Differences between Natural and Social Sciences | Andrew Wernette | TEDxLeQuyDonGiftedHighSchool

Summary

In this engaging talk, Andrew, an English major from a family of engineers, addresses common misconceptions about social sciences. He acknowledges the increasing focus on STEM subjects due to industrialization but emphasizes the timeless importance of humanities. Andrew highlights the value of social sciences in fostering emotional intelligence, creativity, and intellectual fulfillment. He reassures students that pursuing social sciences leads to fulfilling careers and contributes significantly to society. His key message encourages students to follow their passions, study what they love, and reject societal prejudices about the value of social sciences.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Andrew, comes from a family of engineers but chose to study English in university, highlighting the personal choice in education paths.
• 🐏 Andrew feels like a 'black sheep' for choosing a social science major, illustrating the societal pressure to pursue STEM fields.
• 🤔 The speaker addresses common questions and prejudices about social sciences, aiming to reassure those considering these fields.
• 📉 There's a decline in social science majors in America due to the perceived value of STEM degrees for career prospects.
• 🏛 Ancient Greeks valued social sciences for well-rounded education, indicating the historical importance of these studies.
• 🧠 Social sciences are crucial for emotional intelligence and understanding the world, contrary to being just theoretical.
• 🎨 Literature, history, and sociology are presented as lenses to comprehend the complex world, emphasizing their practical value.
• 💼 The speaker refutes the idea that social sciences only lead to creative jobs, suggesting a wide range of career opportunities.
• 💰 Contrary to popular belief, social science degrees do not necessarily lead to lower earnings or less stable lives.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages following one's passion for social sciences, asserting that opportunities and fulfillment are possible.
• 🚀 The final message is to not let prejudices dictate educational choices, advocating for freedom in pursuing one's interests.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Andrew's speech?

The main theme of Andrew's speech is the value and importance of social sciences and the humanities in education and society, despite the current trend favoring STEM fields.

Why did Andrew choose to major in English despite coming from a family of engineers?

Andrew chose to major in English because he has always been drawn to creative writing and felt it was the most natural major for him, trusting that everything would be okay.

What is the common joke in the United States about studying English that Andrew refers to?

The joke is about why someone would choose a major in a language that the whole country already speaks, implying that studying English might be redundant or less valuable.

What are some of the prejudices Andrew mentions against social sciences?

Some prejudices include the belief that social sciences are a recent phenomenon, that they don't provide individual value, that they are purely theoretical with no practical aspect, and that they do not contribute to society.

How does Andrew refute the idea that social sciences are a recent phenomenon?

Andrew refutes this by stating that even ancient Greek civilization recognized the importance of social sciences in a well-rounded education and for active civic life.

What role do social sciences play in enhancing our emotional quotient, according to Andrew?

Social sciences help with our emotional quotient by providing lenses such as literature, history, and sociology to understand the world around us and comprehend the complexities of life.

Why does Andrew argue that social sciences are not just theoretical but also practical?

Andrew argues that social sciences contribute to intellectual fulfillment, which is important as our basic physiological needs are met and we seek to expand our intelligence and intellectual scope.

What is Andrew's stance on the belief that social sciences only lead to creative jobs?

Andrew disagrees with this belief, stating that social sciences are viable in today's world and can lead to a variety of jobs, including those that require both creative and logical skills.

How does Andrew address the concern that social science degrees lead to less stable lives or lower earnings?

Andrew addresses this by encouraging students not to be afraid and to follow their hearts, assuring them that there are opportunities and that social science degrees do not necessarily lead to less stable lives or lower earnings.

What is the final message Andrew wants to convey to those considering studying social sciences?

Andrew's final message is to not let prejudices chain them down and to study whatever they are passionate about, as there are plenty of opportunities for both social sciences and natural sciences in society.