Abstract

The Movement vs. the Establishment

A remarkable system of scientific advisers to government has evolved since World War II in the U.S. Over these years, a large and friendly structure of committees, advising many branches of the government, has had the services of most of the best scientific minds. This apparatus, based in Washington but connected by the jetways to the major scientific centers, has established the myth that the government is getting the best expert independent advice in shaping its science policy. It is of primary importance that this myth be exposed. At the pinnacle of the science adviser scheme is the President's Science Advisory Committee (PSAC). This group of eighteen men, deriving prestige from their own knowledge and the considerable resources open to them, can fairly be described as the nation's "high court of science." The members of PSAC come closer to the seats of power than any other formal group of scientists, and, although its members disclaim that they in any way represent the scientific community, it is inescapable that laymen will look to PSAC as the best authority on scientific matters of public concern.