Peer reviews in science and academy: Aspects of a clandestine evaluation not always scientific, academic or assessment

Abstract

The assessment of academic work cannot be reduced to the measures. But there is an extensive "naturalization" of procedures that are not driven every respect constituting this "evaluation". One aspect of this "naturalization has been slow and subtle substitution of debate and criticism of academic studies for its simple display, publication or presentation with examination more administrative than academic. The "peer reviews" has been a requirement with problems. They include the anonymity of the appraiser and it allows many "deviations" for an assessment of political, ideological or even personal. The tendency toward hegemony of groups is one of the problems. The recent proliferation of academic societies (or scientific), academic or professional journals, the publication requirements (number of titles) as a criterion for contests, promotions, financial aid or scholarships has increased the bureaucracy to administer it with a possible prejudice to the existing distortions to the development of Science.