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Insights from the Contemporary Contradictions in Science–Society Relationship

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Participatory Research in the Post-Normal Age

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Abstract

This chapter is conceived to explore a broad range of situations in which contemporary contradictions towards science–society relationships are posing demands and opportunities for cognitive inclusion and knowledge democracy. Regardless of any case or dilemma discussed, I propose to raise epistemological issues and current debates about inherent complexity in association with practical experiences that can testify possibilities and real relevance for participatory research approaches. For that matter, it is necessary to browse from the simple to the complex, as from the local multilayered problems to global conditionings related to unsustainability. Such a frame makes necessary reflexive discussions on inter- and transdisciplinarity associated with post-normal problems, and then ecology of knowledge is presented as a convergent alternative with dialogical and participatory research. In the interplay of contemporary threats and science misuse, some evidence of oppression can be recognized. Moreover, the nature of ruptures among society in terms of knowledge and power possession can be related to extreme circumstances, sometimes at the basis of disasters of cognitive exclusion.

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  1. School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

    Leandro Luiz Giatti

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Giatti, L.L. (2019). Insights from the Contemporary Contradictions in Science–Society Relationship. In: Participatory Research in the Post-Normal Age. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27924-0_2

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