Science depends on open communication, at least in principle. But if you're working on the genetic basis of an epidemic, or the formula for an explosive, or whatever, do you have an obligation to NOT be open in what you say? For a current commentary, see Ehrlich, S. A. (2006). Balancing Communication and Safety. Science, 314(5804), 1387b-.
<http://sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/314/5804/1387b>
Showing posts with label norms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label norms. Show all posts
Saturday, December 9, 2006
What role do patents play in "open" communication of science?
Patents pose an interesting problem for science communication -- they are both a way to ensure that technological ideas ("invention") are made public, while simultaneously protecting the ideas for exclusive use of the inventor. These purposes often come in conflict. A recent commentary on the challenges: Andrews, L., Paradise, J., Holbrook, T., & Bochneak, D. (2006). SCIENCE AND LAW: When Patents Threaten Science. Science, 314(5804), 1395-1396. <http://sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/314/5804/1395>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)