Guy HoffmanApr 2, 2023

The problem [1] and its explanation [2] (HT @jeffjarvis)

1. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRcjsvSp/

2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/02/opinion/humanities-liberal-arts-policy-higher-education.html

Show threadBob Wyman
@hoffman @jeffjarvis
Vocational schools prepare you to be a tool.
Liberal arts prepare you to be a tool user.
Apr 2, 2023 at 2:29pmMastodon for Android
Show threaddjohngoApr 2, 2023
@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis Most of the tools I've met have MBAs.
Show threadBob WymanApr 2, 2023
@djohngo @hoffman @jeffjarvis I consider Business School to be a "vocational school." So, yes, it would make sense that they are trained to be tools.
Show threadDanaBlankenhornApr 2, 2023
@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis Engineering prepares you to make tools.
Science prepares you to enable new tools to be made.
Show threadLosfromcpApr 2, 2023
@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis I disagree with your take, Bob. A skilled trade can provide a pathway to freedom and independence. I agree that liberal arts are valuable, but not everyone needs nor desires a formal liberal arts education. Knowledge can be pursued outside the system (though many do not do it)
Show threadSuzanneApr 2, 2023
@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis Where would we be without the plumbers, electricians, mechanics and others who keep our world running? This is the kind of elitism that gives fodder to the right-wing.
Show threadBob WymanApr 2, 2023

@hoffman @jeffjarvis Several of those who commented seem to think that there is something elitist about the distinction between a "tool" and a "tool user." It is unfortunate that they have been socialized to think that way. Society needs people skilled in both of these and neither is more honorable or more worthy than the other.

Excellence in any skill should be celebrated.

Show threadJamesApr 8, 2023
@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis
Vocational schools prepare you to be a tool user.
Liberal arts prepare you to talk about tool users.
Show threadJamesApr 8, 2023

@bobwyman @hoffman @jeffjarvis

People with deep knowledge of their subject matter are most worth listening to. Liberal arts people worth listening to all have strong vocational experience.