Definition of Scientific Culture

When we think of the word culture we associate this concept with all kinds of knowledge, generally related to artistic manifestations, history or news of present. At the same time, we link the idea of ​​culture with the knowledge of classical authors, with famous phrases of historical figures, some Latinisms or the etymology of words. All of this is undoubtedly a part of the culture. However, it is quite common to forget that science is equally culture.

It is very likely that the view that science is not culture itself stems from the distinction between humanities and science. This differentiation is merely classificatory, since someone cannot be considered a cultured man if he ignores certain essential aspects of science. On the other hand, the separation between humanities and sciences as two different worlds is quite unfortunate. Do not forget that the idea of Humanism It is inspired by a new conception of science and that scientific activity is projected towards the human dimension of man.

Significant examples of the relationship between science and culture

When Freud proposed a theory about the unconscious, his theoretical and scientific vision of it greatly influenced the art world in general.

The theory of evolution Darwin's explained the origin of species and the mechanisms of natural selection. His scientific contributions permeated the culture in all areas.

Knowledge of bacteria It has allowed us to change our hygienic habits and our conception of the human body.

Carbon-14 techniques have allowed us to better understand Egyptology, archeology and the ancient world in general.

When we work with our computer we are using a basic unit, the bit (we could compare the bit with the cells of an organism). If a scholar of philology is working on a text medieval using his computer the task he performs can be completed because the bits exist.

A final assessment

The above examples are intended to emphasize an idea: science explains reality, predicts it, and at the same time ends up influencing culture. And in this sense we can speak of a scientific culture. The concept of scientific culture is the fusion of two realities (culture and science) that have been separated for centuries but that in reality make up a concept with full meaning.

Scientific culture is present in all kinds of realities, especially those that initially they are not scientific but that the vision of science allows them to be understood in all their dimension. In this sense, it must be remembered that human creations of the type artistic Y cultural depend on functioning of our neurons that, as we know, are studied by neurosciences.

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