Use and Misuse of Science

Abstract

IN his presidential address “The Use and Misuse of Science” to the Royal Society of New South Wales, which has been reprinted in part from the Journal and Proceedings of the Society, Prof. J. C. Earl points out that control over Nature involves not merely the knowledge that in certain circumstances a known natural phenomenon will occur, but also the ability to arrange the stage so that the occurrence takes place when and where we will. Knowledge may be power, but it remains inactive until a conscious effort is made to use it. We can use the power we have constructively or destructively, and this responsibility cannot be regarded lightly. Our conduct must be determined by some motive and the moral issue cannot be evaded. Discussing the use of science, Prof. Earl termed research associated with the use rather than the extension of knowledge, secondary scientific research, in contrast to primary scientific research, which is concerned with the extension of knowledge as such. The latter he considered an essential duty of a university, the discharge of which would foster its other duty of maintaining cultural traditions. He urged that the tendency to foster secondary rather than primary research in the universities of Australia with the resources now available was dangerous and that the claims of the latter required more energetic support from within and without. In urging this larger and keener interest in fundamental work, Prof. Earl did not suggest, however, that secondary scientific work was less important, and he referred to the need for scientific work in Australia on Australian products.