Thomas Henry Huxley published “A Liberal Education” in 1868. He argues that “education” needs to be well-rounded to include not just reading and arithmetic but science, the arts and history.
Today we find that many programs at universities are marked for drastic cutbacks, or even elimination, ostensibly as a money-saving measure. I am writing in defense of these programs. These studies are direct descendants of the Age of Enlightenment that spawned our great American experiment.
Vocational schools offer coursework that leads directly to jobs. Universities also have programs that lead to marketable skills but include far-ranging studies of Western civilization, the arts, humanities, etc. In my opinion, society would benefit by modifying both educational tracks. Vocational training should include some humanities and universities should encourage students to work towards employable skills.
The ideal education would include the notion of what makes us human: history, arts, literature and real-world venues like parks or wonders of the world. Universities would guide students to find gainful employment and offer life-management skills courses, including finances, household/transportation usage and repairs.
As people develop their own humanity, they will likely find that they have much more in common with others. We really are more alike than we are different.
Wayne Wilson, West Jordan
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible