EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING,WASHINGTON, D. C. June 8-9, 1973

Abstract

I argue that scientific disciplines are esteemed, supported, and patronized largely to the degree to which they are perceived as providing a “return” on invested societal resources. This “return” takes the form of scholarly products that help answer deep human questions or otherwise materially benefit members of the society whose resources they are. Such a view implies that disciplines exist in a “market” in which members compete for these limited resources by delivering products seen as valuable. In such a market, disciplinary relevance and survival are ultimately tied to decisions individual scholars practicing within the disciplines make about which research they pursue, the greater the perceived “return” the better for the long-term health of the discipline.     

COUNCIL MEETING,ATLANTA April 13-14, 1973

In this second report from the Long Range Planning Committee, the Chairman of the Communications Task Force discusses the purpose, structure, and functioning of Specialty Groups, which are to be established in accordance with a Committee recommendation approved by the AAG Council.