Why Liberal Arts? Because the World Needs Thinkers, Not Just Workers

Written by: Deepshikha Banerjee

Edited by: Nishtha Chakrabarty

The Liberal Arts Panel Discussion at LIBERNIUM 2.0 was not just another academic debate—it was a reality check on why interdisciplinary education matters now more than ever. Featuring Dr. Shweta Deshpande (Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts), Dr. Radhika Lobo (Vidyashilp University), and Prof. Amalendu Jyotishi (Azim Premji University), and moderated by Dr. Prerana Srimaal, the panel tackled some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding liberal arts.

Jack of All Trades, Master of…None?

One of the most interesting points raised was the idea that Liberal Arts graduates are "jack of all trades, master of none"—often said in a way implying that being a jack of all trades is somehow a bad thing. But here’s the catch: the world needs people who can connect the dots between disciplines, adapt, and innovate. As Dr. Deshpande put it – “In today’s world, knowing a little bit about everything is a superpower.” 

Think about it—would you rather have a business expert who only understands profits, or one who also knows about consumer behavior, psychology, ethics, and sustainability? Liberal Arts isn’t about knowing less; it’s about knowing more in a way that allows you to navigate the real world’s complexities.

Convincing Parents: The Ultimate Battle

What is one of the biggest struggles for Liberal Arts students, you ask? Convincing their parents that this degree won’t leave them unemployed and living in their childhood bedroom forever. The panel tackled this head-on, pointing out that Liberal Arts graduates are actually highly employable—and not just in traditional fields like journalism or academia. They’re thriving in corporate strategy, policymaking, digital marketing, UX design, and even AI ethics.

Dr. Jyotishi emphasized that companies today don’t just want coders—they want problem-solvers, creative thinkers, and people who understand human behavior. With automation replacing many technical jobs, the future belongs to those who can think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new challenges—all hallmarks of a Liberal Arts education.

Liberal Arts + Tech = The Future

Speaking of the future, the panel also addressed the intersection of Liberal Arts and technology. There’s a misconception that liberal arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) exist in separate worlds, but as the panelists pointed out, the most innovative tech solutions come from people who understand both fields.

“Technology isn’t just about algorithms,” Dr. Lobo explained. “It’s about people. And understanding people is what liberal arts does best.” From AI ethics to sustainability in urban planning, from digital storytelling to user experience design, the fusion of Liberal Arts and technology is where real innovation happens.

So, What’s Next?

The discussion wrapped up with a powerful message: Liberal Arts isn’t just a degree—it’s a mindset. The world needs people who can think, analyze, adapt, and challenge the status quo. The panelists encouraged students to own their interdisciplinary education, be vocal about its value, and most importantly, use it to drive real change.

Later, in an interview with Prof. Shweta Deshpande, she left us with a thought that perfectly sums up the conversation:

"Liberal Arts isn’t about choosing an easy path. It’s about choosing a path where you’re constantly learning, questioning, and making connections others don’t see. And that’s exactly what the world needs right now."

So, if anyone still asks why Liberal Arts matters, our answer is: because the future belongs to those who can lead—not just follow.