Includes bibliographical references.

The place of science and technology in society -- Energy and the environment -- Human health and welfare -- Space -- The computer revolution -- Ethics.

Does politics come before science in current government decision making? -- Should "intelligent design" be taught in public schools? -- Should the Internet be neutral? -- Are "space sunshades" a possible answer to global warming -- Is it time to revive nuclear power? -- Will hydrogen replace fossil fuels for cars? -- Do falling birth rates pose a threat to human welfare? -- Is there sufficient scientific evidence to conclude that cell phones cause cancer? -- Should DDT be banned worldwide? -- Should potential risks slow the development of nanotechnology? -- Are genetically modified foods safe to eat? -- Is NASA doing enough to protect the earth from asteroid and comet impacts? -- Will the search for extraterrestrial life ever succeed? -- Is "manned space travel" a delusion? -- Can machines be conscious? -- Is information technology a threat to privacy? -- Should the world's libraries be digitized? -- Is "animal rights" just another excuse for terrorism? -- Is it ethically permissible to clone human cells?