Pure Versus Applied Research

Once in a while I come across comments and statements vis a vis pure vs applied research that don't add up in my head when I think about them.

I've seen comments suggesting that "pure scientists" (may be theoretical or experimental but engaged in pursuit of science/mathematics not necessarily with an application in view but towards discovery of knowledge as an end in itself) are in some way "escaping responsibility" because they don't work on "real world problems".

This seems like a meaningless proposition to me. Yes, once in a while pure scientists can also be called upon to solve practical problems when circumstances are dire, and at such times I think they should respond. But other than that I think it's perfectly fine that they are left alone to pursue knowledge for its own sake. In fact, the quests for a deep understanding of how the universe functions, our own existence and life, and our relationship with the universe goes hand in hand with all our efforts to make our life comfortable and the planet and environment healthy. Remove this orientation towards knowledge and life reduces to mere consumption and chaos.

Then there is the other extreme: I have also seen some pure scientists and mathematicians scoff at engineers. I find that as laughable :)! The homes these scientists and mathematicians stay in, the offices they work in, the computers, printers and phones they use, the equipment in their labs, the vehicles they use for transportation, the medical devices that help in their treatment when they fall ill, the warships, tanks and fighter aircraft that help protect the freedom of their country while they pursue knowledge : ALL of this has been made possible by engineers :)! And to have the nerve to deride this contribution :) : not a sign of very intelligent behavior at all :).

All in all I think all this crossfire is just flubber. As I see it, people just need to stay real, just be clear about what they want to do, and try their best to achieve their goals, while respecting others' pursuits as much as their own.

You want to pursue pure sciences / mathematics? Cool. You want to pursue applied sciences / mathematics / engineering? Cool. You want to pursue both? Cool. Just be real about it, be authentic, be sincere. And respect others for their choices and pursuits as much as you respect your choices and pursuits.

I think it's that simple :).