Creating a “High-Minded Enterprise”: Vannevar Bush and Postwar Science Policy

This episode explores the life and lasting impact of Vannevar Bush, a pivotal advisor to Presidents Roosevelt and Truman, and a key figure in establishing the National Science Foundation. Against the backdrop of World War II and the impending use of the atomic bomb, Bush authored "Science, the Endless Frontier," a report shaping federal funding of basic research. More significantly, the discussion reveals the complexities of Bush's vision, highlighting the tension between his advocacy for "freedom of inquiry" and his wartime direction of highly focused military research programs. For instance, the conversation details Bush's involvement in the mass production of penicillin, illustrating his pragmatic approach to scientific advancement. As the discussion pivoted to Bush's other writings, including his influential essay "As We May Think," the interview highlighted his prescient insights into the information revolution and the ethical responsibilities of scientists. In contrast to later science writers who focused on the potential harms of technology, Bush emphasized the potential for science to improve human welfare and economic prosperity. This episode concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of Bush's ideas for contemporary science policy and the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between pure research and national priorities.