What is a scientist?

[coach hale]

Dr Michael Shermer interviews Dr Georgia Purdom at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_CLIGJW6Ic
This video provides an example of someone holding a college science degree who is not a real scientist; scientific degree doesn’t necessarily equate to scientist. A real scientist:

From Univ of Louisville Sciboard:
Q. What is a Scientist

Ans. Although a person with an advanced degree might claim to be a scientist, the true test of the scientist is how one thinks. A good scientist:

Excepts nothing in science absolutely.
Is willing to change his opinions based on new data.
Does not rely on Authority.
Thinks critically.
Knows that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.
Has an open mind.
Relies on logic and reason.
Knows how to form hypotheses and test them.
Respects the scientific method.
Examines all the data, not just the data that support his or her view.
Builds on the work of others, giving them appropriate credit.
Documents his or her experiments so they can be duplicated by others.
Knows that if a claim is made, the claimant must provide the proof. (It is not up to others to disprove it.)
Is intellectually honest.

Thanks,
Coach Hale

[RobLL]

Another nominal definition is someone who has earned an advanced degree, and is doing science. This does not speak to your concerns as to how good a scientist such a person is. The definition is pretty open.

One of the best science shows I have seen in a long time was on Discovery Channel last night. A two hour segment on discovering the material, and another hour on its significance. All those things you mentioned were displayed by all parties throughout. Very much recommend it.

[diamondpete]

Originally Posted by coach hale

Dr Michael Shermer interviews Dr Georgia Purdom at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_CLIGJW6Ic
This video provides an example of someone holding a college science degree who is not a real scientist; scientific degree doesn’t necessarily equate to scientist. A real scientist:

From Univ of Louisville Sciboard:
Q. What is a Scientist

Ans. Although a person with an advanced degree might claim to be a scientist, the true test of the scientist is how one thinks. A good scientist:

Excepts nothing in science absolutely.
Is willing to change his opinions based on new data.
Does not rely on Authority.
Thinks critically.
Knows that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.
Has an open mind.
Relies on logic and reason.
Knows how to form hypotheses and test them.
Respects the scientific method.
Examines all the data, not just the data that support his or her view.
Builds on the work of others, giving them appropriate credit.
Documents his or her experiments so they can be duplicated by others.
Knows that if a claim is made, the claimant must provide the proof. (It is not up to others to disprove it.)
Is intellectually honest.

Thanks,
Coach Hale

I would add to that:

is actively conducting research

[cycomiko]

I am a scientist

I do not actively conduct research, that's something I pay other people to do.

[diamondpete]

Originally Posted by cycomiko

I am a scientist

I do not actively conduct research, that's something I pay other people to do.

I was responding in the context of Jamie's post. I do think it is hard to be "current" if you are not researching in some way or other. It does not necessarily have to be empirical studies or field based research, but I think you need to be active in the field. (I guess it depends on what you consider research to be).

What kind of scientist are you? hmmm that sounds rude-or could be read that way- not my intent.

what field are you in?
are you a "science manager" (as in heading up a research team) or managing a research project - or just a rich guy who can pay scientists to research?

serious question: no sarcasm intended.

cheers

peter

[cycomiko]

I work in the food industry and have control over research

[Axis]

My business card says "Scientist" on it. Does that count?

[ninja]

[Miss Deadlift]

Originally Posted by coach hale

Dr Michael Shermer interviews Dr Georgia Purdom at the Creation Museum in Kentucky. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_CLIGJW6Ic
This video provides an example of someone holding a college science degree who is not a real scientist; scientific degree doesn’t necessarily equate to scientist. A real scientist:

From Univ of Louisville Sciboard:
Q. What is a Scientist

Ans. Although a person with an advanced degree might claim to be a scientist, the true test of the scientist is how one thinks. A good scientist:

Excepts nothing in science absolutely.
Is willing to change his opinions based on new data.
Does not rely on Authority.
Thinks critically.
Knows that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof.
Has an open mind.
Relies on logic and reason.
Knows how to form hypotheses and test them.
Respects the scientific method.
Examines all the data, not just the data that support his or her view.
Builds on the work of others, giving them appropriate credit.
Documents his or her experiments so they can be duplicated by others.
Knows that if a claim is made, the claimant must provide the proof. (It is not up to others to disprove it.)
Is intellectually honest.

Thanks,
Coach Hale

Damn.
Did it also say what percentage of scientists conducting research, can be considered to be "real" scientists?

[coach hale]

In basic terms, a scientist is one who makes us of the scientific method to explain how things work in the observable universe. A college appointed scientific degree is not necessary to qualify one as a scientist e.g. Michael Faraday, Charles Darwin (who was a divinity student), Thomas Huxley, John Stuart Mill and so on. Of course many many scientists hold scientific degrees but a degree does not necessarily equal scientist.

Georgia Purdom is a great example of someone that holds and advanced degree but who is definitely not a scientist. Here adherence to doctrine over rational inquiry is anti-scientific. Not surprising considering she is employed by the Creation Museum.

To be clear I wanted to make two key points in my original post 1- holding an advanced degree does not necessarily mean you are a scientist and 2- scientists need specific characteristics as pointed out by UofL's list, although I am sure we could make additions to the list.

If you have not watched the Shermer Purdom video check it out and you will see what I mean.

coach hale