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Riken Culture Day
In December 2006, Riken invited Donald Keene, Professor Emeritus of Columbia University, to present a lecture. |
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Riken Open Day
On April 21, 2007, Riken opened its facilities to the general public. The photograph shows displays in the Brain Science Institute. |
You have frequently referred to the importance of culture. In simple terms, what do you mean by this?
As I said earlier, public acceptance of scientific technology and industrial technology is waning. Environmental problems are an obvious example of this. Technologies and products developed with the best of intentions by scientists, engineers or industry can sometimes cause unintended harm to society or the global environment. Our pursuit of convenience has also led to increased stress and psychological pollution. The scientific community and industry are directly involved and should be aware of these issues.
I am extremely concerned that these problems will trigger a backlash against science and industry. Scientists, engineers and industry must disclose information from various perspectives and engage in debate on issues that have had a major impact on society. Nuclear weapons are perhaps beyond the scope of debate, but there are other areas of public concern, such as genetically modified foods and regenerative medicine. Scientific technology and industrial technology must be based not only on economic considerations, but also on social justice.
That is why we need to think in terms of a civilized society based on respect for culture. So what is culture? As a scientist, I believe that culture consists of science, logic, emotion and language. However, engineers and scientists tend to focus exclusively on science at the expense of the other aspects of culture. If we continue down this track, we risk becoming mad scientists and engineers.
Science is the same throughout the world, but logic is not always the same. Emotions vary with national characteristics, and language is extremely diverse. It is these elements that give us cultural diversity, and we need to respect that diversity.
You may be aware that Torahiko Terada (a Japanese physicist, poet, painter and essayist of the early 20th century) once worked at Riken. I believe that he was an ideal natural scientist. I am constantly aware of the importance of educating scientists and engineers who are humane and cultured. Those involved in research need to grow by thinking about a wide range of things from many perspectives.
Are these perspectives reflected in your management of Riken?
Yes, they are. I have established Riken Culture Day as an opportunity to think about culture. We invite guest speakers and organize lectures and other activities. Riken is active in the field of brain science, which is very closely related to culture. Brain science research is concerned about the mind and the heart. Riken needs to collaborate not only with natural scientists but also with those working in the humanities and social sciences.
In the Renaissance period, Leonardo da Vinci encompassed all of these things within himself.
Yes. Da Vinci was a natural scientist, an architect and an artist. In that era, science and culture were one, but they have steadily grown apart from each other. That is why we face this serious situation today. I want people who work for Riken to enhance their understanding of diverse cultures. They also need to raise their own cultural levels. I'm always talking like this. Our scientists are probably sick of me. [Laughs]
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