Perils of Publication
Terry Devitt,
The Why Files,
Mar 28, 2003
In any number of fields discoveries are made on an almost daily basis that could pose a public danger. Recent discussion, including this article, has focused on the area of biological research, but of course the possibilities for mayhem are widespread. This article raises the question of whether such scientific material should be censored at the source, that is, by the scientific community itself. This is the approach that has been taken by some major journals. However, with the advent of self-archiving and online communications, such policies have little or no effect. Moreoever, keeping such materials under wraps may make it impossible for the scientific community to respond should such a threat emerge. Good discussion, well illustrated.
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