In a thought-provoking interview with WIRED, Italian philosopher Andrea Colamedici discussed the philosophical journey behind his recent work, aimed at reshaping how individuals engage with artificial intelligence (AI) and the narratives that permeate our society. Colamedici emphasizes the necessity of understanding our narrative-building process to counteract misplaced ideologies.

Inspiration Behind the Project

Colamedici, who teaches prompt thinking at the European Institute of Design and leads a research initiative on AI at the University of Foggia, observed alarming trends among his students regarding their interaction with AI tools like ChatGPT. Instead of fostering understanding, he found that many students were misusing these tools simply to replicate existing content, ultimately diminishing their intellectual engagement.

He warns, “You can get good grades, even build a great career using ChatGPT to cheat, but you’ll become empty.” This mindset, according to Colamedici, highlights a broader issue in our media-saturated era: while information is abundant, the challenge lies in learning how to effectively utilize it.

The Role of Curiosity in Learning

Colamedici encourages a perspective where AI serves as a collaborative partner in the learning process. He draws a crucial distinction between passive information that stifles critical thinking and challenging information that stimulates intellectual growth. “We must keep our curiosity alive while using this tool correctly,” he insists.

He cautions against allowing technology, shaped by influential tech corporations, to dictate ideologies and data interpretations, which could end up confirming existing biases rather than expanding understanding.

Objectives of the New Book

The primary aim of Colamedici’s book is threefold: to enhance AI literacy among readers, to introduce new concepts relevant to today’s realities, and to offer a blend of both theoretical and practical insights. Although the unconventional creation of the book caused discomfort for some readers, Colamedici believes this approach was vital for achieving his goals.

He states, “We must understand that we build our own narratives. If we don’t, the far right will monopolize the narratives, create myths, and we will spend our lives fact-checking while they write history. We can’t allow that to happen.”

AI’s Role in Writing the Essay

Colamedici clarifies that while he utilized AI in the writing process, it was not in a conventional manner. He developed a methodology that encourages opposing viewpoints to generate ideas, which he subsequently critiqued using AI models like GPT and Claude.

He emphasizes, “Everything written in the book is mine.” He argues that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool rather than an oracle, warning against the dangers of allowing it to supplant human thought. Citing artist Nam June Paik, he reflects, “I use technology in order to hate it properly.” This understanding, he believes, is essential for navigating the modern landscape dictated by AI and technology.