- #1
theobserver
- 9
- 0
Who here is an actual physicist?
Who Among Us Is a Physicist?
- Thread starter theobserver
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Physicist
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the definition of who qualifies as an "actual physicist" within the context of the Physics Forums community. Participants explore various interpretations of the term, including distinctions between different levels of education and involvement in research.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question what constitutes an "actual physicist," suggesting that it may include grad students, PhD holders in unrelated fields, or only those actively conducting research.
- One participant emphasizes that they consider "actual physicists" to be those engaged in research.
- Another participant notes that many physicists who conduct research tend to post in physics-specific forums rather than in General Discussion.
- A participant suggests reviewing the member list to identify physicists based on their post count and stated occupations.
- Some participants identify themselves as "Physicalists" and inquire about each other's research areas.
- A participant humorously states they do not identify as a physicist.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the criteria for being considered an "actual physicist," indicating that no consensus has been reached on this definition.
Contextual Notes
The discussion reflects varying assumptions about qualifications and roles within the field of physics, highlighting the complexity of defining professional identities in academic and research contexts.
- #2
Evo
Staff Emeritus
- 24,114
- 3,277
You won't find many of our physicists posting in General Discussion.theobserver said:
- #3
- 22,170
- 3,328
What do you consider "actual physicists"? Are grad students physicists? People with PhD's working in an entirely different field? Or are only professors physicists?
- #4
theobserver
- 9
- 0
In this case people doing the actual research.
- #5
Alfi
Too busy ...it's going critical ... got to go..
It's a good question. I'm curious also.
- #6
jtbell
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
2025 Award
- 16,107
- 8,113
theobserver said:
By "here" do you mean the General Discussion forum specifically, or Physics Forums as a whole?
A number of physicists who actually do research, post on Physics Forums. Some of the mentors are among this group. They tend to post more in the physics-specific forums, and less often in General Discussion.
- #7
theobserver
- 9
- 0
I mean the entire forum.
- #8
JaredJames
- 2,822
- 22
Look at the member list: https://www.physicsforums.com/memberlist.php?order=DESC&sort=posts&pp=30
I've arrange it by post count (so you can see the people who are around most) and take a look at the "occupation" or "education" sections. That will outline a good few for you.
Last edited by a moderator:
- #9
pergradus
- 137
- 1
I'm a Physicalist
- #10
theobserver
- 9
- 0
pergradus said:
What is your main area of research?
- #11
JaredJames
- 2,822
- 22
- #12
G01
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 2,709
- 19
theobserver said:
I'm a physics grad student who works in a lab doing research.
- #13
theobserver
- 9
- 0
G01 said:
What kind of research?
- #14
jtbell
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
2025 Award
- 16,107
- 8,113
Check the "About Me" section of his profile.
- #15
FtlIsAwesome
Gold Member
- 204
- 0
Not me.theobserver said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 8 ·
- · Replies 11 ·
- · Replies 2 ·
- · Replies 17 ·
- · Replies 28 ·
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 12 ·
- · Replies 5 ·
- · Replies 7 ·