Exploring the purpose and significance of theory in arts and health

Blog post written by Palani Te, University of Florida

Researchers from our group have been meeting monthly to discuss key topics that cut across public health, arts, theory, and sociology. For April 2025, we were delighted to welcome Palani Te (known as “Te”), a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Florida, for an online discussion exploring the role of theory in arts and health. Te had previously connected with PATHS members at the Research Primer (January 2025) hosted at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine.

During this meeting, I introduced a conceptual framework that I developed as part of my dissertation and facilitated a discussion on the purpose, perspectives, and significance of theory in arts and health research. In this blog, I reflect on some of the key takeaways from the conversation.

Takeaway 1: Purpose, Utility, and Process

I began by posing a broad and thought-provoking question to the group: What is the purpose of theory? 

Insightful perspectives were shared regarding how theory relates to the study of music and pain, focusing on the interplay between private/personal and public space. Further discussion included how music serves as a vehicle for communication, encompassing identity, emotions, personal experiences, and preferences. We also expanded on the discussion by questioning the term "purpose" itself, noting its quantitative and instrumental nature and how various philosophies and perspectives shape its use in theory. This led to my first takeaway: the way we discuss theory is influenced by personal experience, research perspectives, and personal scientific philosophies. Some researchers view theory as a tool for mapping relationships between variables, while others see it as a more embedded process of understanding.

Takeaway 2: When Are You Ever Done?

The next takeaway centred around the idea of completion in theorising. One member of the group, another recent graduate, reflected on her own work, describing theory as an ongoing process of building a foundation rather than producing a final product. And another member of the group added that the context in which knowledge is generated is always evolving, emphasising the need for a dynamic and adaptable understanding of theory.

A "devil’s advocate" perspective was posed, suggesting that at some point in the theorizing process, one might feel there is nothing left to add. Excitement around theory arises from its flexibility—sometimes, the more flawed a theory, the more workable it becomes. The need for critical perspectives that question mainstream narratives was also raised, advocating for a more equitable approach to theory by de-centring dominant perspectives.

Takeaway 3: Dark Matter, Surgery, Evolution, and Penguins

The third takeaway stemmed from a lively discussion that traversed a range of topics. A member of the group introduced the concept of "dark matter" to highlight how theory can sometimes be elusive - you don’t know what you’re looking for until you find it. And then we explored how intuition plays a critical role in fields like surgery (e.g., the work of Roger Kneebone), where expertise and experience help guide practitioners to understand complex situations.

One of my favourite moments came when we explored the provocation of whether people would believe in the theory of evolution if it were introduced today. This reflected a critique of the over-reliance on a certain kind of impact-driven empirical evidence linked to the rise of scientism (that also underpins evidence-based policymaking), which sometimes stifles exploratory theoretical developments and discussions. We also discussed technological advancements and how increasing access to data has made it more challenging to incorporate personal voices into theory, especially as we become increasingly reliant on empirical measures.

We also talked about how, in the process of theory-building, there comes a point in which theory is no longer accepted or agreed on when we try too hard to make something plausible or feasible. We explored an example of a reference to flying penguins as part of an April Fools’ joke, illustrating how it's important to elucidate mechanisms of theory-building. The use of theory should come with a feeling or sense of responsibility. As discussions continued, one member of the group pointed out that some theories become so complex they lose their practicality, while another warned that distinguishing accurate information from misinformation is becoming harder in today’s digital age.

Looking to the Future: Fostering Critical Discussions of Theory

Reflecting on the PATHS research group meeting, I appreciated the opportunity to engage with a diverse and intellectually stimulating group of scholars. The session not only deepened my understanding of theoretical discussions in arts and health but also highlighted the importance of creating spaces for critical dialogue in academic settings.

I would like to continue fostering these kinds of discussions, both in my own research and in collaborative spaces with other scholars. As my career progresses, I hope to contribute to the development of more dynamic, open, and interdisciplinary conversations about theory in arts and health, recognising the need for such discourse to advance the field.

The PATHS research group meeting was a reminder of the significance of theory in arts and health research. Theory is not a static set of principles but as a process that evolves, adapts, and should invite critical, often playful, conversation.

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