Yeah, I know that’s not the right use of the word, but stay with me on this…
Inverse today presented as one of their “Future 50” Andrés Bernal, a scholar, theorist & activist who crafted the Jobs Guarantee section of the Green New Deal. In the Inverse article, he outlines his history and views on science for the public good, instead of science efforts being based on garnering funds or for later return on investment by corporations.
Regardless of the views on the Green New Deal or on Modern Monetary Theory, I found it refreshing to see how scientists could be recognized for the work they do along with linking their efforts to the public good. There’s counterarguments that can be made for not doing that (Andrés mentions national security and competition incentives), but he makes the case that the pendulum has swung too far to that side and scientific efforts that cannot realize a quick profit or directly link to national security are stifled. In my opinion, the scope of science would then be too narrow and humanity could miss long-term opportunities to improve the planet or the human condition.
It’s worth a read, and I leave you with one of the takeaway quotes:
I believe that providing public resources for the best use of our capacities that ensures quality science is interconnected to an economic bill of rights including universal healthcare, quality public education, the right to dignified employment and working conditions, and the necessary support for scientists and their research not out of fierce competition for funds but as a public good. That is the way we can ensure what economist Yanis Varoufakis calls a future that looks less like the world of The Matrix and more like that of Star Trek.
Andrés Bernal, “Support Scientists Who Work for the Public Good“
(The views in this article are my own or externally referenced, and cannot be considered as legal advice.)
A View From the Geek Seats 