TREAC: Despite the heavy concentration on logical thinking, art provides wisdom that science cannot provide the human mind. In a world full of technology, and scientific breakthroughs, we often look to science for answers to the question “why,” but despite the facts and figures that science can provide, they can often open the path to more answers. As put by Johan Lehrer in “The Future of Science… Is Art?”, “The one reality science cannot reduce is the only reality we will ever know.” With all of the laws and revelations that have arisen from research and experiments, we can never actually understand our reality, no matter how many studies are done. There will always be another question, or another layer to life that is a mystery. Art offers a different interpretation of life and reality, that doesn’t need to explain with an equation, and isn’t one size fits all. Art provides a more adaptable outlook on life. Unlike science, it involves the imagine in generating answers about the surrounding world that don’t include more questions.
Barclay: Some may believe that some people can be artists or scientists. Both fields are seen as polar opposites, but the most powerful thinking and ideas occur with a combination of the both. Johan Lehrer is an author who studied neuroscience, but now works at combining science and the humanities. In his essay, “The Future of Science… Is Art?” he discusses the connection that both art and science have in relation to thinking. He does not discount the weight that statistics and facts have and makes it clear that “the sciences must recognize that their truths are not the only truths.” The necessity for a balance of arts and science was reciprocated by cellist and songwriter, Yo-Yo Ma in his essay, “Necessary Edges.” He states that science is on one edge of thinking, while art is on the opposite edges, but “only when science and the arts, critical and empathetic reasoning, are linked to the mainstream will we find a sustainable balance in society.” Neither arts nor sciences are the most important in this world. Statistics and experiments don’t reveal all truths; however, paintings and flute solos do not provide the answers to the questions and troubles in the world either. Instead, a balance, or equilibrium of both are critical in order to make change in the world. If we don’t want tomorrow to be just like yesterday, and we want to advance in opinions and ways of life, logical and emotional thinking but be put together. A mix between both will lead to a better, more well-rounded future.
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