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.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Nov 22, 2024 03:42 a.m.

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