Action Under Pressures of Need: The potential of science and technology for solving problems also creates them

The test ban treaty, in which we must place cautious hope, is a laudable step. It can be looked upon also as an illustration of a frustrating task of controlling technological development pushed forward under pressure of desperate need. The problems resulting from the atomic bomb work have proved of overwhelming importance to the human race. On a scale far less grand or grim we continue to move into new problems as we move rapidly in developing other technology to meet needs. Controversy over the planned moon shot is an example. Only after effort on that project reached a towering level did disagreement over its goals get serious public notice. Now any major change in approach or goal presents serious difficulties. Since World War II the amount of federal funds given to the support of science and technology in the U.S. has grown at a very rapid pace. Distribution of such funds has tended naturally ...