ABSTRACT
Traditionally, fathers were expected to advise their young sons on the "facts of life" — information many lads either did not need, did not want, or would not believe. And sons submitted to the advice because they understood that fathers regarded giving it as part of their professional responsibility. The scientific community, or at least that portion of it deeply concerned with public policy relating to scientific matters, feels — with considerable justification - that the management of public affairs could be improved if political leaders dealt with the technical content of their decisions with greater knowledge, comfort and insight. Both President Reagan and President Carter were slow to the point of apparent reluctance to appoint a Science Advisor when they staffed the senior positions in their Administrations. Perhaps the most troublesome aspect of the relationship between political officials and scientists concerns the consequences of an advisory process that is not totally private and confidential.
