Science as Art

The physical sciences in general, and physics in particular, are often considered to be disciplines that are widely removed from all forms of artistic endeavor. There exists the stereotype of the physicist as a logical, systematic and very boring individual. After all, science involves observing phenomena and finding systematic rules that account for the observed phenomena. Moreover, it requires the immutable, and often impenetrable rules of higher mathematics. There seems to be no room for creativity or faith, except perhaps faith in the power of mathematics. One of the purposes of these notes is to convince you that physics and art are not as far removed from each other as many believe. There are, of course, crucial differences, which we will emphasize, but there are similarities as well. Good art requires observation, talent and creativity. The result is often beautiful and moving, but to have value it must also be somehow relevant to the observer, otherwise it has no meaning. All of the above apply to the physical sciences as well. The fact that science requires observation, talent and relevance is perhaps self evident. Scientists observer their surroundings, and if they are talented they will formulate and/or verify a theory that describes what they see. This theory is relevant if it can be ultimately use to make a better microwave or, at a more elementary level, if it can be used to predict and explain new phenomena. But what of beauty, creativity and even faith? Are these important attributes of science? In our opinion, the answer is yes. Science requires more than observation, it requires interpretation and the breaking of intellectual boundaries. To make advances scientists must continually evaluate, and sometimes reformulate the very foundations of their field. They must be willing to reinterpret, and if necessary to abandon old concepts for radically new ones. Often this involves an intuitive leap that is no less an act of creativity than painting a masterpiece. The best example of this is Einstein and his theory of relativity, but it occurs at all levels of science to various degrees. When formulating a successful theory, or performing a successful experiment, a scientist creates a new canvas through which we can all observe the world in a new light. And, as we will hopefully convince you in these notes, it is not necessary to master all of the scientist's skills in order to appreciate the canvas and what it means for us.

In the above, we are of course emphasizing the similarities between artistic endeavors and scientific ones. The differences are just as important. The test of science is ultimately not in the beauty of its construction. There must be an objective measure of its success. In particular, it must be experimentally verifiable. Although this seems to be a very strong criterion, science imposes an even stronger one on its self: in order for any statement or theory to be considered scientific, it must be in principle falsifiable. Einstein's theory of relativity involved creativity and insight, and at least in my mind, is a beautiful construction of the human intellect. However, had it not given the correct prediction for the perihelion shift of Mercury, or for the bending of light around the sun, it would have been irrelevant, and failed as a scientific theory. Even this ``objective'' criterion has some degree of subjectivity. Experimental results must be interpreted using concepts which, as stated above, are themselves subject to change.

Modern physics is currently at an interesting crossroad. String theory, which may one day replace relativity and provide a unified theory of everything, is beautiful, complex and involves a great deal of creative genius on the part of its proponents. It has not yet met the true test of science, namely to make a falsifiable prediction. It is therefore pushing the boundaries, not just of human knowledge, but also between science and art.

In these notes we will try to instill not just an understanding of physical concepts as they are currently accepted, but also an appreciation for their beauty and the intellectual leaps made in their discovery.