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Abstract
Stories and causal theories are examples of two rather different ways that we make sense of the world. Stories are an example of how we make sense of the world with art, while causal theories are examples of how we make sense of the world with science. Good art dwells with the particular in a way that connects with the audience. We see it and we understand in a way that allows us to understand our world a little differently, a little more. That understanding tends to be embodied, felt, and individual. In contrast, good science offers us a generalized theory that explains how some aspect of the world works in a cognitive, intellectual way. Artistic sensemaking is divergent, subjective, and embraces contradiction and paradox. Scientific sensemaking is convergent, objective, and strives for reliability and validity. Artistic forms seek essence. Scientific forms seek prediction and control.