Harvard professors Tarun Khanna, Doris Sommer, and Moira Weigel offered a compelling talk on the growing relevance of the humanities across business, policy, and technology. Hosted by the English Department and moderated by Professor Martin Puchner, the panel explored what he called a “paradox”: while humanities programs face mounting challenges within universities, their value is increasingly recognized in professional sectors ranging from Silicon Valley to government. The discussion emphasized the expanding need for “applied humanities” beyond the academy and highlighted how humanistic methods shape innovation, ethical leadership, and public decision-making in a rapidly evolving world.
