Teaching in Higher Ed An E-Bike for the Mind: AI, Augmentation, and Moral Hazards with Josh Brake
16 snips
Jan 29, 2026 Josh Brake, associate professor at Harvey Mudd and writer on technology and human flourishing, uses an e-bike ride to explore AI as augmentation. He compares pedal-assist versus replacement, warns about speed enabling unreflective choices, discusses copyright and appropriation risks, and urges community checks and intentional purpose when adopting AI tools.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The San Gabriel E-Bike Moment
- Josh Brake describes a grueling climb near Pasadena where two older women on e-bikes cruised past him while he was gasping uphill.
- That moment sparked his metaphor comparing e-bikes to AI as augmentations that change who can access experiences.
Augmentation Versus Replacement
- Josh Brake frames e-bikes as augmentations that can either extend human capacity or replace effort entirely.
- The key is discerning when technology amplifies our agency versus when it removes necessary engagement.
Prefer Pedal-Assist Tools
- Ask whether a tool is 'pedal assist' or a 'throttle' to decide if it should require your effort.
- Prefer tools that respond to your input to preserve learning and growth rather than fully automating tasks.
