Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

ROLE OF THE SCIENTIST IN MODERN SOCIETYA SYMPOSIUM: PART II BERNARDO ALBERTO HOUSSAY, M.D.* Science has developed so rapidly and intensively, and its applications have made such deep changes in the life ofmankind, that it is often said we are living in a scientific era ofcivilization. In the course ofthe last hundred years more discoveries have been made than in all the preceding centuries. The number ofscientists has recently grown so explosively that most of those who have ever existed are still alive. The Significance ofScience Health, welfare, the standard ofliving, production, wealth, power and even the independence ofa modern nation are dependent on the development ofscience and its applications. Research workers and technicians of adequate quality and in sufficient number are one ofthe main sources of strength and the most important capital wealth ofa modern society. The underdeveloped nations are now facing a dilemma: they must develop their science and technology or resign themselves to live in mediocrity or even in poverty. Ifpure and applied science does not advance in underdeveloped countries, the economic difference between them and wealthier nations will continuously increase. Science searches for truth and endeavors to increase knowledge. The effort made by man to understand himselfand his surroundings ennobles him. Science and technology enable man to use the forces ofnature, applying them to obtain benefits of great value such as have never been known before. Science advances by means ofresearch which leads to the discovery of new knowledge. Facts and their significance, problems, and theories are * Address: Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental, Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires 28, Argentina. 546 Bernardo Alberto Houssay · Role ofthe Scientist in Modern Society Perspectives in Biology and Medicine · Summer 1963 continuouslybeingre-examined; no scientificknowledgecan beconsidered finished. There are no dogmas in science whose principles are continuously submitted to discussion and revision. Scientific research replaces empirical and dogmatic statements by rational knowledge, doing away with error and superstition. Well-founded knowledge is a prerequisite for successful action. Scientific research is an original and creative activity leading to the discovery ofnew and often unexpected knowledge, which has immediate or delayed results by increasing basic science and the applications of science. Professional application ofscientific knowledge and the routine teaching ofscience which do not lead to the discovery ofnew facts and principles are not original scientific work; neither is mere erudition or the accumulation offacts which do not lead to the statement ofnew principles and to further research. Basic research, also called pure, theoretical, original, creative, or disinterested research, searches for truth and endeavors to increase and improve knowledge without being concernedwith itspossible immediate or remote applications. On the other hand, appliedresearchendeavorsto solve practical problems with the object ofsatisfying needs or desires ofsocial or economic importance. Pure and applied research are not in conflict between themselves; on the contrary, they complement and support each other. Basic research discovers and widens knowledge; it continuously nourishes technology, which stagnates or retrogresses when basic research ceases. Reciprocally, applied science and technology stimulate basic research by creating new problems, offering new techniques, and showing the practical importance ofscientific discoveries, thus making funds available for research. The general public and even governments do not always understand the importance of basic science and the really great problems ofscience. Governments should consultcompetent scientists on all questions in which there are scientific interests. On the other hand, scientists and scientific societies should inform governments, leaders of public opinion, and the general public about the principles, methods, and trends ofscience, scientific discoveries, and the consequences. It is not an easy task to connect scientists and the general public. Scien547 tists must learn how to state their problems in simple, common language, and the people should be educated to understand the information given to them. The Social Role ofScience The social importance of science and its achievements reveals itself in the intellectual, technical, cultural, and moral spheres. In the intellectual sphere, scientific endeavor leads to the better understanding of man and the world around him. It continually increases and improves knowledge; it removes error and superstition; it searches for truth that can be demonstrated and verified; and it gives a solid basis for rational behavior. Science has its origin in the wish...