Introduction
The four lenses of liberal arts are used to examine topics from different points of view. They allow one to understand not only what a topic entails, but how its came into existence and why different opinions of it can form. They also help one to form a more complete understanding of an issue by considering its different aspects. Thus, every issue is not limited to one of these aspects of understanding, but requires thorough examination through the four lenses to be fully understood.
Main body
The natural sciences lens, for instance, examines the issue as a physical, chemical biological event, seeks out natural patterns and correlations, and attempts to predict the impact of these patterns and correlations. Through the historical lens, one can learn the context and events that led up to the topic being examined. This lens is used when looking through historical accounts to determine what choices led to similar situations in the past, and how one can respond differently to achieve a different outcome. The humanities lens puts the issue into a cultural context by examining how different cultures or religions viewed it. Furthermore, it examines how the issue is reflected in the arts and the cultural effect on it. Finally, the social sciences lens is used to explore the social context of the issue. This includes its psychological effects and ramifications, ethical concerns.
Conclusion
By learning to understand and apply the four lenses, I came to appreciate the intricacy and complexity of the issues that we face. I now understand that every problem has a natural component, but it also affects us socially and, in many cases, simultaneously shapes and is shaped by culture. Furthermore, I came to realize that different cultures can have extremely different, or even radically opposite, views on the same issues.