Is Scientism only about ones lack of ability?

[fluffy]

I was in the science fair for 8th graders. I had to come up with my own hypothesis and a way to test it. What I did was ask the question, what light frequency do seamonkeys grow best in. I used test tubes, 3 packs of seamonkeys, red green and blue diodes, I wrapped the tubes in construction paper, I used clean Fiji water. Had them in the tubes a week. Then I counted them. I had to write down which light would be best and why.

Morty also did a school science fair. He had to draw the solar system with crayons. But the teacher discounted it because "Pluto was not a planet". Jerry his father went to Pluto to meet the aliens to prove it was a planet.

I am not sure how accurate this story is. I never saw the full episode. But it illustrates my point. Rick and Morty is a show about quantum physics but it is a spoof on quantum physics because that is not how it actually works. Jerry helps Morty his son do a high school science project I did in 2nd grade (draw the solar system) but he also tried to prove Pluto was a real planet by going there. He believes in his ideas so much he had too do it.

Most people that do science in top universities or corporate labs had to get degrees to be there. Yet some people try really hard don't get to be in the fields they want to be in. Jerry really believes in his ideas and trying really hard to prove them true but because of "low intelligence" people make fun of him.

Many people that are not scientist in any credentialed way still try to work hard on their ideas but are lumped in with other people that are fans of science because they are not as smart as the credentialed ones.

Jerry may be dumb but he is really trying hard. He believes in himself and not just trying to look cool. Tho he may not understand why Pluto has been "redefined" as not a planet he was trying. He went to Pluto to help his son. That means something.

 

[Hadoblado]

You should watch it, it was a great episode.

Jerry didn't go to the planet because he was compelled to by some burden of intellectual rigor. He was abducted by the oil lobbyists and then stayed on Pluto because the role they gave him propagandising against the environmentalists served his need (easing his insecurity).

What changed Jerry's mind was realising the environmentalist was the politician's son. He judged them a poor father and then realised he couldn't claim he was any better. He didn't care about Pluto beyond the feeling of being right. The difference between when he advocated for Pluto as a planet and for not being a planet was not information, but emotion.

I don't think the parabel of Jerry fits your need. Jerry was in no way doing science, and it's not reducible to his lack of ability. Your sea monkey project was science. Science is a method, not an enthusiasm for a particular belief that's vaguely science coded.

Most people who don't get credentials don't for reasons other than aptitude. A lot of the people who do get credentials do after failing multiple times but having the opportunity to redo courses. University is devastating for mental health and is a privilege not available for everyone.