Romance versus Precision! Bring on the Debate

Speakers coordinator Jen Ruffner passed on this fascinating link for us to consider, which asks if cultural institutions should be in the business of "romance" or "precision"? The articles considers the nature of exhibition design and the audiences it needs to consider. The author discusses the work of Alfred North Whitehead, who after being a mathematician and a philosopher, went onto become an educator. He proposes that learning involves three stages: romance, precision, and then generalization. So, where do museums fall on the spectrum? Do we assume that visitors come to us because they already have an interest/knowledge base in the subject (precision)? Do we cater to newcomers who know nothing of which we speak (romance)? Read the article and see what you think! Please share.

http://www.sloverlinett.com/blog/2010/november/should-cultural-institutions-be-in-the-business-of-romance-or-precision-ask-your-newcomers