Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ In defence of the humanities: Why studying philosophy in a world where welders earn more still makes sense

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

It's telling that this defense of the most non-utilitarian of disciplines appeals to a utilitarian argument: "Properly applied, the humanities teach us how to formulate our views, articulate them and defend them." That's a side-benefit, but hardly the core of philosophy or any of the humanities. I studied philosophy motivated by a spirit of discovery and creativity, a desire to explore ideas and perspectives and points of view. I didn't care (and still don't care) whether welders make more money than me (I hope they do; welders offer a valuable service to us all). Philosophy doesn't need defending. The reduction of all things to monetary value needs defending.

Today: 0 Total: 1118 [Direct link] [Share]

Image from the website
View full size


Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

Copyright 2024
Last Updated: Apr 26, 2024 03:03 a.m.

Canadian Flag Creative Commons License.

Force:yes