The purpose of astronomy
arXiv:astro-ph/9506122 · doi:10.1016/0083-6656(95)00087-4
Abstract
This is a presentation of the purpose of astronomy in the context of modern society. After exposing two misconceptions about astronomy, I detail its role in five domains, certified knowledge, incorporated abilities, innovations, collective goods, and popular science; with each domain is associated an institution, an incentive, and a method of evaluation. Finally, I point out the role of astronomy as a source of inspiration in other fields than science.
9 pages (including 1 figure) uuencoded compressed Postscript file. To appear in Vistas in Astronomy