Week 7: Neuroscience and Art

The brain separated into its different regions

The incorporation of art and neuroscience seems different from the other topics we covered in class. Different from robotics, math, and MedTech; neuroscience seems to be a naturally beautiful, rather than a component of science being used for art. The neural networks, LSD, cocaine seemed to play purposes ingrained in art, rather than being repurposed for the sake of art. I found it interesting how Ramon y Cajal said only artists are attracted to science, and the left brain and right brain were joined together. Once again, it is drawn back to the incorporation of the two cultures and how art and science are naturally ingrained in one another. 

A brain network visualized by computers

Tripping on LSD can be beautiful in one's mind
allowing them to view the world differently

              Regarding the different forms of psychoanalysis, I find it interesting how Young’s view relates to epigenetics. In a class I took for Biotechnology in Society, we studied epigenetics, which showed how people had certain genetic code at birth, but only regulation was changed throughout life. This is like the existence of a birth layer of unconsciousness, where the dreams and symbols change over time.  To me I find it interesting how from human birth, we can have some parts of our lives predetermined. This is relevant in daily life, as people follow horoscopes, and believe in concepts that predetermine our personalities based on time of birth or other concepts.

Another aspect that is important is the incorporation of LSD and cocaine into art. The description of LSD given as seeing the world in a different perspective makes it seem indicative of what art does; art lets people observe a different perspective of the world, and come up with their own understanding. By enabling a different state of mind, it seems possible for people to come up with a new incorporation of art.

Sources:

Cohen, Mark Ph.D. (2012, May 12). Neuroscience.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=255&v=eDq8uTROeXU. /

Online, UC. “Neuroscience-pt2.Mov.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv4owX3MZo.

Online, UC. “Neuroscience-pt2.Mov.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv4owX3MZo.

Online, UC. “Neuroscience pt3.” YouTube, YouTube, 16 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0.

Jung, Carl Gustav. "The spiritual problem of modern man." Modern man in search of a soul (1928): 196-220.