Choices for Science. Symposium Proceedings. Bunting Institute Working Paper.

These proceedings result from a symposium designed to provide a forum for the consideration of major social issues confronting science today. Participants (including scientists at different stages of career development from undergraduate concentrator to Nobel laureate) discussed issues related to the scientist's responsibilities as scientist and citizen, the nature and limitation of objectivity, and the inclusion of women as well as men in the world of science tomorrow. The papers presented at the symposium and included in this document are: (1) "Meritocracy and Marginality: Women in Science Today and Tomorrow" (Jonathan R. Cole); (2) "Status of Women in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering" (Rhonda Hughes); (3) "Critical Filters in Science Careers" (Bonnie Spanier); (4) "Objectivity in Clinical Trials" (Sonja M. McKinlay); and (5) "The Cult of Objectivity in the Physical Sciences" (Jill C. Bonner). Also included is a report, "Ethical Choices for Science Panel," a summary of panel discussions which centered on Everett Mendelsohn's discussion of "Nuclear Energy, Weapons, and Scientists" and Miriam Schweber's report on "Ethics and DNA Research." These discussions focused on the dichotomy that exists between the acquisition of scientific knowledge and its subsequent application. (JN)