WEEK 1 - Two Cultures

 Week 1 - Two Cultures 

C.P. Snow describes the inability of two disciplines, art and science, from coming together and understanding each other. The separation between the two disciplines is so engrained in our education and society that I always felt as if I had to choose one or the other; it could never be both. As a social science major, specifically political science, I noticed this separation immediately stepping foot on campus freshman year. While touring UCLA, we immediately see a divide, as North Campus has a specific area dedicated to art, the Sculpture Garden, whereas South Campus does not.

Sculpture Garden at UCLA – North Campus

While studying political science, the divide between literary intellectuals and scientists is clear. We come to notice the contrasting opinions when it comes to efficiently creating policy and considering scientific explanations. Former President, Barack Obama, directed a speech emphasizing bringing back the prioritization of science research after Bush disregarded science in policy making (Williams). We have also seen Former President Donald Trump’s discount of scientists and negative rhetoric on climate change, claiming it a hoax (Plumer). There is a constant tension with incorporating science into literacy and vice versa. I have considered this in regards to COVID-19 and policy as well. This pandemic may have been a forced step toward decreasing the gap between the two disciplines as politicians have been forced into dialogue with scientists for the well-being of their citizens.

Example of the conflict between Science and Politics, specifically, Climate Change

Media artists can bridge the gap which would create the rise of a “third culture”, but it will require dialogue between both disciplines and mutual respect (Vesna 122). An open discussion, free of immediate judgment, between both disciplines should occur. Through my experience, I believe literacy and science are not mutually exclusive. I plan to consider both disciplines in my future career in public policy and law, and I hope in the realm of politics, a realization can be made that we must work across all disciplines, respectfully, as it is important for proper policy implementation.

 

Example of how science and policy are not mutually exclusive. 

Plumer, Brad. “A Cold War Theory for Why Scientists and the Government Have Become so Estranged.” Vox, Vox, 26 Apr. 2017, https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2017/4/26/15373436/science-march-cold-war.

Porter, John, director. Scientists' Important Role in Public Communication and Policy-Making. A Dangerous Divide: The Two Cultures in the 21st Century, 2009, https://www.nyas.org/ebriefings/a-dangerous-divide/?tab=media. Accessed 2022.

Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. At the Univ. Press, 1961.

Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo, vol. 34, no. 2, 2001, pp. 121–125., https://doi.org/10.1162/002409401750184672.

Williams, Christopher. “A Dangerous Divide: The New York Academy of Sciences.” NYAS, 24 July 2009, https://www.nyas.org/ebriefings/a-dangerous-divide/?tab=meeting+report.