| MadSci Network: Other |
The reason I am asking this is because in my Composition class we are studying definitional argumentation and my topic is "Thomas Edison was a scientist, not just a tinkerer." In order to argue for this, I have to define "scientist" and give the characteristics that are the criteria for being called a scientist to show that Edison was indeed a scientist. Many Thanks, Jessica Bouck My response would focus on the depth, persistency, and intensity of a person's investigations of natural processes. It is not particularly helpful to say that science is "what scientists do", although that is sometimes the best answer. I wish I knew more about Edison's full accomplishment. What I do know leads me to agree with your position. He often spent years working on studying basic properties of materials in his efforts to develop new technologies. He is credited with developing the first industrial research facility. He had careful research agendas, involved more people, and pursued inventions with more tenacity than anyone who would be called a tinkerer.
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