I'm Just Here To Defend the Liberal Arts

In this video, I offer up ways to defend the liberal arts. I talk about what they mean to me and what they mean to us as a society.

#liberalarts #philosophy #humanities

Chapters

0:00 How To Defend The Liberal Arts
1:22 Become A Free Thinker
2:30 Making Fun of Liberal Arts Majors
2:52 Socrates
3:51 Philosophy and Politics
5:06 Liberal Arts Jobs
6:37 Liberal Arts Skills
7:55 Useful Degrees
9:39 The Public Good
10:32 The Prosperity Problem
12:40 The Cost of University
13:30 Meaning of Life

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Shakespeare between Machiavelli and Hobbes: Dead Body Politics

Magic in Early Modern England: Literature, Politics and Supernatural Power

[GreatBooksProf]

Understanding that starts with acknowledging your mortality. 💀 Watch my video on mortality next!

[Tolstoy]

I've always felt the Liberal Arts help you understand the world better. Not necessarily prompt one towards political action. Basically the more I read the Great Books the more in awe I was of what humans have accomplished. It made me happier not more "critical".

[OrdnanceLab]

Funny enough a BA in History & Government, has been extremely useful both in the military and entrepreneurship. It's not practical or directly related, but it teaches you how to take with abstract concepts into the real world, and view them in context of other events.

[NOTHINGNEWYT]

Education is truly transformative and liberating, thank you for sharing your passion!

[akashtiwari]

I had found Fareed Zakaria's 'In Defense of a Liberal Education' to be an insightful read on this issue. It is just so nice to listen to Prof. Moore's insight on it 💜🫂

Most Asian societies have this hierarchy among subject streams which is obviously topped by the sciences while the rejects & the underperformers on the standardized tests opt for or are allotted subjects in Humanities & Social Sciences [HSS]. However, the elite schools & colleges, offering good opportunities for higher education or jobs, do see demand for their HSS courses as well.

[konstm.s.]

So happy i found this channel. Great balance to my law school stress

[michaelmisch]

Hey Professor Moore
You're on a roll. Excellent choice, again. Affordable liberal arts education for all in the world. May the future realize your thought soon.

[ayodele]

professor I wish I had heard this my first go round in college. But now that I’m older with kids, I’ve started my path toward a degree online in the Liberal arts because deep down it’s always what I wanted but got persuaded from that for the reasons your listed. Again professor thank you for your content

[dorothysatterfield]

Hello! I'm a 70-year-old woman who majored in Art History and continued studying it in grad school. Your defense of the liberal arts was inspiring. I'm not kidding — I stood up at the end and gave you a standing ovation.

[SirEnwardEffsler]

I pretty well agree with the sentiments in this video. Education for education's sake is something upon which it's difficult to pin a monetary value. That being said, the cost is a huge barrier. A student loan is great if you're going into a field with a high chance of return investments but not so great if it leaves you with no prospects for immediate prosperity.

I'd go as far to say that the government offering student loans with conditions as they are for fields where there are high risks of not getting a return on the investments but still charging interests is downright predatory

[guillermoperis]

I also have your background. No matter what people say, the more attentive I am to things happening nowadays, the more firmly convinced I am that we increasingly need a renewed, vigorous presence of the liberal arts today.

[sallybinks]

We are seeing the effects of "prosperity is the only thing that matters" in Ontario and other jurisdictions. Education does not equal vocational training.

[bernardofitzpatrick]

Totally awesome 🤙🏽I love this kind of talk Prof . Studying history and poetry are transformative. 🙌🏽 love listening to historian Yuval Noah Harari

[neilaspinall]

I don't see Gulag Archipeligo on many reading lists.
So much for balance

[darmaw]

Contemporary critiques of liberal art education are not a rejection of its value; but critiques of its contents and how it is taught and not taught.

[raulmonares]

Thank you, Professor! I am graduating this year with a BA, in Liberal Studies at the ripe age of 56 after having worked in business for 36 years.

[ardentenquirer]

Now for my two cents
"You made a valid point about a liberal education, but you didn't give it justice. Liberal arts teaches us how to question ideas, but whether the student has well-developed that ability is another question. Unfortunately, educators simply do not show students the Socratic method as a means to find examples that contradict what is being preached. The Socratic method serves as the scientific method for human behavior." There is simply no other way to reason about our behavior.

Thank you for the Video*** I took a Liberal Arts degree just so I could argue about life, drink beer, and meet girls. The problem is I meet a lawyer. The degree was cheap compared to a lawyer.

[ardentenquirer]

I thought I let an AI answer your question, maybe your job is in question now??? LOL

As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide you with some commonly recognized benefits of a liberal arts degree:


Broad and Diverse Education: A liberal arts education exposes students to a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, social sciences, natural sciences, and more. This breadth of knowledge cultivates well-rounded individuals with a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

Critical Thinking Skills: Liberal arts programs often emphasize critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving. Students learn to examine issues from multiple perspectives, develop logical arguments, and make informed decisions.

Effective Communication: Communication skills, both written and oral, are integral to a liberal arts education. Graduates are adept at articulating ideas, expressing complex concepts, and engaging in meaningful discussions.

Adaptability and Versatility: The diverse skill set acquired in a liberal arts program enables graduates to adapt to various professional environments. They are prepared to take on roles in multiple industries and pursue different career paths.

Lifelong Learning: Students in liberal arts programs are encouraged to be lifelong learners. They develop a love for knowledge and a habit of continuously seeking to expand their understanding of the world.

Creativity and Innovation: The exposure to different disciplines fosters creativity and innovation. Graduates are often capable of connecting seemingly unrelated ideas and coming up with novel solutions to complex problems.

Cultural Awareness and Empathy: Liberal arts education often emphasizes cultural studies and social sciences, leading to increased cultural awareness and empathy. This understanding of diverse perspectives can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Preparation for Graduate Studies: Many students who pursue liberal arts degrees go on to graduate or professional schools in fields such as law, business, education, or the arts. The critical thinking and communication skills acquired in a liberal arts program can be advantageous in advanced studies.

Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making: Liberal arts programs often explore ethical dilemmas and societal issues, preparing students to become thoughtful leaders who can make principled decisions.

Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: The liberal arts education encourages self-discovery and personal growth. Students often gain a better understanding of themselves and their values, leading to a more fulfilling life and career.

It's important to note that the perceived value of a liberal arts degree can vary based on individual goals, career aspirations, and the job market. While some employers highly value the skills fostered by a liberal arts education, others may seek graduates with more specialized training. Ultimately, the benefits of a liberal arts degree extend beyond immediate career prospects and contribute to a well-rounded, intellectually curious individual.