A participação popular nas Ciências Exatas e Informática e seus efeitos no conhecimento científico e tecnológico

Abstract

Most people do not know or do not comprehend the fundamentals of science and technology. This lack of knowledge and understanding leads to distrust, to discredit and, sometimes, to conspiratorial beliefs, which characterizes a “risk society”. Several movements have proposed solutions to this problem. Among them are initiatives that attempt to increase popular participation by including people as agents in the process of doing science and creating technology. Participatory research, citizen science, community science, and participatory design approaches are prominent examples. In this paper, I analyze the rise of participatory initiatives for the progress and valorization of science in the areas of exact and computer sciences. Within these areas, the need for more reflection on the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence and complex systems have significantly increased. Therefore, I look at how cooperation between society, science and technology can reduce risks, enhance knowledge, and improve people’s understanding of science and technology.