My students think it’s fine to cheat with AI. Maybe they’re onto something.

Dear Troubled Teacher, it might seem that your belief in the "ineffable value of a humanities education" is misguided when students view cheating with AI as perfectly acceptable. However, to truly understand your dilemma, we must first clarify the real value of a humanities education. Contrary to the modern perception, humanities are not just about creating products like literary interpretations or cultural criticism.

Their core aim, as philosopher Megan Fritts suggests, is the formation of human persons. This is in line with Aristotle's vision of education, which aimed not to impart knowledge but to cultivate virtues such as honesty, justice, and courage. In today's hypercapitalist society, education has shifted towards a product-based, utilitarian approach, making students question the value of AI-generated writing in humanities.

The real solution lies in being honest about the purpose of humanities education: to help students develop their character. While students may prioritize job prospects, your role is to focus on something that will aid their long-term flourishing, even if they don't see its value now. This involves developing practical wisdom, or phronesis, which goes beyond knowing general rules.

It's about making good judgments in complex situations, discerning morally salient features, and responding appropriately. In the age of AI, students must learn how to wisely use emerging technologies and avoid pitfalls. The friction AI removes from education is essential for developing cognitive skills. Encountering friction helps build cognitive muscles. AI's presence in the classroom short-circuits this process, so we must add it back in.