Research taste in history: the importance of learning Babylonian math (resobscura.substack.com)

In a reflective piece on the evolving intersection of history education and AI, the author emphasizes the value of embracing eccentric perspectives in historical research — an outlook inspired by the late Dr. Allan Chapman. Despite the rise of AI tools that excel in archival research and repetitive pedagogies, the piece argues that these systems often lack the capacity for "research taste," resulting in a homogenized understanding of history. Chapman’s unconventional methods, including teaching Sumerian-Babylonian mathematics, exemplified a vital pedagogical approach that encouraged deep engagement with historically "useless" knowledge, which in turn fosters critical thinking and creativity. This discourse highlights the significance of maintaining diversity in intellectual exploration, particularly as AI continues to shape academic practices. The risk of "epistemological narrowing" emerges when AI prioritizes efficiency over the open-ended inquiry essential in fields like history. The author advocates for a balance, urging the AI/ML community to recognize and integrate unique, non-linear thought processes inherent in human thinking. By fostering an appreciation for the idiosyncratic and the seemingly irrelevant aspects of history, researchers can cultivate a richer understanding of the past and better navigate the challenges posed by AI’s standardized approaches.