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Can the Humanities Be ‘Ruined’?

December 8, 2014

To the Editor:

A misleading headline was affixed to the print version of my essay (“Neuroscience Is Ruining the Humanities,” The Chronicle Review, November 28). I do not believe, nor does my essay reflect the belief, that the neurosciences are, as the title contends, “ruining” the humanities. My essay examines the postmodern agenda as it evolved during the 1970s and 80s, and how aspects of it made the humanities more susceptible to some of the guiding principles of neuroscience and evolutionary biology as they are structured today. Whatever may be wrong with the humanities is hardly just a matter of science envy, and, for what it’s worth, I believe the humanities will soon find the right balance between appreciation and analysis.

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To the Editor:

A misleading headline was affixed to the print version of my essay (“Neuroscience Is Ruining the Humanities,” The Chronicle Review, November 28). I do not believe, nor does my essay reflect the belief, that the neurosciences are, as the title contends, “ruining” the humanities. My essay examines the postmodern agenda as it evolved during the 1970s and 80s, and how aspects of it made the humanities more susceptible to some of the guiding principles of neuroscience and evolutionary biology as they are structured today. Whatever may be wrong with the humanities is hardly just a matter of science envy, and, for what it’s worth, I believe the humanities will soon find the right balance between appreciation and analysis.

Arthur Krystal
New York

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We welcome your thoughts and questions about this article. Please email the editors or submit a letter for publication.
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