I agree that the point is to have both - not one or the other (profession or general/liberal studies). There are ~40 courses to be taken during your standard 4 years of college. 20 courses in philosophy, arts, English Lit etc…does provide the opportunity for a lot of introspective and deep thinking. The High School years also give a well rounded, liberal arts education… In most of Europe, students have to select their profession tracks in HIGH SCHOOL - and its very difficult to switch later in college. Is America obsessed with the idea of liberal arts? Are professional studies students not open minded and deep thinking students, just because they’ve chosen a major that is reflective a career that they think interests them?
At what a college education costs these days - its hard to rationalize not having any "professional’ or vocational training in college. Who can afford to pay for grad school after college these exorbitant college costs?
The article was interesting - but a bit pompous. I agree with @marian where she pointed out that the author conveniently used non-prestigious colleges to represent Utility U, which is not reflective of the reality.