Publishing
Challenging the Divide: Approaches to Science and Poetry
Erica Jolly
Ever since Descartes there has been vigorous debate about the separation of mind and body, and of rational thought and feeling. Challenging the Divide argues against dualistic views and proposes a re-engagement and cross-fertilisation between the ‘sciences’ (rational, supposedly dispassionate, thought) and ‘poetry’ (the arts, and felt thought and emotions). Contemporary scientists and poets offer their views on how both modes of thinking inspire and inform their work.
Australian scientists and poets have contributed essays and poems, and the work of international writers such as Lewis Thomas, Miroslav Holub and Primo Levi is discussed.
Erica Jolly puts the case for cross-disciplinary approaches in schools, to excite the curiosity and imagination of students.
As Nobel Prize-winner Professor Peter C. Doherty says in his contribution to this book, ‘the more that we can do to give our young people a solid acquaintance with both the sciences and the humanities the better our society will be’.
For further information on the Challenging the Divide project, visit www.challengingthedivide.com.au.
"[Erica Jolly] has undertaken a brief historical overview of the cross-fertilisation of the arts and sciences and gathered together an impressive range of evidence from contemporary scientists and poets on how the two modes of thinking inspire and inform their work. [She] puts an engaging personal case for cross-disciplinary approaches in schools ... supported with compelling responses from Australian and American scientists and examples of installations and poetry from international and Australian ... practitioners."
Katharine England, Advertiser
ISBN: 978 1 921013 25 6
Format: 244 pages, paperback (240 x 165 mm)
Price: $29.95
Add this book to my online order | Download printable order form