Alvin Weinberg published a paper in 1971 with this title in which he discussed the value structure of the scientific enterprise. Weinberg’s value structure, which I think survives largely intact today, helps to explain why certain areas and types of science are perceived within the community to have a higher standing than other areas.

I was reminded of Weinberg’s axiology when reading a news article in Science a few weeks ago that included this comment:

“A Slovenian economist has been tapped to be Europe’s next commissioner for science and research. Janez Potocnik, lead negotiator for Slovenia’s entry into the European Union, is slated to take the reins of E.U. science policy, including the 5-year, $22 billion Framework 6 program that funds trans-European research. The appointment surprised many E.U. watchers, because the 46-year-old Potocnik has no background in the natural sciences. (Outgoing commissioner Philippe Busquin studied physics before entering Belgian politics.)”

Now I don’t know either person, but it would seem to me than training in economics — a discipline focused on the allocation of finite resources — might provide a very useful background to someone heading a large multi-disciplinary funding agency. Of course, appointing a non-natural scientist challenges the articles of faith that comprise Weiberg’s axiology, hence the “surprise.”