Participación y cultura cientifica en contexto internacional

Abstract

Since the middle of the last century, the importance of scientific literacy, and the need for the public to understand science in order for public affairs to be handled appropriately, has increasingly become a commonly accepted reality. Throughout the twentieth century, numerous authors have tried to label and describe this situation, as reflected, for example, by widespread notions such as the knowledge society or the information society, which are often associated with others, such as the risk society and the necessary distribution of goods and evils which, according to Beck, the development of science and technology entails. Understanding and managing this reality is something that, of course, requires a political effort. But it also needs government support and for a sectoral critical mass to emanate from the public so as to allow appropriate and efficient action to be taken.