It is common to hear
undergraduates and recent college graduates preparing for a career in science complain:
“I think I wasted a lot of time in college being forced to take humanities
classes that had nothing to do with my area of study.” This is one of many
manifestations of the
ongoing centuries-long battle over the relationship
between the sciences and the humanities.
The need for science majors to
take courses in the humanities has been contentious ever since. It’s difficult
for the undergraduate to determine the desirability of taking courses in humanities
or which and how many to take.
Keeping this in our mind, the
following reasons can help us to understand why students pursuing science
careers should augment their education with a strong foundation in the
humanities.
1. Humanities help you fulfill
your civic and cultural responsibilities.
Humanities provide an insightful
understanding into moral, ethical, political, and ideological forces. A
successful society depends upon philanthropy, charity, civility, compassion,
and generosity and the humanities evaluate and emphasize the importance of
these characteristics. The liberal arts introduce aesthetic values to the student.
While it may not be obvious how these characteristics are essential to finding
a research position in academia or industry, they are a key to a full and
meaningful life.
2. Studying humanities allows you to become familiar with and use the
creative ideas from great minds outside of science.
Biography, literature, and
history offer a window into the understanding of human nature and society. They
introduce us to thoughts and ideas from outside our specialist areas and can
have relevance to finding new directions and enhance creative thinking.
3. The state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and
techniques you learn in college have a limited shelf life; mastering humanities
provides tools for extending it.
Just as cars have an approximate
10-year road life and high-tech gadgets last 2 or 3 years before they become
obsolete, the preparation for a scientific career one receives in graduate
school leaves the individual competitive for a finite period only. The study of
humanities, both in its pursuit and the perspective it provides, rewards the
student with the skills needed for self-critical reflection, adaptability, and
self-teaching. These are the functions needed to be an independent learner,
thereby extending one’s scientific knowledge and teaching abilities throughout
his or her professional career.
4. Humanities study strengthens your ability to
communicate and work with others.
Scientists bother at the
stereotype held by some people that they belong to a class of socially awkward
“geeks” that are unable to communicate their ideas clearly. The old “classical”
liberal arts education was pursued in large measure because the materials
studied and the methods of study enhanced one’s ability to work well with
others and communicate properly via the spoken and written word. These rewards
still apply and remain useful in securing good jobs, gaining advancement and
promotions, and obtaining grants.
5. You can gain knowledge of foreign languages and
foreign cultures.
With globalization, this is
increasingly seen as a requirement for a successful career in commerce and industry.
It is also helpful in science and medicine. Although we assume English to be
the universal language of science and medicine, this isn’t the case in every
country. Moreover, all non-English speaking countries retain their national pride.
6. Humanities study helps you understand the impact that
science and technology has had on society and understand the future scientific
needs of society.
The study of literature, history,
and philosophy throw light on the influence science has had on the quality of
people’s lives and on the shaping of society, both positively and negatively.
These studies also inform us of society’s needs and are important
considerations for the concerned scientist to appreciate and learn from,
including the consideration in where he or she chooses to work and what
projects they undertake.
7. Interdisciplinary learning adds value to one’s degree.
In a significant measure, the
degree we receive after our graduation defines and symbolizes who we are and
what we are qualified to do. But its true value is derived from what we have
put into our head and our heart. A broad knowledge that includes the essentials
of the humanities is an important complement to our scientific training.
In a nutshell, the knowledge
of values gained through the study of the humanities could have a far
reaching effect on you as a technocrat.
