Are Cosmologists Sheep or Crackpots?

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In summary, the conversation highlights the sociological phenomenon of "groupthink" in the field of cosmology, where orthodox ideas are favored over heterodox ones. This may be due to the desire to conform and secure a permanent job in the field. However, there are also individuals who are willing to explore non-mainstream ideas, even if they may be seen as "crackpots." Despite the potential for new and groundbreaking discoveries, the preference for conformist thinking may hinder progress in the field.
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Garth
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http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0812/0812.0537v1.pdf
An amusing paper by Martın Lopez-Corredoira, a post-doc at the Instituto de Astrofísica, Tenerife:
Abstract. Certain results of observational cosmology cast critical doubt on
the foundations of standard cosmology but leave most cosmologists untroubled.
Alternative cosmological models that differ from the Big Bang have been published
and defended by heterodox scientists; however, most cosmologists do not
heed these. This may be because standard theory is correct and all other ideas
and criticisms are incorrect, but it is also to a great extent due to sociological
phenomena such as the “snowball effect” or “groupthink”. We might wonder
whether cosmology, the study of the Universe as a whole, is a science like other
branches of physics or just a dominant ideology.
There are two main psychological profiles of cosmologists, with gradations of grey between them:

Heterodox: possessed by the complex of unappreciated genius, too much “ego”, normally working alone/individually or in very small groups, creative, intelligent, non-conformist. His/her (mostly males) dream is to create a new paradigm in science which completely changes our view of the Universe. Many of them try to demonstrate that Einstein was wrong, maybe because he is the symbol of genius and defeating his theory would mean that they are geniuses above Einstein. Most of them are crackpots.

Orthodox: dominated by the groupthink, following a leader’s opinion as in the “Naked king” tale, good workers performing monotonous tasks without ideas in large groups, specialists in a small field which they know very well, conformist, domestic. His/her dream is getting a permanent position at an university or research center, to be leader of a project, to do astropolitics (see L´opez-Corredoira 2008). Most of them are like sheep (or geese), some of them with vocation of shepherds too.

The sociological reasons for favouring orthodox proposals might be related to the preference of domesticity in our civilization. Sheep rather than crackpots are preferred. Finding a promising change of paradigm closer to the truth among thousands of crazy proposals is very difficult; in orthodoxy, although absolute truth is not guaranteed, at least a consensus version of the truth is offered.

Garth
 
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  • #2
Haha - yes I saw this on astro-ph today and had a bit of a chuckle!
 
  • #3
. . . .but it is also to a great extent due to sociological phenomena such as the “snowball effect” or “groupthink”. We might wonder whether cosmology, the study of the Universe as a whole, is a science like other branches of physics or just a dominant ideology. [endquote]

Good point, Martin (Lopez-Corredoira). There's too many sheep out there in Cosmologyland.

Frank
 
  • #4
I also couldn’t help draw a wry smile at some of the comments in the article, but assume that the author also wanted to make a few serious points along the way!
 
  • #5
I am sure there is a disconnect, between thoughts that want to know more, and thoughts that just want to keep a job, i want to know more ,and i rely on (you lot) for answers,
at present it seems to me that (you lot) just want to hang on to your jobs, and hang the truth.
 
  • #6
To my way of thinking, (you lot) hide behind what you think is is the purity of maths, to my mind it is the biggest liar of the history of mankind.
Edit.
Concerning cosmology.
 
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  • #7
this is probably similar to the problem where most physicists have their most productive years before 30, after 30 when you have a wife and kids a house etc. funding concerns and jobs take precidence, and you can't explore non-mainstream options as easily
 
  • #8
i had a sort of revelation a few years ago living in **********, where i came to learn that many a gainfully employed physicist tinkers with ideas that would get censored here. i even found that some of their projects get sponsored by rather well-established institutions like nasa. one rather interesting guy i met, who probably thought i was just another yokel, couldn't contain the enthusiasm for his project (an apparent new source of energy). he resisted the urge to completely let the cat out of the bag, but it was obvious to me he was talking about ZPE.

i must say, i have a soft spot in my head for "crackpots". they are seldom right, but when they are, beautiful things happen.
 

1. Am I a sheep or a crackpot?

This question cannot be answered definitively without more context. It ultimately depends on your own beliefs and actions.

2. What does it mean to be a sheep or a crackpot?

These terms are often used to describe someone who blindly follows societal norms (sheep) or someone who rejects mainstream beliefs and ideas (crackpot). However, the definitions can vary and may be used differently by different people.

3. How can I tell if I am a sheep or a crackpot?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. It is important to critically evaluate your beliefs and actions, and to consider different perspectives before labeling yourself or others as either a sheep or a crackpot.

4. Can someone be both a sheep and a crackpot?

It is possible for someone to exhibit traits of both a sheep and a crackpot, as these terms are not mutually exclusive. However, it is important to avoid labeling individuals and instead focus on understanding their beliefs and actions.

5. How do I avoid being a sheep or a crackpot?

Again, there is no definitive answer to this question. It is important to think critically and question societal norms, while also being open to different perspectives and avoiding extreme or unfounded beliefs.

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