In a surprising shift, the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly turning to the humanities for inspiration and guidance. However, experts warn that this trend may be more about novelty than substance, as AI researchers focus on superficial applications of humanistic concepts rather than grappling with the deeper, more complex questions that the humanities have long sought to answer. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for a more nuanced understanding of their implications and limitations has never been greater. But are the AI industry's attempts to engage with the humanities merely a superficial gesture, or can they truly lead to a more profound understanding of what it means to be human?
The AI industry is courting the humanities — but it is asking the wrong questions