Abstract

This is an attempt to answer the following question in the affirmative: Is it possible to draw a parallel between science and art? To carry out this task successfully, Bas van Fraassen’s account on the subject is introduced and discussed. The prominent philosopher of science has frequently presented solid arguments that demonstrate points of proximity between these two fields of human activity. He stresses that science and art should both be considered as domains of representational nature. On this ground, he sets off to show that science, as is the case with art, bears a decisive pragmatic aspect, often depends on inaccuracy in order to achieve its aim, and manifests an openness to interpretational pluralism. Eventually, it becomes evident that van Fraassen tackles the issue of the science-art relation to reinforce his antirealist philosophical stance and undermine key concepts of scientific realism. Still, his effort to ‘save’ antirealism while making a major contribution to lift the prevalent notion that science and art are worlds apart is truly stimulating.