The Accountability of Science

Considers philosophical & practical issues related to the accountability of science initially inspired by Edward Shils. It is suggested that there are three overlapping structures for this accountability: (1) a set of internally generated norms; (2) a professionalized management & a formal administrative structure of the university; & (3) federal or regional governmental bodies that act in the name of society. It is suggested that these mechanisms for ensuring accountability have faced difficulties due to increased public scrutiny of scientific practice, increased regulation of universities, economic pressures in a global economy, & changes in the underlying context of the social contract between science & society. These factors are taken to have increased social demands for accountability of science. Recent efforts of scientists to assert themselves more strongly in accountability mechanisms are briefly discussed. D. M. Smith