Public distrust of scientists stems in part from the blurring of boundaries between science and technology, between discovery and manufacture. Most governments, perhaps all governments, justify public expenditure on scientific research in terms of the economic benefits the scientific enterprise has brought in the past and will bring in the future. Politicians remind their voters of the splendid machines ’ our scientists’ have invented, the new drugs to relieve old ailments (病痛), and the new surgical equipment and techniques by which previously intractable (难治疗的) conditions may now be treated and lives saved. At the same time, the politicians demand of scientists that they tailor their research to ’economics needs’, that they award a higher priority to research proposals that are ’near the market’ and can be translated into the greatest return on investment in the shortest time. Dependent, as they are, on politicians for much of their funding, s
A. They think they work in an environment hostile to the free pursuit of knowledge.
B. They are accustomed to keeping their opinions to themselves.
C. They know it takes patience to win support from the public.
D. They think compliance with government policy is in the interests of the public.
Public distrust of scientists stems in part from the blurring of boundaries between science and technology, between discovery and manufacture. Most governments, perhaps all governments, justify public expenditure on scientific research in terms of the economic benefits the scientific enterprise has brought in the past and will bring in the future. Politicians remind their voters of the splendid machines ’ our scientists’ have invented, the new drugs to relieve old ailments (病痛), and the new surgical equipment and techniques by which previously intractable (难治疗的) conditions may now be treated and lives saved. At the same time, the politicians demand of scientists that they tailor their research to ’economics needs’, that they award a higher priority to research proposals that are ’near the market’ and can be translated into the greatest return on investment in the shortest time. Dependent, as they are, on politicians for much of their funding, s
A. Support from the votes.
B. Quick economic returns.
C. The reduction of public expenditure.
D. The budget for a research project.
Public goods are those commodities from whose enjoyment nobody can be effectively excluded. Everybody is free to enjoy the benefits of these commodities, and one person’ s utilization does not reduce the possibilities of anybody else’ s enjoying the same good. Examples of public goods are not as rare as one might expect. A flood control dam is a public good. Once the dam is built, all persons living in the area will benefit--irrespective of their own contribution to the construction cost of the dam. The same holds true for highway signs or aids to navigation. Once a lighthouse is built, no ship of any nationality can be effectively excluded from the utilization of the lighthouse for navigational purposes. National defense is another example. Even a person who voted against military expenditures or did not pay any taxes will benefit from the protection afforded. It is no easy task to determine the social costs and social benefits associated with a public good. Th
A. A taxicab
B. A bridge
C. A fire truck
D. A stoplight
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