A necessary critique of science

摘要

Michael M. Crow's "The Challenge for the Obama Administration Science Team" (Issues, Spring 2009) doesn't call spades digging implements. It's unexpected to find a U.S. university president acknowledging and deploring the system of semi-isolated, discipline-oriented research in our universities. It's also noteworthy to find his critique in a publication sponsored by the National Academies of Science and Engineering. Crow's article may signal recognition that longstanding complaints about flaws in U.S. science policy can no longer be ignored at this time of national crisis. Even Daniel S. Greenberg, dean of U.S. science policy observers and a man fiercely devoted to the independence of scientific inquiry, has noted that public support without external oversight or responsibilities has not been healthy for U.S. science.