Blog #15

This particular chapter of Dr. Pennock’s book highlights the importance of uncertainty in a field reputable for its certainty. Specifically, this chapter illustrates that to have a vocation, or in other words, a calling for the field of science, one must be willing to face a multitude of failures; in doing so, one of the fundamental scientific virtues is that of courage and perseverance. As a science major, this chapter resonated something with me, as my character and experiences have shaped me to adopt such values as well. While reading this chapter, I found that much of the material presented is done so through rose-colored glasses. For instance within one passage, Dr. Pennock mentions that anecdotes of failure are eagerly accepted by scientists looking for sources of inspiration within such a competitive field. Although I agree on one count that failures should be highlighted as sources of motivation, this concept again raises the issue of “should it” versus “does it”; in other words, even though scientists ideally should admire stories of failures and obstacles, this is not a realistic depiction of what's practiced in the scientific community. Many scientists are often illustrated solely based on their successes, while their failures are often shrouded in a veil of secrecy. However, within this course, we have delved into deep discussions regarding the autobiographies of prominent scientists, and only then were we able to observe scientific failures.

Another aspect that is significant in the journey towards achieving scientific virtues is the idea of ignorance, which I strongly believe is vital because science is built upon the foundation of not knowing/asking questions, this again highlights the virtue of curiosity as a factor that contributes towards the process of inviting constant questions and studies. Within this concept, I found it extremely interesting that this chapter notes of the insignificance of authority figures within the grand scheme of things. In other words, Dr. Pennock states that even authority figures are also in a state of constant learning and curiosity, which goes against the common stereotype that scientists are all-knowing and should maintain this level of flourishing. In accordance to this thought, Pennock notes that true knowledge is gained from being one with the facts of nature; this mirrors Barbara McClintock’s journey towards devoting her existence towards her passion and discovering the truths of nature for herself. Although friendship is indeed a significant aspect of scientific success, I also believe that one must develop a personal relationship with science in order to achieve eudemonia without the influence of outside perspectives limiting that view.