The twentieth century will be remembered by the scientific revolution, characterized by the explosion of knowledge in the field of physics that has transformed the planet in a finite world of certainties to an infinite world of uncertainties and questions, such as were the discoveries the law of relativity physics and quantum mechanics, etc., and the technological revolution in the field of microelectronics with its strong impact on the telecommunications, computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, satellite communication, lasers, new materials, the progressive replacement of natural resources by synthetic materials (eg, copper, fiber optics, metals and ceramics and resins, edulcurantes sugar, etc..), high technology for medicine, for space exploration and military defense, genetic engineering, human, animal and agricultural biotechnology and human genome scan.
In short, you could say that "the late twentieth century, science has reached the end of an era, unraveling the secrets of the atom, unraveling the molecule of life and creating the electronic computer. With these fundamental discoveries, triggered by quantum revolution, the revolution of DNA and the information revolution is finally resolved, in essence, the fundamental laws of matter, life and the calculation ... It is clear that we are on the threshold of another revolution. Human knowledge doubling every ten years. In the last decade has received more scientific knowledge in the history of mankind. The power of computers doubles every eighteen months. Internet is doubling every year. The number of sequences of DNA doubles every two years. Almost every day the headlines announce new developments in computers, telecommunications, biotechnology and space exploration ... "wrote physicist Michio Kaku
For some, science and technology through scientific research increasingly higher performance, are sources of hope as they are considered capable of the challenges of the modern world: industry, production and food processing, production of medicines The management of environmental issues for the preservation of natural resources, the search for new bio-based energy sources, improving the human species and all that eugenic projects to enable human beings to improve their access to quality life, for others, are sources of mistrust and concern, it is considered to cause more problems than they solve: improper use can be made of techno-science by those hungry for power or domination and wealth, perversity of highly technical wars, environmental degradation and loss of natural resources of poor nations by looting from them by multinationals and rich nations, the costs discriminatory edge biomedicine, for scientific experimentation human beings in violation of their rights and dignity, etc. etc.
Certainly, these and many other technologies are contributing to massive and rapid changes, especially in economically developed societies, although one wonders that are affecting both environmental degradation and a better quality of life available to all the human community and not just the privileged. What is the impact they will have for the present and future generations, for example, research on nuclear or biochemical weapons, radioactive waste disposal, human cloning and other genetic experiments?There are specific issues that directly affect all of humanity and deserve a common concern and solidarity of all humanity, issues such as changes of climate, air pollution, ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, water shortages, potential lethal epidemics, food security, the issue of GMOs, among others. All these moral dilemmas specific issues to be decided, because they entail consequences, both positive and negative, for human beings and their environment.
The society in which we live is characterized by the importance given to scientific and, therefore, the man dreams of a blind faith in scientific progress and, as a result, have overcome their intelligence borders, until recently , considered insurmountable.Moreover, it would be naive to think of a pure scientist, or make apology for a neutral investigation, aseptic and detached from any axiological connotations. There are many warning voices have been raised to call attention, for example, about the dangers of biotechnology today.
The perplexity is understandable, because the important thing is not knowing increasingly or unravel the mysteries of nature, but keep in mind where they go their knowledge, what purpose intended and what the effects are beneficial or negative.This means that the ethical dimension is inescapable throughout the research process, science and technology, it seems foolish to continue to open roads and break without foreseeing the consequences, often fatal, that they are derived.
In this sense the issue could rescue the common good, not only considered socially, but Eco-social. Not only must we preserve the good of society, but also the good of the earth as a system, different ecosystems, biosphere, hydrosphere, animals, plants, microorganisms, physical-chemical elements responsible for the dynamic equilibriumof life in all its forms. The useful and the good could be formulated in this imperative, universal: "Do not carry out actions which result in the destruction of the Earth through nuclear, chemical and biological obres not so that the result is the devastation of the conditions of life on earth, does not introduce practices (science, biotechnology) that have resulted in the elimination of living species, mainly of the species homo "
The Earth Charter, a slow and long gestation, the UN proposal for ratification, is intended as a statement of fundamental ethical principles, similar to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights United Nations, so that it serves to guide people and nations in the direction of a sustainable future. "Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. The Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential for the evolution of life. The resilience of the community of life and well being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, water pure and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common concern for all peoples. The protection of the vitality, diversity and beauty of the earth is a sacred duty "(Earth Charter)
The solution to the problem of man-science-technology is in ethical reflection and humanist vision of life. This is where a great responsibility incumbent on universities to prepare new generations for the sustainable and desirable future. For his special mission of teaching, research and training tomorrow's leaders, on the fundamental nature of a potential generator of knowledge, needs to create spaces for reflection to help understand the vital issues at stake, to raise awareness of problems and apply solutions, develop action plans to serve as a response to the fears and hopes of men of this "knowledge society", which is also called "risk society."
As we pray the objectives of this meeting is to create an academic space for reflection, with the presence of experts in the field of clean technologies in science and technology, its impact on agricultural sectors, environmental, computer and with a view implementation to ensure sustainable human development to ensure a better tomorrow and a better country. The concept of sustainable development was introduced in 1987 in the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, which was defined as follows: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs "and as" a process of change in which exploitation of resources, the orientation of technological and environmental requirements aimed at improving life for everyone, especially for the poor and those without. " Sustainability requires a dynamic balance among many factors, including the social, cultural and economic requirements of humankind and the imperative to safeguard the natural environment which is part of that humanity. Already in Principles 1 and 3 of the "Rio de Janeiro Declaration on Environment and Development" stated: "Human beings are at the center of concerns for sustainable development. Are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature "..." The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet the developmental and environmental needs of present and future "
The man is like a flight that is beyond the present into the future. Therefore, in the human subconscious has always been the innocent myth and dream a better world "Utopias are dreams of reason," said Octavio Paz beautifully. The best way to predict the future promising and desirable have been, is and will invent. Thanks to this powerful energy of utopian science, technology and man have progressed. That's why we have become so relevant prospective studies, understood as coherent systems rather predict the future as it prepared and we can give at least an idea of the consequences of our actions and the impact of science and technology in theimmediate or long-term future of a quality lifestyle and sustainable local, regional, national and global. But only critical awareness and concern for responsible global ethic will make the Lincoln Steffen phrase: "I've seen the future and I assure you it works."
