Week 1: Two Cultures

This idea of the “Two Cultures” is quite prominent here on UCLA’s campus. The divide between North campus and South campus can be seen through something as tangible as the school’s architecture.  For example, South campus buildings (which house all the science classes) seem simple, clean and modern; I think they reflect society’s understanding of science which is one of directness and apathy.  

This divide is made deeper through the way in which students from opposite ends of campus perceive each other.  Someone told me the other day that I “looked” like a North campus major.  I asked what that even meant, and his response was, “You don’t look awkward.”  Obviously, there are certain stigmas that come with being a North campus or South campus major; and these stigmas are perpetuated by stereotypes.  These biases only cause for larger separation between the worlds of art and science. 

In his work, C.P. Snow stated that a third culture would emerge to help bridge the gap between intellectuals and scientists.  This emergence must start from the recognition that science and art share the same objective: to create or discover something new and original.  The methods of achieving this common goal merely varies within different fields.  Today, the realization that these seemingly polar spheres can enhance our technological strides when working together have resulted in the establishment of new areas of study such as Human Biology and Society and Public Health. 

http://seedmagazine.com/twocultures/

Works Cited:

Snow, C.P. “Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution.” Cambridge University, Cambridge. 1959.

[Stereotypical scientist]. 2013. Photograph. n.p. Web. 3 Oct 2013. <http://captainelaboration.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/scientists.jpg>

[UCLA Math Science Building]. 2013. Photograph. n.p. Web. 3 Oct 2013.<http://space.admin.ucla.edu/space_plsql/pkg_library.show_mime_file?p_file_id=454>

"What Is "ArtScience"?" The ArtScience Prize. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Oct 2013. <http://www.artscienceprize.org/asp/what-is-artscience>.

Wilson, Stephen D. “Myths and Confusions in Thinking about Art/Science/Technology.” College Art Association Meetings. New York, New York. 1 Oct. 2012. Lecture.