ABSTRACT
Scientists tend to be optimistic about the power of their own rationality. This is a direct — and very natural — consequence of their choice of profession, since science is founded on the conviction of the power of reason to understand the world. Science policy cannot be separated from the politics of science, which, by common presumption, it is meant to regulate, but the higher aim of science advisory is to include scientific considerations in other kinds of policy decisions. The dual foundations of scientific methodology are freedom and skepticism. Ideally, both information and individuals are free: Anything that is known will be shared, and anyone has the right to work on any problem. Further, it is not merely right but the duty of scientists to be skeptical of evidence, of the interpretation of evidence, and particularly of conclusions. Anything may be legitimately questioned, and the natural presumptions are ones of doubt and independence, rather than of belief and adherence.
