Reflexões sobre o papel dos valores nas aplicações biotecnológicas

Abstract

Biotechnology is the central object of study, it will be classified here as an activity originated in the boundary between science (chemical and biological) and engineering, under the influence of several sets of values, with a ruling expression of capital and market values in the moment of application. Thus, it ruptures with the conception that “science is value free” and destabilizes the scientific ideals of neutrality and autonomy. The main objective of this work is to reflect how the application of biotechnology is conducted and what are the consequences of the professionals actions in terms of expression of values. The method used was the literature review. The analysis undertaken in this study made possible to note the existence of “control of nature” as a necessary condition for biotechnology, which does not imply in the direct link of biotechnologies to market values. Such an assertion will be corroborated by the application of biotechnology in projects that articulate and express values of sustainability, social justice and democratic participation. Although there is a relationship with capital and market values, it is possible to apply biotechnology oriented according to a “context-sensitive strategy”. It is hoped that this discussion will contribute to the diffusion of the postmodern critique of science within biotechnology, in order to instill the critical self-awareness in biotechnology students and professionals.