How do we integrate new technologies like ChatGPT into learning while preserving the philosophical foundations of what it means to be educated? Are we equipping students with tools to explore their own goals, or merely training them to serve external systems?

Today’s guest is Dr. Monte Johnson, a professor of philosophy at the University of California, San Diego, and an expert in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. He is the author of Aristotle on Teleology and a leading voice in examining the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence and education. With a teaching career centered on asking fundamental questions, Dr. Johnson challenges us to rethink our assumptions about knowledge, intelligence, and the role of technology in learning.

In this two-part episode, we explore Dr. Johnson’s thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. Drawing on Aristotle’s definitions of knowledge and intelligence, he argues that AI lacks intrinsic goals and can only serve as an artificial assistant to human intelligence. Dr. Johnson shares how understanding the philosophical underpinnings of intelligence can transform how we teach and learn in the age of AI.

We also discuss the practical implications of ChatGPT in education—how it can enhance learning, its limitations, and why educators should focus on inspiring students rather than fearing technology. Dr. Johnson introduces innovative ways to integrate AI into the classroom, such as having students identify and analyze errors in AI-generated outputs, fostering critical thinking and deeper engagement.

This conversation challenges us to consider the ultimate purpose of education: Is it to train individuals for external goals or to empower them to define and pursue their own? Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this episode offers profound insights into the future of education in an increasingly AI-driven world.