Scientific Power: To What End? [1957]

THIS WIDELY CIRCULATED paper was Russell’s response to a dramatic and ominous demonstration of Soviet technological prowess in the autumn of 1957-namely, the launch into orbit of two space satellites. It was published first in Britain, as “Can Scientific Man Survive?”, The Sunday Times, 10 Nov. 1957, p. 14, and was subsequently reprinted under this title in several American publications, as well as in Japan (see B&R C57.29). In addition, on 12, 13 and 14 November, abridged versions were broadcast in translation by other speakers on, respectively, the Russian, Italian and German Services of the BBC.