TRANSFORMATIONS IN SOCIAL FUNCTIONS, ROLE AND STATUS OF SCIENCE IN THE MODERN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY

The article examines the transformations that have occurred in social functions, role and status of science in the modern knowledge society. It was found that modern science is problem-oriented, with extended ethos, deeply penetrating into the public system. There is a change in the target context of social functions - a transition from aspiration to obtain a scientific result that is possible and true to scientific result that is potentially useful and / or appropriate. It is revealed that the growing participation of the public in various stages of generating scientific knowledge, as well as its strengthened commitment to the issues of science policy, is a serious sign of the increased role of science in the modern knowledge society. The conclusion was made that the transformed social functions of science provoke further changes in the production, validation and dissemination of knowledge in the knowledge-based society. It is identified also a restored trust in the potential and role of basic research. The changes in the status of science are outlined, presenting the potentially negative effects of the loss of academic autonomy. Recommendations toward science policy are made in order to strengthen the social role of Bulgarian science.