The Mad Scientist Tradition Stephen McNearney Derryl Carter

Dexter

Dr. Frankenstein

Doc Brown

Dr. Evil

What is a “Mad Scientist”? “ A mad scientist is a stock character of popular fiction, specifically science fiction. The mad scientist may be villainous, benign or neutral, and whether insane, eccentric, or simply bumbling, mad scientists often work with fictional technology in order to forward their schemes, if they even have a coherent scheme. Alternatively, they fail to see the evil that will ensue from the hubris of ‘playing god’. ”

“ A mad scientist is a stock character of popular fiction, specifically science fiction.

The mad scientist may be villainous, benign or neutral, and whether insane, eccentric, or simply bumbling, mad scientists often work with fictional technology in order to forward their schemes, if they even have a coherent scheme.

Alternatively, they fail to see the evil that will ensue from the hubris of ‘playing god’. ”

What is a “Mad Scientist”?

What is a “Mad Scientist”? A “mad scientist” can be distinguished from an evil genius with respect to their intentions. Evil genius – uses their genius for specifically, consciously evil purposes. Mad scientist – more ambiguous (or complete lack of) intentions.

A “mad scientist” can be distinguished from an evil genius with respect to their intentions.

Evil genius – uses their genius for specifically, consciously evil purposes.

Mad scientist – more ambiguous (or complete lack of) intentions.

Appearance (Stereotypes) Mad scientists have frequently adopted a stereotypical image, which may include: Lab coat / protective eyewear Disheveled hair Ridiculous gadgets / machines Extreme curiosity / emotion Dramatic poses But… are these essential to the “mad scientist?”

Mad scientists have frequently adopted a stereotypical image, which may include:

Lab coat / protective eyewear

Disheveled hair

Ridiculous gadgets / machines

Extreme curiosity / emotion

Dramatic poses

But… are these essential to the “mad scientist?”

The Emergence of the M.S. Historically… Daedalus, Ancient Greece Alchemists, Medieval Europe Shamans / Witch Doctors

Historically…

Daedalus, Ancient Greece

Alchemists, Medieval Europe

Shamans / Witch Doctors

Pre-WWII Pervasive attitude towards science as a benevolent thing (post-Enlightenment). Scientific method and empiricism seemed to be “incorruptible”. After the first World War, this attitude began to deteriorate, as chemical warfare and warplanes began to give “scientific progress” more sinister connotations.

Pervasive attitude towards science as a benevolent thing (post-Enlightenment).

Scientific method and empiricism seemed to be “incorruptible”.

After the first World War, this attitude began to deteriorate, as chemical warfare and warplanes began to give “scientific progress” more sinister connotations.

The Machine Age Influence The Machine Age was influential in the development of the mad scientist archetype, as society became increasingly transfixed with machines and the artifacts of scientific progress.

Post-WWII Realization of the destructive potential of scientific experimentation.

Realization of the destructive potential of scientific experimentation.

Post-WWII Mad scientists shifted from using electricity (as a tool) to using newer technologies such as radiation*, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and quantum mechanics. Godzilla, example of radiation gone wrong, though no specific scientist is mentioned.

Mad scientists shifted from using electricity (as a tool) to using newer technologies such as radiation*, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and quantum mechanics.

Dr. Frankenstein, originally in Mary Shelley’s novel (1818) but also many later iterations Images from Young Frankenstein , the 1974 comedy film Helped create the archetype of mad scientists “playing God”.

Dr. Frankenstein,

originally in Mary Shelley’s novel (1818) but also many later iterations

Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde), 1886 Mad scientist? Or merely a tragic character?

Dr. Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde), 1886

C.A. Rotwang – Metropolis , 1929 Helped solidify the image of the “mad laboratory”, with the scientist surrounded by unusual gadgets and machines.

In other media…

In other media… Doom 3 Mega Man series Mario Sonic the Hedgehog Onimusha