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Some of the most pressing problems in society don't have answers that fit into the mindset of the more mathematically-minded among us. They are problems noneth
by pcrh 14y ago
Some of the most pressing problems in society don't have answers that fit into the mindset of the more mathematically-minded among us.
They are problems nonetheless, for example: should free speech exist? You can't answer that question using science, yet we need people to think about that kind of thing.
For what it's worth, the reputation of All Souls College (which does not have students) is strongest in the humanities.
- joe_the_user 14y agoSaying the exam wasn't "hard" as such wasn't intended to slight All Souls College or the humanities. It seems like what makes a question part of the humanities is that many if not most humans have some sort of answer to the question. For that reason, I imagine the humanities might be better served not conjuring up images of super-hard exams only a few can pass.
- pcrh 14y agoFrom the perspective of All Souls, they do want exams that only a few can pass. The goal of this kind of exam is to identify original and insightful thinkers. I presume that it is hoped that those who enter All Souls will make original and long-lasting contributions to their field of endeavor. In the natural sciences, a similar effort is supported by the Howard Hughes Foundation at Janelia Farms, as described here: http://www.nature.com/news/research-at-janelia-life-on-the-farm-1.9373 http://www.nature.com/news/research-at-janelia-life-on-the-f...