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Traditionally, it has been maintained that science and art are separate subjects - perhaps even diametrically opposed. But I hypothesise that true scientific endeavour is art in action, and that a good theory is an art form.
First, what is art?
Definition:
1. [n] the creation of beautiful or significant things; "art does not need to be innovative to be good"; "I was never any good at art"; "he said that architecture is the art of wasting space beautifully"
2. [n] the products of human creativity; works of art collectively; "an art exhibition"; "a fine collection of art"
3. [n] a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation; "the art of conversation"; "it's quite an art"
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And so art is based on the idea of something developed not for use, but for it's own sake in terms of "beauty".
A good theory is beautiful. It is simply, yet has meaning to us, implications that unfold. It stimulates us intellectually, opens up new worlds, new ways of thing, and gets us closer to the truth. It harmonises with other ideals, flows onward and excites admiration. Why does a scientist do the work he does? Like an artist, I think it is down for the beauty of the ideas and knowledge itself.
Comments?
First, what is art?
Definition:
1. [n] the creation of beautiful or significant things; "art does not need to be innovative to be good"; "I was never any good at art"; "he said that architecture is the art of wasting space beautifully"
2. [n] the products of human creativity; works of art collectively; "an art exhibition"; "a fine collection of art"
3. [n] a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation; "the art of conversation"; "it's quite an art"
--
And so art is based on the idea of something developed not for use, but for it's own sake in terms of "beauty".
A good theory is beautiful. It is simply, yet has meaning to us, implications that unfold. It stimulates us intellectually, opens up new worlds, new ways of thing, and gets us closer to the truth. It harmonises with other ideals, flows onward and excites admiration. Why does a scientist do the work he does? Like an artist, I think it is down for the beauty of the ideas and knowledge itself.
Comments?