Humanities Foundation (original) (raw)

The University of Alabama-Birmingham Chapter of the American Association of University Professors hereby endorses the findings of the AAAS Committee on Science in the Promotion of Human Welfare as set forth in their statement "Science and the race problem" [Science 142, 588 (1963)]. Sincere politicians would do well to have recourse to such recognized professional organizations or their spokesmen when it is felt that scientific advice has a role to play in the formulation of law or in molding social attitudes. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM CHAPTER, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS Humanities Foundation In the discussions of the proposed National Humanities Foundation (31 July, p. 449) one important factor is left out by humanists and scientists alike. The present prosperity of science began during and after World War II when it was realized that scientific research had material value for the country. It could provide better national defense, better health, and better business and agriculture. I think the only reason that the American people and their elected representatives are willing to support science on such a magnificent scale is that they feel that science provides practical benefits for the country. It is realized that there is some basic research which does not provide direct practical benefits, but it is accepted anyway. Humanistic studies cannot provide anything as tangible as science can, and in the eyes of America's citizens they cannot ever be on a par. Of course, a large proportion of the basic research is not aimed at any practical aims and is comparable to linguistic, philosophical, and other humanistic studies. Support of such research is essentially support of higher education and general scholarly achievement. Perhaps instead of creating a foundation specifically for the advancement of humanistic studies, a National Research Foundation should be established to take over the support Office of the