1.2 . Value of Humanities in the present times

 

By studying the Humanities— philosophy, literature, religion, art, music, history and language— we broaden our intellectual foundation. Students learn that “most human situations defy a single correct answer,  that life itself is rarely, if ever, as precise as a math problem, as clear as an elegant equation.” When students study the Humanities, they learn “how individuals, organizations, and nations act on their desires and concerns. They gain historical and cultural perspectives, and critical thinking skills that help them collaborate with people across the globe, as  well as communication skills that enable them to listen, explain, and inspire” (Fitzgerald). 

Studying the Humanities exposes students to creative ideas from great minds outside of science that they can then apply to their own work. The study of the sciences is not just physical but also intellectual. Studying the Humanities helps students to connect ideas across curricula through exposure to language, history, culture and ideas from other times and places. Communication is an essential skill for all students to master. Humanities study strengthens  our students’ ability to communicate clearly with others. 

The Humanities expand students’ communication skills by enhancing their ability to express themselves through the ideas deeply  rooted in the Humanities. By studying the Humanities, students build skills in critical thinking,  research, reading, and writing, which help to create effective oral and written communicators. 

Education in the Humanities benefits students by helping them to communicate with the non- academic world. Academic, scientific, and technological language can be difficult to understand. An  education which includes the Humanities provides students with essential advantages over those  who choose a hyper-focused education model. Learning to construct a sound argument and  communicate complex ideas and research findings to those not familiar with the language of a  particular field of expertise is vital in our rapidly growing technology-based global society.

The Humanities fill a great need in our society; encourage students to think critically and creatively. They teach students to  contemplate humanity and to inquire about the complex world around them. The questions raised in  literature, philosophy, and religion courses teach students to think critically and listen actively, helping students to make connections naturally between Humanities and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The complicated world we live in will require citizens who have been taught to think logically and  objectively about complex ideas to find creative solutions for the challenges of a global society.

 The Humanities develop students’ analytical thinking skills, which are key in helping students to gather information, articulate, visualize, and solve complex  problems. Studies within the Humanities teach students to evaluate complex and sometimes  imperfect or incomplete information by weighing the evidence skeptically and considering more  than one side of every question.

Why do we educate our society? What is the purpose of education? Many educated, knowledgeable, and well-respected people in history argued that the purpose of education is to create good citizens and leaders who are prepared to fulfill their civic and cultural responsibilities. If students are not educated about where we have been as a society and are not given an  opportunity to learn from the past, how are they to become responsible citizens and leaders? One of the most important elements of a Humanities education is preparing students to  fulfill their civic and cultural responsibilities, transforming students into informed, conscientious, engaged citizens. An engaged and informed public body is vital to a flourishing and healthy  democracy. 

Without an understanding of philosophy, history, and classical literature, it is nearly impossible to truly grasp the country's politics. In order to thrive in the 21st century, the focus must not only be on educating our students,  but helping our students to learn how to learn. Students today must develop the capacity for critical  thinking, effective communication, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students must be  culturally and globally aware citizens, and have a developed sense of  personal and collective responsibility.

Activity:

What are the values of studying humanities in present times?

Post your answers in the comment box.