Helle Porsdam - The right to science: Knowledge production for the general common good

FRIAS Lunch Lecture from 10 June 2020 with Prof. Dr. Helle Porsdam from the University of Copenhagen

One of the clear messages to emerge around the world during the COVID-19 crisis is just how important it is to understand the ways that science can assist society; but just as crucially, how society can engage with and shape science. In this talk, my point of departure is Article 27 UDHR, but even more so Article 15 ICESCR whose Article 15(1) refers to the “benefits of science.” This term encompasses four different things: 1) the material results of scientific research (medicines, vaccination, and technological instruments); 2) the scientific knowledge and information that derives from scientific activity; 3) the role of science in forming critical and responsible citizens who are able to participate fully in a democratic society; and 4) evidence-based decision-making processes in a democratic society. The Coronavirus pandemic has provided a clear illustration of how the benefits of science do not merely relate to getting a vaccination or having access to the best treatment available. They also concern people’s access to the knowledge they need in order to participate in a responsible manner in democratic dialogue.      

More information on the FRIAS Lunch Lectures 2020: https://www.frias.uni-freiburg.de/de/veranstaltungen/lunch-lectures/former-lectures/science-and-society-in-a-postfactual-era-2020