The scope of multidisciplinarity in liberal arts education

To whom it may concern-III

The effectiveness of Art and Humanities courses in achieving a multidisciplinary approach in liberal arts education is recognised globally. This requires rethinking its pedagogy to have a broader impact. In decolonising Pakistan, context-specific strategies based on post-colonial and post-modern educational frameworks need to be developed to meet the envisioned role of Art in society. However, keeping in view the fluidity of 'good, bad and quality Art, what can be assured when teaching Art to non-Art major students is a question.

The processes of decolonisation encourage indigenous narratives to be part of the global art history survey courses, revolutionising the aesthetic sensibilities and revisiting the art theories for contemporary stakeholders. Folk art and craft challenge the authority of 'Fine' and 'Academy' arts. Similarly, scientific and technological advancements allow intervention of time and memory, which bridges the gap between cultures and nations alike.

In this scenario, art history and cultural studies play a vital role in apprising students with indigenous ways of thinking and problem-solving, developing confidence, shaping an identity and creating much-desired harmony in the competitive global world.

The relevance and effectiveness of the Arts as a field of knowledge is not a new concept. It has been valued for a long time. John Adams, the second US president, may have prioritised politics and war over art. In a letter to his wife, he claims, "I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy.

My sons ought to study Mathematics and Philosophy, Geography, Natural History, Naval Architecture, Commerce and Agriculture to give their children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine." Learning Arts is seen as the most desirable pursuit, a pinnacle of human endeavour. William James, an American philosopher and psychologist of the early 20th century, emphasised the importance of philosophy in guiding practical aspects of life. Babette Alina, RISD's policy director, notes that addressing future challenges, such as climate change, requires imagination and creative thinking.

If I am able to draw your attention by taking big Western names, allow me to introduce to the age-old practices in the East. When Confucius focused on education, Daoists pinned it with open-mindedness — Liberal Arts. Medieval Muslim scientists were a living example of liberal education. Their journeys mostly started with metaphysics and self-awareness while Physics, Chemistry and Biology became the milestones in pursuit of the larger truths.

Now, why do we need unspecialised knowledge when specialised scientific knowledge is so successful? Empirical science has given us immense power to transform the world, but without understanding its potentialities and taking responsibility for its ends, it risks becoming manipulative or reckless. We can't know the ultimate purpose of human existence but we need to acknowledge our ignorance and limitations.

This self-awareness is crucial for the humane use of knowledge and to protect us from our own blindness. In short, unspecialised knowledge helps us navigate the consequences of scientific progress and ensures that our power is used responsibly. Liberal arts inform life's conduct, including money, power and politics. The Arts and Humanities are often seen as non-utilitarian and non-pragmatic. However, they foster empathy, ethics and creative thinking.

Please note that the humanities' highest purpose is to teach us our ignorance, as seen in Socrates' understanding that true wisdom lies in recognising the limits of knowledge.

Science, as a human endeavour, can be seen as a form of poetry, involving creative invention and modes of seeing. Human knowledge, including scientific knowledge, is personal, contextual, historical and relational. This is exactly what art history and aesthetic theories propagate. When taught with a conscience and understanding it fosters critical thinking, analyses human patterns, examines intellectual diversity, promotes acceptance of thought and affords access to a new kind of empowerment and self-awareness.

Sincerely yours, Bano

Dec, 25