Science gives answers to the way things work and provides never ending questions, and the world relies on science to function. For example, our society depends on devices such as a smart phones, which were created as a product of science. It is extremely difficult to live in our society without skill and knowledge of technology, thus making science a necessity to survive. This does not mean the humanities are a lesser necessity. In fact, the humanities encompass who we are as humans and the meaning of life. Although science and the humanities are different in many ways, they provide the same quality of work to life. We simply could not survive with just science or just art. They work together in harmony. In an article by John Horgan, he describes the importance of science and the humanities combined: "We live in a world increasingly dominated by science. And that's fine. I became a science writer because I think science is the most exciting, dynamic, consequential part of human culture, and I wanted to be a part of that. Also, I have two college-age kids, and I'd be thrilled if they pursued careers in science, engineering or medicine. I certainly want them to learn as much science and math as they can, because those skills can help you get a great job. But it is precisely because science is so powerful that we need the humanities now more than ever. In your science, mathematics and engineering classes, you're given facts, answers, knowledge, truth. Your professors say, "This is how things are." They give you certainty. The humanities, at least the way I teach them, give you uncertainty, doubt and skepticism." As Horgan explains, science teaches you facts, and the humanities teaches you uncertainty. We need opposites to function. Combined, they create a well functioning society.
Source: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/why-study-humanities-what-i-tell-engineering-freshmen/ ~~~ Want to learn more about the Stone House Center for Public Humanities and how the humanities are helping our community? Click here to learn more.
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