Secret Science: Federal Control of American Science and Technology

By Herbert N. Foerstel

Book Overview

This book is a plea for scientific openness and free access to information. It demonstrates the futility of scientific secrecy and the weakness of national arguments against open communication. From the restriction of technologically advanced exports, to the classification of research as restricted or secret, to the monitoring (and censoring) of scientific publications and library collections, to the pre-emption by the Pentagon of scientific and technological research, the U.S. federal government has achieved a state of unprecedented control over American science and technology. This, despite the end of the Cold War. Foerstel examines this continuing trend toward the state as chief sponsor, promoter, and supervisor of scientific research and its unsettling ramifications.

Foerstel concludes that scientific secrecy is counterproductive to American interests, particularly in an era when economics has come to define national security. His controversial analysis will be of interest to scientists, historians, and students of government alike.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0275944476
• ISBN13: 9780275944476
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Don't read it if you don't want to know

This is a definite book for the person who wonders what exactly the government is up to, but it's one I'd only read if you truly want to know. It tells of the beginnings of classification of information in government, and generally tells you all the stuff the government probably doesn't want you to know about how the secret agencies work. This is a must read book. Hurry before it's classified.