Engineering is an iterative process, that doesn't mean that almost engineering something contributed to the eventual design.
Getting credit for something you didn't invent rather than the word you did is just tacky.
Getting credit for something you didn't invent rather than the word you did is just tacky.
We're reducing the incredible collective work of millions of minds to the name of a single person and claiming they did it all. That's nonsense of course and every time you read into any discovery you'll learn all the connections that led up to it. Nothing in science, maths, or technology is the work of one person. Acknowledging this doesn't belittle the incredible work that your favorite scientist or mathematician did any more than pointing out that your favorite sportsball star plays on a team, by the way. It's just a more honest reframing.
On the other hand, famous names linked to discoveries is inspiring and simple even if it's not entirely true. Maybe that's why we do it?