Issue #6: The Strategic Value of Humanities Graduates in the LLM Era
How humanities perspectives can optimise LLM adoption in the enterprise
In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as a pivotal force, reshaping how businesses approach communication, decision-making, and data analysis.
Amidst this technological shift, a crucial question arises: who are the ideal stewards of these powerful AI tools?
In this issue of ‘The Uncharted Algorithm,’ we explore the value that humanities graduates bring, a contribution often overlooked in tech-centric discussions. They play an indispensable role in harnessing the full potential of LLMs within enterprises.
By blending their deep understanding of human context with critical thinking, humanities graduates are uniquely equipped to guide the responsible deployment of LLMs, ensuring these technologies are used in ways that are not only technologically sound but also culturally sensitive and grounded.
As we delve into the intersection of AI and humanities, we'll explore how these graduates are key contributors to the LLM-driven future of enterprise technology.
One caveat is that the focus of this article is largely centred around the US as its where majority of the data is available, and secondly its where we see a large proportion of advanced AI technology being built. If anyone has any data or insights around aspect of humanities education and AI technology in other regions of the world please do share in the comments or reach out.
The Value of Humanities in the Age of AI
The contributions of humanities graduates to significant technological advancements have been evident throughout history.
Ada Lovelace, with her background in mathematics and a keen interest in the humanities, is celebrated for her work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, making foundational contributions to modern computing. Her work exemplifies how a blend of mathematical skills and creative thinking from the humanities can lead to groundbreaking ideas in computing.
Similarly, in the 1930s, physicists like J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was deeply influenced by philosophy, played a pivotal role in shaping scientific discovery. His philosophical perspective was instrumental in the development of the atomic bomb. This influence of philosophy in scientific realms like physics underscores the broader impact of humanities in guiding the direction and implications of scientific and technological advancements, beyond just technical execution.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, attributed his emphasis on aesthetic design and user-friendly interfaces to his background in calligraphy and the arts. This approach was instrumental in making the personal computer accessible and appealing to a wider audience. His liberal arts background influenced Apple's focus on design and user experience, showing how humanities can enhance product appeal and functionality.
Likewise, Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, combined his scientific expertise with a profound interest in the societal impact of information technology, shaping the web as a universally accessible resource. His concern for the societal impact of technology led to the creation of the World Wide Web as a tool for universal information access, demonstrating how humanities can guide the development of inclusive and socially beneficial technologies.
In each of these examples above we see a unique aspect of the humanities that brings a new perspective to technology, its application and use in the modern world.
Lets dive into each of those aspects and how they need to be considered in the context of AI and LLMs in the enterprise, its impact on work culture and customers.
Creative Problem-Solving: Humanities cultivate a mindset that embraces diverse perspectives and unconventional thinking. In the context of AI and LLMs, this fosters innovative solutions to complex problems, enhancing AI applications in predictive analysis, customer interaction, and strategic planning. Creative problem-solving from a humanities perspective can lead to more dynamic and adaptable AI systems in the workplace, benefiting both the workforce and the enterprise as a whole.
Broader Impacts: Humanities graduates are skilled in considering the broader societal and cultural implications of technology. In the realm of AI and LLMs, this means developing and deploying AI solutions that are mindful of their impact on work culture, and society at large. This approach ensures that AI advancements contribute positively to society while aligning with the standards and cultural sensitivities of diverse customer bases.
Aesthetic and User-Centric Design: The influence of humanities in design and aesthetics can profoundly impact the usability and appeal of AI-driven tools and platforms. In the enterprise context, this translates into designing AI and LLM interfaces that are intuitive, user-friendly, and visually appealing, enhancing the overall user experience for employees and customers alike.
Universal Accessibility: Drawing from humanities, the principle of universal accessibility emphasises the need for AI and LLM technologies to be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background or ability. This aspect is crucial in ensuring that AI tools are designed to cater to a diverse range of users, making technology equitable and beneficial for a wider audience, thereby expanding its impact and reach in the global market.
Reviving Humanities through STEM Collaboration and Embracing Automation
During the Renaissance, Florence was a crucible of innovation, where the Medici family fostered an unparalleled flowering of both the arts and sciences. Patrons like the Medici’s believed in the power of human potential and knowledge, sponsoring artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, alongside scientific minds such as Galileo. This synergy of disciplines led to a period of remarkable advancements and creativity.
Today, a similar renaissance is unfolding as interdisciplinary collaboration drives progress. The convergence of humanities and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) mirrors the Florentine model, recognising that the fusion of diverse perspectives leads to richer, more innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
This integrated approach is crucial as we navigate complex issues in an increasingly digital world, where understanding human culture and thought is as important as technological prowess.
The Changing Landscape of Humanities and STEM Degrees
Recent years have witnessed a significant shift in the landscape of higher education, characterised by a decline in humanities degrees alongside a growth in STEM fields. This trend is evident from various data sources and has implications for both the academic world and the broader enterprise and technology sectors.
Decline of Humanities Degrees:
Statistics: Data from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences reveals a stark decline in humanities degrees. From 2005 to 2020, the number of students earning bachelor’s degrees in the humanities field dropped by 30%. The peak of humanities degrees was in 2012 with 235,969 degrees, after which there was a significant drop. By 2020, fewer than one in 10 college graduates obtained humanities degrees, representing a 25% decrease since 2012.
International Perspective: This decline isn't limited to the US; for instance, the UK government has also signalled a reduction in funding for humanities degrees, considering them "low value".
Growth in STEM Degrees:
Data Overview: The contrast is stark in STEM fields. The number of degrees in science and engineering increased from 561,000 in 2000 to 1,087,000 in 2019. This trend is not just in undergraduate studies but also evident in graduate education, with a steady increase in STEM students, from 303,000 in 1975 to nearly 668,000 students in 2015.
Workforce Implications: The demand in the STEM workforce mirrors this educational trend, with a 79% growth in STEM occupations over the past three decades and an expected additional 11% growth from 2020 to 2030.
Impact on Enterprise and Technology:
Innovation and Societal Impact: The decline in humanities graduates poses a challenge for businesses, especially in the tech sector, where AI and LLMs are increasingly prevalent. Humanities studies cultivate critical thinking, cultural understanding, and societal perspectives - essential skills for innovation and comprehensively understanding the societal impacts of technology.
Limiting Perspectives: Without a humanities perspective, enterprises may find themselves lacking in areas crucial for long-term success. This gap can limit the scope of innovation, potentially overlooking societal needs.
Opportunity for Revival: STEM and Humanities Dual Majors
The integration of humanities with STEM disciplines should be increasingly recognised as beneficial in the tech industry, particularly for companies implementing AI and LLMs.
Below are some positive signs that students, universities and the government are making the right strides.
Student Perspectives: At technological universities, there is a growing trend among students to pursue humanities degrees due to the perceived advantages of integrating these with STEM disciplines. For example, in an introductory class at a technological university, two-thirds of the students chose a humanities major because they believed in the benefit of combining it with STEM. They saw this integration as key to solving complex societal issues, challenging the traditional dichotomy between "left-brain" and "right-brain" activities.
Interdisciplinary Interest: This shift isn't limited to individual institutions. During a 2019 symposium hosted by Georgia Tech, participants from various universities reported either stable or increasing interest in interdisciplinary humanities majors, reflecting a nationwide trend in higher education.
Funding and Integration Initiatives: Funding agencies, both private and public, are now more inclined to support projects that integrate humanities with sciences and technology. This approach goes beyond just adding technical skills to humanities; it aims to incorporate humanistic inquiry into science and engineering curricula, as seen in various programs at Georgia Tech.
Positive Learning Outcomes: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report that educational programs integrating humanities with STEM lead to several positive outcomes. These include improved communication, critical thinking, teamwork, empathy, resilience, and higher retention and graduation rates. Such integration is also beneficial for attracting and retaining women and underrepresented minorities in science and engineering fields.
Automation as a Catalyst for Integrated Education
The rise in automation, particularly in the realm of jobs involving Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI, is reshaping the workforce. According to a World Economic Forum report which was covered in Issue #3, up to 70% of tasks in roles like management analysis and finance could be automated by LLMs. This automation extends across various functions, including IT, marketing, HR, and legal, with 30-60% of responsibilities potentially being automated.
Preparing for Co-pilot Roles
Human-Centric Skills in AI: While AI can replicate discrete tasks, the essence of leadership remains innately human. Skills such as creativity, imagination, empathy, judgment, and strategic vision are uniquely human and are gaining importance as automation progresses. The adoption of generative AI is expected to boost job growth, emphasising the need for human-AI collaboration rather than replacement.
Multimodal LLM Capabilities: The scope of AI is expanding beyond text to include image, speech, and video processing. Multimodal LLMs, which integrate information across different domains, offer more interactive and contextually rich experiences. This expansion is significant for fields such as healthcare, supply chain management, agriculture, and education, where AI can perform tasks ranging from analysing medical scans to coordinating warehouse workflows.
Impact on Management Roles: Middle managers, especially in analytical roles, are likely to see their responsibilities transform as repetitive tasks are automated. This shift provides an opportunity to focus more on strategic analysis, planning, and human-centric tasks. Similarly, top executives can leverage multimodal AI for enhanced decision-making and strategy development, integrating diverse data sources for a more holistic view.
The connection between job automation and the integration of humanities with STEM is crucial for developing the co-pilot role in AI-driven environments. As AI takes over routine tasks, there's a growing need for workers, particularly in management, to focus on roles that require human insights and strategic oversight.
Combining the analytical strengths of STEM with the broader perspective of humanities equips professionals to effectively manage and guide AI systems, ensuring these technologies are utilised in a way that addresses complex human and societal dynamics in the workplace.
Takeaways for Enterprise Decision Makers
So, what are the takeaways for enterprise decision makers as they prepare for the onslaught of AI and LLMs and consider workforce implications.
Encourage Internal Initiatives: Enterprises should focus on developing internal programs to nurture employees who possess both STEM and humanities skills. This could involve workshops, training sessions, and mentorship programs that emphasise critical thinking, reasoning, and cultural awareness, alongside technical skills.
Influence Educational Trends: Businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping education by partnering with academic institutions. They can advocate for and support the development of integrated STEM-humanities programs, ensuring a future workforce that is versatile, innovative, and socially conscious.
Leverage Diverse Perspectives: Integrating humanities graduates into teams, especially those working on Generative AI and LLMs, can infuse a broader range of perspectives. This diversity can lead to more innovative, and socially aware AI solutions, as humanities-trained professionals bring unique insights into human behaviour, and societal impacts.
Embrace the Co-pilot Model: Enterprises must prepare for a future where human-AI collaboration is crucial. This involves training employees to work alongside AI systems, blending technological expertise with humanistic understanding to navigate societal, and practical challenges effectively.
Conclusion
For me, the key takeaway is that in an AI-driven future, the value of humanities in shaping and guiding technology cannot be overstated.
As AI and automation become more prevalent, the integration of humanities with STEM expertise is crucial. This combination not only drives innovation but also ensures that technology is developed and applied in a way that responds effectively to diverse user needs, and is adaptable to various societal contexts.
This method leads to technology that's not just cutting-edge, but also practically suited for real-world situations.
Companies that understand the importance of combining different skills and create strategies to do so will be more adept at dealing with the challenges of a world increasingly shaped by AI, resulting in solutions that prioritise human input and needs.
Note on Ethical AI Considerations: In this edition, I have deliberately steered clear of the ethical and alignment considerations surrounding AI and humanities, recognising it as a complex field often entangled in political discourse. Ethical AI, in its current form, is a concept that lacks clear definition and in my opinion can potentially hinder rather than facilitate AI implementation in enterprises. Going forward, I aim to explore a different framework for dealing with AI ethics, one that is more forward-looking and pragmatic, avoiding doomerist or ideologically driven narratives. This approach seeks to enable practical and constructive implementation of AI in enterprise settings.
Appendix
Humanities Degrees Data:
American Academy of Arts & Sciences: Decline of Humanities Degrees
American Academy of Arts & Sciences: Bachelor’s Degrees in the Humanities
Inside Higher Ed: Changes to Humanities
STEM Degrees Data:
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics: The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2022
National Academies Press: Trends in Graduate STEM Degrees
Harvard University: Increasing Access and Opportunity in STEM