ART vs SCIENCE

"The function of science is to reassure; the purpose of art is to upset. Therein lays the value of each."

In the above issue, it is not clearly defined what is to be reassured and what is to be upset by science and art respectively. There are various domains. Say previous belief, lifestyle etc, that could be considered.

We cannot generalize the role of these two disciplines. We cannot even assure the reverse of the statement is true. As per the evident from history both play important roles in the development of humanity and society. Both have a unique purpose, which modifies with time in both fields.

On contemplating the function of science, it is well known fact that science always challenges the previous belief and presents a new and better way of perception.  Hence science certainly does not reassure the previous beliefs. A few of the great works in this field such as "the origin of the species” by Charles Darwin did attack one of the profound belief and on contrary did not reassure anything. The contemporary work by Mr. Stephen Hawking defies the much popular theory of relativity in some cases and likewise did not reassure the already existing notion.

The purpose of science, if is to reassure anything it is certainly a better way of living. With the development of science and technology, there has been enhancement in the standard of living. The world now has a better way of communication such as telephone, satellite communication and internet etc, fastest means to travel via magnetic trains and airplanes etc , easy lifestyle by usage of machine in jobs which required a great deal of manual work, computers have eased the monotonous and programmable jobs. With the medical technology the science have reassure health concern of human being.

Although science has a negative side as well, that has upset our living standards. The most threatening nuclear power is a production of science and has the power to destroy the planet. The byproducts of industries and automobile have polluted the environment to the extent of global warming and hole in ozone layer.

On the other hand, art have a different function or purpose and that purely is to relax the mind and take a break from the fast lifestyle of monotonous rush in the rat race. However the art too like science cannot be generalized and it depends on the artist’s state of mind, what he or she creates. Listening to music and visiting art gallery always leaves a different impression on mind it may reassure or upset (with profound suffering that it portrays), but is always appreciated.

The beginning of art is not known but Paleolithic caves are evident that it existed many centuries before.  The scriptures in the caves, old famous paintings such as Mona Lisa, beautiful architecture like pyramids.  Certainly do not upset but creates a sense of mysteries and admiration.

Conclusion; the function of science is to progress and purpose of art is to flatter!