The Functions of Science

Abstract

THERE is one persistent feature of the current discussion on the social function of science which is very disquieting. Natural science offers to society at large, as well as to the individual man of science, several distinct benefits. One is simply the existence of an organized body of knowledge, accessible to those interested in it; for science, like every other intellectual discipline, is to be valued in itself for the truth which it contains. Another is the existence of a body of men trained to appreciate this knowledge, and acquainted with the arduous work of gathering data and interpreting them; good scientific work demands that the man of science should aim to be energetic, humble, both constructive and critical, neither sterile nor credulous, accustomed to think before he acts and to act upon his conclusions. A third social benefit is conferred by the applicability of scientific knowledge to provide techniques for large-scale handling of matter, and hence for the improvement of the material conditions of life; properly used, this last function of science can confer real benefits, for example, by raising the life of the poor to a more tolerable standard.