In the essay “The Future of Science… Is Art?” by Jonah Lehrer, he argues that “science needs the arts”. He discusses the complexity of science and the “road block” that many have come to and now are in need of a new method. Lehrer also mentions metaphors and the role they play in science. He says that metaphors allow scientists to simplify these complex ideas by relating them to “the only world we know”. Lehrer shares many benefits that arts can have for scientists. He relates back to Ma’s “edge theory” when discussing his idea about creating a “third culture” to close the communication gap between scientists and artist. Overall, he feels that art can bring new ideas and provide a different way of looking at science. With art, we will be able to relate complex science to real life. I support Lehrer’s claims and I feel that he makes many good points. I believe art is needed and should be used as a new way of thinking. Even though it is a course that you would have to pay for in college, I do feel that it would continue to benefit the way of thinking by students.

Glossing the text:

Reductionism- Describing something that is complex in more simpler terms .

Synapse- Impulses passing between nerve cells in order to communicate.

Epiphenomenon- Secondary affect that arises but does not change the process.

Holistic perspective- generating an image of a culture by considering all factors within that group of people.