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DEBATING THE HUMANITIES: (FOR: (The Humanities Teach Us Important Skills,…

- - - - One opinion states that the skills taught by a Liberal Arts Degree are meaningless in the current economy and can be easily picked up without education. The author argues that you don't need a Liberal Arts Degree to become a good writer or well read, but you do need an Engineering Degree to design a rocket or new technology.
        Tobak, Steve. “The Evils of a Liberal Arts Education.” Fox Business, 05 Nov. 2015, www.foxbusiness.com/features/2015/11/05/evils-liberal-arts-education.html. Accessed 08 Feb. 2018.
      - Like the article below, the author believes that a Liberal Arts education is useless today, something that should be avoided at all costs. Moreover, the author argues that the skills taught in a Liberal Arts Education can be easily acquired elsewhere. #
- - - - Some believe that studying the humanities can help learn essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. These skills are necessary for a successful career and are often not taught in other areas of education, especially in the economic sector.
        Ray, Edward J. “The Value of a Liberal Arts Education in Today’s Global Marketplace.” The Huffington Post, 24 July 2013, www.huffingtonpost.com/edward-j-ray/the-value -of-a-liberal-arts-education_b_3647765.html. Accessed 30 Jan. 2018.
      - This is an interesting point of view. It is important for people, especially younger ones, to learn how to critically think so they can solve problems that may arise in this ever-changing society. Likewise, empathy is always increasing in importance as the world becomes more connected.
  - - - The concept of "humanity” is fictional, not natural. Thus, it must be taught to humans through education and socialization. By teaching the humanities, humans can build a strong, cohesive society that functions on a superior level and communicates peacefully with other societies.
        McCumber, John. “How Humanities Can Help Fix the World.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, 02 Oct. 2016, www.chronicle.com/article/How-Humanities-Can- Help-Fix/ 237955. Accessed 30 Jan. 2018.
      - This point expands the idea that not only is learning the humanities good on an individual level, but it is also essential on a societal one. In order to function properly as a society and even a species, we must all hold similar ideas about how to treat and interact with one another.
  - - - Liberal Arts Degrees expand the minds of young students; allowing them to question the impact inventions will have on society as a whole, among other things. Because of this, those with Liberal Art Degrees are highly sought after in the tech industry. Tech leaders are now seeking people who can creatively think, lead groups, and explore murky issues.
        Samsel, Haley. “Your 'useless' liberal arts degree can give you an edge in tech. Here's why.” USA TODAY, 09 Aug. 2017, http://college.usatoday.com/2017/08/09/useless- liberal-arts- degree- can-give-you-an-edge-in-tech-heres-why/. Accessed 08 Feb. 2018.
      - In contrast to previous articles, this one proposes that business leaders are actually seeking out people with a Liberal Arts Degree because of the unique skills they have learned. This would mean that a Liberal Arts Degree does indeed have value in our current economy and that it may be more in-demand in the future.
  - - - By studying the humanities, we can learn not only about other cultures and our history but about ourselves as well. The humanities allow us to continue developing as humans, to expand our rights and beliefs. If we stop studying them, then we relinquish any advancements we have made.
        Churchwell, Sarah. “Why the Humanities Matter.” Times Higher Education, 13 Nov. 2014,www.timeshighereducation.com/comment/opinion/sarah-churchwell-why -the- humanities-matter/2016909.article#survey-answer. Accessed 09 Feb. 2018.
      - Really liked this article. Basically, without the study of humanities, we are at risk of losing our individual freedoms. Our current system tries to group us as consumers or workers, but this process takes away our individuality and possibility of advancement. Thus, the humanities can liberate us.