In pursuing a form to replicate our understanding of the world, more often than not we choose science over the arts. Essentially, science is knowledge of our surroundings. This knowledge is obtained and tested through a specific scientific method that uses observation and experimentation to explain the unknown. The basic purpose of it is to help us understand the workings of our world by producing models of reality. Perhaps one reason why we look to science in order to explain and understand the world around us is that we often seek concrete, logical answers. When faced with questions or things we cannot understand, we seek answers that are established truths or facts. However, we are not content with a simple answer; we must be able to support it with veritable proof and hard evidence. Because of this, science seems to be the best way to establish truth and fact. Scientific experimentation enables us to accurately test theoretical explanations and determine whether or not those theories can be accepted as facts.
When comparing science and art, there are a number of similarities between the two. For example, both require imagination, creativity, and observation. However, it would be difficult to try to understand our world through art in the same way we do through science due to the fact that both involve different perceptions. Science seems to be impersonal and is not meant to be interpreted differently among people. Scientific interpretation is restricted by specific rules and laws. If an experiment is repeated many times by different scientists, then the outcomes and conclusions drawn from it must be consistent, regardless of the scientist.
In contrast, when looking at art the perceptions of the creator and the viewers may not be consistent. Unlike science, art is subjective and open to many different interpretations. For this reason, I do not think art would be a useful way to replicate our understanding of the world. With art comes a variety of different explanations, and there is no sure way to determine which interpretation can be accepted as a truth.
Nice discussion. Although Science, like art is not always accurate, its role is to create a framework for investigating the world, and does not leave room to personal interpretations.