Abstract

DURBIN, Paul T.. Conocimiento técnico y discurso público. Rev. iberoam. cienc. tecnol. soc. [online]. 2003, vol.1, n.1, pp.153-165. ISSN 1850-0013.

This article focuses on the tensions between technical discourse and the necessity of its popularization, emphasizing the idea that the professionals of communication and science have the duty of being understood by lay public (citizens, politicians, etc.) on scientific and technical issues. This is the context from which, adopting the perspectives of sociology of knowledge, the article approaches to the position of various authors involved at the discussion of "Science Wars". The article remarks the implications that would have to communicate science into the public arena if the dispute between defences of "scientific objectivity" side against positions related to social constructivism is sustained. It affirms that "either-or thinking" is not only unhelpful, but it is wrong and impedes collaboration between representatives of the public and technical experts on issues linked to science and technology. It is necessary to achieve a middle ground, since no matter the adopted point of view, technical professionals should have as their goal the ethical duty to be understood by society, which consents to develop science and technology.

Keywords : Science Wars; Science popularization; Scientific culture; Scientific community; Scientific discourse; STS studies.