TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Whatever happened to the 'mad, bad' scientist? Overturning the stereotype
JO  - Public understanding of science
A1  - Haynes, Roslynn D.
SP  - 31
EP  - 44
VL  - 25
IS  - 1
N2  - 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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0963-6625
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0963662514535689
ID  - ref1
ER  -