To a large extent, they are at the core of a liberal arts curriculum, as students and academics tackle what can be called the "big questions."
I tend to forget that students who aren't focused on a liberal arts curriculum do not really tackle the "big questions" within their courses. STEM is much less concerned with answering questions like these, but I think combining these with their scientific questions can aid humanity as a whole.
A common language needs to be developed and, more importantly, a recognition from both groups of the mutual advantages of sharing their knowledge.
There definitely needs to be a clear form of communication and respect between the two parties. If they are thrust into a room to work together without truly wanting it, the result will likely be less than ideal. There has to be a willingness from both sides to learn and approach together.
Scientists tend to approach problems with brash enthusiasm and, often, with naïve expectations.
This statement is an excellent example of why it would be so beneficial to come together to solve problems. The brain of a philosopher and the brain of a scientist seem to be worlds apart, though both with very valid thought processes. Bringing these two together could lead us to wonderful results.
As we enter the 21st century, the barriers are crumbling.
As they should! What good are these barriers anyway? I think it could lead us to great results through the combination of different minds. It may also open us up to more questions, but that is not a bad thing.
Meanwhile, humanists and artists took off in opposing directions, asking questions this explosive new science couldn't address.
It makes sense that questions came up that couldn't necessarily be answered by science, but I think it would have been so beneficial to see both sides come together to try to answer them. They may not have the concrete answers that a regular scientific question would have, but there was definitely room to blend the two worlds.
Their spectacular success changed the way people understood the cosmos and their place in it
I think the complete change in people's understanding of the world felt so revolutionary that it meant they had to throw away all other seemingly useless information. It must have felt a lot like finding one solid answer and thus not needing the previous incorrect ones. However, I don't think there is one specific path to follow for this situation.
The split — and the strife it often generates
I have always felt that there is a very present (and not often talked about) separation between majors that can come to feel a bit like a rivalry. It is so unfortunate that this seems to be the case at most universities.