I’m intrigued about the “difference” between art and science. It’s easy to say art is subjective while science is objective. Fundamentally, art expresses knowledge, while science is the system of acquiring knowledge. Yet in many ways art and science are actually connected and related to each other.
Kinda like a couple with waaay cheap sunglasses!
Randy and I have more differences than similarities. Or do we? Let’s look at a few basic facts:
We often prod each other of our differences. I prefer pepper, while he does salt. Me ketchup, he mustard. He likes corn, me peas. I love apples, he prefers oranges. He likes vanilla ice cream, me chocolate. Hot peppers *me! versus no way to hot peppers *he! I really could go on and on about our taste differences! By the way, I’m a vegetarian! Not Randy the meat eater!
But what about our important similarities (that have nothing to do with food)!
Our similarities matter the most. Like how we: Approach life. Share our faith. Explore our world together. Use our resources. Create options. Solve problems. Work hard. Lovingly care for our 3 young adult children. Spoil the pets. There we meet; well we try hard to meet!
Keep in mind Randy is much more serious than I am. The better descriptor for him is probably straight-laced (kinda), not one to bend (that many) rules, and he likes to go by the book (mostly). He prefers to follow instructions, a map, or a detailed plan (he designs power points before we go on a road trip)! And me, well I make my mind up where to go when the time is right for me! But I don’t get lost!
Randy is a teacher with a bachelor degree in Art ~ a BA and he has a ME ~ Master in Education. I am a counselor with a bachelor degree in Science ~ BS, and my MS is again in Science. But wait!! When it comes to teaching or counseling, what really is the difference between art and science when expressing knowledge in real life?
I would say the main difference between art and science is that art is more focused on the perception of the world through the eyes of a particular individual. Art involves an emotional response, and can be based on personal experience, opinions, preferences, and individual perceptions. Look at a painting and we all see something different!
Art elicits an emotional response while science doesn’t (at least for most people I know)!
Do You Like This Print?
Science, on the other hand, is regimented and systemic with rules, procedures, and policies to follow. When people perform scientific investigations, the purpose or goal is to find an answer to something in a very planned out and specific way using the scientific method. Easier said than done, and requires planning with purpose and planning with options.
“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”
Look at a cell under a microscope and you are supposed to see the exact same thing (assuming you know what you’re looking at) as the next microscope user. BTW, I never could really “see” what my microbiology partner at ISU saw, but I did get excited (an emotion!!) when he said I was close!
I found other ways to look at the topic of blending art and science:
Baseball pitchers use the science of physics when throwing a curve ball, but actually throwing a good curve is an art form.
Or perhaps medicine is an easier example. Medical practice is both an art and a science. The two cannot be separated without destabilizing the system. Do you want physical treatment without discussing what your psychological needs are?
A couple lives on the art of marriage AND the science of marriage. And a rehabber relies on the art and science of rehabilitation! There is a balance, although it certainly can tip often.
The balance is found in creating the work of art marriage / or the work of art rehabilitation is supposed to be, in a natural sense. It involves digging your heels in and applying the science of either of these (marriage/rehabilitation) when times get rough.
Keep in mind, I’m not a marriage counselor, I’m a rehabilitation counselor! And also keep in mind, I’ve been married for close to 30 years. In August of 2020 we’ll be a-celebrating!
So applying a sense of balance to my own work activities using art and science to help you help your case sure makes sense to me! My reports will not parse other’s reports, use wild statistics, or make blanket statements based on literature with no direct relationship to the individual’s health condition and/or future work.
In my reports, I will make sense of what I believe to be the best options for your case and focus on connecting the results of my research to support my helpful recommendations and conclusion. This is blending art and science in a meaningful way. This is helping you help your client. This is why I do my work.
I appreciate the sound of blending art and science!
I can help you with your case involving work and disability, the employment aspects of a divorcing couple, or a case involving the need for life care planning.
Additionally, let me know how I could help you with a case with conflicting opinions! There’s always a way to blend the best and come to the truth.
Give me a call at 515-778-0634 or email me at amyebotkin@lcpresourcesplus.com to discuss your case. Thank you for reading!
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My professional rehabilitation counseling practice is focused on helping people participate in the world around them, particularly in their own world of work.
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