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Admittedly, the body of scientists, as a whole, does…

“Admittedly, the body of scientists, as a whole, does uphold the authority of science over the lay public. It controls thereby also the process by which young men are trained to become members of the scientific profession.” quote by Michael Polanyi
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“Admittedly, the body of scientists, as a whole, does uphold the authority of science over the lay public. It controls thereby also the process by which young men are trained to become members of the scientific profession.”

Michael Polanyi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science maintains authority by controlling training and knowledge transmission, shaping who becomes a scientist.

In simple terms: Science controls who learns and becomes a scientist.

Key Takeaway

Understand power structures in scientific training.

Themes

authority education science policy

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical academic

When to use this quote

  • university curricula
  • research labs
  • mentor relationships
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

social control knowledge transmission professional formation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does authority affect scientific innovation?
  • Can alternative training models succeed?
A Different Perspective

May ignore individual agency and alternative pathways.

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