What does Humanities mean?
I. Etymological Meaning
The word Humanities is derived from the Latin word “humanus” implies the qualities of being
human, refined and cultured.
II. Formal Meanings
1. The humanities are those academic disciplines that study the expressions of human
beings that explore and reveal what it means to be human.
The disciplines usually included are literature, language studies, the studies of all the traditional
art forms (music, painting, sculpture, dance, poetry, etc.), philosophy, religion, and cultural
history (history is often included in the social sciences depending on the focus and
methodologies of the research).
2. The Humanities emphasize the dignity and worthiness of man and recognizes creative
expressions.
Humanism, a philosophical doctrine that stresses the importance of every individual
flourished during the renaissance period and was great influenced by the classic views of
the Ancient Greek Philosopher, Protagoras.
“man is the measure of all things.”
3. Humanities, generally refers to art, literature, music, architecture, dance and the theatre
– areas in which human subjectivity is emphasized and individual expressiveness is
dramatized. The importance of human being and his feelings (human subjectivity) is the
main concern of the humanities.
4. The humanities are, therefore, the records of man’s experiences, his values, his
sentiments, his ideals, and his goals.
5. The humanities are the stories, the ideas, and the words that help us make sense of our
lives and our world.
6. The humanities introduce us to people we have never met, places we have never visited,
and ideas that may have never crossed our minds. By showing how others have lived and
thought about life,
7. The humanities help us decide what is important in our own lives and what we can do to
make them better. By connecting us with other people, they point the way to answers
about what is right or wrong, or what is true to our heritage and our history.
8. The humanities help us address the challenges we face together in our families, our
communities, and as a nation.
In the humanities, the student shall see what painters, sculptors, architects, poets, playwrights,
and movie makers have had to say about big questions such as: What is my purpose on this
earth? How should I get along with other human beings?
The importance of the human being and his feelings and how he expresses those feelings have
always been the concern of humanities via ARTS.
The humanities are important in the development of the complete social being, ready to take on
his responsibilities in this rapidly changing world and enjoy life.
The humanities should not be confused with "humanism," a specific philosophical belief, nor with
"humanitarianism," the concern for charitable works and social reform.
NOTE:
Humanism believes that MAN should be humanized, socialized and educated to respond
positively to rapid changes. …If a man is to live like a human being, his heart and mind must be
nourished. And the best spiritual nourishment comes from the humanities.
Hence, it is implied that Humanities emphasizes the dignity and
worthiness of man and recognizes creative expressions.
Without man in this world, the world remains a meaningless world!
But ironically speaking, terrorism and massive killings, are being experienced which rooted from
man’s selfishness and lack of humanitarian concern.
The wrath of War Jews Persecution
Cambodian War Philippine – Japan War
Humanism believes that MAN should be humanized, socialized and educated to respond
positively to rapid changes. …If a man is to live like a human being, his heart and mind must be
nourished. And the best spiritual nourishment comes from the humanities.
Formally speaking, Humanities, generally refers to art, literature, music, architecture, dance and
the theatre – areas in which human subjectivity is emphasized and individual expressiveness is
dramatized. The importance of human being and his feelings (human subjectivity) is the main
concern of the humanities.
The humanities are, therefore, the records of man’s experiences, his
values, his sentiments, his ideals, and his goals.
The humanities are ultimately the expressions of man’s feelings and
thoughts. They provide enjoyment and stimulation, particularly when
one tries to understand and appreciate them.
