In a world of progressing technological advancement, we are looking more into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) majors and careers. Over the past five years, education has been shifting towards our technological future. It is relying more upon the STEM fields more than ever before, with the Humanities being left as an afterthought. Even though we have been exposed to the Humanities early on in life, as the world changes, we have learned to adapt for survival.
The spotlight is on STEM majors and its job security in the digital economy. The importance of the Humanities has been pushed further and further back, and as we focus more upon the STEM majors, we are losing touch with what we have been using since we were young.
It is commonly believed that the human brain is split into two hemispheres: The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa, but it is also responsible for performing tasks of logic, while the right side of the brain performs tasks of creativity. Although a person can be either ‘left/right brain dominant’, the human brain actually works together with both sides to fulfill tasks. We may lean towards creativity or logic, but we need to have a healthy balance of both. The needs of the society are disrupting this natural balance.
Our society is more focused on preparing our next generation with securing effective jobs that would benefit our flourishing digital economy, rather than allowing them to be exposed to the Humanities as well. After the effects of the Great Recession of 2008, parents fear that the next generation will be impacted by the job market. In this context, it is more practical to estimate/extrapolate the need for specialists in the STEM majors rather than the arts.
So, what is the Humanities?
The Humanities draws focus on the Arts; Languages, Literature, Classics, History, and the Liberal Arts. All of these strands hold a place in our lives; it has been the foundation of who we are, rather than what we will become. While we do not realize it, the arts are a constant part of our lives.
Without arts, our lives would be incredibly boring. The STEM majors fuel our economy and the future, but the arts allow for students to reach their full potential, while leaning into their natural interests. In contrast, Plato, Greek philosopher known for his Theory of Forms and his work Allegory of the Cave highlights his theories of the state of the world and the ‘Forms’ (Ideas) possess a greater form of reality than the world as we see it. ‘Forms’ are seen as perfect objects/ideas that cannot exist in this reality, but what we see can simply be illusions or imitations (as described by the shadows in the Allegory of the Cave).
Plato believed that “the arts work by inflaming the passions” and therefore are mere illusions. His studies suggest that true knowledge can only be gained from ‘Forms’ and if the arts exist as illusions in our reality, that they are merely illusions or illusions and not worth indulging a life’s work in. Thousands of years later, we appear to reflect his theories through our shift towards the sciences, it’s important to think about how the arts may be appealing to our own passions and natural desires.
As time passed by, it is important to adapt the educational system and learning styles. Though in this growing digital economy, we need to take into consideration being able to nurture our students to be able to develop their ideas creatively in order to give them the freedom to enjoy the capabilities of the STEM fields. There is a belief that the humanities are not important to our future, though in actuality, the humanities are essential to our students. While it is natural for us to prepare for the future in order to get a good career, we are neglecting our right to partake in things that we do for pleasure. The modern society believes that the Humanities no longer play a crucial rule in careers – Our changing society actively relies on the Humanities in our daily lives, as they draw into our need for Journalism and Communication and Historical Development, for example.
Not only do the Humanities benefit our individual abilities, the Humanities as a whole as a part of our daily lives, in media and business. Picture a world without the Arts: No skillfully designed advertisements. No musical interludes in films. Computer programs without the graphics. No link to history; we forget who we were and how thousands of societies before ours thrived. The arts aren’t merely a distraction, they fuel our abilities to think creatively with inquiry and innovation.
Many studies are working to turn STEM into STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering, Math), as the Arts have allowed for generations to apply logical skills to creative outlets and have them work together, rather than separately. For example, children applying the skills of fractions and patterns to music, they begin to understand how logistics and creativity work hand-in-hand. By integrating Arts into STEAM, our future generations will be able to gain the understanding that many questions do not have black and white answers.
Imagine a world based only on STEM majors: A methodical and flourishing society. The economy is successful, but the world is only set on accomplishing to survive. These majors undoubtedly help us survive in an unpredictable world, but the Humanities help us enjoy and understand it. Rather than cutting the Humanities out of our future, it is more important to let our future generations decide their own future.
The Humanities not only define who we are, but it allows use to retain our humanity in a technological world.
What is the right degree? Often it depends on who you talk to.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
By Jessica G.
