Isa Abdul-Aziz
Humanities
Week 8 submission
Chp1
The Interplay of Symmetry in Art, Science, and Human Evolution
In the document “Origins of Art and Science,” it speaks about how deeply entwined the evolutionary journey of humanity is. The document traces this fascinating narrative, highlighting the role of symmetry as a unifying thread in our development as creators and thinkers. From the aesthetic sensibilities of early humans to the sophisticated principles underlying modern science, symmetry has been a cornerstone of our ability to perceive, organize, and innovate.
Human creativity emerged well before the advent of written language, as evidenced by the symbolic and aesthetic accomplishments of early Homo sapiens. Art and science are forms of knowledge-making that attempt to understand the natural world by using the imagination to order things that appear unpredictable. (ML8 10:29) Between 40,000 and 15,000 years ago, cave paintings, and sculptures like the Lion-Man, and the Venus figures demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of form and symbolism. These artifacts not only reveal artistic expression but also an expanded cognitive capacity to use symbols, an ability that laid the groundwork for language and scientific reasoning. The symbols represented explanations (often represented in speech, song, dance, myth, ritual, or architecture) of the natural world based on a series of observations. (ML8 4:54)
This innate aesthetic instinct is also evident in the evolution of tools. Early stone tools, particularly hand axes, were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with their symmetry and precision reflecting cognitive advances and hand-eye coordination. The functions of these tools were not just to cut meat but to create something aesthetic, symbols status, and control beyond their immediate functions. (ML8 1:51). These tools symbolize the intersection of utility and beauty, demonstrating that the roots of art and science were interwoven from the very beginning.
Symmetry has long held a unique appeal for me as I am a designer. Symmetry resonates with me with both our physical structure and our environment. From the bilateral symmetry of the human body to the recurring patterns in a bed of flowers, nature is saturated with symmetry, which we internalize as a marker of order and beauty. “We need to recognize also that sometimes the actual universe is more fascinating than even our imagination” - Prof. Krauss NPR interview. This natural predisposition has influenced art and architecture throughout history, from the careful shaping of ancient hand axes to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, to current data centers and information networks.
Symmetry also plays a critical role in our perception. It provides a sense of balance and harmony, helping us make sense of the world. Art and science are forms of knowledge-making that attempt to understand the natural world by using the imagination to order things that appear unpredictable. (ML8 10:29). Our appreciation for symmetry likely contributed to the emergence of complex cultural practices, as we sought to reflect the order they observed in nature within their creations. Science is knowledge made explicit through reasoning and observation using imagination. (ML8 8:49) This ability to uncover universal truths through symmetry and to make sense underscores its centrality in human attempts to understand and manipulate the natural world.
Symmetry has been a constant and unifying principle in human evolution, linking art and science as parallel expressions of our drive to comprehend, define, and create. From the symbolic instincts of early humans to the theoretical frameworks of modern physics, symmetry reflects our pursuit of order, beauty, and perfecting. It has not only shaped how we see the world but also how we have transformed it, cementing its role as a foundational element of human progress, and our survival.
Sources:
Eret, Dylan. “Fearful Symmetries: The Evolution of Art and Science.” YouTube, 8th Mirco Lecture (ML8), 7 Nov. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UJQcwglRo. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Palmedo, Roger. Deep Affinities: Art and Science. Publishing, 2020. PDF
Brainard, Curtis. “Connecting Science and Art.” NPR, 8 Apr. 2011, www.npr.org/2011/04/08/135241869/connecting-science-and-art. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Chp 2
The Violin and the Nile
Chp 3
Mapping My Area
It’s difficult to describe where I live because the interplay of people here tells a story of constant migration and change. I live on the border between North and West Oakland, an area marked by a complex mix of residential spaces, commercial businesses, and the ongoing forces of migration and gentrification. Just a block from the MacArthur BART station, this intersection of people and cultures offers countless stories.
The African American community has some of the longest-standing residents in this area, though it isn’t as densely populated as the deeper parts of East Oakland. This is significant considering that, in the 1980s and 1990s, this was regarded as one of the blackest parts of the city. Many African Americans came here during the Great Migration, escaping the Jim Crow South in search of jobs and opportunities. Unfortunately, as the Black population grew, white residents fled to the suburbs, taking their wealth and political influence with them, an all-too-common story of a country unprepared for integration.
For years, Oakland was defined by decline and neglect, brought on by deindustrialization. However, with the rise of the tech and finance industries in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, Oakland has started to attract investment. Yet, without a safety net or an inclusive economic strategy, many residents are at risk of being pushed out. Developers, often motivated by profit, focus on convenience apartments and residential spaces that cater to wealthier newcomers, while neglecting the needs of the broader community.
At the same time, immigrant communities have brought vibrancy and resilience to Oakland, opening restaurants and service businesses that enrich the area. East African, Nigerian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic communities contribute to a diverse tapestry of cuisine, culture, and interaction. There’s even been a shift in education—dual-language programs are emerging, with schools teaching Mandarin and Spanish starting in kindergarten.
Still, as I walk through the neighborhood, I see homelessness everywhere. It’s a stark reminder that, despite humanity’s capacity for innovation and progress, self-interest and conquest often dominate. Migration and gentrification aren’t the core issues in 2024; apathy and the lack of empathy for those outside our own experiences are far more pressing.
This neighborhood is still in transition. Yet, I hold onto hope that some semblance of the indigenous Black and brown communities can find a way to coexist and thrive here. The challenges are immense, but so is the potential for a future that honors the area’s history while creating space for everyone.