He United States came into being around the Age of Enlightenment (circa 1680 to 1800), a period in which writers and thinkers rejected the superstitions
of the past. Instead, they emphasized the powers of reason and unbiased
inquiry, especially inquiry into the workings of the natural world.
Enlightenment philosophers
envisioned a "republic of science," where ideas would be exchanged
freely and useful knowledge would improve the lot of all citizens.
The United States Constitution itself reflects the desire to encourage scientific creativity. It gives the United States Congress
the power "to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by
securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right
to their respective
writings and discoveries." This clause formed the
basis for the U.S. patent and copyright
systems, whereby creators of original art and technology would get a
government granted monopoly, which after a limited period would become
free to all citizens, thereby enriching the public domain.
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