Mae Jemison on teaching arts and sciences together

Existential Reflections on Arts and Sciences

Introduction to Existential Concerns

• The speaker expresses feelings of existential angst over the past few years, highlighting a need for deeper reflection on current societal issues.

• A quote from Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" is introduced, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of creation.

Importance of Curiosity and Purpose

• Zora Neale Hurston's definition of research as "formalized curiosity" underscores the necessity of purposeful inquiry in both arts and sciences.

• The speaker references a passive attitude towards the future, suggesting that direction matters significantly in shaping outcomes.

The Role of Design in Shaping the Future

• Emphasizes that actions taken today will critically influence society 10 to 20 years from now, stressing the importance of present contributions to future knowledge.

• Highlights various technological advancements (e.g., internet, genetic engineering) as products of ideas developed decades earlier, urging awareness about legacy contributions.

Concerns About Current Contributions

• The speaker expresses skepticism regarding contemporary efforts to innovate or contribute meaningfully to society’s future. They feel there is a collective failure to act decisively.

• Citing Frantz Fanon, they pose questions about generational missions and responsibilities toward societal progress.

Reconciling Science and Arts

• Advocates for reintegrating science with the arts due to an existing schism in popular culture that views them as separate entities. This separation hinders effective decision-making in society.

• Points out misconceptions held by some people who believe scientists lack creativity while artists are not analytical; this dichotomy stifles support for both fields.

Cultural Reflections on Creativity

• Reflecting on personal experiences growing up during the '60s, the speaker recalls a sense of hope and participation that characterized that era's cultural landscape. They note how many modern concepts stem from those times' innovative spirit.

The Interconnection of Arts and Sciences in Human Creativity

Balancing Multiple Pursuits

• The speaker reflects on their diverse academic and extracurricular commitments, including being the Black Student Union President while studying chemical engineering and producing a dance production.

• A pivotal decision looms: whether to pursue a career in professional dancing or attend medical school, with guidance from their mother.

Symbolism in Space

• During their space journey, the speaker carried significant items: an Alvin Ailey poster representing dance, a Bundu statue symbolizing cultural heritage, and a certificate aimed at improving science education for Chicago Public School students.

• These items embody human creativity across different fields—engineering, art, and culture—highlighting that they all stem from the same source of imagination.

Understanding Creativity

• The distinction between arts and sciences is not merely analytical versus intuitive; both require creative leaps. Einstein's quote emphasizes that true art and science arise from mystery.

• Dance exemplifies this blend of expression and analysis; it requires both emotional expression and technical precision to convey meaning effectively.

Constructive vs. Deconstructive Approaches

• The misconception that sciences are purely deconstructive is challenged; sculpture also involves removing unnecessary elements to reveal beauty.

• Both arts and sciences utilize constructive (building up) and deconstructive (breaking down) techniques, indicating they are not opposites but rather complementary aspects of creativity.

Universal vs. Personal Experiences

• Arts represent personal experiences while sciences aim for universal understanding. This duality illustrates how both domains contribute to our comprehension of existence.

• Science seeks to express shared experiences across humanity, whereas art focuses on individual perspectives—both are essential for holistic understanding.

Bridging Dichotomies

• The ongoing debate about right-brain versus left-brain thinking oversimplifies the relationship between intuition and analysis; both are necessary for comprehensive thought processes.

• Artists often critique scientists as overly concrete while scientists may view artists as disconnected—a false dichotomy that limits appreciation for each field's contributions.

Embracing Complexity

• Choosing between intuitive or analytical approaches is misguided; life requires a balance of realism and idealism to navigate complexities effectively.

• A humorous quote by molecular biologist Sydney Brenner highlights the importance of distinguishing between concepts without reducing them to simplistic binaries.

Framework for Understanding Outcomes

• An equation presented by the speaker suggests that understanding (science/arts/religion), resources (money/labor/material), and will (vision/dreams/aspirations) collectively shape outcomes in life.

Exploring the Intersection of Science, Engineering, and the Arts

The Influence of Human Experience on Design and Engineering

• Our struggles, fears, successes, and failures shape our actions; design and engineering are crucial in enhancing human quality of life.

• A project titled "S.E.E.ing the Future" aimed to explore effective government funding for science and engineering by gathering diverse professionals at Dartmouth College.

Challenges Facing Science and Engineering Today

• Current circumstances in science differ significantly from past decades (1940s-1970s), as competition has shifted away from ideologies like fascism or communism.

• The infrastructure supporting sciences is becoming obsolete; many educational institutions lack updated laboratories essential for training future scientists.

Media Influence and Corporate Mentality

• The media often disseminates trivial information rather than valuable scientific knowledge necessary for informed citizenship.

• Corporations now prioritize short-term product development over basic research, leading to a decline in foundational scientific inquiry supported by government funding.

Education System's Shortcomings

• K-12 education is moving away from hands-on learning experiences (e.g., wet labs), mistakenly believing technology can replace practical skills.

• Decreasing government funding calls for a reevaluation of corporate involvement in education; basic science should be recognized for its long-term benefits.

Revitalizing Science and Arts

• As global citizens, we must ensure that education fosters an understanding of science's importance while nurturing intellectual curiosity.

• Similarities between arts and sciences highlight the need for revitalization; competition among art forms can drive improvement but faces challenges due to diminishing support structures.

Personal Reflections on Mind and Body Integration

• The speaker emphasizes reconciling mind-body duality through personal experiences as a dancer versus medical training focused solely on objective measurements.

• There’s a call to enhance self-awareness among individuals regarding their bodies instead of relying solely on technological measurements.

Michael Moschen on Integrating Senses and Ideas

The Role of Senses in Learning

• Michael Moschen emphasizes the importance of teaching oneself to "feel with my eyes" and "see with my hands," advocating for the use of all senses in learning and creativity.

• He expresses a desire to utilize bioinstrumentation to enhance sensory experiences, indicating a blend of technology and human perception.

Entrepreneurial Journey

• Moschen discusses his work at BioSentient Corporation, highlighting his entrepreneurial spirit as someone who pursues passion over conventional employment.

• He reflects on the challenges and motivations behind integrating innovative ideas into practical applications within his company.

Integration of Arts and Sciences

• He presents a personal design philosophy focused on merging intuitive thinking with analytical reasoning, stressing that arts and sciences should not be viewed as separate entities.

• Using an analogy from high school physics, he compares ideas to potential energy that requires action to manifest their true value.

Call to Action for Future Responsibility

• Moschen urges revitalization in both arts and sciences, emphasizing collective responsibility for future outcomes rather than attributing actions solely to profit motives or individual roles.