Seventh Meeting

Thursday, December 21, 2000

Meeting Agenda

1. Matters relating to the Constitution of Japan (A vision for Japan in the 21st century)

After statements were heard from Prof. MURAKAMI Yoichiro concerning the above matters, questions were put to him.

Informant:

  • MURAKAMI Yoichiro, Professor, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University

Members who put questions to Prof. MURAKAMI


2. Chairman NAKAYAMA delivered a report on the proceedings of the Commission during 2000.( Click here )


Main points of Prof. MURAKAMI's statement

Introduction

I would like to present my views from the following standpoint: I make a clear distinction between the concept of "science" and the concept of "technology" or "engineering" on the basis that science, unlike technology or engineering, is an intellectual pursuit.

1. Science and technology in modern Japan

>> During the latter half of the 19th century, not only did Japan keep pace with the West by establishing science departments in its universities and institutionalizing science, but it was ahead of the West in introducing technology and engineering into university education.

>> Japan has been free of the Western prejudice against technology and engineering, and has made them pillars of its nation-building over the last one hundred and fifty years.

2. Changes in scientific research in the modern world

>> During and immediately after World War II, the state exploited the results of scientific research for military purposes or related applications. Science had originally been unrelated to technology, but this tendency began to narrow the distance between the two.

>> Once scientific research became mission-oriented (whose mission is set by the state or a business corporation) rather than curiosity-driven, its results began to affect the members of society in every aspect from birth to death.

3. Recommended directions for 21st-century Japanese society from the viewpoint of science and technology

>> Education should no longer be divided into the humanities and the sciences, but should be organized in such a way as to foster insight of both kinds: into human beings and society, and into the essence of science and technology and their possibilities.

>> The public should be given adequate access to information about scientific and technological advances whose influence permeates society, in order to create an "information society" whose members are always well informed, as this is the basis of the ability to judge and act for oneself.

>> In view of the advances being made in the life sciences, the Constitution should preface its provisions on fundamental human rights by stipulating as an ideal of the state that the dignity of man is inviolable, as is done in the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) for the Federal Republic of Germany.

>> We should distinguish between two kinds of scientific research, namely, research driven by the quest for knowledge and research oriented to a national or social mission, and we should provide adequately for both. Emphasis should be placed on research of the former kind, since Japan has been paying more attention to technology.
 

Main points of questions put to Prof. MURAKAMI

NAKAYAMA Taro (Chairman)

>> Scientific and technological progress has affected human society in various ways in the 20th century, but what have been the beneficial effects on humanity? Also, what effects will scientific and technological progress have on humanity in the future? Further, what are the negative aspects of scientific and technological progress, in your view, and how can they be counteracted?

>> How do you view the relationship between human safety and science and technology, and the relationship between human dignity and academic freedom? Also, to what extent do you think the state can regulate the changes in social values that accompany advances in the life sciences? Further, what are Japan's responsibilities toward the international community in terms of science and technology?

>> What form should the nation's new education system take?
 

MIZUNO Ken'ichi (Liberal Democratic Party)

>> How do you evaluate the existing Science and Technology Agency? Also, what do you expect of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology that will be established when the ministries and agencies are reorganized early next year?

>> What fields of science and technology do you think the government should emphasize in the 21st century? With regard to the need to protect the global environment by promoting scientific and technological research in this area, together with a qualitative shift in modern culture, what are the fields of environmental protection in which science and technology can provide solutions?

>> Are there any points of existing legislation that should be improved in order to further the development of science and technology in the 21st century? Also, what kind of regulation do you think is needed to prevent the abuse of science and technology?
 

SHIMA Satoshi (Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents)

>> I believe that "environmental rights" should be stipulated in the Constitution as "rights of all living things, including human beings." What is your view of this?

>> The Swiss Federal Constitution states that "Persons shall be protected against the abuse of medically assisted procreation and gene technology." What kinds of "abuse" can be foreseen in this regard?

>> I believe that express provision should also be made in the Constitution for the "right to know." In so doing, what provision do you think should be made for the relationship between "the right to know" and protection of privacy?
 

SAITO Tetsuo (New Komeito)

>> What is the cultural background to Japan's having been free from the Western prejudice against technology and engineering? Also, why is it that, despite this difference, technical personnel do not receive high status or pay?

>> What is your view of the relationship between scientific and technological progress and the build-up of national strength?

>> How do you think assessments should be made on research and development in scientific and technological fields?
 

SHIOTA Susumu (Liberal Party)

>> There is a clear, entrenched division between the humanities and the sciences in Japan's universities and civil service. How do you evaluate this?

>> How do you think we should promote comprehensive education that transcends the humanities-or-sciences framework?
 

HARUNA Naoaki (Japanese Communist Party)

>> I believe that scientific research and technological development should be limited to peaceful purposes. What is your view on this?

>> I believe that the pacifism of the existing Constitution is an important source of authority for the principle that science and technology should be used for peaceful purposes, and that it indicates the direction that science and technology should take in the 21st century. What is your view of this?
 

HOSAKA Nobuto (Social Democratic Party)

>> What role has the existing Constitution played in the postwar development of science and technology?

>> Do you agree that, by going too far in instilling a spirit of harmony, Japanese education discourages the development of young researchers who display intellectual curiosity and place importance on doing original work without giving in to criticism from others?

>> I would like to hear your views on the need for scientific and technological research related to human safety, for example, studies of the causes of traffic accidents or pharmaceutical side effects.
 

KONDO Motohiko (21st Century Club)

>> In establishing the University of Tokyo, why was the decision made to include a science department, at a time when such departments were only just being established at Western universities? Also, what kind of research was conducted there in the early years?

>> It seems that Japanese science has traditionally been weak in the area of basic research, but is that not the most vital area with respect to environmental problems, which will take on increasing importance in the future?

>> What do you think of the present education system which requires students to choose between humanities and sciences in the second year of senior high school?
 

KOIKE Yuriko (New Conservative Party)

>> What will be the positive effects of integrating the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture and the Science and Technology Agency into a single ministry in the upcoming reorganization?

>> How do you envision the future of the national research institutes that are responsible for research in basic fields?

>> It seems to me that the Japanese scientific community pays too much attention to factions and academic affiliations. What is your view of this?