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The Experiences and Challenges of Science and Ethics Proceedings of an American-Iranian Workshop (2003) / Chapter Skim
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Appendix M Extract from Report On Being a Scientist
Pages 105-106

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From page 105...
... Construction of the atomic bomb and the development of recombinant DNA -- events that grew out of basic research on the nucleus of the atom and investigations of certain bacterial enzymes, respectively -- are two examples of how seemingly arcane areas of science can have tremendous societal consequences. The occurrence and consequences of discoveries in basic research are virtually impossible to foresee.
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From page 106...
... Nearly half of the bills that come before Congress have a significant scientific or technological component. Scientists are increasingly called upon to contribute to public policy and to the public understanding of science.
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Key Terms

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  • nonexperts unqualified
  • societal consequences
  • technological component
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  • putting scientific
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  • increasingly integrated
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  • bacterial enzymes

  • public forum
  • late scientific
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  • virtually impossible

  • knowledge obtained
  • tremendous societal
  • atomic bomb
  • everyday life
  • seemingly arcane

  • avoid putting
  • public understanding
  • call attention
  • involving experts
  • informed decision


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