This unit explores the challenges facing society, whether they be scientific, technological or moral. It looks at scientists and their role in attempting to provide solutions to human problems, such as climate change and disease, while at the same time raising moral concerns.
The unit also examines the interrelationship
between science, politics and beliefs systems in the development of
a humane society. Students are given the opportunity to reflect on
these issues and develop arguments to reach a justifiable
conclusion.
Part A - What Do Scientists Do?
Students will gain an understanding of:
1 how the predictive power of science is based on induction and how scientists work by proposing and testing hypotheses
2 how competing theories are judged by their success at prediction, and if several explanations are equally possible, the simplest is favoured (Occam's Razor).
3 how there are questions that
science does not attempt to answer.
Part B - How Does Science Affect Society?
Students will gain an understanding of:
1 how scientific ways of working came to question and cast doubt on older, authoritarian systems, eg Darwin and the evolution of species.
2 how a modern scientific
development provides challenges for society, eg the structure of
the atom and nuclear power, genetics and genetic modification.
3 how society supports the development of science through
funding of research.
Part C - Does Science Benefit Society?
Students will gain an understanding of:
1 how individuals and charitable institutions attempt to provide scientific solutions to medical, environmental and developing world problems.
2 how technology is the application of scientific principles to solving human problems, eg the development of transport systems, the development of medicines, climate change and global warming.
3 the relationship between scientific progress and social, political, or religious issues, eg creationism, cloning, stem cell research.
Part D - What Makes a Humane Society?
Students will gain an understanding of:
1 how religious beliefs affect modern societies, eg secular systems of government, religion and government.
2 issues of human rights and responsibilities and their influence on modern societies.
3 the relationships between humans
and animals, eg farming, hunting, animal testing, companion
animals.
Part E - Should the Punishment Fit the Crime?
Students will gain an understanding of:
1 the relationship between the law and civil liberties; how crime affects society and individuals.
2 different types of crime and their causes; detection rates and law enforcement.
3 what punishment is intended to achieve.
