Извилистые тропы научных карьер

Abstract

The paper covers studies of initial stages of scientists’ career paths in a crisis and/or moderni­zed society. The major focus is made on the following topics: impact of a crisis situation and/or a modernized society on any individual’s choice of the career and influence of personal protected space parameters on scientist’s career development.
 The studies include three thematic clusters: 1. Careers of natural scientists in the period of development of the profession of a scientist (in the context of England of the second half of the 17th century). The biographies of R. Boyle and R. Hooke were selected as references. 2. The career of a Russian scientist in 18–19th centuries. The biographies of M.V. Lomonosov and D.I. Mendeleev were selected as references. 3. German scientists during the Third Reich: creative activities and career development. The biography of P. Debye was selected as a reference.
 The presented historical examples along with an extensive array of sources (including archives) demonstrate that despite any individual differences in the career paths of the scientists living in the crisis and/or modernized societies in different countries and eras, the personal determinants of their career paths are in a certain way similar, namely:
 — the ability to distance oneself from other people (at least mentally);
 — the ability to represent one’s professional distinctiveness and irreplaceability;
 — the ability to make thematic research choices that are scientifically, career-wise, and socially successful;
 — the ability to stand up for personal scientific and life interests and priorities (even at the expense of generally accepted moral norms);
 — the ability to resort to protectionist resources and, if necessary, political rhetoric and dema­gogy with the purpose to carry out scientific works.