Will Theorists Ever Earn as Much as Applied Scientists?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for theorists in fields such as biology, physics, and chemistry to earn salaries comparable to those of applied scientists like doctors and engineers. Participants explore the economic factors influencing salary disparities and the implications of historical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether theorists will ever earn as much as applied scientists, citing supply and demand as a significant factor.
  • Others argue that the lack of financial incentive for companies to pay theorists more is rooted in the nature of scientific contributions benefiting society as a whole.
  • A participant mentions historical instances, such as World War II, where demand for scientists increased, suggesting that similar future events could potentially alter salary structures.
  • Another viewpoint expresses skepticism about the likelihood of a sudden increase in demand for theorists, stating that entering science for monetary reasons is misguided.
  • One participant emphasizes that historical trends show theorists typically do not earn high salaries, but asserts that the focus should not be on financial gain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the potential for theorists to earn salaries comparable to applied scientists, with some asserting it is unlikely without significant societal changes, while others acknowledge historical exceptions but remain skeptical about future shifts.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about economic structures, societal values, and historical precedents that influence the discussion. There is no consensus on the impact of potential future events like wars on salary changes.

flyingpig
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Will there be a day when theorists (not applied scientists) make as much money as applied scientists?

So what do I mean by that?

Will biologists ever make as much money as doctors, surgeons, and psychiatrists?

Will physicists ever make as much money as engineers?

Will chemists ever make as much money as pharmacists?

Oh and I am just asking this because my parents and grandparents looks down on me because I don't make as much money as my brother whom has not even been pass high school and is working as a translator and is making more than I am...

He is also better in sports than I am...sigh
 
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flyingpig said:
Will there be a day when theorists (not applied scientists) make as much money as applied scientists?

Will biologists ever make as much money as doctors, surgeons, and psychiatrists?

Will physicists ever make as much money as engineers?

Will chemists ever make as much money as pharmacists?

No, certainly not any time soon anyway. Supply and demand is one reason.
 


No, not unless you adopt a communism similar to Soviet. Theorists aren't well paid since everyone benefits from their discoveries anyways so there is no capitalist reason to do it for companies and the State sees quantity as more important than quality which is reasonable since you won't get much more quality by paying theorists more.
 


Klockan3 said:
No, not unless you adopt a communism similar to Soviet. Theorists aren't well paid since everyone benefits from their discoveries anyways so there is no capitalist reason to do it for companies and the State sees quantity as more important than quality which is reasonable since you won't get much more quality by paying theorists more.

What about World War II? Huge demand for chemists? I am sure Oppenheimer was quite wealthly?

If there was a World War III, you think this might change?
 


flyingpig said:
What about World War II? Huge demand for chemists? I am sure Oppenheimer was quite wealthly?

If there was a World War III, you think this might change?

If there is a sudden, unexplained, hyper-demand for a particular brand of science, then yes, clearly the salary will go up. I'd bet on this never happening. Suggesting something like world war III as a hope that you might be able to make a good wage is ludicrous. You've taken part in enough threads on this forum to know that you don't go into science for money - if you're that concerned about your families perception of you based on your wages, go into law or medicine - then I can as-good-as guarantee that you'll be making the same money as those doctors and you don't have to hope for a world war.

Also, no, many famous scientists back-when were not wealthy. Depending on your baseline, you could point out that many famous scientists today are not 'wealthy' (though my career potential earnings are much less than six figures and I'm satisfied that I'm well-off) - it would take one man solving all of the worlds problems for a scientist to be paid movie-star salaries for instance.
 


flyingpig said:
If there was a World War III, you think this might change?
If there is a World War III, no-one will care anymore. Be very careful what you hope for.
 


It is true that historically those who dabble with theory never make much money, but it's not about the money.
 

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