Essay on Fame in Djerassi’s Cantors Dilemma - 1070 Words

Dreams of Fame in Djerassi’s Cantors Dilemma Opportunistic scientists, the most hypocritical deviants of the modern age, revolve around the scientific method, or at least they used to. The scientific method once involved formulating a hypothesis from a problem posed, experimenting, and forming a conclusion that best explained the data collected. Yet today, those who are willing to critique the work of their peers are themselves performing the scientific method out of sequence. I propose that scientists, or the treasure hunters of that field, are no longer interested in permanent solutions, achieved through proper use of the scientific method, and rather are more interested in solutions that guarantee fame and fortune.†¦show more content†¦Krauss is nothing more than a black mailing criminal and, as a opportunistic scientist, is motivated by a lust for recognition. The theme of scientists in search of the pot of gold is mentioned by the characters of Cantors Dilemma. Cantor states, ...most scientists suffer from some sort of dissociative personality: on one side, the rigorous believer in the experimental method, with its set of rules and its ultimate objective of advancing knowledge; on the other, the fallible human being with all the accompanying foibles.1 Cantor continues to describe the issue of simultaneous discovery and then strikes right at the heart of the scientists who step beyond the bounds of the scientific method. He states, ...a scientists drive, his self-esteem, are really based on a very simple desire: recognition by ones peers.2 Recognition is what the Nobel is about, and if a fictional scientist has to ignore the methodology that governs science to get it, so be it. Yet, the Nobel Prize is real and so are the deviant scientists. In real life there are corrupt scientists who will do whatever it takes to receive popularity. Pharmaceuticals are an industry that is especially well acquainted with this area. Depakote is a little known, yet, versatile drug. Originally, Depakote was used as a seizure medication , but through sheer faith in an unproved theory was it tried in the treatment of