TOPIC: ISSUE40 - "Scholars and researchers should not be concerned with whether their work makes a contribution to the larger society. It is more important that they pursue their individual interests, however unusual or idiosyncratic those interests may seem." WORDS: 448 TIME: 00:45:00 DATE: 2008/8/11 下午 02:36:18 The speaker asserts that scholars and researchers should be concerned only with their individual interests, no matter how unusual and idiosyncratic they are, rather than with the contribution to the society. I tend to disagree. Though individual interests seem to be the motivation to do researches, scholars and researchers should consider the effect of their work on the society: the research should be valuable and have no negative influence. Admittedly, creative works often result from the eagerness of scientists. Scientists and scholars usually have more fresh ideas than others. These ideas may not seem useful or normal to the public, but they may have surprising influence to the world. When Brother Wright were trying to invent flying machines, they worked out of their own interest. Therefore, some might argue that individual interests are the only motivation of invention. I concede that it can be one of the aims of researchers and scholars but not the only. However, public benefits can also be a source of researches. Works contributing greatly to the society is more valuable than those contributing less. Crazy ideas can be working sometimes, but scientists and scholars who are concerned about the public needs will have more supports and higher esteems. In the space competition between America and Russia years ago, each nation's scientists tried their best to develop the latest techniques ahead of the other. This competition, out of benefits of the nation, contributed greatly to human beings. Medical development is another instance. Nations offer resources and funds for the scientists, hoping that their researches can benefit the society. Space techniques and medical development-- the cases demonstrating researchers and scientists can work for a better society. What is more, scholars and scientists should consider whether their work has any negative effects on the society. History shows that some inventions damaged the world. Take nuclear weapons for example. When nuclear weapons were created, they are seen as creative. If the inventor thought carefully about the possible harm they may cause to the society, they would choose not to produce these weapons. Similarly, drugs can be used in the right way and the wrong way as well. The researchers could know the bad effect it will bring about in the process of invention. If they do not have to be responsible for the duty, as the speaker claims, they will lead the society to a worse situation. They should prevent the harmful situations form happening with their profession. In sum, self interests do stimulate creative ideas, however, scholars and scientists should take the public benefits and the possible influences into consideration. Those who are concerned with their own unusual and idiosyncratic ideas can be dangerous and worthless. --

※ 发信站: 批踢踢实业坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 118.166.245.83