Cornell historian Jan Burzlaff critiques the limitations of AI, exemplified by ChatGPT’s failure to capture poignant details in Holocaust survivor Luisa D.’s testimony, such as her mother using her own blood to sustain her. This highlights the vital role of human historians, who bring emotional and moral complexity to historical narratives. In his paper, “Fragments, Not Prompts: Five Principles for Writing History in the Age of AI,” published in Rethinking History, Burzlaff argues that reliance on AI may dilute the true meaning of history. He proposes that historians prioritize interpretation over mere description and reject algorithmic ethics. Burzlaff’s ongoing research reveals AI’s shortcomings in conveying the depth of human suffering in Holocaust testimonies. He emphasizes that the future of historical writing hinges on preserving intricate human experiences, stating, “If historical writing can be done by a machine, then it was never historical enough.” His guidelines aim to guide historical discourse amidst rising AI influence.
