The Scientist As Rebel by Freeman Dyson

The Scientist As Rebel is a collection of essays and reviews by physicist Freeman Dyson.
The influence of society on science is less considered and less noted than the reverse. The ability of scientists to be productive is often governed by resources offered by an institution, university, government, or some multi-national organization. Large scale laboratories or facilities are frequently required in both basic and applied research as well as in development of a product, process, or technological advance. The interconnection between science and funding is undoubtedly influenced by the perception society has on science. The fact that the United States space program lives or dies is ultimately due to the political will of the people in control of government at the time. Funding for stem-cell research, cloning, super-colliders, satellites, pharmaceuticals, genetically engineered foods, global warming, pesticides, etc. is essential, and depends on whether the views of the decision makers are favorable. Often this becomes a political hot-potato depending on whether scientists are viewed in a Frankenstein image or the hope for humanity. There is a complex web of circumstances binding science to society and the perception of society is continually being influenced in all directions.