Alaa Alghamdi

In the 21^st century, the focus of education systems has largely shifted to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This trend has undermined the discipline of the humanities to a large degree since technology-driven culture hardly gives significance to aesthetics, better communication, critical thinking, creativity, and deep thinking. 

The perception of the worthlessness of a liberal art degree is not new. It has often been questioned for the use and value it provides since it is generally thought to be useful for nothing else but teaching. A decade ago, the US Bureau of Statistics published an article entitled: “What Can I Do with My Liberal Arts Degree?”, which began with the question, “Do you want to be a teacher?” But the importance of humanities to human development is largely ignored by suggesting that it is not a practical study option in a modern world marked by the supremacy of technology. 

A focus on the humanities does not lead to the domination of aesthetics, human pleasure and culture through art. Rather, studies have shown that aesthetics not only provide a base for pleasure but also strengthens one’s global view. Humanities help in building an individual’s intellectual foundations. Exposure to humanities develops a critical mind and sharpens creative skills. Moreover, a grounding in the humanities strengthens ethical boundaries within a culture, thus promoting growth in a community. 

It is humanities which help us understand the value of contributions put forward by technological advancements and the development of science on the welfare of human beings. The field inculcates a sense of responsibility among humans to exercise science with a mindset of mutual welfare instead of engaging in destruction. Therefore, humanities must not be understood as an unnecessary discipline, but should be considered part of the elementary as well as higher education systems. 

Considering the modern world and geopolitics where environmental degradation, prejudice and discrimination run rampant, the necessity of humanities has become even more clear. Unrestrained technological progress and disruption of humanity threaten the future of societies across the globe. Moreover, progress in AI, genetic engineering, transgenesis, and robotics are seemingly about to usher in a new era of transhumanism, where people will be more enmeshed in the mechanical and less subjected to the significance of emotions. To restrict the possibility of becoming an automaton, it is important to cultivate basic human virtues which might prompt humanism, empathy, and appreciation for the value of art. In an era of technological upheaval, it becomes significant to consider our humanistic values – what it is that makes us human. 

In conclusion, it can be said that the humanities has a unique scope and significance in achieving human progress, developing ethical boundaries, providing aesthetics, and developing a sense of responsibility for the evaluation of the use of technology for human welfare. Moreover, the current and forthcoming age have increasing importance in the adoption of the humanities as a discipline, so that human beings might not lose a sense of the core values that make us human. 

Professor of English Literature *

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