|
|
Re: :-(
Mark A. Nadler (mnadler@ASHLAND.EDU)
Tue, 23 May 1995 13:32:23 -0400
On Tue, 23 May 1995, Nick Corduan wrote:
> I just simply see no reason for the government to be involved in our
> science. IT's not part of the government's job. The government was not set
> up to better our knowledge and increase our mind-powers. Those are admirable
> goals, but hey are not for the government to achieve.
Nick, I think you are mistaken. Science produces a public good - these
are goods that more than one individual can consume without reducing
their quantity to any other individual. Public finance theory and
microeconomics argues that private individuals pursuing their own selfish
ends will produce to few public goods from society's perspective -- thus
the role of government in boosting the products of science.
Mark A. Nadler Internet: mnadler@ashland.edu
Ashland University Phone: (419) 289-5912
Ashland, OH 44805 Fax: (419) 289-5949
|