AI Debate at Harvard: Humanities Faculty Push Back Against Dean Deming

An email sent by Harvard College Dean David J. Deming suggesting that artificial intelligence be integrated into writing-heavy courses has drawn criticism from humanities academics. Faculty members stated that this approach could negatively affect student skills.

Dean Deming's AI Proposal

In a message sent to students on Wednesday, Harvard College Dean David J. Deming stated that artificial intelligence use policies are a priority for the academic year. Deming suggested that the use of artificial intelligence should be accepted or encouraged in writing- and project-heavy courses.

Concern and Divisions in the Faculty

Academics in the humanities and social sciences stated that they do not want to police the use of artificial intelligence, while expressing disagreement regarding Deming's broad proposal to encourage AI. A cautious approach toward artificial intelligence prevails across the faculty.

Views of Academics

English professor Deirdre Lynch explained that she does not want to act as a police officer searching student assignments for traces of artificial intelligence, but that she will continue to enforce a total ban on AI tools in her classes. History professor Peter E. Gordon emphasized that this situation would cause students to outsource their thought processes to external sources.

Different Approaches and Balances

Homi K. Bhabha, a professor of comparative literature and English, stated that responsible artificial intelligence use could reduce the need for policing. Bhabha noted that artificial intelligence can be used for drafting thoughts but not for writing papers.