I am afraid that this might sound bad, but I agree with the main arguments in all three readings.
I think it is important to develop research thinking on how it can directly contribute to the well being of our societies (very obvious). However, I also believe that is very very important that the academy creates spaces for researchers to let their imagination fly, allowing them to elaborate theories and models that might not be rooted in reality or might not have current obvious applications, but that, with time, can open paths to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before". (Star Trek, Next Generation)
(Yes, I am a SF fan. But Star Trek is the perfect example for my argument above.)
That said, I also agree with prof. Jensen, Eric Newton and Amber Robertson: The system (the academic one, but also the government and our overall society) has distorted the original goal of academic research. Researchers, as any other humans, have to provide for their families, and have a tendency to look for security in their lives. The tenure process and its requirements force them to forget their original passions and conform.
What can we do? I am not sure. I do believe that change can come one drop at a time, so I guess I will try to remember this controversy and, while looking to provide for my family, will also be careful not to do it at the cost of my soul.
I think it is important to develop research thinking on how it can directly contribute to the well being of our societies (very obvious). However, I also believe that is very very important that the academy creates spaces for researchers to let their imagination fly, allowing them to elaborate theories and models that might not be rooted in reality or might not have current obvious applications, but that, with time, can open paths to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before". (Star Trek, Next Generation)
(Yes, I am a SF fan. But Star Trek is the perfect example for my argument above.)
That said, I also agree with prof. Jensen, Eric Newton and Amber Robertson: The system (the academic one, but also the government and our overall society) has distorted the original goal of academic research. Researchers, as any other humans, have to provide for their families, and have a tendency to look for security in their lives. The tenure process and its requirements force them to forget their original passions and conform.
What can we do? I am not sure. I do believe that change can come one drop at a time, so I guess I will try to remember this controversy and, while looking to provide for my family, will also be careful not to do it at the cost of my soul.
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