Proposed Society for Freedom in Science.

  • Society for Freedom in Science.
Date:
[1945?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Proposed Society for Freedom in Science. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Proposed )Society for FREEDOM IN SCIENCE 1. It is generally agreed that if totalitarian dictators were suc- cessful in the present war, they would ultimately put an end to -the freedom of scientific research throughout the world. ‘Their pronouncements and their practice alike can leave no doubt upon the point. Defence of scientific freedom, equally with other freedoms, is therefore an integral part of the struggle. 2, The threat to scientific freedom comes not only from existing dictatorships. Great social changes are inevitable after the con- clusion of peace, and some of the changes now ardently advo- cated in democratic countries contain a definite threat to scientific freedom. ‘There is a widespread and vigorous move- ment which sees the solution of social difficulties in a complete recasting of the structure of society under a system of central control, Thus there is a threat to scientific freedom, less direct though perhaps as dangerous, from some of the adherents to the doctrine of ‘central planning’, 3, Science has a value which is independent of the practical benefits it yields to society. ‘The methods of science, its heritage of knowledge, and the scientific habit of thought, together con- stitute a scientific culture which must be recognized as being on a par with the artistic and literary cultures; and freedom 1s essential for all alike. Without freedom science cannot flourish, and therefore cannot serve the cultural and practical needs of sariety, Seger
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