The price of public intellectuals: Controversial ideas expressed for benefit of fellow citizens deserve to be heard.

In his new book, The Price of Public Intellectuals, Raphael Sassower surveys the range of roles assigned to public intellectuals throughout history and across societies. Today public intellectuals remain overshadowed by the financial prowess of billionaire agendas and the popular tides of anti-intellectualism have further limited these voices. The goal of his book is to wake us up to the need for gadflies and jesters, critics and translators, whose intellectual insights can benefit society as a whole

Ethical Issues in AIDS Research

There is a need for carefully controlled and scientifically rigorous research studies of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The morbidity and mortality associated with AIDS patients and the public health concerns for control of this epidemic have distorted the usual process of research. The Institutional Review Board at Boston City Hospital is suggested as an appropriate mechanism for clarifying the distinctions between research and innovative therapies and for assuring the protection of this vulnerable population of research subjects. This article addresses ethical concerns relating to the time frame of research, drug and antibody testing, vaccine trials, and questions of justice in micro- or macro-allocation. The unique problems in AIDS research with informed consent and confidentiality are discussed. Finally, the need is outlined for careful balancing of individual welfare and rights and those of society

Ekspozycja i ujawnienie dzieła sztuki

W Stanach Zjednoczonych widoczne jest ciągłe uwikłanie i współudział świata artystycznego w stale rozrastającej się sieci hiperkapitalizmu. Jakiekolwiek udawanie, że jest inaczej, obnaża hipokryzję na frontach produkcji, dystrybucji i konsumpcji sztuki. Jedynie publiczne zaangażowanie i wsparcie społeczności artystycznej jako takiej może zaoferować potencjalną ochronę przed nieuzasadnioną i niechcianą ingerencją finansową i polityczną.The artworld’s ongoing imbrication in and complicity with the ever-growing web of hypercapitalism is evident in the United States. Any pretense to the contrary exposes hypocritical conduct on the fronts of artistic production, distribution, and consumption. Only public engagement with and support of the art community writ large can offer potential protection against the unwarranted and unwanted financial and political intrusion