Topic 1: Defining the Humanities

Time Allotment: 2 hours

Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
a. Trace the development of humanities in the different periods and
b. Discuss the Humanities.

This time, let’s see where you can categorize your own definition. Ortiz et al.
(1976) in their book presented different definitions of humanities from ancient Latin to
present.

The term “humanities” was first applied to the writings of ancient Latin authors
which were read not only for their clarity of language and forceful literary style, but also,
and more specially, for their moral teaching. During the Medieval Age, the humanities
dealt with the metaphysics of the religion philosopher. The goal was the cultivation of the
spiritual life and the preparation for the hereafter. During the Renaissance, the word came
to refer to the set of disciplines taught in the universities, which included grammar,
rhetoric, history, literature, music, philosophy, and theology- a body of knowledge aimed
to make man “human, cultured, and refined. At present, the humanities serve to provide
the student with certain skills and values through arts.

Elaborating and relating humanities from arts, Sanchez (2001) said that the term
‘humanities’ refers to the arts- the visual arts such as architecture; painting and sculpture;
music; dance; the theater or drama; and literature. They are the branches of learning
concerned with human being and his feelings and how he expresses those feelings have
always been the concern of the humanities.

What are the differences and similarities of the Humanities and the Sciences?
Even this time, others still do not have clear grasp of the different disciplines they
embrace. Although these concepts have been thrown around their heads, they have never
really been asked for the definitions and focus/foci of all these. It is then necessary that
one should know the background for it leads him/her to appreciate the future career s/he
wanted to be.
 As mentioned by Ortiz et al. (1976), the sciences and the humanities are two
different terms with the same goal. The sciences deal with the external world of man, as
well as with the facets of man’s being that can be subjected to observation, measurement,
and experimentation. Further, the sciences enable man to understand and control nature
and to harness its energy to make his life more comfortable and convenient. On the other
hand, the humanities deal with man’s internal world-with his personality and experiences,
matters that cannot be exactly measured, classified, or controlled. The humanities’
approach is subjective; it makes much use of perception, feeling, intuition, and insight.
The focus of the humanities is on man as an individual, while in the social sciences the
main interest is on types and groups of human beings, and on the institutions and
processes of society.

Thus, both the sciences and the humanities are necessary for the development of
the complete, social man, ready to take on his responsibilities in this rapidly changing
world and to enjoy life as he lives it.
Unit 1: Embracing the Humanities