[tastyfreeze]

Does a computer science major or engineering degree really need history or humanities classes? Sure, it might make more rounded humans but they are completely unnecessary. However, most colleges require these unnecessary classes to get a STEM degree.

[apical_dendrite]

I've been thinking recently about Hannah Arendt's description of Eichmann. He was good at doing his job, but had no ability to understand that he was doing a job that no human being should ever do.

I think about this in the context of the DOGE goons, who are so happy to show off their technical skills in the service of dismantling humanitarian aid to starving people.

The people that Palantir hires will have tremendous power in this world. I hope that they have the ability to think critically about the impact of what they are doing and why they are doing it. Learning the humanities helps with this.

[phba]

Well, it's impossible to know if Eichmann really thought about the ethics of his job. With regards to his trial, it didn't matter anyway. Every captured Nazi official claimed they were just a cog in the machine and had to follow orders. The judges rightfully dismissed this, because otherwise Hitler would have been the only one responsible (how convenient!). They were all put on trial for their specific actions and decisions.

My take from Hannah Arendt's work is that normal people will do evil things if they think they can get away with it.

[8note]

a acredited canadian engineering degree requires a technical writing class, law class, and stats.

otherwise, you get to pick one non-engineering course out of the whole degree.

i did a CS degree on top of a mech one, and all i had to do was the math and CS courses.

[mulmen]

> Does a computer science major or engineering degree really need history or humanities classes?

CS majors are members of society so absolutely without a doubt yes.

[bediger4000]

My degree is in aerospace engineering. Worked in aer0space for 8 years, then became a programmer.

Yes, you really need history and humanities.

[pseudalopex]

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

[mdhb]

It’s the difference between getting an education and learning a trade… so yes.