摘要
在国际语境中,文科的具体所指是人文学科,其学术旨趣更倾向于价值关注而弱于经验求证,且多少无关功用。正因如此,在一个就业压力日增的社会环境中,它面临学生流失与地位跌落的危机。大学人文学科危机论由来已久,从历史的角度而言,它曾有过作为以神学为中心与以人为中心总体学问的辉煌地位,在科学乃至实用之术逐渐占据主导后,也由此开启其漫长的式微历程。尤其是在当今时代,各种外部环境压力、学科的专门化乃至科学化以及内部不同阵营与派系的立场纷争等,众多内外因素交织进一步加剧其地位危机。然而,大学不能没有人文学科,特别是在如今技术主导的加速时代,面对人类社会诸多问题与人的精神困扰,人文学科的教育功能与价值不仅不能萎缩,反而需要进一步放大为面向全体的普惠性教育资源。无论是人文学科的传统主义、功利主义还是批判主义倾向,在当代都有其不可或缺的教育价值,摒弃彼此的立场对峙,缓解内部纷争,共同致力于学生精神境界、想象力与创造力的提升,对人类共同善的理解,对美好人生与公正社会的追求,这依旧是大学人文学科无可替代的使命,也是其摆脱当下危机的基本路径选择。
In an international context,the term“liberal arts”primarily refers to the humanities,which emphasize value-oriented inquiry over empirical verification and are largely detached from utilitarian purposes.Consequently,in a society increasingly pressured by employment concerns,the humanities face a crisis of declining student enrollment and diminishing status.In fact,debates about such a crisis in universities have persisted for years.Historically,the humanities once held a prestigious position as a comprehensive body of knowledge centered on theology and humanistic studies.However,their gradual decline began as science and practical disciplines came to dominate academia.Today,this crisis is further exacerbated by a confluence of external pressures,itself disciplinary specialization and scientization,as well as internal ideological conflicts among different academic factions.Nevertheless,universities cannot function without the humanities-especially in this technology-driven era of acceleration.Confronted with complex social challenges and human spiritual dilemmas,the educational function and value of the humanities must not diminish;instead,they should expand into universally accessible educational resources.Whether approached from traditionalist,utilitarian,or critical perspectives,the humanities are of indispensable educational value in the contemporary era.Moving beyond ideological standoffs and internal disputes,the humanities must collectively commit to elevating students spiritual horizons,nurturing imagination and creativity,fostering an understanding of the common good,and pursuing a fulfilling life and a just society.This remains the irreplaceable mission of the humanities and the fundamental path to overcoming their current crisis in universities.
出处
《北京大学教育评论》
北大核心
2025年第2期32-48,187,188,共19页
Peking University Education Review
基金
文化名家暨“四个一批”人才工程资助项目。
