A liberal education benefits students, society
Exposure to wider spectrum of ideas is healthy, writes David Docherty
As thousands of post-secondary students head back to classes, it is worth reminding ourselves that a liberal education is valuable because it helps us cherish the uncomfortable.
It begins with the fact that, for many of us, we live in an era of intellectual comfort. The information we receive is tailored to us. Each of us chooses the news media we follow. While some cover a range of news and try hard to be balanced (a nod to the Calgary Herald), others definitely align to certain viewpoints.
Even the data from our browsers makes sure marketers target our existing preferences and our social media accounts connect with like-minded people.
Snuggled contentedly in our own little bubble of thinking, we can easily avoid the fact that there are contradictory views on salient issues. While we can choose to isolate ourselves from news and ideas that are not part of our own world view, they still exist. In fact, in many ways, the ideological spectrum is becoming more fragmented.
The global trend toward autocracy might well be an effect of this fragmentation. Just look at Russia and China, not to mention Turkey, India and parts of Europe. North America is certainly becoming more polarized. Democracy, collaboration and sustainable solutions to complex topics require big ideas, patience and broad discussion.
But here is where we turn the corner and bring you some good news. At a university focused on liberal or general education, a student pursuing a science degree is learning about marketing. The nursing student is examining social policies that affect health. And the sociology student is studying contemporary controversies in science.
Yes, in those first few classes, there is discomfort — by being in a different part of the university, by hearing from a different instructor and by being among a group of students whose outlook and interests are different. But it’s delightfully refreshing too. Students are exposed to new knowledge and perspectives — the “ah ha” moments of thinking of something in a different way.
A liberal education also introduces students to new ways of processing information — from a linear, evidence-based approach to a random brainstorm, and from following your instincts to predictive modelling. They all have value.
For the first time, students are among people they may not have met otherwise. And it’s in these tiny moments — face to face — that the barriers that fragment can be overcome. It becomes safer to ask a fellow student about their particular social customs. It is in the realm of possibility to learn first-hand about LGBTQ+ issues.
A university’s role is to help individuals better tie together disparate thoughts and, to critically evaluate situations and unfamiliar ideas. Employers often tell us that graduates with a liberal education hit the ground running because they are great communicators, problem solvers and work well in team settings.
As we welcome new and returning post-secondary students to the 2018/19 academic year, we once again want to do our part. Why? Because a liberal education provides a wonderful discomfort for the betterment of individuals and society.