Is there an ivory tower in reality?

Abstract

What is the measure of the social responsibility of scientists? Even if technology is not just applied science, the scientist cannot simply waive responsibility for the negative manifestations of technological progress borne out of scientific research. However, there are limits to the practicable realization of any moral maxims in this sphere, concerning, for instance, the very awareness of the future consequences of basic research. Insofar as it is possible to believe in a distinction between pure and applied research, there exists a difference in the corresponding measure of social responsibility for scientists.