Whatever happened to the ‘mad, bad’ scientist? Overturning the stereotype

Abstract

The cluster of myths relating to the pursuit of knowledge has perpetuated the archetype of the alchemist/ scientist as sinister, dangerous, possibly mad and threatening to society's values. Shelley's Frankenstein provided imagery and a vocabulary universally invoked in relation to scientific discoveries and technological innovation. The reasons for the longevity of this seemingly antiquated, semiotic imagery are discussed. In the twenty-first century, this stereotype has been radically revised, even overturned. Scientists are now rarely objects of fear or mockery. Mathematicians, both real-life and fictional, are discussed here as being representative of scientists now depicted empathically. This article examines possible sociological reasons for this reversal; what the revisionist image suggests about society's changed attitudes to science; and what might be the substitute fears and sources of horror.

The Sci-Fi Brain: Narratives in Neuroscience and Popular Culture

“…The mad scientist is consistently presented as a dangerous overreacher, whose determination to transcend human limitations causes a wave of retributive events. He is obsessively seeking knowledge, but fails to foresee the attendant consequences of achieving his goal (Haynes 2016). More recently, this classic…”

“…In contemporary popular culture, scientist characters are often modelled on ordinary people whose human traits and emotions-such as love, joy or grief-are emphasised. This change to a more empathic depiction may reflect a reduced fear of science and an increased acceptance of scientists as professional members of society who make contributions that are important for the future of the planet (Haynes 2016, see also Orthia 2011). Nevertheless, even initially "good" scientists are frequently portrayed as being vulnerable to manipulation by powerful, malicious stakeholders or to corruption in virtue of their ambition (Weingart, Muhl & Pansegrau 2003).…”

Ethical Concerns About Human Genetic Enhancement in the Malay Science Fiction Novels

“…The 'mad' scientist has been portrayed as a popular image of scientists in many science fiction novels and films such as Frankenstein (Weingart et al 2003;Van der Laan 2010;Haynes 2016). The Frankenstein theme was widely adopted in popular culture after World War II.…”

“…Dr. Frankenstein as 'mad' scientist and his monstrous creation represent the public concern not only about the scientists who may abuse science for their own interests but also about unethical use of science and technology that is destructive to humankind (Rollin 1986). Today, as Haynes (2016) noted, the image of scientists in science fiction novels and films has gradually become better than before whereby they have progressively been portrayed as ordinary people who care greatly about the public and the planet as a whole. One of the factors contributing to the change is increasing public familiarity with scientists and their work as a result of their frequent appearance in television programs communicating about their work while showing the image of responsible professionals and citizens.…”

Tutkija katastrofin keskellä

“…tyyppejä tutkinut Roslynn D. Haynes (2016) on todennut, että kirjallisuudessa aiemmin valtaa pitäneet stereotyypit ovat 2000-luvulla tehneet tilaa realistisemmille ja ambivalenteimmille kuvauksille tutkijoista. Jacques Jouhaneau (1994) on puolestaan osoittanut, että elokuvien tutkijakuvaus on vuosina 1910-1990 muuttunut pääasiassa positiivisempaan suuntaan.…”