In this study, the question is posed: Do polyamorous unions within liberal arts fields foster superior scientists?
In the midst of academic turmoil during their freshman year, marked by antiwar demonstrations and bomb threats, a life-changing journey in education began for our protagonist. This journey, far from the confines of traditional science, led them down the winding paths of anthropology and music, shaping their career in science and fostering a deep appreciation for intellectual challenge and scholarship.
One of the pivotal moments came during an introductory anthropology class, where they were introduced to the origins of human warfare in the context of small-scale societies. The professor, Raymond C. Kelly of the University of Illinois, presented an evolutionary explanation for the origin of warfare. This theory, known as group selection, suggested that war evolved as a means to control human population size.
However, the concept of group selection didn't immediately resonate with our protagonist. They found the argument less than convincing, echoing the sentiments of many scholars who question its validity.
Meanwhile, music history classes introduced them to the works of Charles Ives, a composer known for his experimental approach to polytonality, dissonance, and unusual spatial arrangements. The movements of Ives' sonata were named for American novelists, poets, and thinkers, pushing the boundaries of conventional music composition.
Hearing works of Ives was a transformative experience. One piece, the "Piano Sonata No. 2, Concord, Mass., 1840-1860," inspired them to make a purchase. Reading Ives' interpretive notes alongside the music was a revelation, teaching them that it's possible to introduce new ideas and push the envelope, a lesson that would prove invaluable in their future endeavors.
Despite the lack of emphasis on critical thinking about natural selection in their biology classes, the author's anthropology professor exposed them to the evolutionary argument about the origin of altruism. This exposure, combined with the intellectual rigor of their anthropology and music courses, had a profound impact on their learning of critical thinking and what to think about.
The author's career in science was significantly influenced by this liberal arts education. They found that the intellectual challenge and scholarship they encountered in anthropology and music were absent from their science curriculum. This gap led them to question the value of a narrow, science-focused education and advocated for a greater emphasis on liberal arts training in STEM fields.
As states propose to cut funding for humanities and nudge students towards STEM subjects, the author's story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of a liberal arts education. It's a testament to the idea that exposure to diverse fields of study can lead to unexpected insights, foster critical thinking, and shape a career in science.
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