The Paradox of Soviet Science

Recently an editorial in a leading American scientific journal sought an explanation for what it called a “paradox.” It wanted to learn how Soviet scientific work can flourish in an atmosphere of political and intellectual regimentation. The possibility that regimentation could even directly benefit science was denied. Yet somehow Soviet science flourishes. But how?

This question is only too easily answered, but first, since it is the summer season, let us give our attention to weeding that hardy perennial, Superstitia Americana, receiving so much loving cultivation in the journal’s garden. Is it not altogether clear we are safe from hindering our scientific advancement at least up to the limit of the Soviet Union’s regimentation of its scientists (who, Slavic and inscrutable though they be, are still men) ? This gives us loads of room for political tightening up before we need to begin worrying about hitting any vital,, creative part. (But just what the military value of a Soviet scientist’s conditioning to humiliating dictation and nerve-torturing fear is, is surely a question that gives one pause.)

JK

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John F. Kiley

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Recently an editorial in a leading American scientific journal sought an explanation for what it called a “paradox.” It wanted to learn how Soviet scientific work can flourish in an atmosphere of political and intellectual regimentation. The possibility that regimentation could even directly benefit science was denied. Yet somehow Soviet science flourishes. But how?

This question is only too easily answered, but first, since it is the summer season, let us give our attention to weeding that hardy perennial, Superstitia Americana, receiving so much loving cultivation in the journal’s garden. Is it not altogether clear we are safe from hindering our scientific advancement at least up to the limit of the Soviet Union’s regimentation of its scientists (who, Slavic and inscrutable though they be, are still men) ? This gives us loads of room for political tightening up before we need to begin worrying about hitting any vital,, creative part. (But just what the military value of a Soviet scientist’s conditioning to humiliating dictation and nerve-torturing fear is, is surely a question that gives one pause.)