The Missing Foundation: Why Science Dissemination Fails Without a Scientific Culture

This essay examines the structural crisis hindering effective science dissemination, particularly in contexts lacking a robust scientific ambiance and foundational education. Using Brazil—a major global economy with paradoxically low literacy and PISA scores—as a case study, the article argues that attempts to inculcate science often fail due to deep-seated formative deficiencies. It traces the historical shift from holistic, humanistic education towards a pragmatic, utilitarian model, leading to a conflation of science (theory) with technology (techne) and a decline in speculative inquiry and major breakthroughs. Factors such as knowledge fragmentation, the "reverse Flynn effect," and a contemporary scientific modus operandi driven by quantitativism and immediate results further exacerbate this issue. The paper warns against science detached from ethical and humanistic values, citing historical misuses. It concludes that meaningful science dissemination, capable of fostering critical discernment, requires a revitalized educational approach centered on integrated, humanistic knowledge. Only by cultivating such a foundational scientific culture can society genuinely engage with and benefit from scientific advancements, avoiding a descent into "digital neo-barbarianism."