Art, Methods, and Science

Art, Methods, and Science1. Drawing and Art

• Consider the drawings shown on the next two slides.

• “The Star” (1871-1881), drawn by Edgar Degas.

• “The Dancer” (2009), drawn by Steve Sapp.

“The Star” (1871-1881) Edgar Degas

“The Dancer” (2009) Steve Sapp

Art, Methods, and Science1. Drawing and Art (Continued)

• Degas and Sapp have the same tools at their disposal.

• That is, both Degas and Sapp readily can find canvas, paint, and brushes at easily affordable prices. And both persons have training in the fundamental concepts of drawing and art design.

Art, Methods, and Science1. Drawing and Art (Continued)

• “The Star,” by Degas delights us and therefore makes a valuable contribution to the well-being of human kind.

• “The Dancer,” by Sapp is awful.

Art, Methods, and Science1. Drawing and Art (Continued)

• The difference between “The Star” and “The Dancer” lies not in a difference between the availability of tools and techniques, but in the fact that Degas rather than Sapp has successfully captured an image of reality, and thereby has significantly influenced our hearts and minds.

Art, Methods, and Science2. Methods and Science

• The concepts, perspectives, techniques, and methods you will learn this semester are tools.

• These tools are readily available to all. And training in how to use them, albeit sometimes difficult to grasp, are available to those who desire to receive this training.

Art, Methods, and Science2. Methods and Science (Continued)

• The difference between methods and science, like the difference between drawing and art, lies not in the availability of tools, but in the ability of the practitioner to accurately depict a segment of reality.

• The person who combines methods with theory, who successfully builds and tests theories that reasonably depict reality, makes a valuable contribution to society.

Art, Methods, and Science2. Methods and Science (Continued)

• I urge you, therefore, to give your training in theory the same attention you give to this course in methods.

• It is your ability to combine methods with theory that will define you as a scientist, as one who makes valuable contributions to the well-being of society.