Discussion

Abstract

I am neither a physicist nor a chemist, nor a biologists but a geologist. I share your interest on the subject of the present and future relation between science and society. When listening this morning to the lectures and discussion, I sensed a certain undertone of pessimism as to the fruitful influence that science might have on society. However, in this afternoon’s session there prevailed a far more optimistic mood among the speakers. I am no less optimistic. The reasons may be due to my work in Israel for the last 47 years, during which long period I was forced, nolens volens, to bring the application of scientific knowledge into close relationship with society.