University of Virginia Library

Manufacture Knowledge

Hindu or Buddhist
philosophers explain such
phenomena as a reward or
punishment for good or bad
actions in a past life, but Dr.
Stevenson insists there is no
evidence to support this.

In light of all this discussion
on his research, Dr. Stevenson
contends that in any university
"we should be manufacturing
as well as retailing knowledge."

"I'm almost a fanatical
believer in basic research. Most
of the great advances in human
knowledge have come from
scientists responding to their
own sense of curiosity."

Dr. Stevenson believes that
universities have an uneven
history with regard to
supporting basic research.
"Sometimes they're in the
front, but sometimes they have
fallen behind," he says.

"However, I feel that the
University of Virginia has had a
particularly good record in this
respect, especially under Pres.
Shannon who is very keen on
both out-of-state students and
basic research," he continues.