Scientist

This article is about the profession. For the Australian indie rock band see 'The Scientists'. For the dub musician see 'Scientist'. For the single by Coldplay see 'The Scientist'.

Related Topics:
The Scientists - Scientist - Coldplay - The Scientist

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A scientist is a person who is expert in an area of science and who uses scientific methodology in researching that area. Upon the request of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1833, William Whewell invented the English word "scientist"; before this time the only terms in use were "natural philosopher" and "man of science".

Related Topics:
Expert - Science - Scientific method - Research - Samuel Taylor Coleridge - 1833 - William Whewell

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Traditionally mathematics has been grouped with the sciences, but in modern times people tend not to regard mathematicians as scientists. Mathematical discoveries generally appear to be arrived at differently than scientific ones, and experiments as they are usually conceived are unable to supply mathematical proof. Yet the class of people called "scientists" includes theorists who never do experiments, and even pure experimentalists often employ mathematics and deduction to arrive at their conclusions. At the same time, mathematical proofs may proceed by way of an example or a demonstration, which share something in common with experiments. The distinction between math and science is therefore not clear-cut.

Related Topics:
Experiment - Mathematical proof - Deduction - Conclusion - An example or a demonstration

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There is a more clear distinction, however, between science and engineering. Engineers are concerned with the design of a solution to a practical problem. A scientist may ask "why?" and proceed to research the answer to the question. By contrast, engineers want to know how to solve a problem, and how to implement that solution. In other words, scientists investigate phenomena, whereas engineers create solutions to problems or improve upon existing solutions. In the course of their work scientists may have to complete engineering tasks (such as designing experimental apparatus or building prototypes), while engineers often have to do research.

Related Topics:
Engineering - Engineers

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Experts traditionally regarded as scientists include:

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• Astronomers
• Biologists (also botanists, zoologists, entomologists, herpetologists, ichthyologists, lepidopterists, ornithologists, and virologists)
• Chemists
• Computer scientists
• Dendrologists
• Ecologists (also hydrologists and limnologists)
• Economists
• Geologists (also mineralogists, vulcanologists and seismologists)
• Kinesiologists
• Mathematicians (but see above)
• Physicists
• Rheologists
• Toxicologists
 
Scientist: See also ►