Higher Education Shift Away from Humanities as Scholars Advocate for Philosophy in School Curricula.
Academics have urged the Education Ministry to incorporate philosophy into primary and secondary school curricula to enhance critical thinking and emotional intelligence among students.
During a stakeholder forum held at Zetech University, members of the Philosophical Association of Kenya, along with eminent scholars from various institutions, expressed concerns that most learners lack essential critical thinking skills necessary for engaging with others and addressing governance-related matters.
They asserted that studying philosophy would strengthen emotional resilience, refine analytical abilities, and help young learners navigate social and emotional challenges.
Professor Oyier Nyaruath from the University of Nairobi’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies stated that incorporating philosophy into the curriculum would provide students with fundamental life skills beyond conventional academic knowledge.
He explained that engaging in philosophical discourse enables students to analyze issues more profoundly and relate them to their personal experiences.
His views were supported by Dr. Theopillas Kiondo from the Technical University of Kenya and Dr. Stephen Onyango from Consolata International University.
They criticized higher learning institutions that have been encouraging students to abandon courses in Religion, Philosophy, and History in favor of more marketable fields such as technology and innovation.
“Integrating philosophy into the school syllabus would equip students with essential life skills beyond mere academic knowledge. When students engage in philosophical thought, they learn to analyse issues deeply and connect them to their own lives,” said Prof. Oyier.
Concerns Over Declining Interest in Humanities
The scholars observed that this trend has resulted in a declining interest in humanities-related courses among university students.
They warned that this decline could negatively impact the development of critical thinking skills in future generations. They emphasized that education should not solely focus on securing employment but should also expand knowledge on critical societal issues.
Dr. Onyango pointed out that while many university students prioritize courses that promise quick employment, this should not lead to the elimination of other disciplines.
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He suggested that humanities subjects could be integrated as units within mainstream courses to ensure students acquire essential knowledge.
“Most university students are keen to pursue courses that guarantee them jobs in the shortest time. However, this does not mean we phase out other courses. We can make them units in the main courses for the sake of that knowledge,” Dr. Onyango said.
Zetech University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Njenga Munen, reaffirmed the significance of philosophy in reputable academic institutions. He emphasized that any credible university must incorporate philosophical knowledge as an essential component of its academic foundation.
Higher Education Shift Away from Humanities as Scholars Advocate for Philosophy in School Curricula.
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