WEEK 1 | Two Cultures
Nicole Chuhak


       I am one of the scientists that Bohm describes as liking to solve puzzles. As an engineer at UCLA, the two cultures are blindingly obvious not only in my class content, but also geographically on our campus. In my four years at UCLA, I have been required to take only four "North Campus" classes. I have only been required to crossover the diving line that is Bruinwalk, for one class, for one quarter a year; it is only then that my education allows me to interact with non-engineers and non-science majors. It is during these brief interactions, in which it is plain to see the two distinct cultures as described by Snow, and to see the university's attempt to bridge the gap like he predicted.

UCLA Bruinwalk

       The stereotypes associated with the North and South Campus majors are too numerous to list and almost always inaccurate. Some of the most artistic people I know have a scientific major, and most of my North Campus friends are more knowledgeable about technology. I think this can all be attributed to the third culture described by Brockman. Information and knowledge is being disseminated to the general public allowing anyone who wants the information the ability to have it.

The evolution of art and technology harmonization

      I think that is important to remember that the two cultures exist, but I think it is more important to see how important it is for the two to work together. The majority of entertainment in our lives now are the results of how art and technology work together. That is why it is so important to promote both cultures, because without either, growth cannot continue. 
      Reading about the two cultures really puts everything into perspective. It is easy to forget that without some of the earliest art, such as cave paintings, we would not know some of what we know about our earliest ancestors. In the same light, we must remember that without scientists we would not have things like penicillin, bridges, and computers. These two cultures have to work together in a balanced harmony to continue the progression of our society, and in the end that is why I appreciate my four classes that allow me to cross into the other culture; they make me a more rounded member of society and reading about the two cultures reminds me of that.

An example of art that wouldn't be possible without technology and science

Sources:
Bohm, D. "On Creativity." 1968. Paper.

Graham-Rowe, D. "John Brockman: Matchmaking with Science and Art." 2011. Interview.

Kelly, K. "The Third Culture." 1998. Interview

Snow, C.P. "Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution." 1959. New York: Camridge UP. 1961. Print.

Wilson, S. "Myths and Confusions in Thinking about Art/Science/Technology." 2000. Interview.