Philosophy Commons^™

'T. C. Mits' And The Utility Of Science, Evan B. Hazard

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The general public, as well as many leaders of our society tend to view science as descriptive and to value science mainly for "practical" applications. Although technological implications are important, science cannot legitimately be considered primarily descriptive. Science is a creative activity, involving human judgment, and can most fruitfully be thought of as metaphor or play. The practical value of science, of the liberal arts in general, and of academe is that they provide the playful approach to experience which is a necessary basis for successful planning and action, and which makes us human.