Assignment: NHR Response

This passage from The New Humanities Reader has definitely shifted my views on how we can use a text more effectively to reach new conclusions. I have always read a text within the limitations of its subject. Research articles about biology would be associated with my previous knowledge of biology. A news story on advancements in technology would be "filed away" under my pre-existing understanding of tech. However, this compartmentalization of different disciplines may have limited my ability to relate two articles together and realize new ideas. This is incredibly important in a world where professionals in different departments have to work together on a project. A mechanical engineer will have to work with a doctor to build a prosthetic arm. Environmentalists will have to work with urban planners when planning new projects. In order to reach across these divides, it's important to learn how to read nonfiction that may not be familiar. This way, these gaps will be filled and collaboration can occur more effectively.

Something I found interesting in this passage was the defining of a "new humanities." I have never considered it before, but it is true that globalization and the Internet have made it so that readers want articles about every topic imaginable. The humanities were once restricted to art, philosophy, literature, and more. Now, writing cohesive nonfiction is imperative if one wants to disseminate information from any discipline. As our technology and connectivity continues to increase, I wonder if the humanities will become even broader.

One argument presented in The New Humanities Reader that I disagree with is the suggestion that those without background in a certain discipline feel unqualified to contribute to a discussion. Personally, I have seen many examples of people debating an issue in a comment section, or referencing articles in an in-person discussion. Almost none of these people had the professional background in these topics. The Internet has given us access to Wikipedia articles, news websites, and more. By doing some light reading, people do feel confident enough to talk about a subject they are not an expert in. Many times, the facts they present are wrong, but the discussion continues nonetheless. I believe a distinction should be made - we should learn to read and understand the text in its entirety if we want to have a discussion while keeping the facts intact.