Why "why?"

Why is it important to be able to ask why?

Because without scientific curiosity we would not have scientific discovery.
Because democracy depends on an informed public (because, in principle, the public are needed to make decisions directly or indirectly);
Because an unquestioning individual can be hookwinked and manipulated;
Because our society is constructed of a set of assumptions built on each other and on shifting conditions, and only by constant inspection can this framework of assumptions and beliefs be maintained in a sufficiently consistent state for us to stay out of serious trouble.

(If this were a good piece of hypertext, it would have well researched links to webs on science, society, politics, ethics and philosophy -- but isn't and it doesn't. Suggestions for related material welcome.)

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