40 • Introductory Note to the Framework
kind of central monitoring, whether political, ethical or
economic, needs to take into account the increasingly diverse
actors that are part of the social org anization of science.
34. It is ur g ent tha t women’s par ticipation in the planning, guidance
and assessment of scientific research and education activities
be increased so these areas will benefit from their per spective
on science and their contribution to it; only in this way can the
best use be made of the intellectual potential of humankind
as a whole and the optimal contribution to human and social
well-being be ensured.
3.43.4
3.43.4
3.4
Modern science and other systems of knoModern science and other systems of kno
Modern science and other systems of knoModern science and other systems of kno
Modern science and other systems of kno
wledgewledge
wledgewledge
wledge
35. Moder n science does not constitute the only f orm of knowledge,
and closer links need to be established between this and other
forms, systems and approaches to knowledge for their mutual
enrichment and benefit. A constr uctive intercultural debate is
in order to help f ind ways of better linking modern science to
the broader knowledge heritage of humankind.
36. Traditional societies, many of them with strong cultural roots,
have nurtured and refined systems of knowledge of their own,
relating to such diverse fields as astronomy, meteorolog y,
geology, ecolog y, botany, agriculture, physiolog y, psycholog y
and health. T hese knowledge systems re present enor mous
wealth. Not only do they harbor infor mation which is yet
unknown to modern science, they are also expressions of other
ways of living in the world, other relationships between society
and nature, and other approaches to the acquisition and
constr uction of knowledge. Special action must be taken to
preser ve and cultiva te this fragile and diverse world heritage in
the face of globalization and the growing dominance of a single
view of the natural world as espoused by science. A closer
relationship between science and other knowledge systems is
expected to bring impor tant advantages to both sides.