Heroic theory of invention and scientific development
Encyclopedia
The heroic theory of invention and scientific development is the hypothesis
that the principal authors of invention
s and scientific discoveries are unique hero
ic individuals "great scientists" or "geniuses." A competing hypothesis ("multiple discovery
") is that most inventions and scientific discoveries are made independently and simultaneously by multiple inventors and scientists.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. The term derives from the Greek, ὑποτιθέναι – hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose". For a hypothesis to be put forward as a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it...
that the principal authors of invention
Invention
An invention is a novel composition, device, or process. An invention may be derived from a pre-existing model or idea, or it could be independently conceived, in which case it may be a radical breakthrough. In addition, there is cultural invention, which is an innovative set of useful social...
s and scientific discoveries are unique hero
Hero
A hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
ic individuals "great scientists" or "geniuses." A competing hypothesis ("multiple discovery
Multiple discovery
The concept of multiple discovery is the hypothesis that most scientific discoveries and inventions are made independently and more or less simultaneously by multiple scientists and inventors...
") is that most inventions and scientific discoveries are made independently and simultaneously by multiple inventors and scientists.
See also
- Great man theoryGreat man theoryThe Great Man Theory was a popular 19th century idea according to which history can be largely explained by the impact of "great men", or heroes: highly influential individuals who, due to either their personal charisma, intelligence, wisdom, or Machiavellianism utilized their power in a way that...
- People known as the father or mother of something
- Scientific theoryScientific theoryA scientific theory comprises a collection of concepts, including abstractions of observable phenomena expressed as quantifiable properties, together with rules that express relationships between observations of such concepts...
- GeniusGeniusGenius is something or someone embodying exceptional intellectual ability, creativity, or originality, typically to a degree that is associated with the achievement of unprecedented insight....
- Hive mindUniversal mindOne Universal Mind, Universal Mind, is a generic term for the universal Higher consciousness or source of being in some forms of esoteric or New Thought and spiritual philosophy. It may be considered synonymous with the Subjective Mind or it may be referred to in the context of creative...
- List of multiple discoveries
External links
- http://www.philsci.com/book2-2.htm
- http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/05/12/080512fa_fact_gladwell?currentPage=all