Zakaria, in "In Defense of a Liberal Education," counters the criticism that liberal education lacks practicality by emphasizing its role in cultivating critical thinking and adaptability. He argues that the ability to learn and apply knowledge is more crucial than specific job skills.
Fareed Zakaria, in his book "In Defense of a Liberal Education," argues against the criticism that liberal education lacks real-world applicability and job-relevant skills. Zakaria contends that a liberal education provides valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability, which are transferable to various professions. He emphasizes the importance of learning how to learn, asserting that liberal education cultivates intellectual curiosity and the ability to navigate a rapidly changing world. Zakaria challenges the narrow focus on immediate job skills, stating, "Learning how to learn is more important than learning any particular subject" (Zakaria, 2015, p. 60). He advocates for the broader perspective that liberal education offers, asserting that it equips individuals to tackle unforeseen challenges in an evolving economy. By highlighting the success stories of individuals with liberal arts backgrounds in diverse fields, Zakaria aims to reshape the narrative surrounding the practicality of liberal education.
The probable question may be:
A common criticism of liberal education is that it does not have the
real-world applicability that courses in STEM have and it does not
teach students the skills necessary for the jobs that are available in
today's economy. How does Zakaria argue against this position? Cite
specific passages/paragraphs to support your response.