Role and Direction of Liberal Education of Humanities in the 4th Industrial Revolution Era

Abstract

This study aims to discuss the role and direction of liberal education of humanities in the era of the 4th industrial revolution. Focus on this purpose, this study not only examined the major features and prospects of the 4th Industrial Revolution, but also examined the necessity of liberal arts education in the 4th Industrial Revolution Era.BR The main characteristic of the 4th Industrial Revolution is that the era of convergence, in which automation and connectivity are maximized, is unfolded. Through such convergence, 3D printing technology, object internet technology and artificial intelligence robot technology have be developed. Such technological developments will bring a positive aspect to convenience to mankind. At the same time, it will lead to some ethical problems too.BR In order to prepare for the 4th Industrial Revolution era, ‘Soft power’ should be equipped. Soft power refers to the ability of a variety of individuals to creatively combine, on the basis of human rationality and sensibility. In order to have such soft power, it is necessary to develop the ability to think by the way of liberal education of humanities which is connected with ‘reading, writing and speaking’. In addition, it is necessary to have a perspective that can look at the development of science and technology based on reflection on ‘humanity’ through the liberal education of humanities.