2 days ago
The case for liberal education in technical fields
Recently, I was part of a panel discussion on the topic 'Liberal Education in the Age of Intelligence,' organised by the Rajagiri Round Table Conference. The topic provoked questions and reflection: Is the term 'liberal education' a misnomer or perhaps even redundant, since the very idea of education implies openness, inquiry, and freedom of thought? Are we truly living in an age of intelligence, or is it more accurately the age of Artificial Intelligence? Can the principles of liberal education be meaningfully integrated into technical and vocational training? Perhaps most significantly: What truly defines a liberal educator or a genuine champion of liberal education?
Origins
Etymologically, the word education originates from the Latin terms educare and educere, both of which convey the idea of drawing out or bringing forth what already exists within an individual. Viewed this way, education is not simply the transmission of knowledge, but the cultivation and development of a person's inherent potential; ideally in an environment that fosters freedom and growth.
If we believe that education should inherently develop intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and open-mindedness — qualities central to the very concept of education — then the term 'liberal education' might seem redundant. After all, does the word education itself not suggest a liberal spirit, making the qualifier 'liberal' appear unnecessary?
However, in practice, education is not always liberal. There is a wide gap between the ideal and the reality. Education systems that prioritise narrow specialisation or vocational training frequently neglect the broader and more reflective goals that liberal education seeks to advance. This is precisely where the term liberal education becomes meaningful. It underscores an approach that values a multidisciplinary perspective over a single-discipline focus, critical and creative inquiry over routine skill-based training, and civic responsibility over mere career preparation.
Thus, we can argue that, in essence, liberal education is not a superfluous label and is a necessary reminder of what education is truly meant to be.
The true purpose of education is to liberate the mind from all forms of shackles. Only when individuals are free can they truly think, imagine, and create. Without freedom, independent thought becomes impossible and without independent thought, new ideas cannot emerge.
'Education is freedom,' proclaimed Paulo Freire, a strong advocate for critical pedagogy and liberation education. The idea highlights that true education is not about enforcing conformity but about fostering liberation. When education is meaningful, it frees people from ignorance and passivity, empowering them to think critically, act purposefully and live responsibly and liberates learners from conformist, dogmatic, and passive mindsets.
If it fails to cultivate the ability to think for oneself, it stops being education and turns into indoctrination. As Noam Chomsky points out, education and indoctrination are fundamentally different: the former encourages critical inquiry and independent thought, while the latter imposes unquestioned beliefs and suppress critical analysis.
Liberal vs. technical
The core principles of liberal arts education emphasise holistic development, multidisciplinary learning, and the idea of education as a means to enrich life, not merely a tool for survival. This raises an important question: Does technical education in India go against these principles? Opinions may differ, as institutions vary in their approach. However, broadly speaking, technical education in India tends to prioritise specialised skills, offers limited scope for interdisciplinary learning, and remains largely focused on employment and industry needs.
In the U.S. and many other countries, Engineering and Medical programmes incorporate Humanities courses such as Literature, Philosophy, History, Political Science, and Economics to offer a more well-rounded education. Unfortunately, this kind of integration is still largely absent in India. Recently, during a conversation with a group of engineers and academics, I brought up the importance of including Humanities subjects in Engineering curricula. To my surprise, the idea was quickly dismissed by many, who regarded such courses as irrelevant and a waste of time.
Liberal education complements science and technology. When its principles are integrated into technical fields like Engineering and Medicine, they help produce well-rounded, ethically grounded, and adaptable professionals equipped with critical thinking, effective communication, and interdisciplinary understanding. In their paper 'Toward a Liberal Education in Medicine,' Raymond H. Curry and Kathryn Montgomery propose a model that goes beyond ensuring competence in core knowledge, skills, and clinical perspectives. They argue for a more holistic approach—one that prepares not only competent physicians but also reflective, well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the moral, cultural, and intellectual challenges of contemporary medical practice. Technical education can become a true form of education and even a tool of liberation if it nurtures intellectual autonomy, ethical reflection, and critical inquiry. Without these elements, it risks becoming merely utilitarian training.
A true champion of liberal education is not merely a teacher or academic, but a custodian of the liberal spirit; someone who embodies intellectual curiosity, upholds freedom of thought, and is deeply committed to the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. In the 21st century, this role is not limited to liberal arts educators; engineers, doctors, and other professionals, too, are expected to advocate for the values of liberal education.
Today, qualities and values matter more than mere employability skills. A highly skilled individual lacking emotional intelligence may achieve technical success but is likely to struggle with empathy, leadership, collaboration, and earning public trust. Integrating liberal education into technical fields can not only help engineer minds but also doctor the hearts of society.
The writer is an ELT resource person and education columnist. Email rayanal@
