Do you know why we study humanities?
John Horgan (born 1953) is an American writer who was famous in 1996 for his book End of Science. He has published numerous articles in several popular newspapers, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and others. He runs the Science Writing Center at the Stevenson Institute of Technology.
In an article published in the scientific scientific journal Scientific American entitled "Why study humanities? Speaking with the students at the Faculty of Engineering, "we provide an exclusive translation at Sakia, Horgan talked about the importance of the humanities, he says:
What is the importance of the humanities? What will we gain from the study of philosophy, history, literature and soft sciences such as psychology and politics? The Commission on Humanities and Social Sciences, which consists of a group of senior academics, politicians, and corporate and leisure workers, tried to answer it in a lengthy report submitted to the US Congress. The report aims to support and counteract the lack of demand for humanities, where the impression is growing that these specialties are not expensive for students to bear the cost, as pointed out in the New York Times.
"In our quest to create a more civic public discourse, a more creative and adaptive workforce, and a safer nation, humanities and social sciences are at the heart of this issue. These sciences preserve the state by being a source of civic strength, national memory, cultural understanding, individual value and ideals that we all share. All of these things are critical and critical to the democratic community and hence these sciences need our support. "
In fact, I find this defense of human sciences in it a lot of ambiguity and ambiguity. Over the past few years I have been able to formulate my own defense of humanities while teaching a new course for new students at the Stevenson Institute of Technology. The study plan included aspects of thought, philosophy and literature in Western civilization such as Sophocles, Plato, Theodorus, Shakespeare, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Kant, (Nietzsche), Lim James (Freud), (Keynes), Elliott. Personally, I like teaching this course, but I know that most students do not want to study it. So I asked the students, "How many people would like to go beyond this decision if they were not forced?" After reassuring me that they would not hurt my feelings, all hands rose.
When I tried to investigate the origin of the problem, the students explained that they wanted to study engineering, computer science, physics, medicine, economics, digital music production and so on. There is no need for them to study these sciences, which will not benefit them anything in their careers in the future.
The answer to the question: "Do you know why this decision was imposed on them?" A provocative and arrogant answer was as follows: "The University's will to make our study more balanced and inclusive." This answer has always raised my eyebrows and amazes me. The goal is not to be able to chatter about Shakespeare or others on occasions to show off if that is what "more balanced and inclusive" means. I followed this conversation with a word about the decision: "We live in a time when science is in control of everything. That's good, I'm a science writer because I think science is the most vital, exciting and exciting thing in human culture, so I wanted to be part of it. "
In addition, two of my children are at university age and I will not hide that I would be thrilled if they decided to complete their careers in science such as engineering or medicine. I will urge them to learn more science and math as much as they can because these skills will increase their chances of getting a job of high value. However, because of the power and influence of science, we need humanity now more than ever before; what we receive most in mathematics and engineering lectures are facts, answers, and knowledge formulated by the teacher as absolutely irrefutable and mandatory. What the human sciences do is quite the opposite, it gives you the ability to question and question your convictions. Feminism undermines the demands of religion, science and politics; they take power and sanctity from them. Being able to question is a very important feature when we talk about everything that is human when we ask who we are, where we came from, what we should be. Religion is the place of religion in answering these issues. It tells us much about our origins and gives us more knowledge.
But human beings always remind us that we have a tremendous ability to deceive ourselves. They focus on the individual and give him the importance he deserves. This unique individual whose unpredictability and ability to change is difficult to predict. Our societies are constantly changing because of science and technology, yet human beings still resist the explanations and explanations offered by science. Humanities are more interested in questioning and give preference to answers. Therefore, we will fight in this course with great questions. Like the truth? How do we know that what we do is right or wrong? Why do we think that some things are true and others are wrong and should not be done at the individual or social level?
In addition to questions, the meaning of life? What is the purpose? Are we supposed to seek happiness and make it a goal in life? If yes, what is happiness? Is happiness in itself the end or is it just a side-view of the highest goals? As possessing more knowledge or minimizing the suffering of others?
Each of you should find your own version of the answer to these questions. Socrates, one of the philosophers we will study together, thinks it is wise to know how ignorant and ignorant you are.
If you can do my job perfectly, you must be able to answer anyone who imposes himself upon you as a knowledge authority. They will ask all you have to say about the nature of truth, the purpose of life, and the meaning of being a good person. This is the essence and purpose of the human sciences. It is our reservation from our constant pursuit of dogmatism.
