The Need for the Humanities
The debate surrounding the relevance of the humanities in contemporary higher education institutions has intensified in recent years. Multifaceted challenges posed by the reduction and elimination of humanities programs, often overlook the societal implications and ethical concerns associated with the trend of cutting humanities programs and courses. In the intricate tapestry of education, the humanities stand as pillars of profound understanding, fostering intellectual growth and shaping individuals into thoughtful, empathetic citizens. This is the paramount importance of the humanities in education; its ability to cultivate critical thinking, broaden perspectives, and instill a profound sense of interconnectedness within the global community.
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“Back then we were two-hundred people and half of our company was made up of computer science majors or engineers. So, we changed the way we recruited and trained. And while we still sought after computer engineers and computer science majors, we sprinkled in artists, musicians, writers. Our chief technology officer was an English major and he was a bike messenger in Manhattan. And today, we’re a thousand people, yet still less than a hundred have degrees in computer science or engineering. We’re the number one player in our market. We work with the fastest-growing software package to ever reach 10 billion dollars in annual sales. So, it’s working. Meanwhile, the push for STEM-based education in this country–science, technology, engineering, mathematics–is fierce. It’s in all of our faces. And this is a colossal mistake. Since 2009, STEM majors in the United States have increased by 43%, while the humanities have stayed flat. Our past president at the expense of other subjects, and our current president recently redirected 200 million dollars of Department of Education funding into computer science” (Berridge).
In the complex landscape of today's world, the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information is essential. Humanities subjects, such as philosophy and literature, provide a fertile ground for students to engage in thoughtful reflection and develop analytical prowess. The examination of diverse perspectives in these disciplines equips individuals to navigate the nuances of real-world challenges with nuance and discernment. In addition, the humanities play a pivotal role in shaping ethical and moral frameworks. Philosophy, in particular, challenges individuals to grapple with profound questions about morality, justice, and the nature of existence. By engaging with ethical dilemmas presented in literature, history, and philosophy, students develop a nuanced understanding of right and wrong.
Through the study of history, literature, and the arts, students gain insights into the diverse narratives that have shaped societies. This cultural literacy not only fosters a deep appreciation for human achievements but also promotes empathy by allowing individuals to understand and relate to the experiences of others, irrespective of cultural differences. The reduction of foreign language departments and the potential elimination of majors in history, philosophy, and English literature underscore a shift in priorities that may compromise the transmission of wisdom, understandings of history, and inherent empathy essential for a well-rounded citizenry.
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“We shouldn't overvalue STEM. We shouldn't value the sciences any more than we value the humanities...the skills that are imperative and differentiated in a world with intuitive technology are the skills that help us to work together as humans, where the hard work is envisioning the end product and its usefulness, which requires real-world experience and judgment and historical context…and while the sciences teach us how to build things, it's the humanities that teach us what to build and why to build them. And they're equally as important, and they're just as hard” (Berridge).
Bibliography
Berridge, Eric. Why tech needs the humanities. TED: 2018. https://youtu.be/F2XPF6rQ6fs?si=VjUIB_7oTel8T3TT
TED: https://www.ted.com/
