Ten tips for young scientists on how not to think about science
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Abstract
Arriving to a proper definition on what is science has constituted a main issue of the philosophy of science for a long time. Besides, several actors in the general public (including authorities, funders, and science teachers/professors) have a lot of misconceptions and myths about how science works and what scientists do. This assay offers a series of tips to young scientist on how to deal or counteract such misconceptions, and overall on how not to think about science. Many of these misconceptions have strong negative effects on how science is thought, taught, and financed. Through the development of this assay I came to the conclusion that several aspects on the functioning of science and the scientific method, should be evaluated and taught differently. It is necessary to embrace paradigm shifts, avoid rationalist delusions, understand the plethora of scientific methods that exist, and especially, emphasize how important introspection is on the
scientific activity. As a consequence of this way of thinking and introspecting, changes in everyday behavior should be promoted: embrace cooperation and global scientific networking, emphasize the importance of a warmer and more inclusive treatment and behavior within and among research groups, be open in terms of schedules and ideas, and build a healthier work-life balance.
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