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Research & New Knowledge

Humanities scholars delve into historical texts, art, languages, and histories to uncover insights about both our present and past experiences. This section features stories that highlight how researchers use humanities methodologies, often in collaboration with other disciplines, to explore the unknown and reveal new truths.

Discover how:

• Historical Texts and Art: Provide insights into current experiences and historical contexts.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Enhances understanding through the integration of diverse scholarly approaches.
• Innovative Research: Uses humanities techniques to investigate and illuminate complex questions.

Explore the impactful work of scholars who bridge the humanities with other fields to advance our knowledge and understanding of both past and present human experiences.

Humanities research is often recognized through books and creative works that analyze, interpret, and critique philosophy, history, literature, music, languages, culture, and the arts. This foundational knowledge, studied in schools and colleges, has historically been central to education and understanding.

However, the value of humanities extends far beyond traditional interpretations of the past. When combined with other disciplines, humanities methods can reveal groundbreaking insights into fields such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience. Despite this, the humanities are often viewed as merely an exploration of historical texts and library research.

In this section, explore stories that showcase how humanities research intersects with and enriches other scientific fields:

• The Shaping of Knowledge: Bridging Physics and Literary Theory: Discover how literary theory can provide new perspectives on complex concepts in quantum physics.
• The Artist as Explorer: Transformational Science and Artistic Perception: Learn how artistic approaches can transform scientific research and enhance understanding.

These stories highlight innovative projects where humanities methodologies collaborate with other disciplines to unlock new realms of knowledge and exploration.

As part of the Humanities Institute’s mission to highlight the social relevance of humanities scholarship, we present HumIn Focus—an educational web series designed to explore the deeper implications of pressing social issues through the lens of humanities research. Each episode features scholars reflecting on their work, offering insights that expand and enrich current discussions. Our goal is to broaden and deepen conversations, showcasing how humanities research is crucial for understanding and addressing contemporary concerns.

Learn more about HumIn Focus at hi.psu.edu/humin-focus/.

Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is a powerful force shaping our culture, capable of both significant benefits and potential risks. While much of the public discourse focuses on the technological advancements and the perspectives of A.I. creators and advocates, this episode of HumIn Focus takes a different approach.

Here you will explore:

• The Impact of A.I. on Daily Life: How A.I. technologies are already integrated into our everyday experiences.
• Ethical and Virtue Considerations: The implications of delegating tasks from humans to A.I., and how this shift affects our understanding of virtue, ethics, and the concept of a "good life."
• Responsible Deliberation: What thoughtful and ethical consideration of A.I.’s potential should look like, beyond speed and efficiency.

Join us as we delve into these crucial questions and reflect on the broader consequences of A.I. through a humanities perspective.