The humanities, vocationalism and the public good: exploring 'the 'Hamlet' factor'

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Periodical article

Title:	The humanities, vocationalism and the public good: exploring 'the 'Hamlet' factor'
Author:	Wright, Laurence
Year:	2007
Periodical:	The English Academy Review
Volume:	24
Issue:	1
Pages:	102-117
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	educational policy curriculum humanities science higher education
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/17535360712331393503
Abstract:	The humanities are increasingly called upon to justify their educational value to sceptical educational authorities and a public predisposed to define tertiary education in reductively vocational terms. The current international emphasis on high calibre mathematics and science education as fundamental to economic success often fails to acknowledge the crucial role of the humanities in creating a society capable of sustaining the scientific enterprise. Science cannot create social conditions to support its own success; only the kind of education offered by the humanities can do this. Some First-World economies, such as Canada, are making radical efforts to correct the misconception. Will South Africa follow? This article briefly sketches the manner in which a humanities education works, why it is valuable, and how it can help to sustain the search for value and meaning in changing social circumstances. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]