Week 1: Two Cultures

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 This week's discussions have emphasized the importance of challenging the entrenched separation between art and science, thinking about C.P. Snow's desire to "rethink our education" (Snow 19). Professor Vensa's lectures and Sir Ken Robinson's shed light on how societal structures create these false divisions, particularly within academia (Vensa "Two Cultures PT. II) (RSA Animate:...). Reflecting on my own experience, I have felt the separation all my life. You are either an artist, whether in music, theater, painting, etc., or you are a scientist. There was no in-between. That persisted during my college years when I had to select my major, thus committing myself to one side of campus. In my opinion, we need a paradigm shift. I don't think we need to fit into one category or the other as these two are often very similar or help each other out.


However, amidst this dichotomy, the concept of a third culture emerges as a beacon of hope. Professor Vesna champions this idea as a means to bridge this gap between literary intellectuals and scientists. In addition, Kevin Kelly shares his idea of a new third culture "... driven by the pursuit of novelty and experience rather than truth and expression" (Kelly). The third culture suggests that traditional distinctions between science and the arts are becoming less relevant as technology increasingly shapes our cultural landscape. 

To conclude, the "two cultures" paradigm persists throughout our educational systems and societal structures. However, the emergence of a "third culture" offers a promising pathway towards collaboration. 




Works Cited 

Admin. “CP Snow and the Value of Arts and Sciences.” St Mary’s Calne Blogs & Logs, 27 Nov. 2019, www.stmaryscalne.org/blogs/cp-snow-and-the-value-of-arts-and-sciences/.

Kelly, Kevin. “The Third Culture.” Edge.Org, 27 Feb. 1998, www.edge.org/conversation/kevin_kelly-the-third-culture.

Krauss, Lawrence M. “An Update on C. P. Snow’s ‘Two Cultures.’” Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024, www.scientificamerican.com/article/an-update-on-cp-snows-two-cultures/.

“Science and the Humanities: Still ‘Two Cultures’?” YouTube, YouTube, 10 May 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX7csqVBzQE.

Snow, C.P. "The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution." Cambridge University Press, 1959.

Vesna, Victoria. “Two Cultures Pt.II” YouTube, YouTube, 31 Mar. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?   v=GUr4xxZ_0gw&t=447s.  

“RSA Animate: Changing Education Paradigms.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Oct. 2010, www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U.






Comments

  1. Dylan AndrewsApril 5, 2024 at 11:25 AM

    I found your blog very interesting and similar to my thoughts. Most professions are artist of some sort because they are creative and innovative. Whether a scientists, athlete or musician you have a unique perspective to communicate ideas, emotions and experiences that add value to the world.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KhalaMillerDESMA9April 5, 2024 at 2:54 PM

    I agree with your blog and have some similar views. As someone in school for medicine or education but enjoys singing and dancing, I love incorporating my hobbies into my jobs. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the "third culture"

    ReplyDelete

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