In art, truth is a means to an end; in science, it is the only end.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- In art, truth serves a purpose; in science, truth is the ultimate goal.
- In plain terms
- Art uses truth as a tool, while science seeks truth itself.
- What can you take from it?
- Distinguish between utilitarian and intrinsic aims of truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does art seek truth intrinsically?
- Can science have instrumental truth?
Another view
Art can also pursue truth for its own sake.
More from William Whewell
Man is the interpreter of nature, science the right interpretation.
Permalink to quote #8 The catastrophist constructs theories, the uniformitarian demolishes them.
Permalink to quote #10 It is a test of true theories not only to account for but to predict phenomena.
Permalink to quote #11
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