The AI Cheat Sheet: A Philosophy Professor's Lament

A philosophy professor at a California university recounts the pervasive use of AI tools like ChatGPT by students to cheat on assignments. The ease with which students can generate essays undermines the professor's teaching and shakes his faith in the educational process. He reflects on the true meaning of education, arguing it's not just job training but the cultivation of critical thinking and independent thought. While the professor attempts various countermeasures, the rapid advancement of AI renders these efforts largely ineffective. The piece concludes with a lament for the students' future and a broader reflection on the state of education.