In an article published in the Times of India today, Shashi Tharoor refers a research at Oxford University done by two sociologists who aver that the study of engineering helps produce a mindset that makes one prone to radicalisation. They argue that by virtue of its predisposition to certain non-negotiable and absolute principles, it may lead engineers to follow an ideology with its own immutable laws.
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The article can be accessed at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2910478.cms-
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Had it been like most other co-relation based revelations I'd have not even bothered to read beyond a couple of lines of this article. However, this research does provide some interesting explanation - predisposition to absolute and non-negotiable principles, the researchers claim; is one step short of the predictable laws of engineering to following an ideology or a creed that is infused with its own immutable laws. This forces me to think- how far can a predisposition to certain 'non-negotiable principles' lead one to fundamentalism/terrorism? To illustrate, a law student is aware of the principle of natural justice (put simply as per this principle, no one shall be condemned unheard)- this principle is considered to be the cornerstone of any civil society and thus a non-negotiable one. It is indeed rather difficult to think how a predisposition to such principles can lead to a person becoming influenced by terrorist ideology. It seems to me, ridiculous to make such an assertion (as made by the researchers) without making a reference to the significance, meaning, objective which it serves (especially relevant in case of law) and corollary of such principles. Shashi Tharoor, the author of this article recommends that making it compulsory for every engineering student to take at least 20% of his courses in the humanities might be the solution as it will help one to appreciate other cultures, the unity of human aspirations etc. However, in view of the propaganda that is passed of as humanities especially history, it necessary that instead of a mechanical inclusion of humanities; an inclusion of basic philosophy (so that one is able to appreciate logic and hopefully argue logically not emotionally), historiography (so that one is able to appreciate how bias affects history-writing, how events can be interpreted and presented in several ways and how our ideas about certain 'truths' are nothing but fallacies), sociology and economics (so that, if not more, one is (at least) able to understand why a $ 100,000 salary is not equal to a Rs. 39,00,000 salary); needs to be aimed at. I like to think of myself as a prospective policy-maker and legislator and hence this post has assumed the nature of a recommendatory document to be submitted to the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
