"I think the perception of there being a deep gulf between science and the humanities is false"

Clifford Geertz’s assertion that the gulf between science and the humanities is an illusion points to a fundamental unity in the ways humans seek to understand the world. For centuries, academic and cultural discourse has often placed the scientific and humanistic traditions in opposition, suggesting that science is objective, empirical, and progressive, while the humanities are subjective, interpretive, and reflective. This dichotomy, however, oversimplifies the actual practices and aims of each domain.

Science and the humanities share foundational intellectual virtues: curiosity, skepticism, rigor, and the search for meaning. Both traditions pursue knowledge, though their tools and languages may differ. Science seeks patterns in the observable world, employing methods designed to control for bias and uncover general laws or mechanisms. Humanities, on the other hand, involve critical engagement with texts, histories, and ideas, interrogating meanings, contexts, and values. Despite these methodological differences, both are deeply interpretative, scientists interpret data, formulate theories, and debate their significance; humanists interpret texts, artifacts, and cultural phenomena, constantly re-examining assumptions.

The supposed divide also overlooks how the humanities support science by framing questions about ethics, history, and societal consequence, while scientific advances continuously reshape the concerns and forms of art, literature, and philosophy. Thinkers throughout history, like Leonardo da Vinci or Ada Lovelace, blurred these boundaries, demonstrating that insight often emerges from the confluence of distinct traditions.

Geertz, as an anthropologist, embodies this synthesis. Anthropology, living at the intersection of empirical research and interpretive analysis, exemplifies how understanding human life requires both approaches. Recognizing the complementary relationship between science and the humanities encourages richer inquiry and collaborative solutions to complex problems. The persistence of the “deep gulf” myth limits intellectual potential and social progress by discouraging dialogue and mutual respect. Bridging this perceived gap is essential for holistic education and addressing the profound challenges of our time.