1. Grammar
2. Logic
3. Rhetoric
4. Arithmetic
5.Astronomy
6. Music
7. Geometry.
These seven areas of study were necessary in order to make one "free", or liberal. The way an education was viewed was not in terms of vocational or economic worth, but in the intrinsic value of knowledge so as to liberate an individual. Instead of a bachelors degree being pre-requisite to being considered employable, it was an elective decision in search for intellectual freedom. Instead of a stepping stone on the way to professional pursuits, it was a diversion from the material world and a conscious dedication to formation of intellect. Instead of a necessity for temporal success, it was a necessity for individual progress. Today it's "I have to go to college to get a good job." When the original intent would be more like, "I have to go to college, I just can't handle not taking 4 years out of my life to dedicate to learning for the purpose of learning."
That's what universities were intended to be, and that's what universities should be. If learning is only useful inasmuch as it prepares for a profession, then why does BYU have a religion department? There is danger in collapsing the objectives of a four year university down into technical ability and memorization. Technical and vocational institutions exist for just that reason. They prepare a portion of the population directly for employment and production without the university experience of the liberal arts. This is needful, useful, and helpful for both individuals and society.
My qualm is with the necessity of a bachelors for employment. A bachelors degree is an incredibly imperfect indicator of ones employability and professional potential. It was intended to be an indicator of an understanding of the liberal arts with a focus on one or more in particular. Do I need a bachelors degree to be a writer? Do I need a bachelors degree to be a Nurse? Do I need a bachelors degree to be an Accountant? Do I need a bachelors degree to sell or create advertising? To me the answer to all these is a resounding No.
I understand I'm not breaking any new ground here.
There should be technical training for accountants, nurses, and other specialty skill based professions. Those who have a knack for advertising should advertise. Those who sleep with a pen in their hand at night should write. And those who can't go through life without the liberation of intellectual pursuit and education should go to college.
