05/18/19 SCIENCE CAN'T FATHOM THE BEAUTY OF A BACH FUGUE

SCIENCE CAN'T FATHOM THE BEAUTY OF A BACH FUGUE

To the question asked in ''Can science make sense of everything?'' (Books, Apr. 20), the answer, of course, is no. Probably no one has been more clear about the distinctions between truths of the mind (science) and truths of the spirit (the arts, religion, feelings) than Edith Hamilton, who understood both truths, especially as they coexisted in ancient Greece.
Since to doubt and to question is the way of the mind, the truths of the mind are constantly being modified. The truths of the spirit, on the other hand, are of no time and all time. They are there for the humblest and the mightiest to experience. A play by Euripides, a Bach fugue, a book from the Bible are complete unto themselves. It would be ironic if in the 21st century, scientists, like the medieval Church, set themselves up to define not only the truths of science but also those of religion, art, and the realm of feelings, like justice, compassion, love, and their counterparts. Those who did not believe in these definitions could be drummed out of their professions, and in a monolithic system of thought such exclusion could amount to a living death. That would be one way to achieve what Edward O. Wilson calls ''consilience.''
However, tomorrow's scientists may have one more string in their bows that was lacking in the past. It just may be possible to use gene manipulation and elimination to modify the human species so that it will fit into a society that is almost ant-like in its simplicity, efficiency, and conformity. And that would be another way to achieve consilience.
Helen Myers
Claremont, Calif.