Conversations on the Uses of Science - Tapa blanda

A candid and often humorous discussion between Hackerman and Ashworth on the problems scientists and society will face with reductions in government financial support for research, or with restrictive government directives. In dialogue that is accessible to laymen and policy makers, the authors explain why scientific research must be allowed to continue unfettered and undirected if humankind is to accrue its full benefits. In the United States, the universities are the sole source of scientists and engineers. . . . That alone should tell our political leaders . . . how essential it is for them to provide support for the universities in order to generate and promote economic development and vitality. The universities provide the adequately educated scientists and engineers, and without them a society does not have the slightest chance--short of accidentally running across a diamond mine or gold mine or another thirty trillion barrels of oil--of remaining in the economic race.

In the interest of reducing financial support some policy makers in Washington and in state capitols are questioning the contributions of science to society. Or they believe research can be made more useful if it is controlled and directed by government to solve specific problems. The authors disagree with both these strategies and discuss how understanding nature (that is, science) is the underpinning of humankind's progress in improved comforts, economic progress, and health. In making their case they also address the primary requirement of ensuring a pool of competent scientists, mathematicians, and engineers as well as the need for educating non-scientists about science.