What Does Philosophy Have to Do with AI?

Dean interviews high school philosophy teacher Marcus Blair about how discovering a student had used ChatGPT shifted his initial curiosity into fear and urgency, prompting questions about AI’s impact on classrooms, education, and society. Blair explains how his philosophy background helps him ground AI decisions in critical thinking and ethics, drawing on thinkers like Descartes and approaches like utilitarianism and virtue ethics to move beyond policing toward student integrity. He describes practical classroom systems—AI integration “stamps,” a signed student AI agreement, and QR-code disclosure forms—plus strategic cognitive offloading so students can focus on intended learning outcomes. Blair shares examples including AI-supported reporting followed by in-class ethical judgment, emphasizing standards-based assessment, process-focused writing instruction, reduced homework, and district leadership supporting capacity-building and dialogue.00:00 Caught Using ChatGPT01:06 Meet Marcus Blair03:25 First Encounter Fear05:30 Existential Classroom Shift07:23 Why Philosophy Matters10:53 Integrity Over Policing12:53 Student Win With AI14:31 Classroom AI Guardrails19:20 Cognitive Offloading Example22:46 Standards Based Assessment24:51 Process Over Product27:17 Rethinking Homework29:43 District Leadership Pride32:35 Finding Common Ground35:13 Gratitude And Rapid Fire37:03 Books Shows Hidden Gems40:59 Closing Thanks