What Shall I Teach My Son?

In an age where artificial general intelligence (AGI) is becoming increasingly prevalent, the purpose of education is a hot topic of debate. The book *The End of Education* by Neil Postman, published in 1995, provides a thought-provoking perspective on this subject. As a father expecting his first child, the author grapples with the question of what to teach his son and the potential impact of AGI on his education.

Postman's work, inspired by Thomas Edison's perspective that "the radio will supplant the teacher," suggests that teachers could eventually become obsolete, relegated to the backwoods. With the advent of technology, books may become obsolete in public schools, and students may learn through automated systems. However, historians have noted that schools have survived for centuries despite the rise of new technologies such as radio, motion pictures, and the internet.

The author argues that education's ability to adapt and evolve has contributed to its longevity. Education serves various purposes, which shift and adapt as times change. Some suggested purposes for education, proposed by Postman, include fostering a sense of global community ("Spaceship Earth"), reviving a sense of wonder and responsibility towards America ("The American Experiment"), and encouraging students to create the tools and narratives of the future ("The World Makers").

Ultimately, the author believes that involving children in the process of determining education's purpose is a more effective and honest approach.