BIOLOGICAL PHILOSOPHY 423 



But these so-called group differentials in fertility relate only to occupa- 

 tional groups or to regional groups. We know that farmers have more chil- 

 dren than city people, but we do not know what genetic types are surviv- 

 ing in the greatest numbers. It is impossible to say at present on the basis 

 of any scientific evidence whether the human race is improving or whether 

 it is deteriorating. This important question, with all its practical implica- 

 tions, can be answered only when population study can employ measures 

 of innate human qualities, and for these it must wait on the development 

 of the sciences of man. 



Thus, the science of man may not only make it possible to improve man 

 himself by supplying the proper environment for his development and, 

 ultimately, even by an improvement in his genetic potentialities, but may 

 give the social sciences sufficient precision to make them truly sciences 

 capable of predicting the end results of current political, social and eco- 

 nomic trends. 



The sciences of man may in these ways make an invaluable contribution 

 to human welfare. They may also make an even greater contribution in 

 setting up new concepts of human possibilities, new ideals as to the pur- 

 pose of life. 



->->■><<< 



SCIENCE VERSUS LIFE * 



A . J . CARL SON 



When the hurricane strikes ships at sea, frail hulls founder, while the 

 crews of sturdier craft experience anxiety, if not panic, and are for a time 

 deflected from their course by the temporary violence of wind and waves. 

 But they ultimately make their goal, thanks to human courage, the com- 

 pass, and the fixed stars. Such hurricanes, man made, have struck human 

 society, and its institutions, from time to time throughout recorded his- 

 tory. We call them war. There is anxiety and fear, if not panic, on board. 

 When storm clouds cover the heavens men of little understanding question 

 the compass of science, fear that the stars of rectitude will guide no more, 

 and with scant hope drift with the violent wind. The compass of science 

 is not only questioned, but it is charged that this very compass has led us 

 into the hurricane, that science is in conflict with society. So I propose 

 to address myself to these questions: Is our age led or dominated by 

 science? Is science in conflict with the best interest of society? Is it science 

 and the scientific method that lead nations into war? Only last year a Brit- 

 ish scholar said: "In Europe today it is rather dangerous to ask questions, 

 it is much safer to discuss how a question should be asked." Today this 

 danger is by no means confined to Europe. But as I read the human record 



• Reprinted by permission of the Sigma Xi Quarterly. Copyright 1941. 



