Sunday, April 5, 2015

Two Cultures

Throughout history, there has always been a divide between the arts and science. The two groups even refer to themselves in a different manner, intellectuals and artists. There is no doubt they have similarities, both groups are extremely innovative in techniques and creative in their approaches on their projects and fields. C.P. Snow alludes to the schism between the two groups being that he belonged to both groups, scientists and intellectuals try to stay within their peer groups and artists stay to themselves. He continues to discuss the ever growing divide between the two groups but also discusses the similarities between the two groups and how they have much more in common then they would think.
            The difference between two groups like scientists and artists can be seen here on campus at UCLA. The differences between north and south campus majors or the divide between athletes and non-athletes can easily be seen and felt, especially in general education classes where there is a wide range of students. Being an athlete at UCLA, there is somewhat of an alienation felt from other students. Looking at Snow’s article, the divide between athletes and other students is simply a lack of understanding between the two groups. Being a student I can relate to other students and the demand of academics and the stress associated with it. Everyone on campus has a huge workload whether it is practice or studying for finals, the similarities between the two groups is more prevalent than you would expect.  On average, students spend 15 hours a week studying, while athletes spend a similar amount of time competing and practicing.





Work Cited:
            The Two Cultures and The Scientific Revolution C.P. Snow, Cambridge University Press. 1961
A Dangerous Divide: The Two Cultures in the 21st Century
Bohm, David: ‘On Creativity’

1 comment:

  1. Hey Brett,
    I completely agree with your views on the comparison between juggling academics and athletics here at UCLA, being on the mens volleyball team myself I understand how hard it can be at times and also see how this could go along side with the similarities between two cultures of art and science, how there is a split between students and student athletes. Nice comparison

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