The “Mad” Scientist: The Shadow Side of Scientific Vocation?

This article focuses on the ambivalent perception of scientific vocation in the public mind (illustrated by popular culture). The author suggests and justifies the idea that the dual perception of the scientist and the popularity of the “mad” and “evil” scientist stereotypes in popular culture, especially since the 20th century, have archaic roots. The archaic nature of these stereotypes can be traced to alchemy, searches for physical immortality, etc. Originated from ancient times, the scientific calling comes into conflict with the “intellectualistic rationalization” and “disenchantment” of the world in Western European culture and, as a result, with professionalization as an inevitable element in science as a social institution. At the same time, though, the image of genius scientists who are not dissolved in collective scientific knowledge survives in culture, generating various facets of scientists’ perception. Studies of science communication show that the stereotypes of “mad” and “evil” scientists remain the most popular in literature and media, which can hardly be explained solely by the commercialization of these images. Rather, the popularity of these stereotypes lies in the archaic past: scientists appear as priests, ready to make great sacrifices for the greater good.

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