Science as an actor. On the role of values and science in organic farming

Summary

If research is to play a role as a tool for development of organic farming, it needs to be forward-looking and proactive. Research therefore has to take up the challenge of analysing, clarifying and communicating the values that enter into the initiation of research projects in relation to the course of the organic movement. In general, values play an important role in science. This means that conventional objectivity is not an appropriate criterion of scientific quality. What is required, is a reflexive objectivity that involves the identification and communication of the cognitive context of research, including not only the observational context but also the societal and intentional context.