Essential Intelligence: Why The Age Of AI Still Needs The Humanities

Forbes

4 days ago

Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer at Cisco.
For years, students have been flocking to STEM fields, prompting a nearly 25% decline in the number of humanities degrees awarded in the U.S. between 2012 and 2022, marking one of the steepest downturns in any academic discipline.
This shift will be especially impactful in the information and communications technology (ICT) fields, where AI is expected to transform 40% of mid-level and 37% of entry-level roles, automating routine tasks and amplifying the need for human judgment. In a future where data is ubiquitous, a company's competitive edge won't be based on access to information but the ability to analyze it—precisely the skills sharpened through the study of literature, history, philosophy and the arts.
The real question isn't whether the humanities matter, but rather how we can reframe education to ensure the next generation is equipped to enter the workforce with both the technical know-how and the deeply human skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven future.
The Important Skills Gained Through Humanities
The humanities cultivate a powerful set of skills that are becoming increasingly critical in the age of AI: communication, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, ethical reasoning and a human-centered approach to technology. These aren't just helpful skills; they serve as the foundation for driving responsible innovation. As AI becomes more capable of doing the 'how,' people will be tasked with asking strategic questions such as 'Why?' and 'Should we?'
As a result, ethical reasoning and the ability to evaluate the broader impact of innovation will become essential for maximizing the capabilities of emerging technologies. Cisco's Responsible AI Framework is designed to ensure the development and deployment of AI, with a clear focus on minimizing potential harm and promoting trust. The six core principles—transparency, fairness, accountability, privacy, security and reliability—are supported by comprehensive oversight, risk controls and incident management systems in collaboration with regulators, industry associations and civil society organizations.
This framework not only aligns closely with other critical global standards but also underscores the need for professionals who are uniquely trained to navigate ambiguity, challenge assumptions and design with empathy. Graduates with backgrounds in the humanities are particularly suited for these roles, and as a result, their skills are critical to powering an inclusive future where technology serves the common good rather than the other way around.
The Role Of Higher Education In Adapting To The New Reality
To meet the demands of an AI-driven future, higher education must reimagine the role of the humanities. While rooted in theory, humanities disciplines can be strengthened through more experiential, interdisciplinary learnings that highlight their often-overlooked practical applications. As AI takes on more routine tasks, time is being freed up to prioritize creativity, empathy and strategic thinking—core human skills that shouldn't be separated from technical subjects. For students in STEM fields, integrating humanities-based thinking into programs can emphasize real-world skills and better equip those graduates to navigate the space between innovation and impact.
Equally important is embracing education as a lifelong process. Learning doesn't end with a diploma; universities have a responsibility to build sustainable pathways that support continuous learning. Academic institutions not only prepare people for their careers but can also offer students a blueprint to adapt and evolve to the changing demands of their respective fields.
How Businesses Can Cultivate Humanities Skills
As the value of humanities-based skills becomes clearer, businesses must rethink traditional hiring practices. Instead of prioritizing a talent pool with specific technical degrees, companies should dedicate their resources to sourcing candidates who offer real-world, intuitive skills that translate to the workplace. When companies value candidates' varied educational or experiential backgrounds, it allows fresh perspectives to thrive within teams under constant pressure to problem solve and innovate.
Investing in training and development is equally important. Similarly to higher ed, organizations must foster a culture of lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity, which requires learning experiences to be blended rather than siloed. Technical skills can't be developed in isolation from human-centered ones. By seamlessly merging the 'technical' with the 'human,' employees will be more prepared to navigate complex challenges in AI-driven environments.
In a not-so-distant future where we'll have access to all possible information, ingraining a lifelong appetite to learn, asking the right questions and leading with empathy within teams will play a defining role in shaping the rapidly changing, AI-driven future. The humanities may serve a critical role in unlocking that value.
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