How AI benefits philosophy students and teachers

Imagine discussing questions about humankind any place, any time. That’s one reason AI is the perfect companion for philosophy students and teachers alike.

Why use AI for philosophy?

There are a multitude of benefits to using generative AI that can enhance your philosophical inquiries and explorations:

It’s readily available at any time. If you ever find yourself awake at 3 AM staring at the ceiling with deep questions about the universe, turn to AI to chat without judgment. Engage with the generative AI tool of your choice and pose questions on anything from free will to determinism.
It enhances critical thinking. Practice with AI to refine your reasoning, scrutinize arguments, and examine counterexamples.
It can complement your learning. For students or teachers who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of certain texts and philosophers, use AI to pose questions and dive into deeper discussions.
It’s efficient for research. AI is trained on a wealth of philosophical texts and discussions, meaning it can suggest resources based on what you’re looking for, whether you’re trying to understand a new concept or want to better understand the inner machinations and lives of philosophers.

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Things to do with AI for philosophy

There is much to do with AI to strengthen your critical thinking skills and dissect concepts and texts, helping you to become a more insightful thinker (and maybe a bit of a philosopher yourself). Here are clever ways for teachers and students to use AI:

“If you ever find yourself awake at 3 AM staring at the ceiling with deep questions about the universe, turn to AI to chat without judgment. Engage with the generative AI tool of your choice and pose questions on anything from free will to determinism.”

Analyze and summarize texts

Philosophy texts are often challenging to understand due to their dense language and intricate arguments. If there is a philosophy text you’re struggling to understand or if you want to make concepts digestible for students, rely on AI to break down texts and clarify crucial points. You might ask, “What did René Descartes mean by ‘I think, therefore I am’?” Beyond explanation, teachers can use AI to generate quizzes, flashcards, or guided discussion questions tailored to specific texts or philosophers.

Simulate debates

Sharpen your philosophical understanding by using AI to consider alternative viewpoints. There is no need to have a willing classmate available to debate at odd hours. For example, if you’re looking to foster deeper engagement with Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Social Contract, a prompt could be, “Let’s debate Rousseau’s concept of the general will. I argue that Rousseau’s idea of general will fosters a fair and virtuous society by guiding citizens toward the common good. Counterargue my point.” Or, you might try a prompt like, “Argue against the viewpoint that modern American politics reflects the principles laid out in Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince.”

By simulating a dialogue, students and teachers can practice defending positions, unveiling hidden assumptions, and practice navigating disagreements logically.

Create case studies

Case studies allow you to explore complex concepts, theories, and ethical dilemmas. They train your brain to connect philosophical theories with the real world. From medical ethics to morality, AI curates case studies that put theories into practice. For example, ask AI, “Construct a case study where deontological and consequentialist ethics come to opposing conclusions on euthanasia. Explore how each viewpoint justifies its stance.”

AI is your learning and teaching companion for all subjects, from grammar to mathematics. Explore other tips and tricks for personalizing education with AI.