Art, Science + Technology
DMA9 Fall 2007, Section BArchive for October 6, 2007
Intersection of Art and Science
Why should scientists and artists collaborate in their professions and
interests?
Scientists and artists are always looking at the surface of their interests and feeling like thay cannot work together because of what seems like their societal rivalry. However, we can see from many examples that when they put their creative and unique minds together, they can actually accomplish much more for this world that we live in. One would be in the technology of video games. Through research, scientists were able to figure out the technology of the software and
the technicalities of video games. The artists then came in, and contributed with their creative minds the graphic art perspective of the video game. Without the cooperation of both of these groups, video games that take over the lives of so many kids, teens, and even adults, would not have come to existence. What about music? Music is in our everyday lives, from listening to the radio in the car, playing musical instruments, singing in the shower, or listening to our favorite music while studying. We have all of these talented music artists bringing into the world many musical pieces in all types of
genre. However, without the advancement of technology possible through scientists, we would only be able to go to live musical performances with artists playing music with no musical systems. Through the help of scientists, we are able to have music systems, recording studios, ipod nanos, radio installed in our cars, etc. Thus, it is important that scientists and artists settle their differences and realize how much they can achieve, when they collaborate in their pursuits.
Why do more people associate science as the one with more contribution
to society today?
When people are asked which of either art or science influences the society today, more people would pick science. People like to think of the generation today to be one of many technological advances, with more convenient ways of life. People are lazy and self-centered; we are always looking for ways to reduce labor and produce more. Because of this common theme, for example, computer technology has been a focus of many scientists because computer tends to do all of the work
for us. We rely on computers and internet for everything in the society today. We also have amazing discoveries or inventions in medicine, forms of transportation, household appliances, security, etc. The society brainwashes little kids to want to be doctors, scientists, and engineers, implying that science is the most important thing in our lives. However, we fail to recognize sometimes that art plays a huge part in our everyday lives. First, is the beauty of the UCLA campus that surrounds us everyday. I can assume that Royce Hall, Powell Library, and other gorgeous buildings of this campus influenced each one of us to a certain extent to want to come to this school. Second, music plays a big part in most of our lives. The “popular” music that teens listen to says a lot about the society. The different themes of the songs, language used, how the artists dress, etc. has a lot to do with how we perceive life and our everyday purposes. We can all have different opinions about which plays a more significant role in our society. However, I believe that we can all conclude that
science and art both play a very important role in our society today.
http://www.princeton.edu/~artofsci/gallery/
On Two Cultures
Question # 1: do you see two cultures on UCLA campus?
Cultures are defined in a varying sense. When asked the definition, some might respond according to the racial difference, others might relate to the varied goals and interests of individuals. And I see the cluster of both definitions in the diverse environment of UCLA campus. On the way to a class, one can often observe the packed Bruin Walk, on which students as well as faculties of many races would be propagating their unique values in career, society, and religion. Such a view in the UCLA represents the prime examples of how a multi-cultured community this university is. If one were to break down the “two cultures” into Art vs. Science, one can presume that the two definitely exist among the eclecticism. Hence, back to the question: I see not only two cultures – Art and Science – but also in UCLA the million other significant distinctiveness of thoughts and focuses, which coherently formulates such an unique atmosphere in which student aspire and greatness grows.
Question # 2: What are the underlying meanings of the two cultures? Can both be a part of another?
The two cultures – Art vs. Science – are often thought of as two independent aspects, in which the topic of Art emphasize primarily on the presentation of an idea, whereas the subject of Science accentuates more heavily on the explanation and the application of that idea. Hence, one can conclude that the incorporation of both is the ultimate goal in every idea. Is it possible, then, for the two to be harmonious? The answer is: Yes, they always have been. For example – Leonardo Da Vinci, a world-renowned artist with mastery in inventions and designs, had incorporated these “two cultures.” Essentially, the two cultures complete what is missing in another.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Two_Cultures
http://newcriterion.com:81/archive/12/feb94/cultures.htm
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/299/5610/1148
http://searchengineland.com/070601-065245.php
http://www.innovation.cc/book-reviews/two-cultures.htm
