Article Abstract:
A conference exploring the reasons why Islamic countries are backwards in science and technology listed a lack of political leadership in science, low educational standards, a lack of public interest and public spending focused on the military as contributing factors. The delegates were not agreed on whether Islam itself (especially fundamentalist dogmas) hinders scientific and technological progress, or on whether the lack of free expression and creative thinking in Islamic countries is a factor. The GDP of all Islamic countries combined is less than half the GDP of Germany, although Islamic countries are home to 1.3 billion people and 75% of the world's fossil fuel reserves.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Islamic countries suffer from a lack of science and technology, and Islamic countries spend just 0.2% of their gross national product on science. It is time for Islamic countries to consider the impact of Islam itself on science and the resultant economic effects, since Islamic countries now are dependent on agriculture and natural resources. Some observers charge that a lack of democracy, a lack of freedom of expression, pressure to conform and not to think creatively or to challenge the party line will keep Islamic nations ignorant and poor, despite their heritage of being scientific leaders in centuries past.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
This article discusses the emerging science policy of the Brazilian Govenment under the government of the new president and contry's minister of science and technology. The minister is a political scientist and journalist, which has raised some concerns and eyebrows among the scientific communities.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: