Are Scientists Different

Discusses the defensiveness of professions, the confusion of professional status and expertise with superior human qualities, the “democratization” of learning, and the nature of scientific endeavour. Notes that the bulk of professional scientists are not doing anything significant in the way of research. Argues that while the volume of publications is such that much of it cannot be widely read, if at all, this does allow the recording of research regardless of its contemporary importance and serves for the advancement of science and of scientific careers. Narrowness of refereeing is a constraint, as is the combination of teaching with research, and the demand for directed research. Nevertheless, while the way in which scientific inquiry is presently organized is far from perfect, science does advance and sometimes by unpredictable paths.