Not for Profit

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In this compelling work, philosopher Martha Nussbaum passionately advocates for the vital role of the liberal arts in education. Historically, the humanities have been essential for cultivating competent democratic citizens. However, Nussbaum contends that contemporary views on education have become alarmingly misguided, particularly in the U.S. and abroad. There is an increasing tendency to prioritize economic productivity over critical thinking, knowledge, and empathy. This narrow focus on marketable skills undermines our ability to challenge authority, diminishes our compassion for marginalized groups, and hampers our capacity to address complex global issues. Such a loss threatens the health of democracies and the hope for a just world. Nussbaum argues for a necessary shift away from viewing education merely as a means to enhance gross national product. Instead, she calls for a reconnection with the humanities to empower students to become engaged democratic citizens, both locally and globally. By drawing on examples of troubling and hopeful educational trends worldwide, Nussbaum presents a manifesto that serves as a rallying cry for those who care about the true purposes of education.