Duties of Science to Society (and Vice Versa)

Abstract

Science is an amorphous, distributed, and dynamic institution, composed of many other institutions and falling under the control of no central body. Rather, the body of knowledge that science develops becomes a part of our common heritage. Over time, as science improves our understanding of the universe and our place in it, we are enriched in ways that are both tangible and intangible. Because of its nature as an institution composed of institutions, with many connections both tangential and integral to nearly every part of society, we must be particularly mindful of the value, impact, and responsibilities of science and those working in it. As well, we should take care to relate the reciprocal duties of science to society and vice versa. Scientists do not work in a vacuum, and the work that scientists do benefits us all, whether we know it or not. It is incumbent upon scientists to communicate with the public, and to interact in ways that are both educational and ethical because science and the public stand in mutually beneficial relationships to one another, and are also mutually dependent. In this chapter, I consider to what extent science and society owe duties to each other.