Neuroscience + Art

At UCLA, neuroscience is considered the most difficult major within life sciences. I have always imagined as a deeply factual and objective field, and for that, extremely intimidating. However, as Frazzetto and Anker point out in Neuroculture, neuroscience has captivated the masses. More specifically, I was intrigued by the interaction of drugs and brain experience presented in this week’s readings and lectures.

Hoffman tried to ride home on bike after ingesting LSD.

When it was discovered, LSD was not immediately hidden and detained from public. Albert Hoffman accidentally ingested a piece of the drug, but then later purposefully consumed it and experienced extreme altered perceptions, vivid colors, and a lack of control over his physical place. He feared that he had been taken over by a monster. Once coming down from the altered reality, he then realized that what he had discovered was unlike anything else, and had the potential to possibly treat and teach other people.

Psychedelic colors supposedly seen during LSD

The interactions that create the drug are scientific, but the experience does not parallel a scientific report - it rather tends towards the opposite. The result is a wild world of different colors not normally seen and odd feelings of stance and place. It is highly subjective.

I am intrigued by Hoffman’s first intentional experience with LSD. Fear, as The Amygdaloids sing, is a predominant force in human nature: it cannot be ignored. I imagine that not have the security of knowing that he would return to reality during his trip was one of the most terrifying of Hoffman’s life. As aforementioned, fear is a motivating factor for humans, but it appears that the radical exploration of different worlds can overcome the biological emotion.

Timothy Leary was later stripped of his job at Harvard.

Many other intellectuals also advocated for the use of psychedelic drugs. At Harvard, Professor Timothy Leary used it in experiments on graduate students. He believed it offered a “profound mystical experience.” LSD represents a challenging enigma - advocates view it as a way to reframe our world and arguably see it more artistically. Opponents claim that it is extremely harmful and deflates the beauty that is natural and real in the world.

Some might say that it is hard to determine if lab work is science or art, but I think that that touches upon the central theme of this class: they are not two exclusive groups. The creation of LSD allows those who support it, such as Timothy Leary, to experience his life in a new artistic field.

Sources:

Uconlineprogram. "Neuroscience pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 16 May 2012. Web. 22 May 2017.

Theamygdaloids. "Fearing - The Amygdaloids." YouTube. YouTube, 14 July 2010. Web. 21 May 2017.

Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Neuroscience(2009): 1-7. Web. 20 May 2017.

"Department of Psychology." Timothy Leary. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2017.

"Watch Truth About Drugs Documentary Video & Learn About Substance Addiction. Get The Facts About Painkillers, Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth & Other Illegal Drugs." Foundation for a Drug-Free World. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2017.