A.I., as in Anti-Intellectual

October 15, 2025 A.I., as in Anti-Intellectual People who express concern about the use of AI in schools often focus on how it allows students to get away with something (by using OpenAI to write their essays). But shouldn’t we be talking more about its potential effects on teaching and learning than whether it will impede our ability to evaluate students? The problem is not just that we seem to be overestimating the capabilities of LLMs but that we seem to be underestimating the essence of education, which is a process, not merely a series of products. Moreover, is it really a math or English teacher’s responsibility to train students in how to use AI? At best, that skill is quite different from learning to reason through a problem, read deeply, or organize one’s thoughts. At worst, AI offers a way for students to avoid doing those things. RESOURCES: Research: Hamsta Bastani et al., “Generative AI Can Harm Learning,” 2024 (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4895486) Nataliya Kosmyna et al., “Your Brain on ChatGPT,” 2025 (https://arxiv.org/pdf/2506.08872) Michael Gerlich, “AI Tools in Society,” 2025 (https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4698/15/1/6) Activism: https://against-a-i.com/ https://stopgenai.com/ https://openletter.earth/an-open-letter-from-educators-who-refuse-the-call-to-adopt-genai-in-education-cb4aee75 Other critiques: This episode overlaps with a recent essay by Alfie Kohn (“The Chatbot in the Classroom, the Forklift at the Gym” – https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/ai/), which contains dozens of links to provocative discussions of AI by other writers.   A note from Alfie Kohn: I made two decisions when I decided to start this podcast. The first was not to accept ads. The second was to avoid putting certain episodes behind a paywall (or offering special content only to those who pay). But this means that I depend on the generosity of everyone who listens to help cover the production costs. So: Can you afford a modest contribution — ideally on a regular basis, since a podcast, after all, is not a one-shot event? If so, I’d be grateful if you’d support the project with whatever amount seems fair to you. (Your generosity will also confirm the thesis of my book The Brighter Side of Human Nature.) Oh, and if you enjoy the podcast, please tell other people about it. And if you have feedback about the episode you’ve just listened to, send it to https://www.alfiekohn.org/contact-us/. Please click the button below to donate. If you don’t see a button, please go to this page (https://coff.ee/kohnszone). Donate PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Ultraviolet Audio ART: Abi Kohn