Do you think history is an important subject for a science student?

Question

itsannalee · Accepted Answer

Yes of course, history is important for several key reasons :
1. Understanding the Present, history explains why the world is the way it is today-social structures, political systems, cultures, and borders. For example, knowing about colonial history helps explain current international relations.
2. Learning from Mistakes by studying past errors—wars, economic collapses, social injustices we can avoid repeating them. History acts like a guidebook for humanity’s successes and failures.
3. Appreciating Cultures and Identity, history teaches about different societies, traditions, and struggles. It helps you understand your own roots and respect others’ backgrounds.
4. Critical Thinking Skills, analyzing historical events requires evaluating sources, identifying bias, and understanding cause and effect. These skills are valuable in everyday decisions.
5. Inspiration and Role Models, stories of leaders, innovators, and activists can motivate us to take action or persevere through challenges.
6. Civic Awareness, understanding history helps you become an informed citizen. You can better participate in democracy, understand laws, and engage in social issues.

In short, history is like the world’s memory, it teaches, warns, and inspires us. Without it, we risk repeating mistakes or missing opportunities to grow.

jennifer_bloom · Accepted Answer

My classmate was an engineering major and around 80% - 84% of his first year classes were mandatory and predetermined by the school, and he told me all first year engineering students were forced to take a philosophy class during first year, because they wanted their students to be well rounded and have a sense of ingrained ethics and socially relevant opinion versatility, and not be purely a functional STEM student with no social skills or personal sense of correct behaviour and social conduct. My friend's sister went on a blind date with an Ivy League graduate and she rejected him for a second date because the guy had academic intelligence, but could not speak, communicate, express emotion, or listen to others in a reciprocal and partnered relationship.

OneViewpoint · Accepted Answer

I think a certain amount of exposure to the liberal arts like, history, philosophy, literature, and sociology / psychology is an important component to the development of critical thinking skills, problem solving, and understanding people that benefits everyone for a lifetime.

If all you ever learn is science or coding, you're just a mechanic. If you want to really understand the role of science and computers in terms of human society and the universe, you need the liberal arts exposure too.

OlderAndWiser · Accepted Answer

I think that all serious students should want a broad education and not just training in a narrowly defined vocational path. I received am undergraduate degree with a major in psychology but my minor was chemistry, I took numerous music courses, and I am always reading about American history.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

Yes, history is important for science students as it provides context for scientific developments and fosters an understanding of how societal factors shape scientific progress. History encourages critical thinking and analysis skills, which are valuable in scientific research. Through history, science students can learn from past successes and failures, understanding the ethical implications and responsibilities associated with scientific advancements. The interdisciplinary knowledge gained from studying history can lead to a more well-rounded perspective, enhancing creativity and innovation within the sciences.

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

Of course. Knowing the origins of the science you now study is crucial to finding the means to improve on what’s already there.

Abbycado · Answer

Not really. I am studying biology for my major and have no reason to waste credits taking history courses that don't relate. Doesn't mean I don't like history. Just don't need to waste time when it doesn't relate to my major.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

If 'you' train only one of your legs... you will run in circles for the rest of your life :) Plus: what is ''science''? ---> Knowledge (as broad as it can become, I'd say).

Jersey2 · Answer

General knowledge shouldn’t be neglected. History is also interesting in that it shows how then current technology was used. Understanding old technology can help with innovation of new technology.

BadApple69 · Answer

History is important to ALL students.  “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.”

Xawyx-2 · Answer

History is actually one of my favorite subjects, along with Biology, and Geography.  Though, for a science student, it's probably less important.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Are you kidding? George Santanyana once said ,"Those who fail to heed history eventually repeat it." (MAGANs, I know you worship Agent Orange, but read about the aftermath of the Moustachioed Madman's and Chairman Mao's cult.)