Introduction to the Humanities

INTRODUCTION

The Humanities is a fascinating subject that gives us a wonderful insight into Western culture. Some stuff may be critical other things maybe more speculative. Learning about these things will help us to think and explore from a critical viewpoint, as well allowing us to gain insights into creative skills like poetry, art, music, and philosophy. The humanities involves many subjects that are at the heart of our modern civilization. We will very quickly begin to comprehend the important part that history plays in the understanding of our modern day world.

PHILOSOPHY

For example, Philosophy will help you to think more about ethical questions. It will assist you in understanding the human struggle for clarity, and to develop critical thinking skills. It will also help to argue a case more forcibly, and to help make us realize that there is more than one answer to a question. Philosophers are always engaged in asking, answering, and presenting arguments to the basic questions of life. Philosophy can also help us in positions of leadership and management which could greatly benefit any future career advancement.

ART

What is Art ?. Many say it is an application of human creative skills filled with expression of beauty and emotional power. When looking at the artists of the past it helps us to understand something of their lives and the things that influenced them. By looking at things like colours and the materials they used, we also learn about the culture that produced it. We can can gain inspiration and insight which will contribute to the world around us. When looking at a piece of artwork we cannot help but wonder about the person who created it. Artist John Sloan said, though a living cannot be made from art, art makes life worth living. Even though art may not provide a clear cut career path. It most certainly is something that can be transferred into the work place.

MUSIC

Listening to music does not normally require any expertise. Music permeates every aspect of our lives. We hear music when shopping or at a restaurant, we also listen to it when driving in the car.

Our favorite music can touch our hearts with an experience that is beyond words. It gives us joy, wisdom and insight, even the expression of love is all played out through the sounds of a rich musical palette. Music has a place in every culture throughout the world. Even with limited expertise the average person can hear a piece of music and instantly recognise the culture which it came from. The Humanities will enrich our knowledge of how different types of music has enhanced the quality of our lives.

POETRY

Poetry is the expression of ideas, and it is given it's intensity by the use of various style and rhythm. It produces powerful feeling and emotion to the the reader or listener. It is also one of the oldest forms of art, and it defines much of what we consider western culture. Just like music and art, it teaches us to think critically and inspire's us to be creative. We are transported to a place or time where all of our senses, sight, hearing, touch, sound, and taste becomes effective through the imagery created by the poet. The vast richness of poetry teaches us about ourselves as human beings. It opens up the minds of people around the world and across history's timeline.

In this blog I have attempted to give you a small but hopefully informative glimpse into the benefits of The humanities. In future blogs I will be covering particular subjects within this field.

Blessings!