What is the true value of a science degree in today's society?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived value of liberal arts degrees in contemporary society, contrasting them with science and technical fields. Participants explore the relevance, utility, and societal contributions of various disciplines, including politics, art, and literature, while expressing differing opinions on the importance of a well-rounded education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that liberal arts, including subjects like English Literature and Religion, are largely useless and do not contribute to societal advancement.
  • Others counter that the market supports the study of liberal arts, suggesting that their value is recognized despite economic challenges.
  • There is a contention about who determines the usefulness of various fields of study, with some questioning the dismissal of arts and humanities as valid pursuits.
  • Several participants express frustration with modern art and the acceptance of certain artistic expressions, questioning their legitimacy.
  • Some contributions highlight the importance of a diverse knowledge base, suggesting that being knowledgeable in multiple fields is beneficial.
  • Discussions about unemployment rates and income distribution by major introduce data points, but participants express skepticism about the accuracy and relevance of these statistics.
  • There are humorous exchanges regarding the stereotypes associated with various majors, particularly in communications and the perceived ease of those programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of liberal arts versus science. There are multiple competing views, with some defending the arts while others maintain that they are less valuable than scientific disciplines.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of what constitutes "usefulness" in education, differing perspectives on the role of art in society, and unresolved debates about the economic viability of liberal arts degrees.

flyingpig
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I am serious, what good has liberal arts has done to society? Politics? Yeah right, it may have taken Kepler twenty years, but his three laws are better than every law the Congress has made.

You think humanity needs something like Modern Art?

I mean just look at this

modern_art_paintings_21st.-.-merello.-_pietro_di_milano.jpg


That is suppose to be art? Give me a break.

And what about useless subjects like English Literature? So if you know a few more words than the rest of the population, it's useless, it really doesn't provide advancement to society. Then there is worst subject of all, in fact I didn't know it was a possible college major until I looked it up, Religion. Religion is the enemy of Science.

I have gone off topic, but correct me if I am wrong. I probably am...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ignorance is your enemy.
 
I think you're taking it a bit too far. While Liberal Arts may be unnecessary at times, what good is a person who isn't knowledgeable about anything other than his own field?
 
If liberal arts really were useless, no one would study it...the market seems to say otherwise.

Although I will say, in a down economy, it's tough to sell those skills. But the economy won't always be in the ditch (I hope :smile:).
 
Who gets to judge which data is useful and worth expanding time/money in to, and which is not?

How would you know which data is useful and worth expanding in to, if you have not done so?

Who gets to tell someone who likes arts and politics that they can't practice it? Is there a good reason for denying people these things that they enjoy?

Religion is the enemy of Science.

Sounds like you've decided that 'not your way' is the 'wrong way'. Isn't that a stereotypical religious thing to do?
 
lisab said:
If liberal arts really were useless, no one would study it...the market seems to say otherwise.

Although I will say, in a down economy, it's tough to sell those skills. But the economy won't always be in the ditch (I hope :smile:).

No people study it because there is nothing else better to do. They just don't see the beauty of Science.

I honestly wonder what english professors do on their own time, I am pretty sure they don't "research", I mean they could probably research about meaningless stuff like "when was this word coined in the English language?"
 
I do have to agree with you though that it annoys the crap out of me when people make stuff like the one you posted and pass it off as art, and people respectfully accept it as such.
 
ahsanxr said:
I do have to agree with you though that it annoys the crap out of me when people make stuff like the one you posted and pass it off as art, and people respectfully accept it as such.

It's not just that, I think it's just consumes too much from the environment
 
Expand.
 
  • #10
ahsanxr said:
Expand.

Are you asking for nonsense expansion .. :wink:
 
  • #11
rootX said:
Are you asking for nonsense expansion .. :wink:

I would just like to know whether the OP has any good points to make.
 
  • #12
flyingpig said:
I am serious, what good has liberal arts has done to society? Politics? Yeah right, it may have taken Kepler twenty years, but his three laws are better than every law the Congress has made.

You think humanity needs something like Modern Art?

I mean just look at this

modern_art_paintings_21st.-.-merello.-_pietro_di_milano.jpg


That is suppose to be art? Give me a break.

And what about useless subjects like English Literature? So if you know a few more words than the rest of the population, it's useless, it really doesn't provide advancement to society. Then there is worst subject of all, in fact I didn't know it was a possible college major until I looked it up, Religion. Religion is the enemy of Science.

I have gone off topic, but correct me if I am wrong. I probably am...

In other words, you are not doing well in your liberal arts classes. :-p
 
  • #13
ahsanxr said:
Expand.

No thanks, I'm trying to lose weight.
 
  • #14
But that doesn't mean I am wrong right? We have too many useless subjects like Music Therapy, Art History, and even Dancing
 
  • #15
Math Is Hard said:
In other words, you are not doing well in your liberal arts classes. :-p

Yeah, this is about the time when midterm grades are posted in most North American universities. :biggrin:
 
  • #16
Do you listen to music?
Do you watch movies?
Do you pay attention to the news?

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqJ5Ll749AtDjZJxd34UURQJ-g4Mmcnyio_QnzuAwLiWJDF9_S9A&t=1.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • #17
flyingpig said:
No people study it because there is nothing else better to do. They just don't see the beauty of Science.

I enjoy them both... how unfortunate that you're so limited.

flyingpig said:
I honestly wonder what english professors do on their own time, I am pretty sure they don't "research", I mean they could probably research about meaningless stuff like "when was this word coined in the English language?"

I would imagine that given the level of knowledge you've displayed regarding what the liberal arts ARE, you have nothing to contribute here. You've set a false dillema as though you can't be a fan of both, which is really an expression of your own rigidity.

I'd feel for you, but I just can't seem to care.
 
  • #18
lisab said:
If liberal arts really were useless, no one would study it...the market seems to say otherwise.
Lol, that's ridiculous. Popularity has nothing at all to do with usefulness.
 
  • #19
I would imagine that given the level of knowledge you've displayed regarding what the liberal arts ARE, you have nothing to contribute here. You've set a false dillema as though you can't be a fan of both, which is really an expression of your own rigidity.

I'd feel for you, but I just can't seem to care.

Perhaps I should use the word "Humanities subjects"
 
  • #20
flyingpig said:
Perhaps I should use the word "Humanities subjects"

Hmmm... I'm definitely more in line with you now... not entirely, but yeah, much more so.

@Russ: True... true...
 
  • #22
Oooooh... looking at that... I'm sooooo glad that I didn't major in English, but Telecom?! Yech.


edit: I actually... kind of agree with that income distribution. I'm not a fan of social workers as a rule (see a doctor), and the rest... meh.

The only one that sems out of place is hospitality, if that includes management.
 
  • #23
russ_watters said:
Unemployment rate by major: http://www.studentsreview.com/unemployment_by_major.php3
[ehh...based on small surveys]
Lowest paying college majors: http://www.walletpop.com/2010/05/13/10-lowest-paying-college-majors/

That first link has to be screwed up majorly. Kineseology graduates do NOT have a 0% unemployment rate :)
 
  • #24
Pengwuino said:
That first link has to be screwed up majorly. Kineseology graduates do NOT have a 0% unemployment rate :)

Lmao read this http://www.studentsreview.com/docs/major_phys.shtml

What are the fellow students like (personalitywise) in it?
Generally fall into two categories:

1.) Very quiet, generally pale and undernourished. Often mistaken for

computer science majors due to the lack of sunlight exposure. Examples: Hawking (pre-ALS), Sagan.


2.) Very outgoing and charming, oozing intelligence and friendliness, with a child-like curiosity hovering around them. Examples: Feynman, Einstein.

Common Misconceptions

That it's a “guy's” subject, that all Physicists are nerds, that Physicists aren't interested in anything but physics. All are patently untrue for *all* physicists I know, including myself.
 
  • #25
haha the communications major one is hilarious. The misconception is that they don't work. Every communications major I know says the major is a JOKE. That's why football players are mainly communications majors.
 
  • #26
Pengwuino said:
haha the communications major one is hilarious. The misconception is that they don't work. Every communications major I know says the major is a JOKE. That's why football players are mainly communications majors.

What is exactly is a communication major...?
 
  • #27
flyingpig said:
What is exactly is a communication major...?

I was about to ask the same thing!...

...I think it has to do with being a PR flak.
 
  • #28
What's a flak?
 
  • #29
flyingpig said:
What's a flak?

It's slang for shill, or someone who acts as a representative of another; it implies a measure of dishonesty. I'm not sure if that came first, or if AA flak was first... they both are banking on the idea of a blast to distract and damage.

Princetone Wordnet said:
•flak catcher: a slick spokesperson who can turn any criticism to the advantage of their employer
•fire: intense adverse criticism; "Clinton directed his fire at the Republican Party"; "the government has come under attack"; "don't give me any flak"
•antiaircraft: artillery designed to shoot upward at airplanes
 
  • #30
Pengwuino said:
That first link has to be screwed up majorly. Kineseology graduates do NOT have a 0% unemployment rate :)
Small sample sizes.
 

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