Something Is Going Right at Universities

Multiple U.S. universities are demonstrating a renewed focus on humanistic education, emphasizing critical thinking, moral development, and civic engagement, according to recent observations and interviews with educators.

Recent reports and interviews reveal that many college educators are actively fostering a tradition of humanism, encouraging students to grapple with fundamental questions about identity, morality, and society. These educators see their role as more than imparting skills; they aim to ignite a passion for learning and moral purpose, echoing the ideals of the humanist tradition.

For example, Roosevelt Montás, a professor at Columbia University, emphasizes the importance of exposing students to the ‘Great Conversation’—a dialogue across centuries of thought—covering topics from Socrates to contemporary debates. Montás and others believe this approach helps students develop judgment, character, and civic responsibility, vital for a functioning democracy.

Why It Matters

This trend matters because it suggests that despite criticisms of higher education as primarily job-focused, many institutions continue to cultivate the moral and intellectual virtues necessary for democratic citizenship. These efforts could counteract societal polarization and promote a more engaged, reflective citizenry.

Background

Historically, American higher education has oscillated between emphasizing practical skills and fostering liberal, humanistic learning. Recent years have seen increased criticism of colleges for prioritizing vocational training over moral and civic education. However, anecdotal evidence and expert insights indicate a resurgence of humanistic teaching, with faculty dedicated to developing students’ moral and intellectual capacities.

“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.”

— Andrew Delbanco

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widespread this renewed focus on humanistic education is across all U.S. colleges, or how sustainable these efforts will be amid ongoing debates about higher education funding and priorities.

What’s Next

Next steps include tracking institutional policies, curriculum reforms, and faculty initiatives that further embed humanistic values in higher education. Additionally, research will be needed to assess the long-term impact of these approaches on student development and civic engagement.

Key Questions

Are universities shifting away from vocational training?

Many institutions continue to balance practical skills with humanistic and moral education, with some emphasizing a renewed focus on the latter as part of a holistic student development approach.

How do faculty members promote humanistic values?

Through curricula that include classic texts, fostering critical discussion, encouraging reflection on moral and civic questions, and exposing students to diverse philosophical and cultural traditions.

Is this trend happening nationwide?

While anecdotal evidence and expert observations suggest a growing movement, it remains to be seen how uniformly this approach is adopted across different types of institutions and regions.