Should scientists study art and literature?

Should scientists study art and literature?

According to Chad Orzell, the answer is a resounding “yes!”

Orzell is an associate professor in the department of physics and astronomy at Union College, a small liberal arts institution in Schenectady, New York. He holds an undergraduate degree in physics and a Ph.D. in chemical physics. In addition to teaching science, he also writes about physics and science as a contributor to Forbes.

He penned an article titled “Why Scientists Should Study Art and Literature,” which was posted to Forbes’ website October 28. Orzel notes that many scholars of “the humanities” – a term he hates – have written extensively on the benefits of a well-rounded education. The problem, he says, isn’t that he disagrees with them. It’s just that he doesn’t like the way the frame their arguments.

Orzell writes:

So, what follows is an attempt by someone who is a scientist by training and inclination to give a reasonably specific and concrete argument for why even people who plan to pursue careers in the STEM fields ought to study “the humanities.” I’m trying to emphasize practical benefits here– not the crass 'employers want ‘soft skills’ so taking English will help you get a job” sort, but “this is how these subjects will help you be a better scientist or engineer”– because that’s what I usually find missing from these articles, and I suspect the same is true for many other people of a scientific bent.

It’s an excellent article. Read it here.