Autor: Hugh Lacey

Resumo:

O princípio de precaução recomenda que, antes de implementar as inovações tecnocientíficas, sejam tomadas precauções especiais e que se conduza pesquisa detalhada e de largo alcance sobre os riscos potenciais dessas inovações. Defendo o uso do princípio contra a acusação de que ele representa uma ameaça à autonomia da ciência. Ao contrário, argumento que ele serve para enfrentar as distorções correntes das práticas científicas, distorções que se seguem a sua subordinação a valores comerciais e políticos.The Precautionary principle recommends taking special precautions, and conducting detailed and farreaching research on the potential risks of technoscientific innovations, before implementing them. Its use is defended against the charge that it threatens the autonomy of science. On the contrary, I argue, it actually serves to counter current distortions of scientific practices that follow from their having been subordinated to commercial and political values.

Abstract:

The Precautionary principle recommends taking special precautions, and conducting detailed and farreaching research on the potential risks of technoscientific innovations, before implementing them. Its use is defended against the charge that it threatens the autonomy of science. On the contrary, I argue, it actually serves to counter current distortions of scientific practices that follow from their having been subordinated to commercial and political values.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1678-31662006000300003

Texto Completo: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-31662006000300003&lng=pt&nrm=iso&tlng=pt

Palavras-Chave: Princípio de precaução,Transgênicos,Riscos,Ag