Tell someone you're a communications major, you'll hear responses such as, "I bet you write a lot!" or "So... I guess you like to talk? Like, communicate?" Both of these assumptions are correct, at least for me. I love writing and the creativity that my major requires. However, I definitely love other areas of study as well -- physics, art, and psychology, to name a few. Someone wouldn't know that about me just from looking at my major. Though there is obviously a vast array of differences between my classes and engineering classes, for example, I don't think different fields of study should be so isolated. Specifically, there are many benefits to integrating STEM and humanities in education, research, and ways of thinking. Some of the most brilliant and successful minds integrated scientific and artistic concepts.
Though it is obvious that an individual is usually more skilled in one field than another, the mindset of science versus humanities can stop students from reaching their full potential. This can be seen through the focus on STEM jobs in the United States. This focus is largely due to accelerated technology growth, which also boosts the economy. Because of this, some students are losing interest in the humanities, according to an article by USA Today. However, as mentioned in the article, Deborah Fitzgerald, professor of the history of technology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and dean of the MIT School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, argues for the importance of humanities education, even for STEM majors. She writes about how in humanities classes, STEM majors can learn about how individuals and societies function, which helps students gain perspective. They also gain communication and critical thinking skills, which are necessary for any job. Therefore, not only are science and the humanities related, but it’s detrimental to have one without the other.
Some accuse science of waging war against morals and religion, and simplifying the human experience. Scientists are called naïve and ignorant of true human nature. However, that is an error in logic. Science is responsible for some of the greatest accomplishment of humanity: eradication of horrible diseases, discovery of new species and exploration in the darkest corners of the earth. To accuse all scientists of naivety and ignorance is unfounded; the scientific process itself is based on peer review and constant evaluation. True science is always open change.
Science is not the enemy of concepts cherished by the humanities, such as beauty, emotion, mystery and human nature. In fact, science adds to these valued topics. It makes known the beauty of unseen animals and locations; it lets the mystery of the mechanisms of the atom, the eye and the brain be known. It does not deny the existence of non-physical entities. Information, which cannot be seen or heard, is the building block of all of science. Science does not deny that human emotion and unpredictability exist. Scientists acknowledge that many factors play in to any human action. However, scientists do attempt to provide some reasoning behind human actions. This brings humanity further to its ideals of progress, peace and efficiency.
Though it is great to be proud of your field of study, I encourage students, writers and researchers not isolate themselves from other ways of thinking. To take advantage of both the sciences and humanities is to make a step toward reaching one’s full potential. Some may say this is an exaggeration, but, as Albert Einstein said, “In art, and in the higher ranges of science, there is a feeling of harmony which underlies all endeavor. There is no true greatness in art or science without that sense of harmony.” Accept the differences between the two cultures and learn to appreciate them; as for the overlaps, take advantage of them to achieve true harmony.
