Is Architecture a Science, Art and Philosophy?
This essay examines if Architecture is a Science, Art and Philosophy.
It establishes the definitions of Architecture, Art, Philosophy, Proto-Science, Pseudo- Science and Science.
Conclusions are then drawn.
Architecture
The encyclopedia and dictionary definitions of Architecture are
‘The art and science of designing buildings and (some) non building structures.’
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture
Source: Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (1993), Oxford
Art
‘Art is a diverse range of human activities in creating visual, auditory or performing artifacts (artworks), expressing the author's imaginative or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.’
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art
Philosophy
‘Philosophy (from Greek, philosophia, literally "love of wisdom") is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.’
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy
Proto Science
Before something is a science it is a proto-science. This is a study still working out its methodology. It lacks evidence of its existence. It is a wish without evidence of experimental proof. It is fictional.
The following is a reference for a list of proto sciences.
Source: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/List_of_protosciences
Pseudo Science
Pseudo Science is unquantifiable.
It describes phenomenon arising from paranormal forces. Paranormal forces are those beyond sensing or evidence or experimental proof.
Pseudo-Science begins with a conclusion and then picks out data to confirm the conclusion and ignores data that disproves it. Any effects measured that do not agree with the initial belief are not tested or proven.
Pseudo Science does not share its data.
It is driven by monetary not knowledge goals.
It uses non-precise terminology.
It is based on false data.
It uses terminology to give its argument substance.
It not impartial it appeals to tradition, to emotion and to bias.
The following is a reference for a list of pseudo sciences.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_topics_characterized_as_pseudoscience
Science
‘Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence.’
Source: http://sciencecouncil.org/about-us/our-definition-of science/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzIr_hbrR1AIVnqntCh2TOAoiEAAY
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‘the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.’
Source: https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#safe=strict&q=definition+of+science&spf=1498130927866
‘Science (from Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe.’
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science
Science is quantifiable.
It describes only phenomenon from natural forces. Forces that are able to be sensed and proven through evidence and experimental proof.
Science follows the scientific method. It forms a Hypothesis; a Theory; based on previous knowledge. It calculates to show the results of theory. It undertakes experiment to verify or disprove the original hypothesis. If experiment disagrees with the original hypothesis then the original hypothesis is wrong.
Science uses controls, adequate sampling of data sizes and double blind verification or disproving of hypothesis.
It uses peer review through publication to test its scientific method.
It uses precise terminology.
Its conclusions and new theories are driven by evidence.
It is based on probability.
It never goes beyond evidence.
It is empiricist. The theory that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses.
It is impartial and does not appeal to tradition, emotion or bias.
Conclusions
Architecture matches the definitions of Art, Philosophy and Science.
Architecture is a science, art and philosophy.
Ian K Whittaker
Websites:
https://sites.google.com/site/architecturearticles
Email: iankwhittaker@gmail.com
27/06/2017
14/10/2020
570 words over 2 pages