The Practice of Science as the Pursuit of Knowledge

摘要

Choosing what scientific project to pursue is the most important decision thatscientists at all levels continually face. Time devoted to a project can furtherdesirable knowledge and advance a career or cost years in lost opportunity. Knowing whatto consider before embarking on a specific scientific journey, as well as when to drop aproject and change course, offers a way of practicing science that keeps us mindful ofwhat is relevant at a given time and place while preserving our freedom to explore themost exciting findings. This article explores both the pressures that restrict thisdelicate decision-making process and the processes that scientists can apply to overcomethose pressures. Above all else, as it turns out, we must still love the pursuit ofknowledge for its own sake – and this love directly impacts our results.