The Pedagogy of Humanity: What Artificial Intelligence Cannot Do

Abstract

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to seep into all facets of life, bringing with it excitement and uncertainty as it forces humanity to grapple with existential questions about our uniqueness and purpose. These questions are often grounded in what AI can do and its potential for replacing the very humans who created it because, simply put, AI excels at efficiency. But what if efficiency is not the goal? What if humanity and its free will, original thought, and ability to learn and grow cannot be rushed? This critical commentary challenges the current narrative lamenting all that AI can do by considering that which it cannot do. Drawing on contemporary and relational pedagogies that rely not on efficiency but on authentic human connection for high-impact learning and student well-being, this paper defends the irreplaceable value that humanity inherently brings to the discussion of teaching and learning in leisure studies.