Monty Pelerin's World

Wisdom: Eisenhower and Michael Crichton on Science

Michael Crichton

President Eisenhower

Anyone can rent a scientist. But when Federal funding is at stake, it appears you can also rent a conclusion.

In his farewell address to the nation back in 1960, Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of the danger from the military industrial complex. Less well-noted was his admonition of how scholars (scientists) could be corrupted by Federal employment and funding:

“The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present – and is gravely to be regarded.”

This advice seems especially prescient with respect to the Global Warming “science” that has come under attack. Findings appear to be a by-product of funding. When only politically acceptable outcomes receive funding, prostitution arises.

The late Michael Crichton, himself a medical doctor trained in the scientific method, was critical of what was happening. He warned about it in his 2004 novel, State of Fear.  Appendix I, entitled “Why Politicized Science is Dangerous,” was quite explicit as to how science was being done, or rather not being done. He likened what was happening to the politically-motivated and hideous “science” of eugenics. The following is quoted from that appendix:  [IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE READING, CLICK IN BODY OF QUOTE]