How to Think and Read in a World of AI with Zena Hitz
May 1, 2025
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Zena Hitz, a philosopher and tutor at St. John's College, dives deep into the implications of AI on education and intellectual life. She discusses the balance between traditional scholarship and AI's capabilities, emphasizing that human engagement is irreplaceable. The conversation critiques current educational models, highlighting the importance of critical thinking over mere knowledge accumulation. Hitz also reflects on how we navigate learning in a technology-driven world, urging a reconsideration of meaningful education amid the challenges posed by AI.
The podcast emphasizes the critical need to value deep reading and intellectual engagement in the face of AI advancements threatening human scholarship.
Concerns are raised about the deterioration of academic standards, where excessive specialization leads to a reliance on AI for subpar scholarship.
The discussion predicts a potential shift in higher education towards community-focused models that prioritize deep thinking and authentic learning experiences.
Deep dives
The Intersection of AI and Humanities
The discussion centers on the impact of AI, particularly ChatGPT, on the humanities and higher education. A prominent claim is that AI systems may prove to outperform human scholars, leading some to argue that human scholarship is becoming obsolete. This perspective suggests that the traditional ways of engaging with literature and scholarship, characterized by deep reading and contemplation, might be outdated in the face of AI’s advancements. The podcast emphasizes the need to critically assess these claims and remain mindful of the inherent value in human intellectual pursuits beyond mere efficiency.
Challenges in Contemporary Scholarship
The conversation highlights the deterioration of academic standards in contemporary scholarship, pointing out that much recent work is viewed as lacking substance and depth. As a result, there is a belief that AI could replace a considerable amount of this 'garbage' scholarship without significant loss. The speakers express concern that excessive specialization and a focus on publication metrics contribute to this erosion, making room for AI to be perceived as an adequate alternative. Ultimately, the value of engaging with substantive, classical texts is reinforced as a necessary complement to any advancements in AI.
AI's Limitations in Intellectual Work
Despite the versatility of AI in various fields, the speakers express skepticism regarding its applicability to nuanced intellectual work in the humanities. A poignant example is presented where human scholars engage deeply with historical texts, arguing that this process fosters distinct thoughts and insights that cannot be replicated by AI. They assert that the richness of human thought emerges through the labor of grappling with complex ideas, which cannot be estimated or produced artificially. This conviction underscores a broader perspective that AI cannot replace the unique cognitive and emotional investments inherent in scholarly activities.
Cultural Pressures and Learning Environments
The role of the academic environment in shaping learning experiences is scrutinized, particularly regarding the pressures faced by students and faculty within the current educational models. The podcast discusses how institutional competition for student enrollment often leads to a degradation of academic rigor. A culture that prioritizes easy achievement and superficial learning over authentic inquiry may lead students to utilize AI as a convenient crutch rather than engage deeply with their education. Moreover, institutional pressures may erode the quality and purpose of academic experiences, leading to further reliance on automated solutions.
The Future of Higher Education
The potential future landscape of higher education raises questions about the relevance of traditional university models as the pressures from AI and societal shifts mount. There is speculation that universities may face a reckoning in adjusting their offerings, possibly retracting to core educational principles centered around fundamental knowledge and critical thinking. The speakers propose that alternative educational structures, such as honors colleges or great books programs, might emerge to combat the prevailing trend of commodifying education. Emphasizing the importance of community, deep thinking, and shared scholarly pursuits challenges prevailing notions of accessibility and competitiveness in higher education.
Navigating Chaos in Modern Academia
The conversation reflects on the chaotic state of modern academia, where the proliferation of AI and changing student needs create complex challenges for educators and institutions. While some embrace the potential of AI for automating mundane tasks, others envision a meaningful intellectual life that may coexist with technological advancements. The speakers maintain that a commitment to deep learning and inquiry is essential for human flourishing, and despite uncertainties, they express hope for a return to authentic educational experiences. This highlights a recognition that while chaos may present difficulties, it also harbors opportunities for innovation and growth in academia.
Today we’re talking about a new essay in the New Yorker that asks how we might think about knowledge, learning, and the meaning of life in a world where Chat GPT replaces a lot of our core knowledge functions. To discuss this piece and its implications (and to argue back on it) we brought on Zena Hitz, a philosopher, a tutor at St. John’s College, and a founder of the Catherine Project. We talked about great books, luddism, overblown AI doomerism and how to think. We really enjoyed this conversation and honestly was hoping it would never end bc Zena was such a fun and compelling guest. Enjoy!
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