Educational institutions face a debate over whether greater emphasis should be placed on the humanities or science, with some arguing that the former develops social awareness and ethical judgment, whereas others emphasize the latter’s analytical and practical value. Although both are indispensable, I believe science should receive greater priority because it equips students to address real-world problems, while the humanities guide its responsible use.
One major reason for giving greater emphasis to science is that schools are often the final stage of education before students enter the workforce. Scientific education teaches students to distinguish empirical evidence from conjectural assumptions, test hypotheses, and deduce sound conclusions. Nowhere is this more important than in disaster prevention. In earthquake-prone Japan, observation, experimentation, and quantitative modelling form a cornerstone of efforts to protect communities. My own experience in disaster-prevention engineering has shown me that a trivial detail can determine whether infrastructure remains functional under conditions. Were students to leave school without such analytical skills, they could struggle with data-driven decisions increasingly required in professional life.
Furthermore, humanities education is critical because it helps individuals understand different perspectives, maintain relationships, and resolve conflicts constructively. History, literature, and philosophy shape people’s mindsets in ways that numerical analysis alone cannot. History is valuable because, although it does not simply repeat itself, its rhythms often recur. Had societies ignored the causes of previous wars, social divisions, and disasters, they might have been more likely to reproduce failures. Such knowledge is therefore anything but banal; it can serve as an auxiliary safeguard against decisions that contravene ethical and social values.
Admittedly, some scientific research may initially appear irrelevant, and certain human problems cannot be reduced to numbers. Nevertheless, scientific literacy has become an ineluctable part of modern citizenship as technology and quantitative information permeate everyday life.
In conclusion, both disciplines deserve a central place in education, but I would give science greater priority because its analytical methods are essential to public safety, professional judgment, and technological progress. By amalgamating scientific rigor with historical awareness and ethical reasoning, schools can prepare young people not merely to understand the world, but to improve it responsibly.