Liberal Arts And Education

Overall, I agree with Nussbaum’s argument that the liberal arts are important in education and society, but I do not with agree with her exaggeration of the crisis. An education in the liberal arts opens one’s horizons and understandings of various subjects such as, poetry, art, and theatre. Having a broad education helps students decide who they want to be regarding vocation and character. She argues that “Education is not just for citizenship” (Nussbaum 1). The studies help one become more socially aware and a better member of society because the knowledge given through liberal arts studies helps one connect with others and understand the human condition. In general, a narrow focus on only one aspect of learning produces narrow thought. I

She presents and formulates her main argument over the belief that society is in a crisis, “a crisis that is likely to be, in the long run, far more damaging to the future of democratic self-government: a worldwide crisis in education” (2). While there is a shift in educational values, America still has a strong basis for democracy and emphasizes its value and importance. While the focus on science and engineering stresses profit and the importance of products, it does not take away the understanding of equality. Democracy in itself teaches an understanding of the human condition because it focuses on the inalienable rights of all. Also, truly understanding and participating in democracy requires an ability to read literature and formulate arguments well. Therefore, democracy asserts a presence of liberal arts that cannot be forgotten because it is in the foundations of society. Her argument is powerful but her assumption of a crisis takes away from the influence of her piece. Overall, her stress on the liberal arts is well reasoned and supported by her background and even though she goes to an extreme, her interpretation of a crisis emphasizes the importance of the