• Question: Why do scientists percist in trying to know everything when they already know and have sasid that its not possible?

    Asked by randompoppet to Alexandra on 16 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Alexandra Kamins

      Alexandra Kamins answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      There have been several questions now asking about scientists and their infinite arrogance. I think that all too often scientists put on a very high-brow front to the public, or are represented by reporters/TV/journalists who may not understand science. But this isn’t really the truth!

      Scientists are human, and can have just as big egos as anyone else 😉 But I have to say again, there is nothing inherent in science that makes us “want to know everything.” So I can better understand, where have you seen or heard this? What experiences have made you think that scientists try to know everything?

      Scientists may not stop asking questions, but anyone who stops exploring or learning stops growing. There is ALWAYS more to know, so a good scientist will keep asking. Is it this continual quest for more knowledge that seems like scientists are trying to know everything?

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