Harnessing Human Agency in the Age of AI
Human agency empowers us to direct our thoughts and decisions, preventing cognitive autopilot mode. In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) can deliver instant answers, we risk becoming passive intellectual passengers. However, AI can also serve as a valuable training partner to enhance our critical thinking skills.
Drexel University’s Michael Wagner presents the “Four Lenses of Critical Engagement”: Critical Reading, Critical Listening, Critical Seeing, and Critical Making. These skills cultivate agency, shifting education from machine-centric to learner-centric perspectives. The goal is to engage with AI collaboratively, questioning its outputs rather than accepting them blindly.
Amid cognitive abundance, the temptation to overlook the depth of knowledge increases. Agency acts as a beacon, ensuring learning remains active and generative. Educators, parents, and innovators must empower individuals to use AI thoughtfully, promoting reflection and exploration. Embracing agency is essential for fostering unique thought in an increasingly automated world.
