Objective(s):

1. Discuss whether or not the research community should re-focus itself consciously to serve defined social goals.

2. Identify what might be gained and what might be lost as a result of this re-focusing from a number of perspectives.

Questions for Discussion:

From a societal perspective, what might be gained and what might be lost by expecting the research community consciously to serve defined social goals?

From a governmental perspective, what might be gained and what might be lost by expecting the research community consciously to serve defined social goals?

From a research community perspective, what might be gained and what might be lost by expecting the community consciously to serve defined social goals?

On balance, should the research community re-focus its efforts consciously to serve defined social goals in addition to seeking knowledge as a general good?

Tasks:

Select a spokesperson and perhaps a scribe (not necessarily the same individual).

Help the spokesperson prepare a ten-minute summary of the group's observations on the questions listed above.

In your report, emphasize the perspective that your group's membership especially qualifies you to address, but feel free to offer other perspectives as well.

Time Limit:

Your small group has 90 minutes to explore the issues listed above.