The Public Assessment of Basic Science

• Published in: Perspectives in biology and medicine 1974-01, Vol.17 (4), p.441-454
• Main Author: Stetten, DeWitt
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Economics; Education; France; Greece; History of medicine; History, 17th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; Netherlands; Promotion/Promotions; Public; Public Opinion; Research Support as Topic; Science - history; Science/Sciences (see also Scientific); Strategy/Strategies/Strategic; Training Support; Understanding; United States
• ISSN: 0031-5982; 1529-8795; 1529-8795
• DOI: 10.1353/pbm.1974.0034

The life & particularly the death of the classical scientist Archimedes provides an entrance into a continuing problem of science--its perception by those not trained in the discipline. There is a general ignorance of the continuity of science, & the terrific impact of apparently minor discoveries on later developments. Beyond this, an emphasis upon technology & intervention has tended to obscure the import of what appears to be "pure research," even though such research may provide the key for later discoveries of immediate practical application. However, such a criterion must not be made the raison d'etre of research, as seems to have occurred of late with the emphasis on research & development, a peculiar marriage of 2 very distinct pursuits. To facilitate a greater understanding of science by nonscientists, a number of steps might be taken. In education, stress should be placed upon the way scientists approach a problem. In this period of budget-cutting, scientists must strive to understand the thinking basic to other disciplines, particularly economics; a few individuals should be trained themselves in science & economics to develop a sympathy for research & an awareness of economic exigencies. Such steps might help destroy that barrier to communication which has existed since a Roman soldier slew Archimedes. 2 Figures. C. Leland.