Science

Gombrich’s use of science as a model makes particular reference to the theory of science developed by Karl Popper. Gombrich draws extensively on this model, summarising Popper’s key ideas: essentialism, abstraction, ‘trial and error’, World 3 and Objectivity. However, it is immediately obvious that there are substantial differences between the ways in which science and art operate. In the case of science, the results can be evaluated. What, however, are the results —and value— of art? These differences led Gombrich to view the task of art as an aesthetic of effects, a search for formulas capable of arousing specific responses in its audience. This development required him to add a ‘Trigger Theory’ to Popper’s ideas to explain human (and animal) responses to certain configurations. Nonetheless, on their own the two theories are still insufficient, necessitating the introduction of a further factor, the subjective response.