This could be not so much the end of an age for science but for civilisation as well. Since the enlightenment one of the driving forces has been that knowledge enhances society - now people (including/.ers) are saying that knowledge should be controlled. The problem with knowledge, and especially scientific knowledge, is that you never know what could be used for or against you. Take as an example nuclear astrophysics - whilst this pertains to unravel the mysteries of the universe the science is very close to that of isotope production which is important for amongst other things, nuclear weapons. Should we censor research because a paper on the r process in supernovae could lead to more efficient plutonium production?
The simple truth is that there are far better ways of inflicting "terror" on western civilisation than by using modern science. Just look at what a bit of initiative, belief in a deity and some fully fueled aircraft can do.
You cannot control knowledge like some politicians would have you believe and any attempts to do so will create a far more divided world than we have now. The only left hope is that knowledge begets understanding and understanding begets peace.
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or how to increase the "relevance" of your journal in one easy step - parental advisors stickers next?
This could be not so much the end of an age for science but for civilisation as well. Since the enlightenment one of the driving forces has been that knowledge enhances society - now people (including /.ers) are saying that knowledge should be controlled.
The problem with knowledge, and especially scientific knowledge, is that you never know what could be used for or against you. Take as an example nuclear astrophysics - whilst this pertains to unravel the mysteries of the universe the science is very close to that of isotope production which is important for amongst other things, nuclear weapons. Should we censor research because a paper on the r process in supernovae could lead to more efficient plutonium production?
The simple truth is that there are far better ways of inflicting "terror" on western civilisation than by using modern science. Just look at what a bit of initiative, belief in a deity and some fully fueled aircraft can do.
You cannot control knowledge like some politicians would have you believe and any attempts to do so will create a far more divided world than we have now. The only left hope is that knowledge begets understanding and understanding begets peace.