Description
The book analyzes the role of science and the position of the scientist in socialist society through the example of two prominent Czech chemists, František Šorm, a former chairman of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and Otto Wichterle, the inventor of contact lenses. Both scientists, top experts in their fields, were forced to constantly negotiate with state authorities during the Cold War, which sought to limit their contacts with the Western scientific community due to the political and ideological dependence on the USSR at the time. After the invasion of Warsaw Pact troops into Czechoslovakia in 1968, they had to give up their scientific goals and careers. During the period of so-called normalization, they became "undesirable persons" and were monitored by the State Security. In comparing the biographies of both scientists, the author interprets their professional careers as differently chosen "survival strategies," allowing them to continue cultivating cutting-edge science despite the difficulties imposed by the regime.
Information
Author: Palonkorpiová Riikka
Publication date: January 26, 2017
Manufacturer: Středisko spol. činností AV ČR, v. v. i.
Genres: Books, Children's literature, Children's books on science and technology, Popular science literature for children
Pages: 352
ISBN/EAN: 9788020026323