E/C.12/GC/25
elements of article 15 related to science, especially the obligations of States parties to take
steps for the conservation, the development and the diffusion of science (art. 15 (2)), to
respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research (art. 15 (3)) and to promote
international contacts and cooperation in the scientific field (art. 15 (4)). The Committee
also highlights the relevance of article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for
this analysis.
II. Normative content
Scientific progress and its applications
4.
According to the definition used by UNESCO in its Recommendation on Science
and Scientific Researchers,
the word “science” signifies the enterprise whereby humankind, acting
individually or in small or large groups, makes an organized attempt, by
means of the objective study of observed phenomena and its validation
through sharing of findings and data and through peer review, to discover and
master the chain of causalities, relations or interactions; brings together in a
coordinated form subsystems of knowledge by means of systematic reflection
and conceptualization; and thereby furnishes itself with the opportunity of
using, to its own advantage, understanding of the processes and phenomena
occurring in nature and society (para. 1 (a) (i)).
UNESCO adds that “the term ‘the sciences’ signifies a complex of knowledge, fact and
hypothesis, in which the theoretical element is capable of being validated in the short or
long term, and to that extent includes the sciences concerned with social facts and
phenomena” (para. 1 (a) (ii)).
5.
Thus, science, which encompasses natural and social sciences, refers both to a
process following a certain methodology (“doing science”) and to the results of this process
(knowledge and applications). Although protection and promotion as a cultural right may
be claimed for other forms of knowledge, knowledge should be considered as science only
if it is based on critical inquiry and is open to falsifiability and testability. Knowledge
which is based solely on tradition, revelation or authority, without the possible contrast with
reason and experience, or which is immune to any falsifiability or intersubjective
verification, cannot be considered science.
6.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to “scientific advancement” and
the Covenant refers to “scientific progress”; these expressions emphasize the capacity of
science to contribute to the well-being of persons and humankind. Thus, the development of
science in the service of peace and human rights should be prioritized by States over other
uses.
7.
Applications refer to the particular implementation of science to the specific
concerns and needs of the population. Applied science also includes the technology
deriving from scientific knowledge, such as the medical applications, the industrial or
agricultural applications, or information and communications technology. 3
Enjoy the benefits
8.
The term “benefits” refers first to the material results of the applications of scientific
research, such as vaccinations, fertilizers, technological instruments and the like. Secondly,
benefits refer to the scientific knowledge and information directly deriving from scientific
activity, as science provides benefits through the development and dissemination of the
knowledge itself. Lastly, benefits refer also to the role of science in forming critical and
responsible citizens who are able to participate fully in a democratic society.
3
2
Technology, according to the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, “signifies such
knowledge as relates directly to the production or improvement of goods or services” (para. 1 (b)).