STEM in the Age of Globalization

An Introspective on Scientism and Technocracy

As we stand on the threshold of a new era in human history, we find ourselves confronted with a question of profound importance: what role will science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play in our society?

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing trend towards scientism and technocracy, in which such terms are used interchangeably with STEM and seen as a primary “source of influence” — used by central planners to control and manipulate the masses.

But I share these insights to offer a fresh epistemological perspective. We must repudiate a transnational shift towards hive mind indoctrination and rekindle free thought to empower individuals within their respective communties to take ownership of their own lives and destinies.

At the heart of this vision is a simple idea: that STEM is just a tool, not an end in and of itself. It should not be viewed as the primary goal of human existence. We must ultimatley use it to promote the well-being and self-ownership of all people, resulting in a world that is just and balanced.

The first step is to recognize the limitations of STEM in order to responsibly promote it. While it has brought tremendous benefits to our world, it is not infallible, nor is it the only basis of knowledge and wisdom. We must embrace the complexity and diversity of the human experience, and recognize that technology along with the interdisciplinary math and sciences and engineering will not by default answer all of life’s questions.

Secondly, we must reject the idea that STEM should be used to control and manipulate certain groups or demographics. We must recognize that the pursuit of scientific knowledge and technological progress must be guided by ethical principles, and that the ends do not always justify the means.

Thirdly, we must cultivate a culture of curiosity, inquiry, and exploration. We must encourage individuals to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and pursue knowledge and understanding for its own sake. We must create an environment in which innovation and creativity are celebrated, and failure is seen as a necessary step on the path to progress.

Fourthly, we must recognize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to address future challenges. We must bring together scientists, engineers, social scientists, humanists, and other experts to tackle the complex problems facing our world, and to develop holistic solutions that take into account diverse needs and perspectives.

Fifthly, we must embrace the importance of public engagement in STEM. We must create spaces and opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the wider public. We must work to build trust and understanding between various stakeholders, and to ensure that what is perceived as progress is in line with the needs and values of society as a whole.

Sixthly, we must recognize that STEM is not neutral. It is shaped by the social, cultural, and political contexts in which it is practiced, developed and applied. We must be vigilant in examining the potential impacts of scientific and technological advancements on different communities, and to work to mitigate any negative effects that may arise.

Finally, we must recognize the importance of critical reflection and self-evaluation in the pursuit of personal ambition and progress. We must be willing to acknowledge and learn from our mistakes, to listen to feedback and critique from others, and to continually strive to improve our work and ourselves.

My fellow citizens, progress in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is not a static ideal resulting in groupthink nor should it be commandeered to promote scientism and technocracy from afar. But moreover, a guidestone to facilitate human potential —serving to empower practitioners on their unique paths towards personal fulfillment, independence and self-sufficiency.

Andrew B. Raupp is the Founder / Executive Director @stemdotorg. “Democratizing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through sound policy & practice…”

對於「科學至上主義」和「技術官僚主義」的內省

當我們站在人類歷史的新時代門檻上，我們面臨一個非常重要的問題：科學、技術、工程和數學（STEM）在我們的社會中將扮演什麼樣的角色？

近年來，我們目睹了一股越來越強的科技主義和技術官僚主義的趨勢，這些詞被當作STEM的同義詞，被中央規劃者用來控制和操縱民眾。

但我分享這些見解是為了提供一個新的認識論觀點。我們必須拒絕轉向集體思考的洗腦和重新點燃自由思想，讓個人在其所在的社區中擁有自主權，掌握自己的生命和命運。

這個願景的核心是一個簡單的想法：STEM只是一個工具，不是人類存在的主要目的。我們必須最終使用它來促進所有人的福祉和自主權，從而建立一個公正和平衡的世界。

第一步是認識STEM的限制，以便負責任地推廣它。它帶來了巨大的利益，但並不是萬能的，也不是知識和智慧的唯一基礎。我們必須擁抱人類經驗的複雜性和多樣性，並認識到科技和跨學科的數學、科學和工程不會自動回答生命的所有問題。

第二，我們必須拒絕使用STEM來控制和操縱某些群體或人口的想法。我們必須認識到追求科學知識和技術進步必須受道德原則的指導，結果並不總是正當的。

第三，我們必須培養好奇心、探究精神和探索意願的文化。我們必須鼓勵個人提出問題、挑戰假設，追求知識和理解本身。我們必須創造一個慶祝創新和創造力的環境，並把失敗看作通往進步之路上的必要步驟。

第四點，我們必須認識到跨學科的方法在應對未來挑戰方面的重要性。我們必須將科學家、工程師、社會科學家、人文學者和其他專家聚集起來，共同解決我們的世界面臨的複雜問題，並開發全面的解決方案，考慮到不同的需求和觀點。

第五點，我們必須認識到公眾參與STEM的重要性。我們必須為科學家、政策制定者和廣大公眾之間的對話和合作創造空間和機會。我們必須努力建立各方之間的信任和理解，並確保被認為是進步的東西符合社會全體的需求和價值觀。

第六點，我們必須認識到STEM不是中立的。它是由它所實踐、發展和應用的社會、文化和政治背景所塑造的。我們必須警惕科學和技術進步對不同社區可能產生的潛在影響，並努力減輕可能出現的任何負面影響。

最後，我們必須認識到在追求個人抱負和進步的過程中，批判性反思和自我評估的重要性。我們必須願意承認並從自己的錯誤中學習，聽取他人的反饋和批評，並不斷努力改進我們的工作和自己。

我的同胞們，科學、技術、工程和數學的進步不是一個靜態的理想，不應被用來促進遠方的科學主義和技術官僚主義。相反，它是一個指導石，用於促進人類潛力的發揮，為實踐者在追求個人實現、獨立和自給自足的獨特道路上服務。