Blog 15

                In chapter six of Dr. Pennock’s book, two hierarchical virtues of intellectual humility and courage were discussed and related to how scientists need to accept failure as a part of science. This includes admitting ignorance, subjecting oneself to the evidence, and being willing to have one’s hypothesis be challenged even if that means having it get proven wrong. However, since these are “ought” virtues and not what is reality, there are methodical systems in place to protect science and force scientists to follow a proper model to let natural truths be discovered. Though there are a few scientists that are not always humble or courageous and yet are still fantastic scientists, most scientists are able to truly flourish in science by being humble and courageous in order to have their curiosity be satisfied. An example of someone who was truly intellectually humble was Darwin. He always viewed himself as average and said that he was always astounded how someone with simple skills as his could convince men about something as important as natural selection. Though he lacked some intellectual courage as evidenced by his hesitation to publish The Origins, he never held himself higher than anyone else despite the success that he did end up having. This is an important lesson for scientists to learn today. Often, people view scientists as arrogant and overly assertive with their viewpoints which unfortunately some definitely are. This could be fixed though if scientists today remember to be humble by knowing that they do not know everything and that their views could just as easily be proven wrong and if it is, be willing to accept that as truth. This would in turn help all scientists flourish together.

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