Science,politics, and computers

This address briefly traces post-1940 U.S. science policy from the science policy agenda set forth by Vannevar Bush in 1945 through the recent congressional task force on science policy. Although there are many factors influencing science policy, the focus here is on presidential influence. The effects of U.S. science policy on science are traced by looking at funding patterns in general, as well as at those for behavioral science. The influence of politics on the ability of scientists to freely communicate scientific information is examined. Finally, the role of politics in scientists’ access to computing resources is explored. Presented here is a side of science not often seen by those at the bench.