How Society Determines what Researchers Study
As the needs of society change, the needs of scientific research change along with them. Scientific research is conducted for the good of the society. As Popper stated in his article "The Myth of the Framework", problems occur when preconceived expectations clash with our observations. He said, science begins when a myth is challenged and breaks down- that is, when some of our expectations are disappointed.
Typically, scientific research is conducted to solve the problems that arise in the society and answer the questions that the society has about the way the natural world works. The caliber at which scientific research is conducted depends greatly on the knowledge that is already available to the society. The research conducted today aims to solve the problems of the current needs of the society and the time period in which we live. For example, fifty years ago we were curious as to how to treat polio or developing medication to prevent fatal ear infections. Now, we have advanced to a point in which we are answering more complicated questions like how to cure cancer and how to clone a human being based on DNA. Science is constantly changing and new discoveries are made every day. The needs of the society now are much different than the needs of the society in the past and I'm fairly certain, based on the former trends, that the needs of the society in the future will be even more different and complex. If the goal of the researcher is not to meet the needs of the society, enhance the lives of the community, or create a better understanding of the natural world, then the work being done is of no value.
Some may question why a nuclear bomb would be beneficial instead of harmful. For this reason, I must clarify what I mean by “beneficial”. Beneficial can be defined many ways, but for the purpose of this project it will be defined as anything that is useful for the society. Knowing the parameters and capabilities that nuclear bombs or other harmful things may have is useful to the society, although it may not be for the greater good of the society. Because the technology and knowledge of such science is out there, it is beneficial to us as a nation to also obtain that knowledge and be prepared incase it is ever used against us. Which brings up another point. The research that scientists are doing in other parts of the world strongly impact the research that the United States will conduct and vice versa. In a world of such power and often times greed, it is foolish to think that other countries will not use science against us in times of war and/or terrorism. Therefore, it is necessary that the research conducted in the United States is up to date with the science conducted in other parts of the world for the sake of protection.
Typically, scientific research is conducted to solve the problems that arise in the society and answer the questions that the society has about the way the natural world works. The caliber at which scientific research is conducted depends greatly on the knowledge that is already available to the society. The research conducted today aims to solve the problems of the current needs of the society and the time period in which we live. For example, fifty years ago we were curious as to how to treat polio or developing medication to prevent fatal ear infections. Now, we have advanced to a point in which we are answering more complicated questions like how to cure cancer and how to clone a human being based on DNA. Science is constantly changing and new discoveries are made every day. The needs of the society now are much different than the needs of the society in the past and I'm fairly certain, based on the former trends, that the needs of the society in the future will be even more different and complex. If the goal of the researcher is not to meet the needs of the society, enhance the lives of the community, or create a better understanding of the natural world, then the work being done is of no value.
Some may question why a nuclear bomb would be beneficial instead of harmful. For this reason, I must clarify what I mean by “beneficial”. Beneficial can be defined many ways, but for the purpose of this project it will be defined as anything that is useful for the society. Knowing the parameters and capabilities that nuclear bombs or other harmful things may have is useful to the society, although it may not be for the greater good of the society. Because the technology and knowledge of such science is out there, it is beneficial to us as a nation to also obtain that knowledge and be prepared incase it is ever used against us. Which brings up another point. The research that scientists are doing in other parts of the world strongly impact the research that the United States will conduct and vice versa. In a world of such power and often times greed, it is foolish to think that other countries will not use science against us in times of war and/or terrorism. Therefore, it is necessary that the research conducted in the United States is up to date with the science conducted in other parts of the world for the sake of protection.