ABSTRACT
And so, to education. The social sciences have proliferated in every sphere that humans can occupy. There are now people currently studying for PhDs in sober universities, basing the laser focus of their endeavours on such subjects as the Masters of the Universe toy range and the symbolism inherent in Britney Spears’ oeuvre. And there is nothing wrong with this. Why shouldn’t we gaze into the navel of every moment and discern our truths there, however diaphanous? There is a perfectly good argument for the pursuit of knowledge and understanding for its own sake, regardless of apparent utility. Not only because often discoveries are made in such ways that revolutionise the world, but because they are intrinsically valuable – knowledge pursued for its own sake, devoid of aim or ambition beyond itself.
