Archetypes of the Scientist

Abstract

This research explores whether the predominance of Logos in science, privileging dispassion and analysis, and the absence of Eros, privileging emotion and relationship, have detrimental effects on scientists and on society. The inner world of science and scientists was explored through a study of Greek deities, who serve as archetypes of different modes of being. Apollo, the god of reason, Athene, the goddess of wisdom, and Prometheus, the god of ambition, each represent Logos consciousness. In science, Apollo’s arrogance, Athene’s violence and Prometheus’ emphasis on progress have had some dire consequences. Science, valuing rationality, dominance of nature, and emphasis on the external world, downplays Eros consciousness demonstrated in Dionysian emotionality, Artemisian respect for nature, and Hestian solitude. Loss of soul was identified as the most damaging effect of the Logos-centered scientific milieu. Individual scientists’ loss of soul may lead to depression and anxiety and physical ailments. Soulfulness is also needed to evaluate cultural aims and norms, often neglected in the Western world where science is given such prominence. Logos-driven deities demeaned the feminine, laying a foundation for the disrespect of women scientists, and provided a depth psychological explanation for avoidance of scientific careers by many women. Eros consciousness views reality as ultimately unknowable in all of its dimensions. Logos consciousness regards reality as having the prospect of being completely explicable, a view called scientism. Anti-scientism and anti-science, which discredits scientific evidence, oppose scientism. Mythology and depth psychological approaches encourage a more nuanced view of the merits of science.