AI and the collapse of the intelligence-based hierarchy of merit (mattbruenig.com)

A recent discussion highlights the dual impact of AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), on human intelligence and the traditional meritocracy shaped by intelligence. While some argue that AI can act as a learning tutor, enhancing understanding and skill development, others caution that it may also serve as a crutch, leading to a decline in intrinsic learning motivation. This duality raises concerns about educational disparities, as individuals with a natural desire to learn may thrive with AI, while those lacking this motivation could become increasingly reliant on AI, potentially leading to a societal divide in knowledge and capability. Moreover, this transformation poses significant implications for our current merit-based society, which has historically valued intelligence as a key indicator of worth. The rise of AI tools capable of performing complex tasks may undermine the economic value attributed to intelligence, disrupting existing hierarchies and prompting a reevaluation of what constitutes merit. As AI democratizes access to skills once reserved for the highly intelligent, this shift could challenge the notion that higher income reflects inherent superiority. The conversation invites a reflection on how new technologies reshape societal values related to intelligence and merit, suggesting that while AI could foster egalitarian opportunities, it risks merely transitioning to a new form of inequity if not critically assessed.