Noam Chomsky has expressed his concerns about the OpenAI’s language model ChatGPT.
Renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky has expressed his concerns about the OpenAI’s language model ChatGPT. Chomsky, who is widely considered to be one of the most influential thinkers of our time, has called ChatGPT a “basically a high-tech plagiarism” and a “way to avoid learning”.
In an exclusive interview, Chomsky spoke about his views on the potential impact of AI on the future of education and learning. He expressed his worries about the growing trend of students relying on ChatGPT for assignments and other educational tasks, saying that it could have negative consequences for the students’ learning and understanding of the subject.
“If the education system has no appeal to students, doesn’t interest them, doesn’t challenge them, doesn’t make them want to learn, they’ll find ways out,” Chomsky said. “And one of those ways is to use AI tools like ChatGPT to complete their assignments without actually learning the material.”
Chomsky further explained that the use of AI tools like ChatGPT could lead to a decrease in critical thinking and independent thought. He added that students who rely on ChatGPT for their assignments are not learning how to think critically and analyze information, which is an essential part of education.
“Education should not be about memorizing facts and figures, it should be about learning how to think and reason. Using AI tools like ChatGPT takes away from that important learning process,” Chomsky said.
Chomsky’s comments come as AI continues to make inroads into various aspects of society, including education. While AI can be a useful tool for students and teachers, Chomsky warns that it should not replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are the foundation of education.
The philosopher also acknowledged that AI has many positive applications, particularly in areas like medicine and engineering, where it has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach problems. “Most technological disruptions leave both positive and negative effects in their wake,” he said.
Chomsky’s views on the impact of AI on education highlight the importance of being mindful of the potential consequences of technology. While AI can be a valuable tool in education, it should not replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are so important to student’s learning and development. Instead, AI should be used to supplement and enhance traditional education methods, not to replace them.
The debate about the impact of AI on education and learning will continue, but Chomsky’s insights serve as a reminder that technology should not be relied upon as a substitute for critical thinking and independent thought. Educators and policymakers should take these concerns into consideration as they develop strategies for integrating AI into the classroom and ensuring that students receive the best possible education.
