Preface

Heading the lineup this month are three papers on responsibility — the responsibility of engineers and scientists to communicate voluntarily, appropriately, and accurately with the public. Sir Bernard Callinan expects engineers to demonstrate their ability to communicate before being admitted to the “fraternity” and thereafter to demonstrate their concern with the effects of technology on the public. Robert Cowen deplores the fluffy and sometimes inaccurate “news” that technologists unknowingly or uncaringly allow to flow from their organizations. John Hanley calls for a planned counterattack on “instant experts” who are all too ready and willing to reply when the public has questions.