The Relationship between Science and Technology and Evolution in Methods of Knowledge Production
The concept of knowledge for the sake of knowledge was practiced by many philosophers considering knowledge as civilising and to have intrinsic values. A utilitarian case for knowledge was made during 13th century; however, science and engineering continued to follow parallel trajectories. Pursuit of technology intensified with the availability of energy from coal on a large scale during the 18th century, and during the 19th century, some scientists started pursuing engineering (increasingly called technology) with an eye for the use of science in practice. Some were members of both communities and worked as scientists engineers or engineer scientists. Gradually technology became a mirror image of science with its norms, practices and journals, and science technology are now fully intertwined. After the second world war, a linear model stating that basic science leads to technological development was proposed. It was challenged by the reverse linear model emphasising that new scientific possibilities are created by technology. During recent decades, several models analysing relationship between science and technology have been proposed and these are non hierarchical. Increased understanding of the relationship between science and technology, acceleration in knowledge production, and a squeeze on funding of research by Governments has changed methods of knowledge production. This paper analyses the relationship, presents a modified version of an existing representation of the relationship, and explains the characteristics of current methods of knowledge production.
Indian Journal of History of Science