It’s very loose terminology. We call Oppenheimer the father of the atomic bomb when Einstein, etc laid the foundation for the technology. It’s a stupid thing to be arguing about
Einstein didn’t lay the foundation for the technology, he laid the foundation for the standard model. We call him the father of modern physics. He made the math work, the bomb was already being developed by the Germans. He didn’t come up with the idea, he didn’t come up with the technology, he just consulted.
Oppenheimer built and led the team that built the bomb. The theories weren’t complete, the technology didn’t exist, no one had laid out an equation that enabled the technology - they did all that in the Manhattan project.
Every person called the father or mother of <field of science> is a hero, in both the literary and personal sense. They represent looking at something in a new way - their name is an embodiment of a certain way of thinking.
Attributing someone as the “mother” or “father” of anything is a stupid simplification. Probably some dumb American thing. It’s just stupid. Not only does it imply that there can only be one female and/or male with this title for any given field (“the”), it can be inaccurate. In general by making this simplification you are setting two different standards of contribution, which goes against any idea of equality. I’d rather consider them substantial contributors. That way these arguments are completely avoided.
I really have no idea why you’re acting like this is a common argument people get into…
This is a very old and organic tradition you’re criticizing as an outsider. It’s given by the community as a person’s contributions change into a legacy that will inspire new generations and ingrain respect for the shoulders you stand on
Without understanding the what and why, you’re arguing against a cultural practice in the scientific community. I’m trying to give you context, and you keep trying to poke holes instead of trying to understand
It’s very loose terminology. We call Oppenheimer the father of the atomic bomb when Einstein, etc laid the foundation for the technology. It’s a stupid thing to be arguing about
Einstein didn’t lay the foundation for the technology, he laid the foundation for the standard model. We call him the father of modern physics. He made the math work, the bomb was already being developed by the Germans. He didn’t come up with the idea, he didn’t come up with the technology, he just consulted.
Oppenheimer built and led the team that built the bomb. The theories weren’t complete, the technology didn’t exist, no one had laid out an equation that enabled the technology - they did all that in the Manhattan project.
Every person called the father or mother of <field of science> is a hero, in both the literary and personal sense. They represent looking at something in a new way - their name is an embodiment of a certain way of thinking.
You took a shot at that for no reason
Attributing someone as the “mother” or “father” of anything is a stupid simplification. Probably some dumb American thing. It’s just stupid. Not only does it imply that there can only be one female and/or male with this title for any given field (“the”), it can be inaccurate. In general by making this simplification you are setting two different standards of contribution, which goes against any idea of equality. I’d rather consider them substantial contributors. That way these arguments are completely avoided.
I really have no idea why you’re acting like this is a common argument people get into…
This is a very old and organic tradition you’re criticizing as an outsider. It’s given by the community as a person’s contributions change into a legacy that will inspire new generations and ingrain respect for the shoulders you stand on
Without understanding the what and why, you’re arguing against a cultural practice in the scientific community. I’m trying to give you context, and you keep trying to poke holes instead of trying to understand
Have a nice day!
You too