Introduction

In this intensively technological age, politicians rely on science for both material and ideological support. The material contributions of science to politics depend in part on sound judgments and conclusions. A hypothetical AIDS vaccine is equally useless for easing human suffering and for settling policy conflicts if clinical data supporting its safety and efficacy have been falsified. Ideological support for politics also rests on the integrity of scientists. A community of white-coated rascals cannot be the model of the nonviolent formation of consensus that legitimates democratic politics. If the scientific community cannot regulate the conduct of its members, the support it provides to politics can evaporate and, with it, the reciprocal support politics provides for science.

Similarly, research investments may be difficult to sustain if technological benefits are not continually and visibly forthcoming.