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
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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
He portrays scientific research as dangerous by declaring that a “single step can also take one of a cliff.” This further emphasizes the courage prerequisite to scientists and hearkens back to the fear of the unknown. The fact that all of one’s work may be dashed into pieces by a single finding in the laboratory conveys the tenacity of researchers. Barry’s description of the process by which a scientist decides which “tools” are appropriate to the task at hand, exemplifies the tedious and often inglorious labor involved in most scientific research. Barry finally predicts that if a scientist is successful a “flood” of colleagues and others will “pave roads” over the paths so painstakingly laid, taking one within minutes to the very place the scientist spent so long searching for. This suggests that in the wake of major discovery, the actual pioneer of this breakthrough may be forgotten. Countless researchers have made valuable contributions to the human understanding of the world, and faded into obscurity over the course of the history of science. Barry’s conceit conveys the fact that, like exploring uncharted wilderness, scientific research can be both treacherous and thankless, but all the more noble for
In his essay, Thomas stresses the importance of working collectively and communication in scientific discoveries. This concept of working together is more important, now than never, as international collaboration is key to solving global issues such as climate change, diseases and virus such as the Zika
When Galileo attempted to make his case, they branded him an enemy of the church and sentenced him to house arrest. He lived the remaining 9 years of his life in his home, continuing to develop his theories and expound on knowledge he had gained in the past as he was unable to do further any research. The church banned much of his work from entering the public sphere. They attempted to silence one of the most ingenious physicists in history and wipe away his
The Catholic church has performed many acts of injustice in order to retain their power and influence throughout the world. One of the most prominent acts in the world of science was the prosecution of Galileo Galilei. Galileo had become the father of modern science, due to his scientific breakthroughs revolutionizing modern technology. However, Galileo’s supporting argument for the Copernican heliocentric theory of the universe had caught the Church’s attention, and they would go on to accuse Galileo of heresy, forcing him to spend the rest of his life under house arrest. The battle between Galileo and the Holy Office was a long and treacherous one with Galileo being condemned not once, but twice. This led to a
What is scientific research without competent scientists? John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza, characterizes scientific research as a commendable venture. Barry uses rhetorical strategies such as repetition, compelling diction, and vivid imagery. These tactics aid the reader’s comprehension of the author’s purpose. The purpose is to convince readers that scientists require certain traits to overcome the challenges of scientific research. The passage in reference suggests that John M. Barry holds scientists in high regard.
Our client, Sue Davis, was in a car accident in Yankton, South Dakota. Sue sustained massive head injuries, and the paramedics did not think that she would make it to the hospital alive. Once all was said and done Sue incurred $400,000.00 in medical bills, $45,000.00 in lost wages, and $50,000.00 in property damage to her Bentley.
“When groups are planned so that each member's strengths have authentic importance to the ultimate success of the group's activity, this creates a situation where individual learning styles, skills, and talents are valued, and students shine in their fortes and learn from each other in the areas where they are not as expert.”(Willis)
The world is not a cultivating place for scientists. Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein; or a Modern Prometheus and Will Rodman, from Rise of the Planet of the Apes, are met with constant opposition to their studies and goals. The current state of scientific research is embodied in both these works. Both protagonists are restricted creatively and shunned by their peers. And if a scientist does not succeed or make a new and benefiting discovery, they are shunned even more and judged by society.
Group and team work is described as two or more interacting individuals who share collective norms and goals and have a common identity. The size of the group is key, a large group the leader may not catch all. However, a small group becomes more bonded, allowing interaction and shared awareness.
These intellectuals significantly influenced the world leaders and institutions of the time, although the Catholic Church refused to accept most of the newly discovered scientific laws/theories as legitimate, as they opposed the fundamental doctrines of the Catholic faith. An example of the bigotry of the Catholic Church in this time, is the persecution of Galileo Galilei, which occurred due to his discoveries regarding a heliocentric solar system conflicting with the geocentric views of the Church. This conflict of beliefs led to the Church convicting Galileo of heresy, sentencing him to banishment, despite ample amounts of evidence and the approval of a variety of intellectuals supporting his
Galileo believed in God and had always been a devout Catholic and had no interest in defying the church. This was how he had always been and he was not about to change that just because of a scientific discovery. “I think the first place it is beru pias to say and prudent to affirm that the Holy Bible cannot speak untruth” (Galileo, document A). He respected the Bible and its teachings and also believed that his observations did not contradict any verse found in the Holy Bible. The accusations made were simply a priest interpreting Galileo’s
Adventure’s in the Atomic Age displays the idea that financial barriers and difficult courses should not be what is stopping someone from being successful in the field of science. “Scientists would feel a sense of purpose and inner satisfaction even if their efforts were not important to the world in which we live. In actuality, of course, there is no group of persons on whom society as a whole depends so heavily” (292).
Over two centuries ago the Catholic Church tried Galileo, because he published his book in 1632 that supported the heliocentric ideas that originated from Copernicus. The church claimed that the heliocentric theory went against scripture. During this time the Catholic Church believed in the idea that the Earth was at the center of the universe. This was called the geocentric theory, which had been around for nearly 1500 years. Galileo was tried less than a year later in 1633. The trial was private, because the church feared the community would support him, because he was one of the most achieved astronomers of their time. The church’s committee unanimously voted that his book, the Two Chief World Systems violated his
In the history of the Catholic Church, no episode is so contested by so many viewpoints as the condemnation of Galileo. The Galileo case, for many, proves the Church abhors science, refuses to abandon outdated teachings, and is clearly not infallible. For staunch Catholics the episode is often a source of embarrassment and frustration. Either way it is undeniable that Galileo’s life sparked a definite change in scientific thought all across Europe and symbolised the struggle between science and the Catholic Church.
Dava Sobel’s book, Galileo’s Daughter, recounts the life of Galileo Galilei and how his discoveries shaped modern science. Unlike previous biographies on Galileo, Sobel interweaves his scientific findings with the story of his personal life and Catholic faith. By incorporating letters of correspondence between Galileo and his eldest daughter into the story, Sobel reveals a new side of Galileo that is not typically studied. Furthermore, the book explores how Galileo attempted to reconcile “the heavens he revealed through his telescope” with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (Sobel, 1999, p. 5). Galileo’s trial and conviction by the Inquisition is often used as evidence that religion and science are in conflict with one another; however, this is not the case.