Science as art, art as science

Human Thinking and the Act of Understanding

Abstract

In this essay, I am exploring scientific conduct within an artistic frame. I endeavour to reveal the closeness between science and art by displaying the similarities in both the intellectual and practical human effort within artistic and scientific work. I will thus use art and artistic work, and especially the work of Leonardo da Vinci, as a kind of allegory of science and scientific work. The focus in the essay will be on the underlying and formative scientific and artistic work, and with the human act of understanding serving as the contextual framework for this exploration. My thesis is that such an exploration of artistic work will help us find the essence – a more rightful understanding – of scientific practice.