In the face of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI), professors across the humanities and social sciences are grappling with a profound challenge: how to preserve critical thinking and human intelligence in an era where AI threatens to upend traditional education. The article explores the complex dynamics between AI and academia, highlighting the efforts of professors like Lea Pao, who strive to reconnect students with the 'bodily experience of learning' by emphasizing hands-on activities such as memorizing poems and engaging with art. However, the pervasive use of AI in education is causing concern among faculty members who fear it undermines the very essence of a university education. The narrative delves into the personal experiences of professors, including Dora Zhang and Michael Clune, who express despair and frustration over the impact of AI on their students' cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills. The article also examines the broader implications of AI on higher education, including the potential for AI to replace independent thought and the resulting debate over the value of humanities degrees. The piece further explores the pushback from students and faculty, who are increasingly uncomfortable with the dominance of technology in their lives. The article concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of human qualities and the need for a reevaluation of educational priorities in the age of AI.
