Restrictions to research

Abstract

The roles that government, society, and the individual scientist should play in moulding the development of science and the direction of research are discussed. In particular, the situation in Germany, where the freedom of researchers is protected by the Constitution, and the author's personal experience are drawn upon to illustrate the themes advanced. Research should be directed, by discussion between scientists, engineers, politicians, and the general public, towards projects having potential to improve human wellbeing; however, the impossibility of envisioning all the consequences of individual discoveries, and whether these will be beneficial or detrimental, must be taken into account. Much depends on the individual scientist's consciousness of his or her moral responsibility in determining which directions of research and development are acceptable.