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Working Alone Essay

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Working Alone: A Case For the Solitary Scientist
THESIS: While useful, the formal group construct should not be considered the only acceptable approach in which scientists work: our most celebrated scientists have all worked alone while contributing much to their respective fields.
SECTION II. IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS:
Big Science: Large groups of scientists with differing ideas or areas of expertise working collaboratively on a collective research project.
Epistemic System: "A social system that houses a variety of procedures, institutions, and patterns of interpersonal influence that affect the epistemic outcomes of members" (McCain 239). Those institutions with formally defined procedures and mission statements are …show more content…

The greatest is that individuality is removed as a group -think mentality is instituted. In every organization, there are stronger personalities who claim to speak for the team; those who are less charismatic but gifted often see their ideas blocked or co-opted into the work of another. Additionally, as many epistemic systems feel pressured to show results, the significant work of an individual may not be included in the mission and some work may be left behind.

B. Strongest Reasons in Support of My Thesis:

Darwin, Einstein, Galileo, and Newton are some of the most recognized names in science. Within their respective fields, their work was not the only groundbreaking at the time it was completed, but it continues to influence the work of scientists today. However, these men elected to work outside of the formal group construct, yet, their work did not suffer. While these men may have resolved to work sans partenaires for any number of reasons, the outcome was unaltered- they arrived at the same conclusions. In other words, they did not require the assistance or the socialization of a group.
We do know that they benefitted from the use of testimony, as Galileo worked to further the heliocentric theories of Copernicus. Galileo’s work was not only radical but, heretical in the eyes of the Catholic Church. With the threat of questioning and torture, it is plausible that Galileo chose to conduct his work in private to protect

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