The conscience of science: Schrödinger lecture, Imperial College Sir Michael Atiyah Tuesday, March 18th, 1997 (Q1585671)

Scientists have been involved with at least three major sources of catastrophe: weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical, biological; arms races; land mines); population explosion (medical improvements, improved hygiene); environmental degradation (technology and engineering -- genetic manipulation came after this talk). Are scientists responsible for the use to which their discoveries are put? because science produces drastic changes in lives, scientists have moral obligations to see science is not misused, and to try to find solutions for ``incidental unfortunate by-products of scientific progress''.