Knowledge society: Mechanisms of deconstruction

Abstract

The coming phase in the history of civilization is conditioned by a special economic role of knowledge, which has recently manifested itself. However, the established existence contradicts the cultural traditions of the social group whose lifestyle has historically formed in a scientific environment. Now they cannot find sufficient socioeconomic support in society and in its system of education. Discovering new knowledge and involving it in the sociocultural context is not yet a vital value for society but a way to replenish one of the “tributes” that deplete its potentialities to acquire the culture of knowledge. Further, we will consider some of the acting mechanisms that deconstruct knowledge society. Cognitive inflation of the knowledge production sphere. Here, two factors are especially important: first, the socioeconomic realities, which detach scientists from knowledge production and instead generate conditions that can be endured only in the forms of radical material asceticism, and, second, the reduction to zero of the values of knowledge society by those who consider its creators’ material benefits as a means to satisfy title idleness. Factors that detach young people from engagement in science can be revealed by the results of sociological polls. In 2002, 49.6% of respondents in 15 countries of the European Union, according to the Eurobarometer data, stressed a lessened attractiveness of work in the scientific sphere, while 42.5%, a lack of career prospects and insufficient salaries [1]. We can compare the European data with the statistics of Russian surveys [2]. Young people of our country indicate low salaries as the main factor associated with the impossibility to work at scientific institutions, 85%. The lack of demand for scientists raises concern in 17% of respondents, while limited career opportunities, concerns only 12%. Comparing the above data with the results of polling young Russian scientists on emigration factors, note their similarity in the main parameter: 89% of respondents pointed to the low level of labor compensation, while 39% of them differed on career opportunities (as opposed to 12% in the “problem” poll). This figure is sufficiently close to the Eurobarometer data in the “trouble-free” abroad. We can also mark a similarity of opinions on the attractiveness of jobs in the scientific