An interactive session for research scholars of ICFAI University Nagaland with professor Archana Barua of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, was held on May 25 by Department of English, ICFAI University.
A press release from ICFAI University Nagaland stated that professor Archana, who teaches in the school of humanities and social sciences, emphasized on a humanistic approach to knowledge.
While drawing attention to the concept of “thinking”, she pointed out that in the early years “thinking” was depicted, as an exclusive attribute of men or what was known as the “maleness of knowledge”, which the feminists had vehemently opposed.
She said that in humanities, the objects of study should be humanized, and this depends on a search for meaning with different layers and perspectives.
“This, actually, is Hermeneutics, which seeks understanding into things and not simply knowledge for its sake”, said professor Archana.
She lamented that education in recent times had become more knowledge oriented rather than understanding oriented.
During her interaction with participants, professor Archana pointed out that although technology helps in connecting with people, it also damages human relationship.