Science and Government: A Diangerous Liason?
by William Butos and Thomas J. McQuade (Trinity College and New York University)
We survey the relationship between government and science (concentrating on the situation in the U.S.). We discuss the theoretical rationale for government funding, showing that it is open to serious question – its model of science as market is highly suspect, and its implications for the remedial effects of intervention do not stand up to even casual empirical scrutiny. Calling attention to the nakedness of the standard economic rationale, however, does not touch the very real political rationales, and it is the interaction of these with the understandably strong desire of scientists to be well-funded to which we direct attention. We describe various ways in which government funding can interact with scientists and scientific activity to produce the unanticipated effects that concern us.
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Don’t think enough attention is paid to this factor. All “totalitarian” regimes employed scientists in nefarious and reprehensible schemes (master race, arms production, etc.). Defunding all science research at the Federal level would be a fantastic balance to the usurpations of the government as well as (I suspect) balance out an emerging “state religion” preached as “science”.
very important topic and I look forward to printing the article and reading it. I’m actually working on a similar subject myself, Why Bad Ideas Survive and I hope this article will be of help
Which Trinity College? Cambridge, Oxford, Dublin, even perhaps Melbourne University?
His misreading of my favorite economic methodologist Deirdre McCloskey notwitstanding Butos is the right man for the job if this subject means to discover what it says.
To P.M. Lawrence: my college is Trinity College, Hartford, CT. And thanks for that left hand compliment, Adam. Apparently, you’re referring to my 1985 review essay of McCloskey’s Rhetoric book. Didn’t think anyone read that. Even Deidre didn’t accuse me of misreading her, although our respect positions are probably closer than my friendly critique might have suggested.
Anyway, hope the paper by McQuade and me is useful to all who read it. We’d appreciate any comments. Bill Butos (william.butos@trincoll.edu)
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