FAS1101 Compiled - Pre Course Writing

Is a liberal arts education valuable in the 21st century?

In Singapore, the words "liberal arts" and "valuable" seem almost oxymoronic to many people above the age of 30, and they are not alone in the world. Considering the economic circumstances prior to the 21st century, it is easy to see why some feel this way. However, according to the most recent 2016 Graduate Employment Survey, over 85 percent of graduates from the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) who obtained Bachelors degrees were able to find jobs, proving that, at least in this country, having a general degree in the arts may be beneficial after all. The worth of a liberal arts education should not only be measured in monetary value, as it too often has been, but also in relation to the social benefits it can bring to both the individual and society at large. It is my firm belief that the study of humanities is not only relevant in today's context, but is an integral part of education which is needed more now than ever.

The study of the humanities is, essentially, the study of humanity. It analyses the human condition and our relationship with the environment around us. Though it is true that the development of a society is often measured by economic prosperity derived from scientific discoveries and advancements in technology, it cannot be denied that these tools are useless without intention. Furthermore, as economic development ensues, humans are better able to ascend the metaphorical pyramid represented by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, moving from the fulfilment of physiological needs to emotional and intellectual ones. In order for one to find his place in life and maintain his sense of identity (as seen in Text B), some semblance of delving into the humanities is necessary. Humans are social creatures, thus because every person is idiosyncratic, we may have different goals to fulfil. The skills taught in a liberal arts education encourage us to reconcile the evolution of society, in line with man's "human spirit" (as mentioned in Text B) - the inherent need to be constantly improving, thereby giving us purpose. 

Another important aspect of the liberal arts education which makes it especially relevant in today's ever-changing society is the enduring values discussed and the expansion of a worldview, as referenced in text B. The themes in Shakespeare’s plays remain relevant even to modern day audiences, which is contrasted by how science and technology of today is non-stagnant. Technology's ability to replace humans, as mentioned in text A renders some niche skills irrelevant within a short period of time. This perhaps is the advantage that a liberal arts education has over its opponents in that, as text A suggests, it is less focused on unlocking the secrets to the universe as it is on driving home the knowledge that we simply do not know everything. It is in the acknowledgement of our own ignorance, that we can start to foster curiosity, which is a value that the writer in text B firmly states is encouraged by a liberal arts education. 

The value of education as a whole can be summed up in text A's first quotation, that at its heart, it is meant to teach us to be held accountable for our actions and how they impact others. The ability of a liberal arts education to foster empathy in people is what makes it so essential for today's day and age. In a world where political instability is rampant and people continue to be prosecuted for things out of their control, a liberal arts education could be our guiding light out of some dark times. 

(605 Words)