Is arrogance, jealousy, and selfishness the normal character traits of most scientists?

Question

(Please see I said: MOST. Not all.)

So, you are saying that it is a 'human' trait to attempt to hold others back from finding solutions to problems and progress if that person is not able to recieve the credit? It that more of a 'human' trait, or an 'amimalistic' trait?

Answer 1

I have a degree in History specializing in the history of Science. During my studies I found that weaker scientists who are not great masters of their craft exhibited those traits you mentioned on several significant occasions.

They tend to sit on committee critiquing other scientist's work instead of doing their own work.

The history of science is very frustrating at times. Look at Galileo.

Answer 2

As a scientist (retired professor...see my profile) I know I'm too smart to answer such a nonsense question from a commoner. If another scientist tries, I would not put any stock in his/her answer either. I don't wish to share my ideas with anyone else unless there is an ample reward for my efforts.

Seriously, all humans share these traits. I taught several classes in scientific inquiry and that is one of the topics we cover. Most students (from all majors) come in with that perception, but after several classes of lecture, debate, case studies, etc. they leave with the conclusion that scientists are just like anyone else in this respect. Other disciplines with similar attributes (which are also falsely proffered) include musicians, doctors, lawyers, artists, and children.

Answer 3

You might need to further define what question you are trying to answer; "arrogance, jealousy, and selfishness" define MOST human beings! They are characteristics that have been bred into us (through the evolutionary process) because they actually offer advantages (though they also might offend!)

Think about it, "arrogance" is the only thing that keeps a hunter hunting until he kills lunch. On the face of it, it is ridiculous for him to believe he can catch & kill a beast big enough to feed his whole family.

Without jealousy, a mother might abandon her natural child and look for a "better one" to steal from someone else, and a father would not care what the mother did, threatening the realtively stable structure of a nuclear family.

And while it SOUNDS nice to be "selfless", selfishness is (at its root) the antithesis of "not caring at all", which would get us all nowhere, and fast!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

First off, How many scientists do you know? Arguably some would possess those qualities however it's more likely that most would have one of the specified qualities. Then again you see those traits in millions of people world-wide that aren't scientists, so I'm not exactly sure what your point is.

Answer 6

Only in the sense that those are the normal character traits of most people.

Answer 7

I would say "most" is not a fair assessment.

But it is very common in science.

It seems the biggest "jerks" get all the attention and money. Mainly because they don't let anyone else talk.

Yes...I am a scientist. yes, i know what you are talking about.

You are not alone in your feelings.

Answer 8

some yes, some no. most of us are protective of our work, but not holding anything back from other researchers. some of us are cutthroat, but that's the level you have to be to work in certain fields.

Answer 9

I would say that not most but some

Answer 10

to be totally honest No, no it is not.

At least no more than any other group of people, like say people living in the Bible belt.