Il valore dello studio e della ricerca per la democrazia

In many areas of the world, representative democracy seems to sink into a deep crisis. The role of politics is increasingly identified with the mere will of the preservation of power. This strengthens the so-called populist movements. Some basic principles, such as the role of social promotion of the study and the freedom of Science, are often considered out-dated. Scientists have the duty to govern the university and the research institutions by practicing the typical tools of the scientific method: sharing, transparency and rigor. The consistent and rigorous application of these values should be pursued to offer convincing alternatives to the dominant paradigm. The practice of judging the value of scientific researchers on the basis of mere quantitative indicators must be changed. The philosophy of identifying the value of the study solely by its economic returns must be fought. The danger of betraying the vocation of Science in asking to the researchers not to reveal their studies just to obey to the logic of profit must be defeated.