I review the broad scientific opportunities offered by the Spitzer warm mission and attempt to put them into context with other priorities and future and ongoing programs in astronomy and astrophysics. The warm mission offers a number of unique opportunities for scientific investigations that are beyond the reach of other facilities or are not practical with Spitzer operating in its current mode. Some possible approaches to making the best use of the facility during a 3-5 year duration are

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... dered. These include undertaking large and ambitious surveys while preserving small programs in fields where they are most effective.