Science on a Mission

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What difference does it make who pays for science? Some might argue it doesn't matter if scientists pursue fundamental truths objectively. However, history indicates otherwise, as money equates to power in science. Naomi Oreskes traces the evolution of American oceanography since the Cold War, revealing how funding sources have shaped the field. Following World War II, the US military recognized the deep sea as a new arena for warfare, leading to significant investment in earth sciences, particularly physical oceanography and marine geophysics. This military funding was both enabling and constraining, fostering important knowledge while simultaneously creating significant gaps in understanding. Oreskes explores the impact of patronage on scientific history, illustrating how naval oversight transformed our knowledge of the sea. The narrative provides a comprehensive history that highlights how funding influences the subject, scope, and nature of scientific inquiry, raising critical questions about the purpose and character of American science. Ultimately, the answer to the question of who pays is clear: it makes a substantial difference.