AI Should Be a Wake-Up Call For Universities

The ongoing discourse surrounding artificial intelligence's impact on higher education has converged on a singular, reductive premise: the core purpose of college should be to cultivate intelligence. However, this line of thinking overlooks the intrinsic human attributes that truly define our educational journey, such as curiosity, the pursuit of meaning, and personal growth.

These aspects are integral components of genuine education, not supplementary elements. Universities are now compelled to reconsider the fundamental purpose of higher education: should it be centered on the dissemination of information or the development of individuals? The term "education" originated from the Latin word educare, meaning to nurture and bring forth.

At its core, education has never been about merely stuffing a mind with facts; it's about awakening and fostering the unique qualities that distinguish us. From their historical roots, universities have long recognized their role in shaping the entirety of an individual, a concept articulated by 13th-century theologian Thomas Aquinas as "capax universi."

Nonetheless, over time, the scope and ambitions of universities have been reduced, and the most fundamental questions about life's meaning have been sidelined from academic discourse. Some view AI as a looming threat to be managed. Yet, I argue that it presents a transformative opportunity to reinvigorate higher education and restore its original, comprehensive mission.

Curiosity is a fundamental human trait that AI cannot replicate. As children, we are innately curious, asking hundreds of questions daily. However, this innate curiosity often diminishes as we mature, particularly during adolescence. While curiosity drives us to seek answers, the true value lies in its capacity to foster growth and expansion.

The true challenge lies not in simply acquiring information but in the insatiable desire to understand and contemplate. AI poses a risk not just in outsourcing the quest for answers but in inhibiting the generation of questions itself. Submerging ourselves in ambiguity and complexity can be rendered negligible with a simple prompt.

In the era of AI, teaching students not only to ask questions but to cherish the pursuit of knowledge is a crucial skill to impart. Universities can foster this by making question-asking the primary objective of certain courses, graded based on the quality of inquiries rather than the answers provided. Another approach could be to adopt a 'follow the question' methodology, wherein students select a profound, open-ended question at the onset of their academic journey and explore it throughout their university tenure.

These questions could span various disciplines, encouraging a holistic exploration of life's mysteries. Meaning and purpose in life are central concerns for many university students. AI can facilitate this exploration by aligning with students' intrinsic desire for meaning and purpose. Universities should integrate these elements into the vocational aspects of education.

Research suggests that a substantial portion of students enter college seeking purpose, not merely to acquire skills for employment. However, many institutions fall short in providing resources to guide students in discovering their life's calling. Career advising could be reframed to emphasize purpose and calling, rather than just credentials and salary.

This could involve hands-on learning experiences, such as volunteering, that connect students' passions to real-world applications, along with mentorship or guidance from 'spark coaches.' Universities could also introduce a 'capstone of the self' alongside traditional theses, requiring seniors to produce a reflective synthesis of their personal growth and aspirations—a comprehensive account of their inner development.

This shift acknowledges the significance of inner growth as a vital outcome of a degree, offering students clarity about their evolving identities and guiding them towards a more authentic path. Reclaiming the university's mission isn't about reverting to antiquated practices but about reconnecting with the timeless essence of education to forge ahead. Education has always been about nurturing the whole person, not just the intellect.