What are the humanities? How can you relate to them?
What are the humanities, and how do they relate to the "real" world? Ask a random group of people, and you will rarely get the same definition twice. Contrary to popular belief, however, the humanities are not restricted to only being experienced in the sphere of academia--most people experience at least one branch of the humanities in the course of their daily living! With so many people today unaware of the purpose of the humanities, it's important we focus on and understand how we experience the humanities each day. The humanities are part of the common human experience, connecting us to each other and our communities in a unique way. The humanities not only exist within the "real" world, they define it. A museum exhibit about the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, a spirited philosophical discussion about human existence or interacting with people of different cultures in your hometown are all experiences grounded in the humanities. The humanities keep us in touch with ourselves and with others. They open up the world to us, enriching our human experience. They offer us the opportunity to learn from the past, explore the present, and shape the future. They are about culture, community, and connections. Quite simply, they are about what make us human.
Traditionally humanities disciplines include: