Others think it the responsibility of scientists to coerce the rest of society, because they have the power that derives from special knowledge.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Though neglectful of their responsibility to protect science, scientists are increasingly aware of their responsibility to society.
Scientists surely have a special responsibility. It is their ideas that form the basis of new technology. They should not be indifferent to the fruits of their ideas. They should forgo experiments that are risky or unethical.
At a time when science plays such a powerful role in the life of society, when the destiny of the whole of mankind may hinge on the results of scientific research, it is incumbent on all scientists to be fully conscious of that role, and conduct themselves accordingly.
Admittedly, the body of scientists, as a whole, does uphold the authority of science over the lay public. It controls thereby also the process by which young men are trained to become members of the scientific profession.
Individual scientists cannot do much on their own. Heads of nations, corporates, and economic giants should recognise the criticality of it.
I think it's important for scientists to be a bit less arrogant, a bit more humble, recognising we are capable of making mistakes and being fallacious - which is increasingly serious in a society where our work may have unpredictable consequences.
In big science, the role of the individual scientist must be carefully preserved. So is the one of original ideas and of contributions.
To say a scientist is not at all responsible is wrong. But to say that someone who invents a piece of knowledge or technology is responsible for all future uses is ridiculous. It doesn't have to be that binary.
Science, as everyone knows, is responsible, moderate, unsentimental, and otherwise good.
There is not much that even the most socially responsible scientists can do as individuals, or even as a group, about the social consequences of their activities.