Showing papers by "Bernard D. Davis published in 1976"

Novel pressures on the advance of science.

Abstract: For several centuries science has been respected and admired as a major force for progress in human welfare. It has expanded the horizons for exploration by man’s intellect, and its technological applications have given us mastery over nature even beyond the dreams of Francis Bacon. Hence the recent eruption of widespread public criticism of science’ has come as a shock to scientists. This disenchantment was apparently triggered, after a delay, by the threat of nuclear annihilation, and it was enlarged by the highly visible effects of industrial pollution. The attack has now been edtended t o biomedical research and particularly t o genetics, which is thought t o be moving toward an invasion of man’s ultimate sanctum, his selfhood or SOUL2 But even though some of the roots of the disaffection are well grounded, there is obvious danger that the public will have difficulty in distinguishing real concerns from exaggerated ones, and in balancing costs against benefits. For example, the marvellous prospect of gene therapy has generated more apprehension than pride; and though it is still distant, it has been used t o arouse public anxiety as though it were just around t h e corner. Every concerned citizen is aware of this novel discontent with science, and I cannot claim any special insight into its origins. However, having accepted the topic I feel obligated t o try, at the risk of pedantry, t o list and t o comment on the main causes. I see four main categories: actual consequences of technological advances, unfulfilled expectations, the impact of science on our philosophical and social ideas, and the public’s increasing contact with science.