I'm a Philosophy Professor. Here's Why I'm Training AI to Replace Me (www.chronicle.com)

A philosophy professor has begun exploring the implications of training AI to excel in philosophical reasoning, raising significant questions about the future of academic teaching and the role of AI in intellectual discourse. As generative AI technologies, particularly large language models (LLMs), advance in their ability to engage with complex philosophical ideas, the educator grapples with the tension between the value of teaching philosophy to humans versus the potential benefits of widely accessible philosophical reasoning through AI. The professor notes a rapid improvement in LLMs' performance, suggesting that they can now tackle sophisticated philosophical questions more effectively than many graduate students. This shift raises concerns about grading and teaching methods within academia, as well as the potential for AI to democratize access to philosophical insights, akin to how chess engines have transformed learning in that domain. While acknowledging the challenges posed by AI in academic settings, the professor argues that the advantages of increased access to philosophically nuanced discussions could ultimately enrich society, advocating for a future where AI complements human philosophers rather than completely replacing them.