THE KNOWLEDGE GENERATION IN THE AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSITION: A DEFENSE OF THE EPISTEMOLOGICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PLURALITY IN THE SCIENTIFIC PRACTICES

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of the science and technology in the modern society, basing the need of an epistemological and methodological opening in the production of knowledge related to agriculture. It follows the assumption that a crisis that exists in the science and technology, generating different discourses, appeared in the academies or in social movements and tried to articulate resistance forms to the crisis and its manifestations. On one side it is the vision in syntony with the positive legacy, or "inherited conception" of the science; on the other side, a posture that sees the production of the knowledge affected by the values and interests of those involved (as a dispute of power). In this context there is an appeal for the sustainable development concept not exempts from ambiguities. These cosmic visions will have reflection in the proposals to give support to technological formats, varying from the ones that, in syntony with the technological optimism, propose the second green revolution, with more modernization to assist the market orientation. At the same time there are those who wants a capitalist reorganization that includes the environmental friendly technology, starting from the biotechnology; until the proposals where environmental and social questions are integrated, as in the agroecology.