Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, and not always for the better. “An arms race is under way in classrooms,” according to recent reports, as students increasingly turn to AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT to complete their assignments. This presents a moral and ethical challenge, particularly for Catholic educators striving to instill integrity, diligence, and critical thinking in their students.
A Growing Trend of AI-Assisted Cheating
Since the launch of ChatGPT, students have been among its most enthusiastic users, “relying on the tool to write essays they would otherwise have had to labour over.” The Pew Research Center found that “a quarter of 13 to 17-year-olds” admitted to using AI for their homework, a figure that has doubled in just one year. In higher education, “one in eight undergraduates” are using AI for assessments, with some even submitting chatbot-generated work without review.
Teachers are fighting back with various detection methods, from AI-detection tools to inserting hidden instructions within assignments to catch chatbot-generated essays. However, these efforts have not been foolproof. In one instance, a professor wrongly failed an entire class after an AI detection tool incorrectly flagged all submissions as AI-generated. This raises ethical concerns not only about cheating but also about false accusations and the limitations of detection tools.
The Catholic Perspective: Academic Integrity and Moral Responsibility
Catholic education is built upon the principles of truth, integrity, and personal responsibility. As Proverbs 10:9 states, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” The increasing reliance on AI for dishonest purposes undermines these values, making it essential for Catholic educators and parents to address this issue with wisdom and guidance.
Cheating has always been a temptation for students, but the ease of access and sophistication of AI tools make it more prevalent than ever. This raises deeper questions: Is AI merely a tool, or is it fostering a mindset of intellectual laziness? “New technology has always been accompanied by warnings that it will break our brains through ‘cognitive offloading’,” and studies now suggest that AI is reducing critical thinking skills, particularly among younger users. Research from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon found that reliance on AI can lead to “lower levels of critical thinking” and “reduced engagement with complex problem-solving.”
Technology and Human Dignity: Finding a Balance
Catholic teaching emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the proper use of technology in serving human flourishing. Pope Francis has repeatedly warned against the dehumanizing effects of unchecked technological advancement, urging society to use innovation ethically and responsibly. AI, like any tool, can be used for good or ill. If students merely “offload” their thinking onto AI, they risk losing the ability to reason and discern truth for themselves.
As educators and parents, it is crucial to promote the responsible use of AI. Rather than banning AI outright, Catholic schools should teach students how to use these tools ethically—leveraging them for research and learning while still fostering original thought and engagement with knowledge. “When AI challenges us, it doesn’t just boost productivity – it drives better decisions and stronger outcomes.” However, as studies show, many users prefer ease over effort, meaning that fostering discipline and accountability is more necessary than ever.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action for Catholic Educators
Catholic schools and universities must take proactive steps to address the ethical use of AI in education. This includes:
- Teaching Digital Ethics: Integrating discussions on AI and morality into theology and philosophy courses.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: Designing assignments that require analysis, reflection, and personal engagement with the material.
- Promoting Academic Honesty: Reinforcing the value of integrity through classroom discussions and honor codes.
- Using AI as a Learning Aid, Not a Shortcut: Training students on ethical AI use, such as leveraging AI for brainstorming but requiring original synthesis of ideas.
As AI continues to evolve, the Church’s mission to educate and form young minds remains unchanged: to cultivate wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to truth. In the words of St. John Paul II, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” Let us ensure that AI serves as a tool to elevate learning, rather than a crutch that weakens intellectual and moral formation.
