SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE


 Philosophies of conduct, of economics, of politics are also
modified by science when results serve the ends of the dominant
groups. If these groups are despotic, science may benefit the
few at the expense of the many. If these groups are democratic,
science may bring blessings to whole nations or continents. In
this atmosphere science could bless the entire world. To this
hope all thoughtful scientists subscribe.
 The Atlantic Charter recognizes the importance of natural
resources throughout the world, with raw materials to be made
available on equal terms to all nations. The wise use of our own
nation's resources is an important goal of our education. Science
teaching may contribute noticeably to progress toward this goal.
 One way in which science can be applied to the problems of
society is through its aid to conservation. Science in forestry has
pointed the way to conservation by development of fire-fighting
apparatus and chemicals, disease resistant species, and develop-
ment of insecticides. Conservation of the forests directly affects
wild animals and plant life by retaining intact the natural
habitats and by maintaining the state's water levels.
 Maintenance of the water table is becoming increasingly im-
portant as Florida's population grows and as economic develop-
ment progresses. State planning for this purpose calls contin-
uously on science to solve the problems of water control, such as
drainage, irrigation, city water supply, and floods. Soil con-
servation calls upon science for development of fertilizers, data
for building levees and dams, and other ways of preventing
erosion and reclaiming land. In the conservation of our min-
erals, science has pointed to improved methods of extraction and
to ways of decreasing wastes. Food is conserved by scientific
methods of preservation and packaging.
 In the Florida Programs of Study it is not recommended that
a special course in consumer education be given in high schools.
The information should be integrated with many subjects. The
science teacher should accept a large responsibility for consumer
education. Students trained in intelligent buying based on scien-
tific data will learn to recognize fallacies in advertising in news-
papers, magazines, over the radio, and from other sources.