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University of the Third Age                                                                                                           lifelong learning

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Science and Society

Leader: Ian Westall

Meetings : Monthly 4th Wednesday afternoon

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robot

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERIES
'From Flint to Robot'

A 3-part review of the history and impact of ideas and innovations leading to tomorrow's IT. Three talks starting next week.
First part: Wednesday 23 June 2010.

'From Flint to Robot'
(an outline of the series)

Talk 1 - The road to IT - extending human capabilities to the mid 20th century.
From the earliest times man has sought ways of easing/extending physical and mental activity. This is evident in the earliest tools, through technological inovation, conventions and disciplines relating to communication, memory and intellectual activity. Some have a very direct bearing on what eventually emerged as the computer.
 
Talk 2 - From mega to micro into the 21st century.
 
Talk 3 - Where next - Directions in ICT application and the growth of robotics.
This series is really all about the relationship between society and technology with particular reference to what is now called ICT - information and communications technology. To a large extent it will be non-technical with an emphasis on human/social need and the application of technology.
 
This is not intended to be a lecture, since all members of the group will have views, possibly tempered by a historical perspective or from experience at work and play.

The group was set up in April 2009 to look at aspects of science and their social impact.

Monthly meetings are introduced by members of the group, each taking an area of science or a social need which has prompted scientific research or technological innovation.

The group has a broad relevance to those with little scientific experience as well as those who may have studied or worked in related areas.  An enquiring mind and a concern for the role of science in today’s world are more important than specific knowledge of areas of science or technology.

 

SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

 

No particular knowledge of science is required - just a concern about society and a willingness to air your ideas.

 

25 August 2010