NationStates Jolt Archive


Do doctors need to know Kant, Locke etc?

Socalist Peoples
13-07-2005, 02:35
The age old debate about the purpose of History revived again...

There IS a purpose to history(I'm sure) BUT when one looks at certain jobs, especially that of Doctors and Techies, one is forced to wonder if one needs to know about the importance of the American Revolution.

Keeping in mind that there must be a purpose for such people to know about the Punic wars, can somebody tell me--WHAT IS IT?
The Romacian Alliance
13-07-2005, 02:39
There is a quote, by who i cannot recall,

"To forget the past is to relive it."

Thus we study history in an attempt to avoid reliving our previous mistakes.
Ashmoria
13-07-2005, 02:40
we are more than just our jobs

we need to know history, philosophy, politics, music, religion, and other stuff to be a well rounded person in society
Fass
13-07-2005, 02:46
we are more than just our jobs

we need to know history, philosophy, politics, music, religion, and other stuff to be a well rounded person in society

Exactly!
Vetalia
13-07-2005, 02:51
we need to know history, philosophy, politics, music, religion, and other stuff to be a well rounded person in society

Absolutely. I think the reason our education and cultural accomplishments have declined so rapidly (in America) is because of this "mass production" education mentality in our schools. We need to teach them to be human, not just labels or titles.
Leonstein
13-07-2005, 03:23
Actually, I would add a year as an exchange student in another country (and not Canada...) to the curriculum as well.
Like if you do French at school, you must go to France in Year 10 or 11, if you do Chinese, you go to China.
You can read about different cultures, but it's better to actually experience them.
Eutrusca
13-07-2005, 03:37
"Do doctors need to know Kant, Locke etc?"

Um ... "can't lock" what? You need to work on your English. :D
Eutrusca
13-07-2005, 03:38
Exactly!
You and I actually agree on something??? Holy shit! [ Announces that world has come to an end! ] :D
Iztatepopotla
13-07-2005, 03:42
In a democracy it's not only needed, it's of vital importance that people know their place in history and are able to meditate on the philosophical grounds and possible long-term consequences of their actions. A democracy is only as strong as its electorate is informed and educated.