Art Quote by William Whewell
“The object of science is knowledge; the objects of art are works. In art, truth is the means to an end; in science, it is the only end. Hence the practical arts are not to be classed among the sciences”
About This Quote
Source Book: Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, William Whewell, 1840
Science seeks truth as its ultimate goal, while art uses truth as a tool to achieve other purposes; practical arts differ from pure sciences.
In simple terms: Science aims for truth; art uses truth for other ends.
Key Takeaway
Recognize different goals of science and art.
Themes
knowledge
truth
purpose
art
science
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- research labs
- creative studios
- education
- policy making
- public communication
Key Concepts
epistemology
aesthetics
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance truth and creativity in your work?
- When should practical outcomes outweigh pure knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Art may prioritize expression over factual accuracy, limiting its utility for empirical problem solving.
![“We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in general. I should incline to call him a scientist. [The first use of the word.]” quote by William Whewell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c81/william-whewell-17887_firsts_we-need-very-much-a-name-to-describe-a-c_609740.jpg)
