FIRST QUESTION: Where do we actually see the risk of AI replacing critical thinking?
I like to support my answer by quoting the philosopher Aldo Masullo , whom I had the " cognitive fortune " of having as a Moral Philosophy teacher. In one of his lectures, Masullo recalls that a cat's predatory behavior when hunting mice is not dissimilar to that of humans. On such occasions, the cat develops behaviors that make it a "skilled calculator."
Masullo's words are simple, clear, and evocative: "[...] while waiting for the mouse to pass by, the cat is still, and we know that immobility is not that of a statue but the mobility of a living body that must make efforts to remain still [...] the moment the mouse passes by, the cat springs forward and catches the mouse with extraordinary precision. How does this happen? Evidently, the cat has a calculation system in its brain ." This precise and perfect system allows the cat to strike. Just as it enables a violinist's hands to move their fingers across the strings of the instrument.
And here, next, the extraordinary question posed by the philosopher: does calculation exhaust the humanity of man? Obviously not. […] man is not only this, so much so that you are here (addressing the audience) with notebooks, books, and above all with your attention and curiosity. Or rather, with " THOUGHT " (which for me cannot fail to be critical). Of course, thought would not be possible without calculation, but it goes beyond calculation. It transcends it. And what does it mean to go beyond? It means that in the human mind there is not only calculation but also awareness of calculation. Calculation can be repeated many times, but the thought of calculation is always different. In a single word, SELF-AWARENESS. THINKING ABOUT THINKING . It is therefore THOUGHT that allows the audience to which Masullo is addressing to use a notebook to process what they hear, to compare assimilated concepts with a book, to maintain attention and be curious by asking a question.
Returning to the question above: where do we actually see the risk of AI replacing critical thinking? Precisely when we don't treat artificial intelligence like a cat chasing a mouse . When we don't think about thinking—that is, when we don't re-elaborate the calculations AI offers us , don't pay attention , don't compare them with official information (books, newspapers, etc.), aren't curious, and don't ask questions.
SECOND QUESTION: In which decisions, roles, or training processes does dependence on Artificial Intelligence emerge?
Both in decisions, in roles, and in training processes.
- In decisions: AI provides us with an answer, we accept it and proceed with our choice, strengthened by the aura of authority we attribute to technology. In this way, we set aside doubt and critical thinking, with the risk of incorrectly influencing all the resulting decisions.
- In the role: If I allow myself to be overly influenced by the help of Artificial Intelligence, I risk losing the ability to improve, to transform every obstacle into an opportunity for growth, to learn from my mistakes. That small but crucial piece that gives authority to the professional role, called " extensive experience".
- In training processes This is perhaps the area in which artificial intelligence proves most insidious, because it can be so useful that it erroneously suggests the possibility of replacing human intelligence. Let's look at it from the learner's perspective. I assume that: A) the student is not inexperienced, but capable of formulating precise questions (building the right prompt), to question answers, to ask for simpler explanations, exercises and related corrections. In short, know how to use artificial intelligence well.. B) the training I am referring to is not the practical one that involves the manipulation of objects and tools but the theoretical one What is lost? You lose theempathy, which allows for building effective relationships, fostering learning, promoting an inclusive environment, providing emotional support, and helping participants overcome a state of inertia and passivity. On this last aspect, I'd like to share a consideration I've developed over thirty years of experience in training: many times, participating in a course has not simply imparted skills, but has activated a "Switch", that of the rediscovered self-confidenceArtificial intelligence doesn't do this at the moment.
THIRD QUESTION: What effects does Artificial Intelligence have on the quality of work?
I believe the use of artificial intelligence can have a positive impact on the quality of work, provided that the previous answers are kept in mind. One consideration concerns time. With artificial intelligence, the temptation to quickly complete a given task without critical thinking is ever present, and we often don't realize the potential consequences:
- reduction in the quality of work due to the lack of adequate critical processing
- high risk regarding the authenticity of the reported data, i.e. incorrect or unverified
- a distorted planning of subsequent activities: an inattentive manager could take those execution times as a reference, without considering the time needed for truly conscious processing;
- un ripple effect on the entire production chain, fueling the demand to continually reduce processing times to remain competitive, with the concrete risk of a progressive decline in quality.
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