OPINION: Why humanities and STEM should be friends, not enemies

By Trinity Agosta

In our technology-focused world, a significant divide exists between STEM (science, 

technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the humanities (literature, philosophy, the arts, 

and social sciences). STEM is commonly seen as the “real world” studies, while the humanities 

are not-so-necessary and more abstract. However, I believe that this can not be further from the 

truth. In fact, I believe that the humanities are fundamental to the ethics and development of the 

STEM subjects. It is vital to combine the two study areas to cultivate the well-rounded problem 

solvers and innovators that the world needs, and most of all, society craves.  

I chose to study English and physics because I can see how they enrich each other, despite 

how different the areas of study are. My formulas for quantum physics and freefall in a vacuum 

look like an alien language compared to my Plato excerpts and historical novels, but both equip 

me with critical thinking skills, challenging problem-solving techniques, and satiate different 

parts of my curiosity. Together, the tools form a different perspective on understanding the world around me. Physics enables me to understand and apply the very laws that rule our universe through the scientific method and experimentation, while English shows me how to explore history through the words of the great minds that came before us, which nurtures creativity, empathy, and language use. 

The STEM fields require us to use concrete and precise formulas, methods, and laws to test 

the nature of forces all around us. However, if pure technical ability stood alone, it would be 

insufficient without critical thinking and ethical reflection that is nurtured by the humanities; the 

STEM world would be dull. AI is the most prevalent example. The creation of the complex AI 

system requires the most advanced engineering and computer science. It is with this that there 

comes a dire need for strong internal philosophical questions into privacy, simple human rights, 

and ethics. If this is done without taking the moral dimensions into account, these new 

cutting-edge stem innovations can negatively impact society. 

History highlights countless breakthroughs that happen when science, art, and philosophy are 

intertwined. From Picasso's pieces honoring the Spanish Civil War to the moral debates framing 

Elon Musk's SpaceX today, it's indispensable for education today to include both disciplines. 

With the combination of both, it will encourage adaptive thinkers who will pave the way for the 

new world ahead. The future belongs to everyone, whether equipped with advanced vocabulary 

and creative hands, or those who can master calculus and build supercomputers; however, the 

future is in the hands of those who can blend both into intelligent and positive solutions