AI, Education, and Intellectual Virtue Formation

Abstract A key question surrounding AI and education is whether or in what ways students should be allowed – perhaps even encouraged – to use this technology in their coursework. In this paper, I offer an indirect and partial response to the question as it pertains to higher education. After considering a condition under which AI usage might be commendable, I argue that many students’ AI usage prevents this condition from being met. I go on to formulate and defend a principle according to which the use of AI in higher education can be permissible – even advisable – but only to the extent that it supports students’ development of intellectual virtues like curiosity, open-mindedness, intellectual autonomy, and intellectual perseverance.