Something Is Going Right at Universities

Several U.S. colleges and universities are increasingly emphasizing humanistic education, focusing on critical thinking, moral development, and citizenship, according to educators and institutional leaders.

Recent observations and interviews with educators reveal a renewed commitment to the humanist tradition in higher education. Teachers like Roosevelt Montás, who grew up in the Dominican Republic and now leads initiatives at Bard College, exemplify this shift by fostering deep engagement with philosophical and literary classics. Montás and others argue that this approach prepares students not only for careers but for meaningful lives rooted in self-understanding and civic responsibility.

Institutions across the country — from Ivy League schools to community colleges — are integrating core humanistic courses, promoting debates on moral and philosophical issues, and encouraging students to confront fundamental questions about identity, purpose, and societal roles. This trend counters the trend toward purely vocational or STEM-focused education, emphasizing instead the importance of wisdom, judgment, and moral character.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it addresses concerns that higher education has become overly instrumental, neglecting the cultivation of moral and civic virtues essential for a healthy democracy. By fostering critical reflection and moral reasoning, these institutions aim to produce not just skilled workers but responsible citizens capable of navigating complex social and ethical challenges.

Background

Over recent decades, American higher education has faced criticism for prioritizing career training over liberal arts and humanistic studies. However, recent shifts, partly driven by societal debates on democracy, social cohesion, and the purpose of education, suggest a re-emergence of humanistic values. Educators like Roosevelt Montás, who emphasize the importance of the Great Conversation and the moral development of students, reflect this broader cultural movement. The trend is also supported by research showing that humanistic education can foster critical thinking and civic engagement.

“What I’m giving the students is tools for a life of freedom.”

— Roosevelt Montás

“The fundamental obligation of a humanities teacher is to develop in students an allergy to ideology and certainty. To acknowledge self-doubt.”

— Andrew Delbanco

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how widespread this renewed focus on humanistic education will become across all U.S. institutions, and whether it will significantly counterbalance the dominant vocational and STEM trends in the near future.

What’s Next

Next steps include increased institutional support for liberal arts and humanistic curricula, further research on their societal impact, and ongoing advocacy by educators. Monitoring enrollment trends and curriculum changes will help assess whether this movement gains broader traction.

Key Questions

Why is there a renewed focus on humanistic education in universities?

Many educators believe that humanistic education fosters critical thinking, moral reasoning, and citizenship, which are essential for a healthy democracy and personal development.

Are all colleges adopting this approach?

No, but a growing number of institutions across the country are emphasizing liberal arts and core humanistic courses, signaling a broader cultural shift.

Does this trend threaten the focus on STEM and vocational training?

While some see it as a challenge, many argue that humanistic education complements technical skills by developing judgment and ethical reasoning necessary for responsible leadership.

What are the main benefits of emphasizing humanistic education?

It helps students develop self-awareness, moral clarity, and civic responsibility, preparing them for meaningful lives and active participation in society.