Aristotle and AI (hollisrobbinsanecdotal.substack.com)

A new approach to teaching AI readiness in higher education has emerged, focusing on foundational language concepts rather than just the technology behind large language models (LLMs). A 2000-level English course introduces students to Aristotle's works, emphasizing language as a tool for communication. In contrast to traditional AI courses that dive into technical definitions, this method aims to equip students—many of whom lack a robust understanding of language due to digital influences—with the skills to critically engage with both language and AI. By understanding Aristotle's principles of rhetoric and Poetics, students can better grasp how LLMs operate, including their process of token prediction based on vast training corpora. This pedagogical shift is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights the necessity of foundational linguistic knowledge in understanding and developing AI technologies. The course aims to reshape students’ perceptions of language from mere expression to a structured medium for effective communication. By framing LLMs within a historical linguistic context, the course intends to foster a generation of learners who appreciate language complexity and are equipped to utilize AI tools more effectively, bridging the gap between digital fluency and linguistic understanding.