DANIEL LAVIERI

The research project explores the intersection between Jürgen Habermas' critique of technical rationality in late capitalist societies and the definition of values ​​in scientific activity, as proposed by Hugh Lacey. The research seeks to understand how technical rationality, influenced by the capitalist ideology of efficiency, impacts scientific activity, leading to the instrumentalization of science. The analysis focuses on the Habermasian critique of scientific positivism and the discussion about the neutrality of technology, as well as the implications of these concepts for contemporary scientific practice. The research also proposes to discuss specific science issues in Brazil, such as the commodification of scientific research and the challenges faced by higher education institutions. Keywords: Jürgen Habermas, technical rationality, late capitalism, scientific positivism, Hugh Lacey, neutrality of technology, commodification of science