Why Do Research?

Research has two main aims — to clarify the nature of things, and to do something about them.

It is a process by which humans synthesize theories that describe, explain or predict the world's behaviour in one aspect or another of existence. A fourth kind of theory may evolve — a theory of how to improve conditions from somebody's (or an imaginary) point of view.

We therefore do it to make the world a better place. Note, however, that 'better' is defined in as may ways as there are people.