Every year, around 10 lakh candidates attempt the exams to get into the prestigious IITs. The number of seats for these universities totals around 17,000. The UPSC exams for the coveted position of an IAS officer are also attempted by the same number of candidates. However, only 180 people can secure this position annually, and the rate of admittance here is minuscule, 0.2%. Meanwhile, liberal arts courses barely make headlines like this. The increasing headways made by the STEM field have made people wonder if there is any value in pursuing a degree in an artistic field. Does having a degree in a holistic course make it difficult to have a career? Are there employment opportunities in these unheard fields? Here, we attempt to formulate a discourse formulated by expert opinions on why education in liberal arts is needed now more than ever.
A Holistic Approach to Education
At its core, liberal arts education is grounded in the pursuit of knowledge across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, skills that are essential in the face of rapid technological change.
In a world increasingly dominated by specialized expertise, the ability to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives is invaluable. While STEM disciplines provide essential technical skills, they often focus on narrow, specialized knowledge. In contrast, liberal arts education encourages students to explore diverse subjects, enabling them to make connections across disciplines and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
"Holistic education helps us to nurture individuals to be intellectually competent, spiritually mature, morally upright, psychologically integrated, physically healthy and socially acceptable," Shashi Kumar D, Asst. Professor, Christ University.
Cultivating Essential Skills
One of the most significant advantages of a liberal arts education in a tech-driven world is its emphasis on the development of soft skills. These include communication, empathy, ethical reasoning, and cultural competence, qualities that are essential for success in today's interconnected global society.
In the workplace, the ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and understand the ethical implications of one's actions is just as important as technical expertise. Liberal arts graduates bring a unique combination of analytical thinking and interpersonal skills to the table, making them well-suited for leadership roles and positions that require adaptability and innovation.
"Any person who doesn't invest in himself or herself in learning new skills, particularly those pertaining to leadership, is likely to stagnate," Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore.
Preparing for an Uncertain Future
The rapid pace of technological innovation has led to profound shifts in the job market, with many traditional roles being automated or outsourced. In this uncertain landscape, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn becomes paramount. Liberal arts education equips students with the resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and pursue lifelong learning opportunities.
Moreover, liberal arts education emphasizes the cultivation of curiosity and a passion for learning, traits that are essential for innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging students to explore their interests and pursue their passions, liberal arts education fosters a spirit of creativity and innovation that is essential for addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.
"Bearing immense potential to enhance education, AI-powered tools and strategies are more likely to disrupt the normal way of teaching, not only in India but worldwide," Pushpendra Singh, Professor, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology.
The Intersection of Technology and Humanity
While technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we live, work, and communicate, it is essential to remember that its ultimate purpose is to serve humanity. In a tech-driven world, the humanistic values espoused by liberal arts education, such as empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, are more important than ever.
By examining the ethical, social, and cultural implications of technology, liberal arts scholars play a crucial role in shaping the future of society. Whether exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, the ethics of data privacy, or the societal implications of biotechnology, liberal arts education provides a framework for understanding the complex interplay between technology and humanity.
Engineering, law, and medicine are noble pursuits that help society survive, but art is what people truly live for. Irrespective of how the academic field progresses or how society progresses, art will always be the voice of reason and will be the driving factor for people to pursue contentment and happiness. No matter where we are in the digital age, art will always serve as the guiding light to progress for a brighter tomorrow.
