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37. Because scientific knowledge is increasingly important in our technological1 world and in the practical world of jobs and careers, schools should devote sufficient time to teaching mathematics and science. This is not to say, however, that schools should devote less time to the arts or humanities. To the contrary, in a technological age the study of arts and humanities is probably more important than ever—for three reasons. First of all, studying the arts and humanities can help students become better mathematicians2 and scientists. For example, recent studies of cognitive3 development show that studying music at an early age can strengthen a child's later grasp of mathematics. And understanding philosophical4 concepts has helped scientists recognize their own presuppositions, and frame their central questions more accurately5. Secondly6, studying the creative and intellectual achievement of others helps inspire our own creativity and intellectual questioning. This is particularly important in an era dominated by technology, where we run a serious risk of becoming automatons7 who fit neatly8 into the efficient functioning of some system. Finally, technology is valuable as an efficient means to our important goals. But neither technology, nor the science on which it is founded, decides which goals are best, or judges the moral value of the means we choose for their attainment9. We need the liberal arts to help us select worthwhile ends and ethical10 means. In conclusion, schools should not devote less time to the arts and humanities. These areas of study augment11 and enhance learning in mathematics and science, as well as helping12 to preserve the richness of our entire human legacy13 while inspiring us to further it. Moreover, disciplines within the humanities provide methods and contexts for evaluating the morality of our technology and for determining its proper direction. 点击收听单词发音
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