Scientists in Search of Their Conscience

Is all scientific investigation good? Are scientists responsible for the application of their findings? How much should society pay for pure science, for task-oriented science? Who will decide which research will be pursued? Can the real results be measured and evaluated? Most scientists might prefer to ignore these questions and be left alone to pursue their special ends with a minimum of interference and a maximum of support from the community. But increasing criticism and reluctance to pay for research has led some scientists to question their values. In 1971, the European Committee of the Weizmann Institute of Israel organized a symposium in Brussels and invited ten distinguished European and Israeli scientists to discuss "The Impact of Science on Society." Their presentation, together with remarks by several discussants constitute this volume.

All the contributors are mature, successful, thoughtful scientists who express their ideas clearly and forcefully. Some refer to specific