understanding the made conditions of the environment. The technological study improves the standards of living in communities and societies by making human life more convenient and comfortable.
Technology can be the understanding of systems, methods, which can be can be installed in machines to permit for operation without explicit knowledge of their works and projects. The most simplistic form of technology is the advancement and the use of primary tools.
Technology has helped in developing many areas of man. Starting from Medicine to engineering, then from understanding nature to space instruments, it is all the way humans have applied their learnings of science and used them for their benefit.
Even though the basics, i.e. science, remain the same, technology keeps on advancing with every passing day.
Main Differences Between Science and Technology
- Science is a systematic process of obtaining knowledge on a specific subject through research, observation, and experiments, whereas Technology is the practical implication of scientific knowledge for multiple objectives.
- The effect of science is useful for mankind, but in the case of technology, the latter can be either useful or harmful based on the person who is applying it.
- Science and its basic principles remain the same throughout, whereas technology changes with every passing day, if not minute.
- Science focuses on Discovery. The technology focuses on Invention.
- Science is used to make predictions, and technology is used to simply man’s work and fulfil man’s needs.
Conclusion
Science and technology are two phenomena that go hand in hand together. Where science concentrates on the ethical methods of accumulating data, technology focuses on using the same knowledge while taking action. If we keep aside the various difference, we will be able to see that there lie many similarities too. Like Technology is the application of science in its pure and compound form.
But the main goal of the two terms is vastly different. Science aims at gathering new information and data about anything and everything, whereas Technology aims to formulate outcomes executing scientific principles.
