Artificial Intelligence (AI) is arguably the best technological invention of the past few decades. The technology has already made remarkable contributions in various fields such as medicine, finance, sports, transportation, and entertainment, and so on. AI is a unit of computer science with its formation rooted in the collection of massive amounts of data specific to the field to create intelligent machines that are capable of performing tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI has the ability to perceive variations, make decisions, translate languages and other human specific roles in carrying out a task. The potential of AI is endless, but it also raises significant ethical and societal concerns that need to be addressed.

AI is known to have the ability to process large amounts of data, and this, as one of its biggest advantages, positions it to have the capacity to identify patterns that may not be obvious to humans. This can lead to significant advancements in areas such as medical research, where AI can be programmed to identify new treatments and predict disease outbreaks. In sports, AI can help umpires and referees make better decisions through quick reviews of events. Although, this is already apparent with the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) to football.

However, the widespread use of AI also raises ethical concerns. For example, there are concerns about the potential for AI to replace human workers in certain industries, leading to job loss and economic disruption. Recently, Dropbox, a digital cloud storage company, announced the retrenchment of over 500 (16%) of its members of staff. Dropbox CEO Drew Houston attributes the layoffs to a rocky economy — but also says that the cuts will allow the company to build out its AI division. This and many more threaten the essence of human intelligence and scholarship.

The recent emergence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has attracted a lot of attention throughout the world. ChatGPT is an AI language model that is revolutionising communication and interaction. It has highly advanced language processing capabilities and it is able to comprehend natural language and respond with relevant and meaningful answers. Since its launch in 2022, it has become a valuable tool for businesses, individuals and organisations. It is a chat box, and, according to OpenAI’s website, its “dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer follow-up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.” The model also involves a number of serious limitations, however, which are also mentioned on OpenAI’s homepage.

Evidently, ChatGPT is also a coin with two sides. While some have lauded and embraced the innovation, others have done the exact opposite with Noam Chomsky and Professor Ian Roberts being notable figures on this side. According to MRonline, an essay titled The False Promise of ChatGPT published in The New York Times in March 2023 was where an AI researcher alongside the two notable linguists argued against the notion that artificial intelligence programs would be capable of replicating human thinking and reasoning, in major part because “these programs cannot explain the rules of English syntax.”

Chomsky, especially, has been very critical of the capabilities of the AI language model. In a double-edged criticism, Chomsky criticises the limitation of AI in understanding the underlying structure of human language, and also the effect of the same on natural learning.

Chomsky posits that language is uniquely human and it cannot be captured in algorithms. He asserts language as a complex but dynamic system that constantly evolves to new contexts. Chomsky also points out the variations of language and meaning across domains which the AI language model is unable to capture.

On the other side of his criticism, Chomsky sees the use of ChatGPT as “basically high-tech plagiarism” and “a way of avoiding learning.” He posits that tech apps such as this will make natural learning difficult and help students cheat their way into good grades. As a result of this, he believes that the value of academic essays which have been dropping over the years will continue to experience a drastic decline as it will be more difficult for lecturers to detect plagiarised works.

No doubt, life has become easier with AI models of applications. Students find it easier to write essays and research assignments. However, Chomsky’s fears are valid. A language AI model capable of generating plausible and outstanding essays poses a serious threat to education. And to prevent this Chomsky advises education in critical thinking, organization to encourage deliberation and modes of intellectual self-defenses.