A new role for philosophy and technology studies in Spain

Abstract

The social understanding of the nature of science and technology in Spain has until recently been dominated by the Anglo-American positivist tradition that presents science as primarily a form of theory which can then be applied in technology. This tradition is being criticized by a new Institute for the Investigation of Science and Technology (INVESCIT), and in its place is proposed an operative understanding especially appropriate to the social-democratic guidance of scientific and technical development in Spain. A specific program of education (the TECNAS program) based on the operative understanding is also outlined.