The independence of science in Europe

Many epistemologists maintain that the most characteristic aspect of modern scientific practice is its high level of intersubjectivity. This undoubted universalistic character of scientific communication appears to be in singular contradiction with the forms and systems of juridical regulation of scientific activity and organisation, which profoundly differ from nation to nation. It is therefore legitimate to ask ourselves not only how the two terms of this contradiction have managed to coexist, but also and above all what further development might science be able to attain.
Out of these considerations came the idea for setting in motion a comparative work on the relations among science, law and the State in various countries.
This volume – dedicated to this comparative analysis – is divided in two parts: the first devoted to structural aspects of the organisation of research and the second to the legal status of research. Each of the two parts includes a report of a general and comparative nature, as well as certain specific contributions relative to individual countries – France, Germany and the United Kingdom.