• @sqgl@sh.itjust.works
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    82 months ago

    Why should the world benefit from our taxpayer funded research? I want my taxes spent on training Americans so as to let the world watch (for free) fast running and swimming.

    Am still waiting for a skipping event in the Olympics.

    • @LainTrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      2 months ago

      The world isn’t benefitting from your research, you benefit from the world’s research based off your own research, on and on it goes and we all get smarter and know more and strive towards bettering our condition, curing our ills and minimizing suffering and maximizing happiness for all.

      At least in my opinion it’s why scientific research while a truly neutral morally activity and generally done as an end unto itself - from a broadly humanist standpoint - is worth pursuing, even when the immediate benefits aren’t seen by the shortsighted.

      • @sqgl@sh.itjust.works
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        2 months ago

        Even if we were the only country researching…

        I have heard GOP politicians saying something like “why should we fund a cure for a disease and everyone else benefits without spending a cent?”

        Why doesn’t their national pride on the world stage extend beyond sport?