Beyond the academic-professional dichotomy: graduate education institutions, knowledge regulation, and the social relevance of science in Brazil

Abstract

This study critically examines the potentially artificial nature of the dichotomies between basic and applied science and between academic and professional graduate education, demonstrating that neither may accurately reflect the actual dynamics of contemporary scientific production, particularly in legal research. Its objectives are to trace the historical origins of these divisions, analyze their consolidation within Brazil’s regulatory framework, and present use-inspired theoretical research (UITR) as a means of overcoming them by showing that theory and practice are complementary dimensions of research. A theoretical, analytical, and documentary methodology was adopted, drawing on classical and contemporary scholars in epistemology and the theory of science, as well as an examination of legislation and ordinances that have shaped stricto sensu graduate education. The findings indicate that the separation between basic and applied science does not reflect actual scientific practice and that the distinction between academic and professional programs is, at least in part, artificial, since academic programs frequently provide applied solutions, while professional programs often update, revise, or formulate conceptual models. The study’s primary contribution is to demonstrate that the integration of theory and practice is inherent to legal studies. Moreover, adopting UITR as a framework could guide the reformulation of evaluation and funding criteria, thereby strengthening both the social relevance and theoretical rigor of Brazilian graduate education.